Harp's Manor

INSTALLMENT XXIII

August 11, 1928

A most terrible rainstorm passed over Harp's Manor this week, cancelling any walks, drives, or excursions planned. This came as a severe disappointment to me, as I had been planning on painting with Mr. Forrest. It has been a while since I have picked up the brush, and unfortunately I had not had a proper discussion with Mr. Forrest outside of dinner since my return.

I brought this up to him in the parlor. "You know, we really must do something," I said to him, flipping through the remaining pages of my book aimlessly while listening to the pounding rain hammering against the window. "The rain keeps us from painting outdoors, so why not we do it in here?"

"What is there to paint indoors?" Mr. Forrest asked. "Anything this mansion offers pales in comparison to nature itself; the false lighting creates impure colors. I have a much better idea. Why don't we take a walk around the mansion?"

I laughed. "Around the mansion? If you complain of its inferiority to the gardens, why would you suggest such a thing, Mr. Forrest?"

"I only dislike it for its inability to translate to canvas," Mr. Forrest corrected. "The wonders of this splendid mansion are among the finest man-made marvels that I have seen personally. And surely there can be nothing offensive about catching some exercise, even if it is not in the usual location? This place is large enough to qualify as a plantless, indoor garden in itself."

"I suppose you're right. Besides, I don't even think I've seen the whole place yet. It's just too big."

"Miss Thornton! We've been here for nearly five months, and you still haven't taken a tour?"

"It hasn't been high on my priority list, is all!"

"Well in that case, we must walk," Mr. Forrest said. "I can show you all the ridiculous trifles Mr. Harp hides around his dragon's lair. It is curious to me that he never visits, you know. I can't imagine why he'd leave all these luxuries in the hands of people he barely knows."

"Well, he has Mrs. Maxwell around to keep an eye on things," I said, standing. "Not that she does anything apart from annoy us all. Do you think he'd make her leave if we told him how all she does is bother everyone?"

"I'm certain he wouldn't. Besides, it would be rude to do, wouldn't it?"

"Maybe, but I think we would all benefit from it. Oh, and add Miss Hansen on the list while we're at it. And, if we're lucky, Mr. Hobbes and Mr. Stephenson will join them."

"All right, that does sound pleasant," Mr. Forrest admitted. "And make Stenhouse leave, too. He accused me of being the assassin because I was trying to help."

"Well, I suspected you of such a thing once," I said. "Does that mean I should leave as well?"

"You came to your senses. Besides, it was rather lonely without you around, and frustrating, too. Miss Burgess decided to target me in your absence, giving me no time to get anything done. How do you stand her?"

"The trick is to tune her out," I said with a laugh. By this point, we had begun our walk and were halfway down the hall. "I'm surprised she went after you rather than Audrey. I didn't think you two were particularly close?"

"We're not," Mr. Forrest said. "And to be honest, I was surprised as you are. I suppose she had sense enough to refrain from harassing the poor thing. I think the mansion would be quieter without her, if not better."

"She's harmless," I said. "And she's good to have around for entertainment. You may prefer to have an orderly mansion, but I rather enjoy having her run around, creating chaos."