Harp's Manor

INSTALLMENT XXXV

November 3, 1928

Before I begin this installment, I must make an announcement: November sixth is election day! I encourage all who are of age to fulfill their civic duty as citizens of America and go vote. We live in a democracy, and it is our job to keep it a democracy. Let your voice be heard this Tuesday and go vote!

That was horribly cheery to write, and I must admit I do not feel very cheery at all right now. Now that I have that out of the way, I may actually begin the harrowing tale of what happened on Hallowe'en. At long last, the mystery is at an end! The assassin- the real assassin- has finally been revealed, and it took nothing less than absolute chaos to accomplish this.

The party started at nine on Hallowe'en night. It was raining, of course; whenever it isn't cloudy here in October, it's rainy; and the pittering sound of rain splashing against the windows followed us around the manor throughout the day. The place was very quiet during the light hours. Everyone seemed to be in some form of anticipation about the party. Bridget wouldn't quit chattering about her secret outfit that was sure to blow everyone away, Audrey wondered about whether or not there would be dancing, and Jacobs and I hurriedly finished my dress. We had not meant for it to take so long, but a slight delay caused by a tangle of thread resulted in our hastening the day of the party. We finished in time for me to try it on directly before the evening began.

"It's a good thing we made those adjustments," Jacobs said, sizing me up as I stepped out from behind the folding screen. "You would have looked like a child if not for them. I think it looks fantastic on you, Rosetta. Of course, I designed it with you in mind, so that probably comes as no surprise."

I admired myself in the mirror. Never have I felt more complimented by my outfit than when I wore that dress. Jacobs really does have an eye for style, and she has nailed mine. "It's beautiful," I said. "I really don't know how to thank you."

"Don't spill anything on it, how about that?"

As we were admiring it more, Mr. Leigh popped his head in. He was deeply impressed by the dress, and admitted so after being shocked into silence for a few moments. "Is it for the party?" he asked.

"Well, it wasn't supposed to be, but Rosetta couldn't figure anything else out, so I had to let her borrow it," Jacobs said. "I suppose this way it'll get some exposure. It's no runway, but everyone here's famous anyway. Maybe we can get their opinion on it. What do you think of it, Leigh?"

"I think you'll be the loveliest person in the whole room, Miss Thornton," he said.

"All thanks to Miss Jacobs, of course," I said with a slight blush. "She essentially designed it by herself."

"But only one person could look as good in it as you do," he said with a wink.

The party took place in the ballroom. It was the first time that I'd entered it since the photoshoot we had done so very long ago! I had some small struggle with my dress, so I arrived a little later than most of the others. A stark contrast between then and the last time we had been there met my eyes immediately. For one, the house workers had left no corner of the room untouched. Our photoshoot had been a little dusty; now everything sparkled and shined like it was all brand new. The room, instead of appearing too big for all of us, was warmed with energy, and instead fit us just right. I wasn't overcome with all the clashing patterns, and though none of them particularly suited the theme of the party, the servants had done what they could to make the place appear a little more autumnal. A long line of lacquered tables hosted generous platters of soups, steaming meats, and fruits. Gourds dotted the room, and colorful leaves and moons adorned the walls, attached to various tapestries. Standing candelabras had been placed against the windows, reflecting the brightly lit ballroom and obscuring the blurry rain outside.