Death at Thornwood manor

The Gathering at Thornwood Manor

The storm had rolled in just as the guests arrived at Thornwood Manor, casting the mansion in an eerie glow as lightning illuminated its ancient, ivy-clad walls. The grand house stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, its silhouette stark against the dark clouds swirling above. Waves crashed against the rocks below, muffling the sounds of footsteps on the manor's marble floors as the guests filed in, each one tense with anticipation and a touch of dread.Inside the drawing room, the guests settled into stiff-backed chairs, exchanging wary glances under the flickering chandelier. At the head of the room, Lord Edwin Thornwood, thin and frail yet radiating authority, stood with his back to them, gazing out the tall windows as rain streaked down the glass.Lady Evelyn Thornwood entered the room last, her slender form framed by the doorway. She wore her mourning attire—black silk that billowed with every step. Her face was a mask of cool composure, but her eyes betrayed something darker, something that held the faintest glimmer of resentment as she glanced at her husband."Ah, Evelyn," Edwin said without turning. His voice, though weakened by age, had the sharpness of a blade. "How good of you to join us."Evelyn said nothing, choosing instead to sit beside Dr. Harold Langston, who gave her a quick nod, his gaze flickering between her and their host. Dr. Langston, though polished in his demeanor, showed signs of weariness, a subtle shiver in his hands and dark circles beneath his eyes. He reached into his coat pocket for his flask and took a brief sip, his movements cautious, his expression unreadable.Next to enter was William Thornwood, Edwin's only son, who had arrived just hours earlier, after a year-long estrangement. William's face bore an expression of defiance, as if he'd rather be anywhere but in his father's home. The artist wore a bohemian scarf tied around his neck, his paint-stained hands gripping a crumpled cigarette. He glanced at his father and took a seat without a word, his rebellious spirit almost daring his father to object.Trailing behind him, with eyes sharp as a hawk, was Charlotte "Charlie" Brook, the maid. She watched the family from the corner, keeping her hands clasped before her as she lingered near the edge of the room. Quick-witted and observant, Charlie had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. She gave a slight nod to William as he settled in, and he returned it with a half-smile. It was no secret that she had seen—and knew—more than the rest, though she rarely let it show.Vivian Blackwell was the last to arrive, her heels clicking rhythmically as she strode in. Young, beautiful, and dressed to impress in a crimson gown, she oozed confidence, casting a smirk in Evelyn's direction. The tension in the room thickened with her arrival, the subtle animosity between her and Lady Evelyn hanging heavily in the air. She took a seat by the fire, unbothered, examining her perfectly manicured nails.Finally, Edwin turned to face his audience, his steely eyes sweeping over each of them. He allowed the silence to settle before speaking, as though he relished their discomfort."I've called you all here tonight for an important announcement," he began, his voice steady but thin. "This family has splintered in ways I can no longer tolerate. There is much to discuss—regarding the future of Thornwood Manor, my estate, and the question of inheritance."At this, the tension seemed to sharpen. William leaned forward, his eyes narrowed, while Evelyn's face grew stony. Only Vivian remained composed, though her fingers tightened subtly around the arm of her chair."I have made adjustments to my will," Edwin continued, each word heavy with meaning. "And given the current state of things, I thought it best that you all know—so that there are no surprises when the time comes."The room grew colder as he spoke. Lightning flashed through the window, casting his face in ghostly light."William," Edwin addressed his son, "you may find my decisions disappointing. But perhaps it's time for you to earn your place in this family."William's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his gaze unwavering."Lady Evelyn," Edwin continued, turning to his wife, "you will find that I have not forgotten you, though you may prefer that I had." He smiled, a cold and twisted thing, as Evelyn's hands clenched in her lap."And Vivian," he said, casting a glance at the young woman by the fire, "your patience has not gone unnoticed. My generosity will extend to those who have...shown loyalty."Vivian's lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile, though she cast a quick, almost mocking glance at Evelyn, whose face remained a mask of ice."And to my trusted friend, Dr. Langston, I offer a modest but sincere token of my gratitude," Edwin concluded. Dr. Langston nodded stiffly, his eyes troubled.He cleared his throat, a faint smile pulling at his lips. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I shall retire to my study." He turned to leave, then paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Though I suggest none of you stray too far this evening. I suspect there will be more to discuss—sooner than you think."With that, he vanished into the hallway, his silhouette quickly swallowed by the shadows. One by one, the others left the drawing room in uneasy silence, each casting lingering glances at one another, their thoughts already swirling with questions and suspicions.And, as the storm raged outside, the air in Thornwood Manor grew thick with secrets—secrets that would soon unravel in the most unexpected ways.