Eclipsis

Chapter 2

Jones brings the horses to a halt and climbs from his seat. Then he knocks on the door of his cab. "We're here." He immediately starts to remove the luggage from the roof. Two teenage stable boys arrive, and the driver waves them over to take care of the horses and remove the harnesses. Franzi peeks out of the cab. "What are you doing, Jones?! This is Mr. Scarborough's stop, not mine. Put my luggage back on in this instant!" "You're not going anywhere for the next few days, unless you want to walk, Mr. Kleiss." Franzi is upset, but she exits the coach, followed by William and Hank. Jones glances at Hank and waits until he stands separate from the others. He talks in a low voice: "There was a rider, not ten minutes ago. He asked for an American. Told him haven't seen any." For once Hank's grin is wiped off his face. He pulls a silver coin from his pocket and presses it into Jones palm. "I appreciate it, Jones." Hank looks at his fellow travelers. If he hadn't just gotten upsetting news, the sight would have made him laugh. The doctor frets over his soaking wet luggage like a hen over her eggs, and the young student sulks like a child that lost its favorite toy. Hank surveys his surroundings with skilled eyes. It's always good to know your escape route before you need it. They are in a barn-like structure with high ceilings and two big doors opposite each other. Along the walls are open stables for the horses. The stable boys lead Jones' horses into one of them. 'Staying here for the night is good. Maybe I'll shake my pursuer," Hank muses.   He is torn from his thoughts by William and Franzi arguing. "Of course you don't mind! You arrived at your destination, after all!", Franzi shouts at the doctor, who futilely tries to maintain dignified in the dispute. "That's not what I meant," he says, "What I'm trying to say is that you should be thankful to have shelter while waiting out the storm." "What shelter? This barn?" Franzi throws her arms up in exasperation, and Hank wonders how he'll sleep with this boy's bickering all night. Maybe he can stuff some straw into his ears. Or into Franz' mouth. The thought amuses him. 

          Hank notices that Jones is talking to a very tall and thin man now. The man turns out to be John, the butler of the manor. Apparently he noticed the arrival of the carriage because he watched out for it since the morning when the doctor was expected to arrive. John doesn't seem vexed about the late arrival though. "Good chap", Hank says quietly, attempting to copy William's British accent. Not bad. He wonders if he should shave perhaps, and cut his hair shorter, and become William Scarborough as long as there are men looking for him. 

          After a few trips back and forth between mansion and barn, the butler was drenched despite his umbrella. Franzi doesn't want to stay at Tatbury Manor, but she is glad that at least their accommodations are settled to be inside the house, and not, as she feared, in the barn. She grabs her shoulder bag, as do Hank and William, and followed by Jones and the two stable boys who carry the heavy luggage, they step out of the barn. It is a short walk to the grand mansion, and the group moves quickly through the dense rain. A bright bolt of lightning followed by immediate thunder cracks through the dark night, illuminating the sight to their right: On top of a hill and surrounded by farmland are the eerie ruins of Tutbury Castle. The rain forgotten, the travelers stop for a moment and stare at the ruins.

***

Lady Amelia Lucille Burton is a sturdy matron of 60, with rosy cheeks and pleasant demeanor. She resides at the head of a large dining table. Her incredibly tall butler John towers over her to refill her wine glass ever so often. William and Franzi sit to the lady's left, while Hank sits to her right. Again, he is taking more space than he needs. The table is decked lavishly with all sorts of meats, vegetables and fruit, and two wine decanters - one for the guests, and the Lady is easily able to finish one on her own. Years of practice, Franzi supposes. William cuts a parsleyed potato. "
I don't know what to say, Lady Amelia. This delicious meal is only exceeded by your kind generosity." "
Ah, nonsense my dear William!", the lady replies. "I am much obliged to have guests in this empty old cottage!" She smiles and has her butler fill up her glass again. Franzi meanwhile doesn't seem too happy to be there. "
Lady Amelia, you obviously expected Mr. Scarborough, but you mustn't feel that you have to extend your hospitality to Mr. Donovan and I-" Hank interrupts her and explains with a full mouth: "Speak for yourself, Kleiss. I for one enjoy the lady's hospitality and will gladly wait out the storm." He lifts his wine glass and toasts to the lady, then drinks. Lady Amelia happily obliges the toast and lifts her glass. "
I am eager for company. I miss London, but the city is quite insufferable during summer." She finishes her glass as if the mere thought of the London heat makes her thirsty, and the attentive butler refills it promptly.