Chapter 4

Winter, Mid February, 1816
Boston, Massachusetts

The sailor's eyes roamed the ceilings and walls of the foyer as he followed the butler to the ornate doors. The butler indicated the sailor was to wait until he was announced before entering the library.

"Sir, the first mate of The Seawitch to see you, a Mr. Rand."

Mr. Rand stood just inside the library doors and bobbed his head while twisting his cap in his large raw, red hands. 

"Please excuse the lateness of the hour, Sir. Cap'n said I was tah deliver this message tah ya personally, with all 'aste.  'Cause of the gentleman who writ it.  'e came to the London docks and give it to the Cap'n his-self, sir. Cap'n said, it was 'very important'." Rand took a long step forward and held out the letter.

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Rand."

"Antony, get several coins for Mr. Rand, please. Show Mr. Rand to the kitchen and have Cook warm up some supper for him."

"Thank you. Thank you, kindly, sir!"

The letter, addressed to William was from the family solicitor, Lowell Simms. William broke the seal and unfolded the foolscap.

December 30, 1815

Dear William:

I write this Missive with great Sadness. It is my painful Duty to inform you of the passing of your Brothers, James and Allen Barrett. Both contracted an Illness and succumbed to the Infirmity within twenty-four Hours of the other.

The words became a teary haze as he lowered the letter. He sat motionless as he recalled growing up with the two young hellions, full of wag and varlet, always ready for an adventure. Tear trails slowly made their way down his cheeks, dripping on the letter.

How they teased him for being quiet and bookish. Always trying to pull him into their fun, then when it went sideways their longer legs carried them away faster, leaving him to face the music. He smiled at that childhood remembrance and wiped away a tear.

His brain flooded with memories of his brothers. Memories of youth: recklessness mixed with bravado, ability seeking experience, scamps on the hunt for excitement.

William's eye fell to the letter once again and he continued to read.

I spoke with Dr. Wentworth. He is unable to explain their Illness and suggested an Inquest. I have made an Appointment with the local Constable to demand the same.

         

William Dewhurst Farthingale Barrett, at 56 years of Age, the third, youngest and only remaining Son of James Alexander Farthingale Barrett, 4^th Earl of Hampstead, and brother of first born son, James Henry Alexander Farthingale Barrett, 5^th Earl of Hampstead and brother of Allen Godwin Farthingale Barrett, 6^th Earl of Hampstead, you are the legal Claimant to all Titles, Lands, Monies, Privileges and Encumbrances as the 7^th Earl of Hampstead.

I advise you to return to England immediately in order to Claim your Title, refute the Allegations of your Cousin, and Focus on much needed immediate Attention to Estate Business. It is imperative you Call upon Me as soon as you arrive.

        

Initially, your Cousin Robert made inquiries into Inheritance Rights, if any Accidents should befall you. Now he has initiated Legal Maneuvers for Conservatorship of the Estate, as well as bringing possible Charges of Treason against you due to the Shipping of Goods up and down the American coast during the War.

He has also claimed that you informed him long ago that you "Would never return to this retched Country."

Of course, you realize he must persuade Parliament to bend the Rules of Progeny for him to Inherit. As the nearest male Heir, he could (and I believe, zealously will) apply for the title et al, if he can Prove the Charges or at least create Doubt of your Patriotism.

Bring any Documents and Letters of Recommendation from the British in America with which you do Business and pay Taxes, anything that will prove your Business is legitimately working under the Knowledge and Cooperation of the British Navy.

I know the family history of Robert Mandeville. I have left word of the situation for Mr. Lloyd, your family's Man of Business. Everything here should remain sorted through March.

        

I cannot impress upon you too much the Need for Swiftness.
I am Strengthened by the Knowledge you possess several Ships. Select the fastest and return with All Haste and God's Speed.

Be wary as you travel, Mandeville is not to be Trusted.

 I await your arrival.

With Sympathy and Sincere Wishes for your Good Health,

Lowell Simms, Esq.
Solicitor

Post Script:  Your sister-in-law, Lady Chelmsford, has contacted me. She has invited you to stay with her (5 Chesterfield St, Mayfair) as there is only a caretaker at your London residence.

After many silent contemplative moments, William called out to Antony.

"Whisky!"

Antony, having served Mr. Barrett for more than 18 years, was waiting in the hall in anticipation. He stepped in immediately with the decanter and glass on a tray.

"The Glen Garioch, sir."

William nodded his head and gave an appreciative smile at the butler for his perceptiveness. "Thank you, Antony."

I have posted  a segment of Chapter 3, enough for  readers to follow the story line.

Chapter 3

Part 2, London, January 5, 1816          

Robert Mandeville and Odell Forester sat in The George Inn together, having found a warm fire on a cold, damp day, plus a bit of dinner and ale while they discussed business.

"I read 'bout their deaths. That liquid I found for you worked well," said Odell quietly.

Robert wiped the foam off his lip and replied, "Didn't have to use it. I tell you, Odell. I felt sorry for those fellows. I seriously doubt that I could have actually poisoned them. They were such likable fellows. They made me feel very welcomed. I was having an attack of guilt when the oldest cousin, James, walks in from the frozen garden holding a double handful of yew berries, plops them in the oatmeal, and stirs them in. He and Allen love oatmeal because the cook makes it with rum syrup.

"I actually said, 'James, are you sure those are fine to eat?'" Robert looked around the tavern making sure no one could hear. "Mind you, I knew they were poisonous, depending on how many you eat, but he had enough to kill six people.

"He said, 'They're cherries, I found a whole host of them on the tall bushes. Imagine that! Cherries for my oatmeal! Have some, Robert!'"

"I tried one more time, 'Are you sure these are cherries? They don’t look like any cherries I've seen.'

"He says, 'Don't worry, what else could they be?' He digs into his last meal. A bit later, Allen comes down, and James tells him, all excited, that he found some cherries for their oatmeal. Allen is just as dumb as his brother is, sees no problem with cherries found on trees in the middle of winter. I asked Allen, 'Do you think these are really cherries?' Allen shrugged and says, 'James knows his berries. He loves them.'

"I felt so sorry for them. I do not know how they have survived so long."

Odell said scornfully, "Imbeciles! Ever-buddy knows yew berries 'r poisonous. Didn't ya say they went tah University?"

"Yes. Well Odell, not everyone graduates at the top of his class! Besides, I think all the drink over the years had diminished their brainpower.

"Luckily, I do not like porridge. After the many thousands of hot porridge breakfasts and cold-stiff porridge dinners we endured on the farm, no-thank-you! I chose eggs and ham.

"Of course, about the time James finished his big bowl he says, ‘OH, I ate more than I thought, my stomach is rebelling!’ He got worse quickly and has the butler help him to bed. Allen thinks nothing of it. He says it was quite common for them to have bouts of 'fatigue.'

"Before long, Allen started groaning and passed out on the floor. I know it is the berries, but, well, I was there to poison them. I did try to tell them, but they simply would not listen to any cautions I gave.

"I realize now, murder is not for me. I simply cannot deliberately kill someone I know personally. If I was defending myself, and it was necessary, him or me, I suppose I could.

"I figured they were already on their way out, so I suggest to the butler that they had drunk a lot last night and perhaps it is coming back to haunt them, no need of a doctor. I still feel guilty of that advice. I knew the truth of it.

"Damned if I wasn't torn. I was disturbed they were so ill, but happy things were falling into place for me. It fit my original plan for them and yet was not of my doing.

"I had intended to leave that morning - Boxing Day and all. I went to see each of them. Told them I was sorry to see they were ill, and that I'd see them in the spring for the horse races. I rather hoped they would both recover."

Robert looked around again to make sure no one was listening, "I left as soon as I could, because I still had the vial of poison you gave me in my pocket."

Odell shook his head. "When I read they had both died, I assumed you had done it."

"No. I never lifted a finger against them. They were very affable, as cousins go. A bit thick, but very pleasant to be around. I would have enjoyed going to the horse races with them.

"I did find I had remembered correctly about a third cousin - a younger brother. He is in the colonies. I rummaged around in the study and found some damning information about him shipping war supplies and other goods, probably to the American troops during the conflict that started in 1812!"

Robert smiled, delighted. "I spoke to a solicitor. He thinks there is a good chance I can gain the Conservatorship of the Estate, quickly. When the third brother, William, returns to England to claim the Earl of Hampstead title, I have a plan in motion for treason charges against him! That will clear the way for my appeal to the title."

Feeling very successful and pleased circumstances were finally falling in his favor, Robert raised his tankard in a toast, "Here's to our next Christmas at Aythorpe Manor."