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."