Monday, 3 April 1871
We were going about the early morning business of preparing for breakfast when there was a minor disturbance upstairs. The Lieutenant had awaked the household with rather loud talking in his sleep. It didn't seem to be anything terribly important.
While the guests were at their breakfast, we received a caller, Mr. Gribble of the Bury Times. He wished to see Inspector MacGreggor. We placed him in the small parlour while Thomas took his card in to the Inspector. The Inspector was not in to callers.
I discovered Mr Gribble in the parlour doorway, trying to induce one of the undermaids to speak with him. So I took probably more pleasure than I ought in turning the cheeky man out. Poor Alice was adamant in assuring me that she had answered none of his questions about the household guests. I assured her that I believed her (I had heard part of the exchange from the side corridor, before either knew that I was there).
Mrs Salmalin and Inspector MacGreggor requested a carriage, saying that Mrs Cuthbert needed them at Dearden House. Soon several other members of the household were preparing to join them. They returned, accompanied by the Frazers, and needing to journey into Manchester. Mr Frazer on an errand for Inspector MacGreggor, and the ladies on a shopping excursion. Henri enthusiastically volunteered to assist. The master suggested the Mr Salmalin should accompany them, which put a bit of a crimp on things, since it eventually transpired that one of Mrs Salmalin's reasons for going into the city was to purchase a birthday present for Mr Salmalin. Still, they seemed to manage.
Meanwhile, the master and her Ladyship went to Dearden House, in order to be on guard against thieves still believed to be seeking the diamond, and to assist further with Mr. Nathan Shorrock's unique medical condition. Before leaving, her Ladyship informed me that Lord Greyminster was expected on Saturday evening and would be staying through Monday. I passed the news on to Mrs Sharps and Mrs Robb.
It was looking like a rather quite day. The master had approved a list of materials which Edward required for the workshop. I prepared wires to the appropriate suppliers while Edward went back to work.
Mr O'Flaherty was keeping himself busy with a new exercise regime when Mr Gribble returned, asking after either the Inspector or Mr O'Flaherty. I set him in the parlour again, sending David to keep on eye on him while I located Mr O'Flaherty. I offered several times to tell Mr Gribble that Mr O'Flaherty was not in, I even tried to explain that the term "Not in" was understood in polite circles to mean "not available to visitors at this time." But Mr O'Flaherty seemed to think that was asking me to lie for him.
Mr O'Flaherty met Gribble in the small parlour. Their interview, I take it, was satisfying to neither party. Though Mr O'Flaherty was asking later about a boxer called 'Gentleman Jimmy Maws' that Mr Gribble had mentioned.
The guests returned in the evening in time for dinner. Afterwards, during conversations while everyone reported on their findings in their investigations, Mrs Frazer decided to send Edward on a small errand. I didn't quite catch what the nature of this errand was, but it seemed to upset Mr O'Flaherty greatly. He spoke rather forcefully about the evils of leading a child astray. They seemed to sort it out, though Edward had to promise that he wouldn't leave the grounds during the night.
Mr Salmalin and I have completed our circuits of the house. George has just informed me that he's been sent by Edward to retrieve something in town which Mrs Salmalin needs for one of her rituals. Mr Salmalin seemed to know what he was talking about. I decided it was probably best not to ask whether this was the errand which Mr O'Flaherty had objected to.
Sometimes, it is best not to be too inquisitive.
Tuesday, 4 April 1871
Not two hours after turning in, we were awakened. Inspector MacGreggor needed to go to Dearden House. The burglars had struck and been captured by the members of the league present. It was apparently far easier than anyone had feared. Really, one ruffian with a knife against our Miss Bertilde? Any of the ladies of the league could have taken him out. It must of been quite a shock to him to be attacked simultaneously by Miss Bertidle, Mrs Cuthbert, and Turgenov. If he had retained consciousness for a few more seconds, I understand the Mr Frazer and George would have each landed a blow, as well.
"Sullivan," the so-called footman employed by Mr Frederick Shorrock was the culprit. And, as at least some members of the League suspected, Sullivan was actually Sean Malloy. When the 1844 epidemic killed so many prisoners in the Manchester jail, Malloy's cellmate, James Sullivan, succumbed. Malloy managed to get Sullivan's body identified as his own, and went before the magistrate as Sullivan, who was up for a less serious crime. As Sullivan he was sentenced to two years hard labour in Australia (and forbidden to return to England). Since he knew that Mr and Mrs Horace Shorrock and their infant son had relocated to Australian, and he believed that the Shorrocks had taken the diamond with them, Malloy was glad to go the Australia on the queen's coin.
Still calling himself Sullivan, he eventually located the Shorrocks (it is unclear at this time whether he served his full two years, or if he escaped the work camp) and blackmailed Mr Horrace Shorrock into hiring him as a servant. Over the years he finally came to believe Horace's story that he never stole the diamond. When, a few years after Mrs Shorrock's death, Horace himself became mortally ill, Malloy was ever attentive at his "master's" bedside, no doubt badgering the dying man with questions when Mr Frederick Shorrock wasn't within hearing. Malloy became convinced that the diamond was hidden somewhere inside Dearden House, and that the former lady's made to Horace's mother had some information about it's location.
According to information the League obtained elsewhere, Mr Horace Shorrock was quite delirious during his final weeks of life. It seems likely that when Horace spoke of the maid, he was actually referring to the incident involving the mother's will, and not the diamond at all. Although it is possible that in Horace's mind all of the events had simply become muddled.
Malloy now sits in the Edenfield jail. Mr Timson identified him and was quite willing to say so in court. Now that that is sorted out, Inspector MacGreggor and Mr Frazer are busy with their reports.
We had a few more mundane bits of excitement during the day. Several members of the household took exception to the contents of the Bury Times this morning. The front page article about the alleged recovery of the Harrae Diamond being only one of the culprits. The Inspector is described as "completely baffled" in the same story that claims the diamond has been found. The story seems to indicate that Mr O'Flaherty is the person who actually recovered the gem. Mr O'Flaherty was so angered by the report that he had to go for a walk. He wound up in the workshop, helping Edward with some large, heavy objects.
The editorial also raised the ire of several members of the household. Suggesting, as it does, that the Queen is behaving improperly by spending less than her annual allotment on state functions. Edward had to go pound on some steel, he was so upset. I overheard two of the stableboys discussing Edward's reaction. They seemed surprised to find him such a loyal royalist. I pointed out that when one has elevated penny-pinching to a high art as Edward has, then the editorial's implications that it would be better if the Queen were a spendthrift quite pains Edward's soul.
Her Ladyship received a momentous letter from Lady Ffolkes. She was so nervous while writing her reply that there was a small accident in her study, but we cleaned it up quickly. She informed the master of the contents and asked him not to speak about it to all of the others just yet. She seems more frightened than honoured at the prospect of being Presented. I am sure it will pass.
Wednesday, 5 April 1871
Mr Shorrock has been successfully revived. After being moved to his own bed, the Vicar was sent for. It was decided that a doctor was not necessary, and the word is now spreading that Mr Shorrock has returned from Africa earlier than expected, and he is ill but expected to recover.
Mr Warfield, of the Bury Guardian called on Inspector MacGreggor, and seemed far more polite than Mr Gribble.
In the late afternoon the League departed, temporarily, to Manchester, where they attended one of the speaking engagments of Lord Shaftsbury and Lord Greyminster. I understand that the speeches were well-received, though Miss Bertilde had some difficulty with the subject matter.
As I was making my last circuit inside the house, I paused for a few moments to listen to Mr Frazer reading aloud from Mr Darwin's new book, which Mrs Frazer had presented him in honour of his birthday. He has a very pleasant reading voice.
Thursday, 6 April 1871
This morning Inspector MacGreggor and George departed for London. Malloy is to be charged in the London courts for the Kennington Road Burglaries. Rather than remove half the League to escort the prisoner, MacGreggor requested George's assistance as escort. It will probably do George some good to get away from all the pounding in the workshop for a few days.
Mrs Salmalin spent part of the day in the workshop assisting Edward. It seems to be becoming a popular pastime. Or perhaps Edward is just very persuasive.
As it was a pleasant day, many members of the household spent part of the afternoon outside, enjoying some games. Mrs Frazer visited Dearden House again, and reported that Mr Shorrock is recovering nicely. There was some small altercation between Lt. Wooster and Miss Bertilde. I am not quite sure what it was about, but the Lieutenant was slapped and told rather emphatically that something had never happened. Wooster was bewildered, asking Mr Caine several times throughout the day what it was he had done to offend her.
Mrs Frazer seems to be keeping an eye on Miss Bertilde of late, so I expect that she will sort it out. She's quite good at that.
The remainder of the master's present arrived today. I was placed on guard duty at his study door while the master inspected them. He said they were quite satisfactory. He had already composed a 'thank you' note to Macniven & Cameron which he wished me to post right away.
Friday, 7 April 1871
This morning's newspaper seemed more to everyone's liking. The Bury Guardian carried a story about the recovery of the Harrae Diamond, relying upon quotes from Inspector MacGreggor and a short statement issued by Mr Shorrock. The story primarily deals with the diamond's history and how it went missing twenty-seven years ago. The editorial is directed squarely at the rival paper, making several excellent points.
Among her Ladyship's mail today was one of her magazines, which carried a new 'Atlas O'Flaherty' adventure. Her Ladyship showed the story to Mr O'Flaherty. As she was pointing out the good points as he flipped thrugh the pages, it was clear she had read it before bring it to his attention. After many grumblings and exclamations, he retired to his room to compose a letter to the publisher.
Most of the household chose not to attend Good Friday services, though the master and her Ladyship encouraged those in the staff who wished to attend to do so.
Mrs Frazer spent most of the day at Dearden House, visiting with Mr Shorrock and Miss Helen.
Dinner was quite well received. Mrs Robb was pleased that her meatless meals, in honour of the day, were so well received.
Saturday, 8 April 1871
The remainder of the presents arrived today. Tattvick, Mrs Salmalin, and I, had our hands full getting them sorted out while keeping all out of sight so the rest of the household and staff can be surprised. Her Ladyship made some excellent choices in confections.
George and Inspector MacGreggor have returned to us, having escorted the prisoner safely to London. George reported that Mr Malloy attempted to escape only once during the train journey. He spent the remainder of the journey unconcious.
Mrs Frazer spent most of the day out in the workshop assisting Edward in the repairs.
The master met Lord Greyminster at the train station late in the evening. We had refreshments waiting for them upon their return. Her Ladyship had intended to sit up for them, but she drifted off to sleep. The fact that she did so in the chair the Earl had given her seemed to quite warm his heart when he arrived. He asked the master not to wake her, but the sound of their whispers were enough to rouse her.
Sunday, 9 April 1871
Our attempts to delivery the presents into the rooms surreptitiously were mostly successful. So many members of the League are light sleepers. Still, I think the master enjoyed attempting the sneak about as much as the looks of delight on everyone's faces when they found their gifts. We had already presented the staff with their own boxes of chocolates, so they were already in the spirit of the thing.
Miss Bertilde seemed to be convinced that it was all a mistake. After being assured several times that the presents were meant for her, she carefully packed the candies away, saying she wanted to share them with some of her girls back in London. Later I saw her carrying the fountain pen as if she were afraid it would break. I suspect that it will never actually be used to write with.
Edward was very pleased with his gifts. I saw some rather detailed drawings of the inner workings of the pen later in the afternoon. The pen itself was in one-piece, so one presumes he disassembled and then re-assembled it.
Her Ladyship was surprised at her present. I overheard her scolding her husband for being too extravagent. I somehow suspect it'll just encourage him to be more so in future.
The Easter service was pleasant. It was nice to see the pews so full. Even Miss Bertilde attended, though it required a bit of wrangling to convince her to wear her new dress to services. She kept insisting it was too nice to wear out of the house. Eventually Mrs Frazer and Mrs Cuthbert prevailed.
The dinner was well-received. Everyone seemed quite happy and jolly throughout. Lord Greyminster kept her Ladyship entertained with stories about the master as a boy. The master protested, but I think it was more for effect, as she was so clearly enjoying the tales.
Proceed to All this excitement
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