From the correspondence of Mrs. Gytha "Nanny" Chigwidgeon
Dear Jason eksetra,
Well here I am, cor what a lark. Don't arsk me about monkies, still, not much harm done.
I met Rip's little girl, Namaste, and her beau. He's a barronet, which isn't a lady barron at all, like I first thought when I heard it, cuz a lady barron is a barrones. She's got a bunch of nyce frinds, sevral of them are witches, tho not all proper ones. Mis Witnell shohs a lot of promis, when she isn't dithering. Misus Cuthbert is a more traditional witch, and neighborly, too. Misis Frazzer is far from traditional in her witching. That's probly why they make her look after the child projedtee witch, Wilhelmina.
They are all staying at the manor house, cuz the baronet is the granson of the lord of the manor. Who wood a thought one of my grandaughters wood be marryed into such finery! They even have silver doohickys for putting out the candles, can you imagine? The kitchen turns out a mighty fine plate of sandwiches and finger snacks, not to mention some of that fizzy white wine stuff from France (or is it Spane? One of them foreign places anyway)
They had a spot of trouble with some old enemees of the baronet, one of which was a wizzard who had no kwalms about putting one person's soul in an other's body. But that's wizzards for you. His spell was inttrupted midway and made a bigger mess of things, but we sorted it all out, by and by.
There was a big party being thown by one of the other lords, who new so many lords would fit in one small parish? Our Namaste had to make an appearance, as it was in honor of her and her baronet. It was a bit fancy for my tastes, so once I put Old Mother Hempseed to bed, I went back up to the manor to over a few of the strays we'd rounded up while dealing with the wizzard. Our old friend, Misus Godwin, had come to town to help the local witches clean up the wizzarding. We had a nice visit.
Well, that about wraps it up for now, will wright again soone.
Mum
P.S. Tell Granny that Old Mother Hempseed is looking a bit peeky, but says shes fine and sends her regards.
P.P.S. If Old Mother Hempseed's regards turn up on their own accord, just answer politely and let them be on their waye.
P.P.S.S. In case anyone you share this with has forgotten, Rip is the son of your brother Stan, who you may remember went off to the City to seek his fortoon. So Namaste is your granneice. And a very pretty girl she is, too.
P.P.P.S.S. Give my love to all the family, eccept, of course, your Aunt Beryl and Her Doris, who we all noe very well did too borrow our best hot dish bowl and never returned it, no matter what they say.
Excerpts from papers recovered at Goxhill Farm, January, 1871, after the arrest of Mr. Proctor Xanthus; allegedly the last diary of Iota
8 January, 1871
The plan advances, despite the incompetence of my allies. St. Simon promises that he can make my transference permanent, once I choose an appropriate vessel. I have had the opportunity to try several today.
For now I spend part of each day in the decrepit body of this former doctor and inventor. If he were my only example I would abandon this plan altogether. He is nearly deaf and blind. And oh, the aches and pains! Is this what old age means for all creatures, or are these maladies peculiar to humans?
At one time and another today I was in several vessels that would make far more amenable homes. O'Flaherty, the irish boxer, is very tempting, since he is so strong and healthy. But brute force, while occasionally useful, is not enough for all situations. His brain is deceptive. It responds extremely quickly to stimuli, but seems slow and difficult when called upon for true reasoning. In the final analysis, not any more suitable to my plans than either the baker, his assistant, or the railway employees. Though he would be far more useful than that drunk Xanthus insisted would be a good witness.
Several times today I used the terrier mongrel that the tinkers convinced that abysmal bungler, Wooster, to purchase. His senses are very keen, but that hardly makes up for the lack of fingers, thumbs, or speech. Though it was rather satisfying to stand right there next to the simpering, sanctimonious slave, Owen, and he could not tell it was me.
When I am permanently human, I will take great pleasure in ending his life, that is certain.
I almost possessed Wooster at one point, but then I thought, what would be the use?
Mrs. Frazer has sharp senses and a well developed brain, even if she did succomb to my inducements when first we met. She might be an interesting choice, though the husband might prove troublesome.
Miss Whitnell, on the other hand, while not having Mrs. Frazer's finely honed senses, does have those wonderful magic powers. If I chose her I could dispense with St. Simon altogether. There is no husband or children to worry about with her, either, which is an added bonus.
Mrs. Cuthbert... she might be an interesting choice. Her abilities are not the same as the witch's, but they could be very useful.
While I was keeping them distracted, Tandu was supposed to be committing the next murder. Unfortunately they figured out what was happening and interferred. Tandu had the temerity to blame me, claiming that somehow I had tipped them off.
How absurd.
He is becoming less stable each day. This obsession he has with hurting everyone his former student holds dear is distracting him from the goal. He is fast becoming a liability. Xanthus does not agree. I must bind my time for now.
9 January, 1871
The child is becoming more difficult to control. Too many of our enemies still stand against us. Xanthus doesn't want to rush the plan. He says a few more judicious murderers will eliminate their most effective agents and allies at the same time, and then they will be isolated and unprotected.
I do not wish to wait. I am tired of this charade. St. Simon is willing to perform the ritual. Once I possess the witch's body, I can bring my revenge to fruition.
Excerpts from the notes of Mr. Benton Frazer, Senior Evidence Clerk, Metropolitan Police Detective Department
Started fire in room before going on run with Turgenov before sunrise. Spoke with milkmaid, two farmers, carpenter, and curate. Found nice samples of Sphagnum cymbifolium to gather for the baby. Had odd dizzy moment while gathering moss.
Finished rounds, presented find. R seemed less enthusiastic than I expected. Perhaps I should work on presentation for future. Discussed new developments. O'Flaherty injured in late night altercation with incorporeal opponent. George convinced opponent is thuggee katar-master called Tandu. Mrs. Cuthbert certain facing more than one incorporeal opponent. Difficult to find convicting evidence. Even more difficult to exonerate those possessed.
Retrieve breakfast for R. Strangely pleasing to see her so enthusiastic for food. Met with other members of League to discuss developments. Wedding guests arriving. Wooster's sister and brother-in-law, Lady F, Duke & Duchess Balmoral, Earl & Countess Shaftesbury. Household filling up with potential targets for our opponents.
S delayed due to investigation. Lady F brought news. Gathered League in upstairs drawing room to consult. Discrepancies in records between A and S's offices regarding C's older cases. Miss Whitnell observed suspicious behavior at Goxhill Grange. Certain that mage residing there, now.
MacGregor anxious to interview potential witnesses to Jokking's murder. Seemed wise to visit Grange on the way into town to confirm C's alibi.
Grange interesting collection of old buildings. Gardens have not been properly tended for years. Butler extremely elderly. Household understaffed. All consistent with Edward's story about Sir Charles' unorthodox household. Sent in cards. Overheard sharp exchange between unknown man and child, presumably boy Edward befriended. Noticed tropical plants visible in greenhouse.
Surprisingly invited into house. Sir Charles in declining health. House full of odd scents, hard to sort out. Concentrating on scents, an unusual animal smell, acrid scent of burnt plant matter, not altogether familiar chemicals (perhaps mineral acid?) missed important turn in conversation. Sir Charles definitely under some kind of influence. R anxious to take leave. In carriage compared observations. R reveals note pressed into hand by butler: child's handwriting, outside addressed "To Edward's Tutor." Inside message, "They've done something to my Father. Help! -Edward's friend."
R convinced Sir Charles being controlled by Iota. MacGreggor unfamiliar with case. Fill in details. Disagreement on whether we should immediately return to the Grange to assist the child, or complete interviews.
Realize that we have turned south when should have turned north. Comment on same to others. George does not respond to inquiries. Lean out carriage door to look. Driving into ruins of West Beck hamlet. Group of darkskinned, turbanned men armed with scimitars awaited us. Further communication with George indicates George being controlled by outside force, most likely Tandu. Send message to Mrs. Cuthbert about our situation.
MacGreggor and I exit carriage as it stops, drawing attention to selves. Turgenov escapes, R attempts to interfere with Tandu's control.
Mr. Xanthus exits one building accompanied by servant. Surprisingly easy to draw out into conversation. Reputation for cunning perhaps exaggerated. Admits murders intended to ruin C's reputation. Plan to kill S, using MacGreggor. MacGreggor feigned incomprehension of plan, gets Xanthus to admit knows of discrepancies in records and has ways to introduce more.
Xanthus threatens to harm Sir Charles and child if we are not cooperative prisoners. Reluctantly agree to be disarmed and taken prisoner.
My handcuffs and MacGreggor's used to restrain R and I in basement of ruined house. Tide coming in, high water mark clearly over our heads. Awkward situation at best. MacGreggor taken elsewhere. Chanting can be heard before carriage departs. Use hatpin and hairpin to effect escape. Exit through window. Turgenov unclear about who went where, thanks to incorporeal opponents. Sounds in upper story may be MacGreggor in captivity, or could be Xanthus.
Old trellis on side of house. R rightly observes less likely to collapse under her weight. Agree to stand watch from below. After she enters upper story window, become embroiled in fight on the ground. Turgenov departed. Heard sounds of fighting in house. Turgenov and Xanthus' lieutenant fall out of building. Carriage pulling up, Edward at the reins. Sir Spencer has gun at ready. Miss Bertilde charged right into the fight.
R's clothing torn and sliced in most alarming fashion. Assures me she is unharmed. Get coat wrapped around her while Miss Bertilde and Sir Spencer finish off the last fighter. Turgenov injured in fight. Bleeding and unconscious. R assured me again unharmed. Seemed upset I was asking. Decided not to mention return of dizzy spell. Tend to wounded. Most of League present, excepting C, under house arrest.
George purged of external control. MacGreggor unfortunately trapped in Xanthus' body. Xanthus spirit removed from MacGreggors, but not before placing two bullets into Wooster and being injured.
Shared note with League. Edward extremely anxious to rescue friend. Others equally determined to confront enemies at Grange. Expert help may be needed to sort out Xanthus/MacGreggor. R and I sent to Hornsea to telegraph for help while others go to Grange.
Somewhat hampered in efforts by curiousity of townspeople. Message sent, hurry to join others at Grange. Arrive to find things sorted.
Tandu, Iota, mage, and several hashishin had been dispatched. Sir Charles, the child, and servants rescued. Some trouble with magic out of kilter. Nanny Chigwidgeon and Mrs. Hempseed helped set things back in place.
Returned to Goxhill Manor. Got wounded into beds. Confirmed R was as unharmed as she claimed.
Reminded that all expected to attend party of Goxhill Farm. Mrs. Godwin arrived on late afternoon train, along with Mr. Weasley and Mr. Moody from Mr. Poppins' office. After consultation, left with Mrs. Godwin to sort out remaining situation at Grange.
Party was quite nice. Too bad MacGreggor couldn't be there to enjoy it.
Mr. Hawkworth, from the Echo got in without invitation. Turned out without too much trouble. Mr. Oliphant, now with the Times also attended, actually had invitation. Seemed pleasant enough.
Xanthus still unconscious. Others all seem well. Must revise this into proper report.
Proceed to 3a. Ink and Inquiry
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