Wilhelmina's diary post ninth session, Death on the Iron Rhine

The Diaries of Wilhelmina Brody

August 8, 1870

Sir C took us to meet Mrs. Mary Fairfax Somerville. I was so excited I could barely contain myself.

August 10, 1870

On our way to Paris Sir C spent a good deal of time talking about the new rail line we were traveling on. He says that Icky probably could have shaved a few weeks off the construction time but all in all a very sound railway.

August 11, 1870

In Paris The ladies are off shopping I am stealing this time to work on the sinkable Namasti the food is terrible nothing even resembling a banger to be found..

August 13, 1870

Packing up to leave Paris this afternoon The ladies have added several new boxes to our luggage.

August 15, 1870

We are back in London finally I spent most of the day at the ship yards looking over the progress on the sinkable boat mk III and meeting with the radicals. Howard and the rest of the gang were very happy to see me and George back. They were also delighted in the rather large collection of books I managed to acquire in our trip.

August 16, 1870

We are packing again this time to go visit Lord Greyminister we leave tomorrow.

August 18, 1870

We have arrived at Goxhill Manor the housekeeper Misses Parks seems to be confused about Edward's position in Sir C's household. On a happier note I have been given permission to use the smithy.

August 22, 1870

Sir C and Edward went calling on people today.

August 24, 1870

Visited Hornsea it is almost civilized but only has one chip stand.

August 25, 1870

Almost a full day of work in the smithy Edward managed to do some mend work for the Cook and the Coachman to help offset the cost of using the forage. George and Salmaline both were more than happy to run the bellows. They said that it was difficult to exercise properly around the manor without causing some consternation.

August 26, 1870

Lord Greyminister took us on a tour of the local area today his knowledge of the local area is encyclopedic.

August 27, 1870

Found an interesting section of the library today cases and cases of books locked away. After talking to Lord Grayminster he let Edward have the key. Most of the books are written in Latin and Greek but a few are in Arabic I have to find someone to teach me how to read them. Miss Sinclair arrived at the manor today.

August 28, 1870

Our Mr Graves is heading back to London today. Several people in our household expressed confusion between him and his brother who works for Lord Greyminster and bears a striking resemblance to him. I was caught off guard once. But I soon discovered that our Mr Graves has a fine network of scars on his right hand and arm, Graves will not talk about how he acquired them I might have to ask Sir C.

August 31, 1870

Work continues on the sinkable Namaste spent most of the day pouring brass.

September 1, 1870

Lord Greyminister is hosting a party tonight Edward managed to avoid the housekeeper and help out in the kitchens for most of the day.

September 3, 1870

Another party tonight the housekeeper is wise to Edward's tricks and has a maid watching the hallway to the kitchen and a footman watching the kitchen door.

September 4, 1870

Slept late today then went calling on Sir Charles. he still will not talk to me.

September 6, 1870

Lord Greyminster was in a very jolly mood this morning something in the papers stuck him as funny.

September 7, 1870

Drat it all Mr Reeds worst fears have come to light the HMS Captain has sunk.

September 9, 1870

I finally found a full report on the sinking of the HMS Captain it happened almost exactly like Mr Reed said it would. Damm their eyes this was preventable. Sir C and Lord Greyminster are both walking around the manor with newspapers clutched in their hands. The servants are in a somber mood as well. One of the scullery maid has a cousin onboard the Captain.

September 10, 1870

Sara the scullery maid with the cousin received word that he did indeed go down with the ship. The lord has given her time off to go mourn with her family. Sir C went into town and sent off a spate of telegrams.

September 11, 1870

Called on Sir Charles again he is still not taking visitors. On the walk back I found an interesting looking fossil.

September 14, 1870

Sir Charles will not see me I will investigate further tonight.

September 15, 1870

Met an interesting boy today his name is Humphrey and he apparently is Sir Charles' son. He is being kept locked in a tower at the grange. Edward promised to go visit him tonight. I must talk to Sir Cosmo in private about this.

September 16, 1870

I forgot that last night was one of Lord Greyminsters parties I had to feign being tired and slip out through the secret entrance. Humphrey was much more awake tonight I learned he did die and his father used some sort of embalming process to revivify him. Other than needing a source of electricity he seem perfectly normal for someone who has been locked up in a tower for 30 years.

September 17, 1870

I slept till noon which vexed Miss Sinclair to no end. The rest of the day was spent in the smithy and gathering up things to take to Humphrey tonight. We are heading back to London tomorrow so I want to bring him some things to read.

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