“The way you make it through everything.” Mrs. Peacock takes the glass as Vivienne smirks, “Sedated.”

Elizabeth gulps the entire thing. “Vivienne is there any more in that bottle?”

Vivienne takes the empty glass, “Elizabeth, there is always more.” Filling the glass, she continues, “You forget, dear Elizabeth. We are rich.”

Hearing these familiar words sends Mrs. Peacock’s mind spinning back in time. Her thoughts go back to a day in 1978. She hears a man’s voice repeating the same words.

FLASHBACK
HOTEL SUITE, SEPTEMBER 1978

“You forget Elizabeth, we are rich.” A tall, shirtless man says filling two glasses with Scotch.

He leaves the mini-bar and crosses a hotel suite to the bed. Elizabeth sits on the bed her hair tussled, buttoning her silk blouse. Handing her one of the glasses, he smiles.

“You can have whatever you want, anything you have ever desired.” He puts his hand on her shoulder. Elizabeth smiles and sips the drink.

“All I have ever wanted is in this hotel suite, Hugh.” She drinks again.

Pulling her to her feet, the handsome man kisses her. Their kiss turns into an embrace, with Elizabeth resting her head on his broad shoulder. “I am so tired of the lunch-hour lovemaking sessions.” She looks up at him. “I want so much more.”

“I know, but when we began this relationship, we knew it would have to be like this.” Hugh tells her.

Elizabeth sits back on the bed. “Back then it was just about sex and you were just my husband’s colleague. You are now so much more to me. I hate having to see you in this awful room.”

“Elizabeth, you are the wife of my best friend. It has to be this way. Until the day that changes, this can not change. You know that.” Looking around the immaculate hotel suite, he smiles, “And what’s so bad about this room, this is one of our best suites.”

“You don’t want this to change. You like things the way they are.” Elizabeth begins to get upset.

“Not this again,” Hugh shoots back, “Every time we are together you do this.”

“I see how you look at her. You look at her differently than you look at me. It makes me sick.” Standing up again, Elizabeth puts on a blue business jacket.

“What are you talking about?” Hugh questions her.

“You know, that woman, that hideous singer!” She shouts.

“You mean Beatrice? Beatrice and I have a good time together, I enjoy her company.” He stammers.

“You enjoy her company?” Elizabeth seethes. “Do you love her, Hugh?”

Hugh responds, a bit surprised, “Elizabeth, you have been married to James Scarlet for two years. Do you love him?”

“This is ridiculous.” Elizabeth shouts. “You know my situation. Answer the question.”

“Sit down, Elizabeth. I didn’t want it to be this way, but I have something to tell you.”

Elizabeth sits on the bed apprehensively.

“I care deeply about you, Elizabeth. The relationship we have is wonderful. However, when I am with Miss Mellon, I feel excited and happy. That is why I have asked her to move into the Manor with me. And she has agreed.”

The blood seems to drop out of Elizabeth’s face. She clamors for her stockings. Standing up, her arms full of stockings and her high heels, she walks toward the door. Hugh follows after her. Opening the door of the suite she stops. “Elizabeth. Elizabeth, please wait.” Slowly she turns. She drops her blue high heel shoes on the floor. He continues, “I don’t want what we have to end like this.” Slipping on her shoes and picking up a pair of sunglasses from a table near the door, she puts them on.

“Dear Hugh, if you think this is the end of our relationship, you are mistaken.” An evil grin comes over her lips, “This is only the beginning.”

A crash of thunder snaps Elizabeth from her thoughts and she looks over at Vivienne.

“I haven’t forgotten, Vivienne,” she smiles, “I could never forget what has gotten me to this point.” Taking the glass back from Vivienne, she sips the bubbly champagne.

Party preparations have already begun at Tudor Manor. The huge gothic house is busy with activity. Florists place flowers everywhere; a band can be heard practicing in the Ballroom. A dashing older man comes down the grand staircase. He is wearing a doctor’s coat and carries a black medical bag. Protruding from the top of the bag is a bottle marked Poison.

A voice calls out to him. “Dr. Mandarin, if you have a moment.”

The doctor puts his bag by the front door. He crosses the Hall and goes into the Billiard Room.

“Yes, Hugh.” The doctor says.

Hugh Black, 54, is a retired general practitioner. Sitting on the edge of the pool table, he has a pool cue in one hand; a beer in the other. “How is she, Paul?” A look of concern comes over his face.

“Well, Hugh, she is still non-responsive. She took quite a fall down the back stairs. She has no broken bones, but she still hasn’t regained consciousness.”

“Poor dear Coral,” Hugh stands up. “She’s such a fighter. Her life has been too difficult. That is why I moved her here, so she could relax and enjoy her golden years.”

“Well, Hugh, she knows that you love her. I bet if you went to her room now and spoke a few words to her, to let her know her brother is here, it would do her some good.” He places his hand on Hugh’s shoulder. “She will come out of this. Go on up, Nurse Ivory is there with her.”

“I will go have and a chat with her.” Taking a last drink of his beer, Hugh shakes Dr. Mandarin’s hand. “You aren’t leaving are you Paul? I would like to have you as my guest at the party this weekend.”

“I was planning on heading back.” There is a loud crash of thunder. The doctor continues. “I would be honored to stay and celebrate your engagement. Thank you.”

“Good, I wouldn’t want to travel in this weather. Make yourself at home. Others have gathered in the Lounge. Mrs. White will make you tea.” Hugh says. He heads out of the Billiard Room and up the stairs to his sister’s bedroom.

A woman dressed in a maid’s uniform carries a tray of tea cups. Also on the tray is some crackers and cheese and a Knife.

“Professor Plum, would you care for some tea?” She asks.

Plum is dressed in a purple pin-striped suit and sitting in a high-back easy chair. He is smoking a pipe and reading a thick hard cover book. He looks up from his book, “Oh no, thank you, Mrs. White.” He politely refuses the tea.

Mrs. White, the cook and housekeeper at Tudor Manor for over 25 years has a reputation as a terrible cook.

“Would you like a cup of tea, sir?” Mrs. White asks, crossing the Lounge.

A man sits in a dimly lit corner. “Well, thank you, Mrs. White.” Taking the tea cup from the tray, the man sips it. A look of disgust comes over his face, which he quickly changes to a polite smile. “Oh, it’s lovely.” He feigns enjoyment.

Mrs. White turns and puts the tray on a coffee table in the center of the room. Taking the Knife from the tray, she exits.

“How could anyone mess up tea?” The man in the corner says.

“Well, Colonel,” the Professor replies, “Mrs. White is many things, but a good cook is not one of them.”

Outside, the limo carrying Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet pulls up. The chauffeur gets out and goes around and opens the door. Mrs. Peacock steps out and Miss Scarlet follows. Walking to the front door, Mrs. Peacock notices some tools, including a Wrench, lying by the front steps.

“Charming,” Miss Scarlet says sarcastically, looking up at the foreboding structure. “All that is missing is the vampire.”

“Vivienne, this weekend could you show some class. Would it kill you to show me a bit of respect?” Elizabeth scowls.

“Yes Mother.” Vivienne flashes a mocking grin.

The front door opens and there to greet them is an older man, dressed in a tuxedo. He speaks in a proper English accent. “Welcome, Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet.” He motions for them to come inside.

The women enter and immediately notice the hectic environment.

“I am Mr. Ash, Sir Black’s butler.” He takes their coats and motions for the chauffeur to take their bags upstairs. “Would you like to relax in the Lounge, your accommodations are not quite ready.”

Mr. Ash leads them across the Hall to the Lounge. “We have hors d'oeuvre and drinks available.” The women follow close behind admiring the artwork hanging in the Hall.

“Well at least the inside is cozy.” Miss Scarlet hisses.

“Vivienne.” Mrs. Peacock dictates.

Just as they are passing the Billiard Room, Dr. Mandarin emerges. His eyes meet Mrs. Peacock’s.

Upon seeing Mandarin, Mrs. Peacock’s thoughts are once again thrust back in time.

FLASHBACK
DOCTOR’S EXAM ROOM, OCTOBER 1978

Sitting on a table in a cold exam room, Elizabeth is wearing a revealing paper gown. She nervously bites her fingernail. There is a knock at the door, and then the doctor enters.

“Well, Mrs. Scarlet, I have the results of your blood test.” The doctor opens a file.

“Please, doctor, tell me I am not going to die.” She is almost in tears.

“Elizabeth, I can assure you that the cause of your dizzy spells is not going to kill you.” The doctor places his hand on hers, “Dear Elizabeth, you are pregnant.”

“What?” Elizabeth shays shocked beyond belief. “This can’t be. Are you sure?” She widens her eyes thinking of the consequences this will bring.

“I am 100% sure and by your reaction, I can say you may have been more relieved to learn you were going to die.” He smiles. “I am sure Dr. Scarlet will be thrilled to hear.”

“Doctor Mandarin, you know my husband, don’t you?” A concerned Elizabeth asks.

“I know of him, however, I have never met him. He has a wonderful reputation. I know his partner Dr. Black. We play golf together.”

The blood rushes from Elizabeth’s face. “Hugh? You know Hugh Black?” She lies down on the exam table.

“Why, Elizabeth, you have gone white as a sheet. What is it?” The doctor looks down on her. “How do you feel?”

“Nauseas,” Elizabeth sighs, “Paul, you can not let James know that I am pregnant. You hear me. I will tell him in my own time.”

“Elizabeth, I would never take that news and tell him or anyone else.” he responds.

“Good, then you won’t mention it to Dr. Black when you are on the green.” She looks up at the confused doctor.

“I took an oath, Mrs. Scarlet. Neither Dr. Scarlet nor Dr. Black will ever hear of this pregnancy from me. But I admit I am confused as to why you would want to hide this wonderful news from your husband.” The doctor scratches his chin. “Oh dear, Elizabeth, it is James’ child? Isn’t it?”

Mrs. Peacock sits up. “My husband attends a lot of medical conferences and is hardly at home. When we have time together, we make the most of it. Of course it is his child, who else’s could it be.” She feigns a smile. “I mean the thought of it, ridiculous.” She giggles nervously, “Ridiculous, I tell you.”

“Elizabeth,” Dr. Mandarin touches her hand again and winks a knowing wink, “be rest assured, I won’t mention your pregnancy to Dr. Black.” He looks her dead in the eye, “I trust you will do the right thing and tell the child’s father yourself.”

A loud clanging brings Mrs. Peacock back to the present. A caterer has dropped a large tray of vegetables in the Hall.

Mr. Ash admonishes him. “We just had the floor polished. Get that up right away.”

Dr. Mandarin, Miss Scarlet and Mrs. Peacock watch as the bewildered butler chastises the scared young man.

“Elizabeth, you look lovely.” Dr. Mandarin reaches out his hand to shake hers.

Mrs. Peacock offers hers, “Dr. Mandarin, what a surprise!”

“I haven’t seen you since…” The doctor sees the nervous look in Mrs. Peacock’s eyes when he starts this sentence. “Since before your child was born.”

Mrs. Peacock pulls her hand back. “Dr. Paul Mandarin this is my daughter Miss Vivienne Scarlet.”

Offering his hand to Miss Scarlet, “Vivienne Scarlet, what a lovely young woman. If I may say, you look familiar. You resemble…”

“She is an up-and-coming actress,” Mrs. Peacock cuts him off. “You probably have seen one of her films.”

“Mother, please.” Scarlet blushes, embarrassed.

“No, I don’t think that is...” Noticing that the look in Mrs. Peacock’s eyes has gone from nervous to terrified, the doctor retracts his words, “Yes, that must be it.” He smiles and winks at her that all too familiar wink. “Shall we go to the Lounge for a drink?

“Yes, I feel the need for a stiff drink.” Elizabeth mumbles. She smiles a big grin, “Come Vivienne dear, I am sure the good doctor has fascinating stories about medical life to share.”

“Yes, mother.” Scarlet says through a fake smile, rivaling her mother’s. “I can’t wait to hear them.” Glimpsing the Revolver collection display case hanging in the Hall, Scarlet slowly follows her mother and Dr. Mandarin into the Lounge.

As the three enter the Lounge, the Colonel gets up from the corner chair. “Elizabeth, it is so good to see you again,” he smiles extending his hand. “And who is this?” He says referring to Miss Scarlet.

“Colonel Mustard, this is my daughter, Vivienne.” Mrs. Peacock introduces them.

“It is lovely to meet you, Vivienne.” Mustard says.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel.” She replies.

Mustard turns to Mrs. Peacock, “I do believe the last time I saw you Elizabeth was in the courtroom.”

Elizabeth’s mind flashes back to the day the Colonel is referring to.

COURTROOM, MAY 1988

The sound of a gavel is heard.

“Will the defendant please rise.” A judge says in a stern voice.

Elizabeth rises from behind the defendant’s table in a court room full of spectators. Among them are Colonel Mustard, Dr. Mandarin and Hugh Black.

The Judge continues. “Jury foreman, have you reached a verdict.”

The foreman of the jury stands. “Yes, your honor.” He clears his throat. “In the above entitled action, the State of Massachusetts VS Mrs. Elizabeth Gobelin Scarlet Zaffer, we the jury, find the defendant, Mrs. Elizabeth Gobelin Scarlet Zaffer, not guilty.”

Elizabeth can barely stand. Her lawyer offers her his arm.

“Is this the unanimous decision found by all 12 members of your jury?” The judge asks.

“Yes.” They jury responds.

“Well, in that case, Mrs. Zaffer, you are free to go.” The judge dismisses the case.

As she is leaving the courtroom, throngs of press hound Elizabeth. She stops to make a comment. “Dear friends, justice prevailed today. I was accused of a hideous crime against my beloved Ernest. I knew that a reasonable jury of my peers would never find me guilty of such things. Now, if you please I would just like to live the rest of my life quietly with my daughter.”

A reporter yells, “What is the first thing you are going to do when you get home?”

“Well, I am dying for a Cherie.” she smiles. She walks down the steps of the courthouse to her waiting limo. She sees Colonel Mustard and gives him a nod.

The voice of Mr. Ash brings Elizabeth back to the present.

“Excuse me everyone, the accommodations are now ready. You will find all of your bags in the rooms. Please feel free to alert the staff if you need anything.”

Colonel Mustard looks at his watch. “I think I will go for a quick cat nap.” He leaves the Lounge.

Dr. Mandarin sits down on one of the couches. Mrs. Peacock goes over to the bar and pours her self a scotch. Miss Scarlet goes over and meets Professor Plum.

“So, Professor, you were at Oxford?” Scarlet asks.

“Yes, for a short time.” Professor Plum responds.

The Professor proceeds to tell Miss Scarlet about his work with the British Museum. Miss Scarlet excuses herself, bored to death.

She wanders around the huge Hall, taking in all the sights and sounds of the party preparations. Two waiters in white uniforms hurry by her carrying large covered trays. A woman arranges flowers on the table in the center of the Hall. Looking past the flowers Scarlet sees a handsome older man descending the staircase.

“Just lovely, Madame Puce”, the man tells the woman arranging the flowers. “Those are Argent’s favorite.” He walks over to the table and begins a conversation with the woman. He doesn’t notice Miss Scarlet on the other side of the large round table. Smelling the flowers, Miss Scarlet clears her throat making sure that he can hear her.

“Ahem,” she coughs.

Dr. Black smiles at Madame Puce and then notices Miss Scarlet, pretending not to notice him.

“Excuse me, Madame Puce.” He walks around the table and stands next to Miss Scarlet. He smells the flowers. Miss Scarlet looks at him from the corner of her eye. “Lovely. Simply lovely,” The man says. “And the flowers aren’t too bad either.” Surprised and delighted, Scarlet turns to him. He extends his hand for her to shake. “I am Hugh Black.” Black is taken aback by the resemblance Scarlet has to his deceased mother. He makes no mention of it.

Scarlet shakes his hand and bats her eyelashes, “Oh, Sir Black, it is an honor to meet you. My mother has told me so much about you. Your home is magnificent.” Scarlet puckers her lips. “Congratulations on your up-coming wedding. Mrs. Silver is a very lucky woman.”

“Well, thank you, young lady. You mention your mother. Do not tell me you are James and Elizabeth’s daughter. The last time I saw you, you had to have been two.”

“Dr. Black, I see you have met my daughter,” says a voice from behind them. “She is quite the actress.” Mrs. Peacock joins the pair.

“Oh mother, please.” Vivienne responds, “The way you keep carrying on, you are giving the impression you give a damn about me and my career.”

Hugh Black gives a look of “uh oh” to Elizabeth.

“Vivienne, please respect our gracious host. I am terribly sorry, Hugh, she has a bit of jet-lag and is not herself.” Elizabeth apologizes.

“I knew this was a mistake.” Scarlet walks to the front door.

“Where are you going?” Elizabeth follows behind her. “There is a storm going out there.”

“Oh don’t worry, Liz.” Scarlet spits, “I’m just going out for some air, suddenly its stuffy in here.” She exits.

“My, Elizabeth, she is something else.” Hugh joins Peacock by the front door. “I am sure she will be fine once the festivities start.” He grabs her arm. “It is very nice to see you again.”

Reeling from her daughter’s outburst, Peacock smiles, “Oh yes, Hugh,” she removes his hand from her arm, “it is lovely seeing you too. I admit, I was surprised at your invitation.”

“Well, I am equally surprised, and delighted, that you accepted.” He responds.

In an upstairs bedroom, Nurse Ivory sits in a chair, reading a book. The bedroom looks less like a bedroom and more like hospital room.

There is a knock at the door. Nurse Ivory gets up and answers it.

“Yes?” She says politely.

“I was just checking to see how Coral is resting this evening.” The voice from outside the door says.

Nurse Ivory opens the door, allowing the person in. “Oh, Mrs. Silver, please come in. I am sure she would like to hear your voice.”

Mrs. Silver walks into the dimly lit room. She sits down on the edge of the bed. In the bed lies an old woman. She is dressed in a pink night gown. Mrs. Silver takes the woman’s hand.

“Hello, Coral. It’s me. It’s Argent, dear.” She says softly. “I do wish you were well enough to attend the party.” She says sadly. Coral does not respond. Turning to the nurse, Argent asks, “Do you really think that she can hear me?”

Nurse Ivory comes to the side of the bed, “Honestly, Argent, I do think that she knows you are here. I think she is well aware of what goes on inside this house.”

Another knock at the door interrupts them. Ivory crosses the room to answer it.

“Reverend Green, please come in.” She says opening the door.

“Thank you, Pearl.” The man responds. As he enters he sees Mrs. Silver sitting on the edge of Coral’s bed. “Argent, we should be heading down, I believe all of the guests are here.”

“Very well, Jeremiah.” Mrs. Silver rises from the bed, “Sleep well, dear.” She bends down and kisses Coral on the forehead. “You will join us, won’t you Nurse Ivory?” Mrs. Silver asks.

Nurse Ivory is surprised to hear the invitation. “That is very nice, but I don’t…”

“Nonsense,” the Reverend interrupts, “of course she will join us. My dear,” he goes over to Nurse Ivory and takes her arm, “you need to get out of this depressing room for a bit.”

Nurse Ivory looks around the room and nods. She goes over to Coral with a Hypodermic Syringe and fills her I.V. bag. The three exit and close the door behind them.

Downstairs in the Lounge, all of the guests have assembled. Mrs. Peacock sits on a couch sipping a cocktail. Dr. Mandarin is sitting next to her. Standing by the fireplace, Colonel Mustard examines a golden Candlestick, while, Mrs. White pokes the fire with a Fireplace Poker. Miss Scarlet sits in a high-back chair sipping a cup of Mrs. White’s tea. Professor Plum stands by a bookshelf looking at the titles. A crash of thunder startles the group. A burst of lightening brightens the candle-lit room. The door opens. Reverend Green, Nurse Ivory, and Mrs. Silver enter, followed closely by Hugh Black. He closes the door. Mrs. Silver stands near the door. The guests turn their attention to Dr. Black. Black joins Mrs. Silver and grabs her hand. He smiles at her. Then he turns to the group.

“Assembled guests, welcome to Tudor Manor.”

TO BE CONTINUED...