'Told you so,' whispered Roger. He had, Egg noted, seated himself as far from Vanda as he could get.
'Just a nominal sum, I expect,' sniffed Elizabeth.
'What's the blackboard for, Killigrew?' asked George.
'All shall be revealed shortly, Colonel,' beamed Mr Killigrew. 'Are we nicely settled? Then I will begin.' He reached into his briefcase and extracted some typewritten notes before portentously clearing his throat. 'First of all, ladies and gentlemen, please accept my condolences to all of you on your sad loss.'
Everyone looked suitably sepulchral while he waited for a moment or two before continuing.
'Now, first I must warn you that this is a most unusual will — a most unusual will. I have, of course, executed a great many wills in my lifetime but nothing remotely like this one. I therefore propose to render it more intelligible by putting it into lay terms, while also explaining, insofar as I understand it, the reasoning behind it. You will each receive a copy, of course, as originally drawn up.
'I shall deal first with bequests to the servants, as these are quite straightforward. In brief, all indoor and outdoor servants of the estate are to receive one hundred and fifty pounds each, with the exception of Mrs White the cook and Mr Rosier the head gardener, who shall each receive three hundred pounds, and of Mr Bartholomew Fudge, who in recognition of fifty years of loyal service to this family shall receive four hundred pounds. Quite an achievement, Mr Fudge!' He smiled at the old butler, who immediately stood up to leave.
'Thank you, sir,' said Fudge, impassive as ever. 'With your permission, I will go and apprise the others of their good fortune.'
Mr Killigrew waited until Fudge had left the room. 'Well now! We come to the greater part of the estate. That is to say, the house, including all contents; sundry other buildings, including five staff cottages; the gardens, and a further hundred or so acres of land, presently under pasture and woodland and currently let in the sum of one hundred pounds per annum. I cannot say at this juncture precisely what these assets are worth in total but it is estimated to be something in the region of fifty-five thousand pounds.' He waited for a small buzz of excitement to die down. 'In addition, it is estimated that after the aforementioned bequests and the inheritance tax there will remain approximately sixty thousand pounds in cash and securities, giving a total of approximately one hundred and fifteen thousand pounds.
'Now, I'm sure it will have occurred to some of you that the running costs of the Manor, and particularly its gardens, are very considerable. In fact, they are currently in the region of three thousand pounds per annum, even employing the present minimum of staff. It was Sir Jasper's sincere wish that they should be maintained in the condition they now enjoy, and assuming an average interest rate of five percentage points, the whole of the sixty thousand pounds, suitably invested, would be required to produce an income of that amount. It was therefore decided that to avoid an intolerable financial burden upon the principal legatee there would be no further small bequests, with the residue of the estate going instead to a single individual.'
'Quite right too,' muttered Roger, looking pleased.
'Very nice for you,' said Elizabeth sourly.
'Now I wonder,' said Mr Killigrew, beaming around him, 'who that individual shall be?'
It seemed an odd thing for a solicitor to say, and they gazed at him in some surprise.
'Why don't you just tell us?' said Tony irritably. 'I don't think we're in the mood for guessing games. And what are the rest of us here for? That's what I'd like to know.'
Mr Killigrew shook his head regretfully. 'I should love to do so, Mr FitzGreville. But the fact is, I don't know.'
'Don't know?' frowned Roger. 'What do you mean, you don't know? You must do.'
'Perhaps I may be permitted to explain, sir? Sir Jasper was naturally eager that the Manor should go to the right person; someone who would best fulfill his wishes as already explained. He has, you will perceive, spread his net widely. My instructions were to ensure, as far as possible, that all members of the extended family, both by blood and by marriage, should be here. However, I understand that not all of those present were very well known to him, if at all. Furthermore, those who were better known may not be the most suitable. It was therefore decided that the above-mentioned residue of the estate should be placed in a blind trust, with the trustees instructed to award it in its entirety to the winner of a contest, the nature of which I shall now explain.'
'A contest!' exclaimed Roger. 'What sort of contest?'
'I will give you full details shortly,' said Mr Killigrew, 'but you will be asked a number of questions. If answered correctly they will lead you to this little token, hidden somewhere about the house and grounds.' He held up for inspection a postcard-sized facsimile of the family arms, neatly carved and painted. 'The first to present it to me and explain to the trustees' satisfaction where and by what means they found it shall be named the winner.'
'So it's like a treasure hunt?' frowned Janet.
'Yes, that's a very good description, Mrs Beaufort-Smyth — like a treasure hunt. But what treasure, eh? I find myself quite excited for you!'
Roger's eyes had become round with disbelief. 'But this is iniquitous!' he cried, looking around him for support. 'I'm the obvious heir, and the estate should go to me! I shall challenge it!'
'You may indeed have grounds for a challenge, Mr FitzGreville,' admitted Mr Killigrew. 'It is, as I have said, a most unusual will, and one cannot altogether predict what a court may rule on the subject. However, after taking advice on the matter, I believe it to be sound. It would also, of course, cost a great deal to bring such a case to law, with no certainty as to the outcome. In the meantime, you will have, I'm afraid, to take your chances with everyone else.'
'So do you really mean too tell me that any of those present might get Uncle's entire fortune, just by winning a treasure hunt?' demanded Roger.
'Yes, Mr FitzGreville. With the exception of Miss Joan FitzGreville, that is exactly so,' said Mr Killigrew. Where is Miss FitzGreville, by the way? I don't see her.'
Nanny Matthews, who had been sitting quietly at the back of the room, raised a hand. 'If you please, sir,' she said. 'Miss FitzGreville was too upset by the funeral to attend. It was agreed that I should come in her place.'
'And who might you be, madam?' frowned Mr Killigrew.
'Miss Matthews, sir. I'm Miss FitzGreville's personal maid.'
'Oh, I see. Well I'm sorry to hear Miss FitzGreville is indisposed. Please convey to her my best wishes. Perhaps I might go and see her later? However, in the meantime there seems no harm in reading to the rest of you the pertinent passage. Again, it is quite straightforward so I will use Sir Jasper's own words from the original document. "As regards my daughter, Joan Anne FitzGreville. Joan is already in possession of a generous entail from her paternal grandmother and I don't propose to add to it. However, regardless of who is awarded the Manor, the manor house and gardens shall continue to be her home, and she shall continue to enjoy the use of the servants and all facilities as at present, so long as she shall remain unmarried."
'I shouldn't be surprised if she kicks at that,' said Janet, as they watched Nanny depart. 'I would.'
'It ought to put a few people off, anyway,' said Elizabeth cynically.
'It doesn't me,' said Vanda. 'It's a big enough house, after all.'
'Do you mean to say you intend to try for it?' frowned Roger.
'Certainly I do.'
'But you've no connection with the place!'
'No, but Sir Jasper obviously thought I should be given a chance or I shouldn't be here.'
'Perhaps you had best tell us what we have to do, Mr Killigrew,' said George.
'You too, Uncle!' cried Roger. 'This is intolerable!'
'Well I'm sorry if you don't approve, Roger, but I feel, you know, that I owe it to your poor aunt's memory to take part, and also to our own son and daughter, who would undoubtedly be here today, were they not abroad. Mr Killigrew,
pray continue.'
'Thank you, Colonel,' said Mr Killigrew, drawing forward more notes. 'In essence, it's quite simple. You will each be given a notebook containing thirty questions. Each question is divided into two parts. The first part is a puzzle or clue directing you to a particular location in the house, garden or estate at large. A map will be provided showing the boundaries. Once you've identified the spot, you will find there, either modestly concealed or in plain sight, a further clue of some kind. Correctly interpreting this will complete the question. After solving successfully a sufficient number of questions, it should be possible to arrive at the location of this little coat of arms. It may be helpful to know that the answers all contain a common feature or motif, the nature of which will become evident as you work your way through them. If that is not sufficiently clear, don't worry, as the instructions are in the notebooks.
'There are other rules. Firstly you may solicit help to solve the questions from another named person presently in this room – other than myself, of course – but from no-one else. Nor, once we have begun, may you go outside the boundary of the estate, receive letters or use the telephone, save through me as an intermediary.'
'Why would another contestant want to help you?' said Bernard.
'Because you may wish to work with them and share the spoils, so to say; although if you do, only one of you can actually claim title to the estate. Husbands and wives will presumably wish to do this. Or you may, of course, work alone. Needless to say, you should never let anyone else see your notebook, to prevent cheating.'
'Suppose a group of us were to work informally together, and having won, sell the estate and share the proceeds between us?' asked Roger.
'I can hardly prevent you from attempting that, Mr FitzGreville, but, as co-trustee, I should be obliged to oppose any resulting claim as not being within the spirit of the will.'
'But the winner can sell the estate?'
'Yes, after ten years, subject to the trustees' approval.'
'Ten years!'
'Why, yes. It's important that he or she has some commitment to the property, as I'm sure you will agree. And I should remind you that if the terms do not appeal, no-one is obliged to take part.'
Roger rolled his eyes. 'Not taking any chances, was he?'
'Can you give us an example of these questions?' asked George.
Mr Killigrew stood up and moved to the blackboard. 'I am permitted to give you just one, provided you understand that they vary considerably in difficulty and in kind. Remember it refers to a location in the manor house or gardens. There is, of course, no second half to this one, as you would have to go to the location in question to understand it. Here it is.' Producing a piece of chalk he wrote it large on the blackboard. "Found in both females: GREX+EREG=PE."
There was a lengthy silence.
'I never could abide algebra,' said Vanda.
'I don't think it's algebra, is it?' said Tony. 'There would have to be a number or two, surely? Is it a formula for something?'
'It wouldn't be the maze, would it?' said Janet.
'Yes it would!' said Mr Killigrew. 'Well done, Mrs Beaufort-Smyth!'
'I don't understand,' frowned Emily.
'George Rex and Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Regina give you Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary,' explained Janet. 'If you take letters from the Queen's name or that of the Princess you can make "maze."'
'Not exactly obvious, is it?' said Tony. 'I hope they're not all like that.'
'Well I got it,' said Janet, 'and it's very topical.'
'Ashamed I didn't too,' said George. 'Well done, my dear! I suppose it's like one of those newfangled cross-word puzzles; you have to guess how the other fellow's mind works.'
'I hate to think how Uncle Jasper's mind worked,' said Roger. 'How long do we get for this nonsense? And when do we start?'
'Thirty consecutive hours,' said Mr Killigrew. 'One hour per question, so to say, though I doubt you'll need all that. As to when you start, there's no hurry. I suggest the coming weekend, provided it suits everyone. I realise some of you may have business to attend to.'
'And you'll be here for it?'
'Certainly I shall.' He smiled wryly. 'To see fair play, you know, and answer any queries.'
Packing up his papers, Mr Killigrew bustled away, leaving nine pensive people to follow him.
'The whole thing is ridiculous,' reiterated Roger. 'It's madness — the man was mad! Doesn't that make a will invalid, if they were mad when they made it?'
'How would one prove it?' said Tony. 'Anyway, it seems rather in character, if you think about it. It's just the sort of thing the old devil would do.'
'Thereby causing maximum misery and strife,' growled George. 'More bad than mad, I'm afraid, but definitely dangerous to know.'
'Well, at least we have a chance at the Manor,' said Elizabeth, 'which we mightn't have had otherwise. There are lots of puzzle books and things about the place. I'm going to collect a heap and do some homework. Coming Tony?'
'Yes, I suppose so. What about the rest of you?'
'They can manage without me for a day,' said Bernard. 'We'll join you.'
'Well I'm off to Town,' said Roger abruptly. 'I've wasted enough time here. See you Saturday.' And without a backward glance he walked away from them.
'He might have offered you a lift back!' said Janet.
'It's all right,' said Vanda, 'I've got my car.' But she stood and watched him until he passed out of sight.
By unspoken agreement, Egg and Charlotte made their way to the centre of the maze, it's dark foliage still glistening from the morning's rain.
'Did you get the answer?' asked Egg.
Charlotte nodded. Yes, did you?'
'Yes.'
'Why didn't you say?'
'I'm not sure really. Something about not revealing one's hand, perhaps. Why didn't you?'
'I suppose I didn't want to show off after the table puzzle yesterday. People don't like showy-off women.'
'You can be showy-off with me, I shan't mind. They probably won't all be as easy as that one, but I'd say we stand as good a chance as any, wouldn't you? None of the others seem especially bright.'
'Janet bears watching.'
'Could be a fluke; they're all for royalty at that age. The question is, do we actually want the place? It would be a full-time job managing it unless one appointed an agent, which would be expensive. It would be foolish to overstretch ourselves.'
'I could do all that,' said Charlotte. I'll need something to do while you become a famous novelist.'
'Won't you be having babies?'
'Goodness, babies! Yes, I suppose I will. How many did you have in mind? Ten? Twenty?'
'Oh, I should think three or four will do, nothing too taxing for you.'
'Charlotte giggled and squeezed his arm. 'It'll be fun making them won't it? But they won't take my entire time. We can get them a nanny.'
'Maybe we could prevail upon Nanny Matthews. It would make a nice change for her after Joan.'
Charlotte groaned. 'I'd forgotten about Joan.'
'Never mind; we can keep her in the attic and feed her scraps. What shall we do tomorrow? There's not much point going home for one day.'
'Can you punt?'
'Born with a quant in me hand.'
'Lets go boating, then. And if it's raining you can take me for a drive. What sort of car have we got?'
Chapter Three
Mr Killigrew was waiting for them in the great hall. He was rubbing his hands together and looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
'Good morning ladies and gentlemen! All bright and early, I see.' He consulted his watch. 'I make it five minutes to nine, so we'll call it a nine o'clock start, shall we? The contest will therefore end at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, by which time one of you must present me with our little facsimile of the FitzGreville coat of arms. Please take your notebooks from the pile – they have your names on the front – and you may begin when you like. One point to
mention: you need not, of course, answer the questions in the order that they appear. Indeed, it's desirable that you do not, or you will find yourselves getting in each other's way. And let me remind you again that you may not solicit help from anyone except your designated team-mate, or cross the boundary of the estate, or receive letters or telegrams, or telephone to anyone unless in my presence. Good luck now, and may the best man or woman win!'
'What about it then, ducky?' said Vanda, sidling up to Roger. 'Are we going to work together?' She was looking very outré and theatrical in black velvet trousers and a loosely belted silk coat emblazoned with peacocks.
'I . . . don't know,' said Roger, clearly embarrassed.
'You might as well,' said Tony, 'Everyone else is in pairs and you'll be complaining it's unfair otherwise.'
'The whole darned thing is unfair!' said Roger. 'Er, what are your terms, Miss Beaufort-Smyth?'
'Well, I rather fancy myself as mistress of Knapperton Manor, actually,' confided Vanda.
'A proposal!' cried Emily. 'How can you possibly refuse, Roger?'
Roger distinctly coloured. 'This is very sudden, my dear. I'm not sure . . .'
Vanda smiled at his discomfiture. 'But I'd settle for a thousand quid.'
'Oh, I see. Well I'll give you five hundred, payable if and when we win. How's that?'
'Seven-fifty,' demanded Vanda.
'Oh all right.'
'And we've all witnessed it,' said George.
'Of course, there's always a chance I might answer more questions than you,' said Vanda teasingly. 'What happens then?'
'Miss Vanda Beaufort-Smyth and Mr Roger FitzGreville,' smiled Mr Killigrew, making a note of it.
Ten o'clock found Bernard and Emily ambling down the famous Long Border, still bright with dahlias, Japanese anemones and Black Eyed Susan. It was very peaceful with just the sound of the bees and felt almost hot in the September sunshine.
'It's so lovely,' sighed Emily. 'If only it could be ours.'
'It won't be if we don't get a move on,' said Bernard. 'How about this one: "Avian apparel, by the sound of it." And the second part is, "COS primarily."'
A Strange Manor of Death (The Inspector Felix Mysteries Book 3) Page 3