Emelie

            It was only the next day that the band of gypsies showed up at our door. Our entire party was on the back lawn, watching my dear friend, Cathy, and Peter Wilcox play tennis. I had the hardest time getting Peter to play with Cathy, but I managed to convince him. Of course, I still had Andrew Randing by my side constantly, but Mr. Campion was good enough to distract him with conversation, and I performed my hostess duties to the other guests peacefully. Our conversations had all rather lagged, and so it was that my father instructed Stevens to show the gypsies round the house, when they appeared at our door. The gypsies were performers of sorts, and father did love a good show. They were a dirty, rough bunch, and I was heartily glad at the time to have Stevens and Mr. Campion’s man, Lugg, with us on the lawn.

After a short performance of their arts; tricks, stunts, and the usual sort, father paid the gypsies, and they were sent on their way. I was relieved to see them go. It was shortly after, that we all went in to dress for dinner. I was the first dressed and downstairs, as I had to be sure dinner was set. Mr. Campion came down shortly after me, and found me in the parlor at the piano. I was looking over some music, trying to find something that I could persuade Cathy to play after dinner.

Mr. Campion struck up a lively conversation, and I remember fearing he’d find me rather dull, as I was rather quiet. In short, my thoughts were else where. I had so many duties to look over, and I was anxious about them. Soon the rest of our party came downstairs, and we all went into dinner together. I arranged the table settings especially, so that I would not have to end up next to both Peter Wilcox and Andrew Randing. Peter was on my right and Mr. Campion on my left. It was a delicious meal, and I was pleased with how smoothly everything was going. After dinner, we ladies went to the parlor while the men stayed in the diningroom to discuss politics. It wasn’t long before most of the men joined us. With the exception of Peter Wilcox, but he appeared shortly after with a cigarette. I convinced Cathy to play, and father soon had the bridge table set up, and the cards pulled out. Colonel Randing, father, Mrs. Randing, and Mr. Wilcox were engaged in a game of cards, while I sat with Andrew on the couch, ignoring his prattle, and listening to Cathy play. Peter Wilcox went out into the garden for a walk, and Tom turned the pages for Cathy. Mr. Campion was seated nearby, watching all the goings on. As soon as Andrew got up to get a drink, Mr. Campion sat down next to me on the settee. Andrew didn’t appear too happy with the arrangement, but he made no protest. The evening was spent quietly, and soon after father’s card game was dispense, Mr. Wilcox excused himself, saying as he was immensely tired out he would retire to his room to relax with his pipe before bed. Soon afterwards, father, Colonel and Mrs. Randing all excused themselves, and went upstairs as well. Peter Wilcox joined the rest of us in the parlor, and sat across from me. Cathy played several popular tunes, and we all seemed to be enjoying ourselves. Andrew was still pouting in the corner, but even he couldn’t keep out of our conversation. Tom voted we all hike down to the pond, and get the air. We all readily agreed, and walked out of doors. Mr. Campion took my arm before Andrew or Peter could, and both seemed disappointed, Andrew more so. Tom escorted Cathy, and we all strolled leisurely down to the pond.

“Funny fellow, Mr. Wilcox.” Mr. Campion observed to me, as we lagged a bit behind the others.

“How does he strike you so?” I had to ask.

“He’s obviously struck with you.”

I had to sigh heavily.

“You’re not attracted to him?”

“I suppose I should be,” I replied, “He is handsome, and is bound to inherit an immense fortune. He’s manners are not that dreadful, and I suppose he’s pleasant enough once you get to know him, but…” I trailed off.

“But, he’s so blasted sure of himself?” Mr. Campion looked down at me.

“I would’ve said ‘cocky’.” My mouth quirked up. Mr. Campion smiled back.

 “And why is he sure he’ll catch you?”

I had to shrug, for I really had no idea.

We arrived at the pond, and we all walked around it several times. I was still chatting lightly with Mr. Campion, when we heard a scream, that seemed to come from the house. Everyone stood stock still for a minute or so, except Mr. Campion and I.  Mr. Campion began to jog immediately back towards the house, and I had to go along with him, as I was still holding onto his arm. We arrived first, naturally, to find the entire house in an uproar.

“Father! What’s wrong?” I found my father, dressed in his night clothes, on the stair landing.

“Colonel Randing is dead!”