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Mystery of Bedford House

By Marlene Worrall

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I stacked more wood onto the roaring fire, mesmerized by its glow and crackle. It soothed my aching heart and troubled soul.
I was slumped onto the threadbare sofa, reeling from the horrific shock of my aunt’s sudden death. After some time I arose, striding to a window which was dwarfed by the towering ceiling. A ferocious wind howled as torrential rains pounded the windows. It was pitch black outside and growing late. Most of the folks in this small, lakeside community would likely be sound asleep by now.
Soon, I returned to the sofa, sinking deeply into its luxurious cushions. Memories of when my aunt had bought it, flashed through my mind. I’d been a young child then, traumatized by the sudden death of my folks. I recalled the fresh smell of its newness. The maroon tapestry fabric had faded from decades of scorching sun streaming into the house from the South-facing windows.
I welcomed Kiki, my gargantuan old feline, as she settled onto my lap purring contentedly, her mottled-gray body vibrating with her every breath. I had come home with a singular mission. I was determined to learn why my beloved aunt Tally had died so suddenly. She had been in good health and only seventy-five. She was a vigorous, energetic woman at that.
The funeral would take place next week. I’d made the arrangements in a daze, ordering an autopsy. I felt more alone than I ever had now that Aunt Tally was gone. I did have Kiki; though, and don’t get me wrong, she was a great comfort to me, as well as a source of healing. She would help me recover from my devastating loss. Aunt Tally had been my closest friend and confidant, raising me from early childhood. Now she was gone.
If I hadn’t flown to Paris for the Art Sabbatical, perhaps my aunt would still be alive. I’d stayed in close touch with her, speaking to her only a week ago. She had voiced concerns over the strange happenings in the ancient mansion, prompting me to make a solemn promise to myself: I would venture up to attic and kill my fears of whatever was there and smoke out the odd noises, which occurred at all hours of the day and night. Then, for weeks and months at a time, we would hear nothing.
I had not lifted a paint brush since the shattering phone call I’d received from Effie, my aunt’s long-time companion and housekeeper─ and I doubted I would, until I learned the truth about my aunt’s untimely demise.
The autopsy I’d ordered showed the cause of death to be liver failure, but my aunt had been a teetotaller. They had tested her for poisonous substances, but found nothing conclusive. The coroner ruled the death accidental. I suspected murder.
A sudden, loud thud reverberated overhead, stunning me out of my reverie. Scrambling to my feet, my body tense, all my senses alert, I listened to what sounded like scraping sounds. I was alone in the house, wasn’t I? Rapid flashes of fear crippled my reasoning power, hampering my ability to move. Kiki excitedly darted out of the room leaving me to face the creepy sounds alone.
Crashing thunder and jagged streaks of lightening lit up the room before plunging it into inky darkness. Simultaneously, the hallway lighting sconces and other key areas lit up. Uncle Warren’s secondary lighting system had kicked into place. A prominent scientist, he had installed the system so that his work would continue, uninterrupted, in the event of a power outage.
Moving back into the house after globetrotting would normally have been a joyous occasion; instead, I was inconsolable. The house felt weird and empty without the presence of my beloved aunt. Aunt Tally had not been ill. On the contrary, she had been in good health as far as I knew.
I stood to inherit the bulk of my aunt’s estate, though I had no idea what it was worth. I knew she had clear title to the property. My inheritance was little solace in the circumstances. The rambling, old edifice was in considerable disrepair and would need a lot of work to restore it, but renovating was the last thing on my mind. The jangling of the phone startled me, forcing me out of my reverie. I picked it up from the Toscano Louis XV side table. “Good evening.”
“William Butler here.”
My voice shook. I tried in vain to compose myself. “G…Good evening, Mr. Butler.”
“I thought I might drop around this evening. I’m sure you’re devastated, my dear. I’m grieving, as well. But we need to set a time to go over Tally’s estate.”
“Yes. It will be good to see you. When can I expect you?”
“Perhaps I’ll come around right away. We are both sorrowing. You need a shoulder to cry on. .How is Effie taking it?”
“She…up and left. Vanished. Scribbled a brief, bizarre note and left it on the kitchen table.” I let out a harsh laugh. “I’ve left, because I can’t bear to remain in the house now that Effie has gone.” That was it. Her suitcase and meagre belongings are gone, also.” Thoughts of that odd, bird-like creature flashed through my mind. The strange old duck possessed an acidy tongue and a wry wit. She reminded me of a chicken, the way she jerked her head, nervously, as she talked, a cigarette hanging from her mouth.

About ten minutes later, I heard the doorbell. Checking the peep hole, I saw that it was William Butler. I opened the door, tears streaming down my face. “Come in William. Thank you for coming.”
“My deepest regrets.” He hugged me close, as soon as he stepped into the entrance hall. His husky voice was filled with sorrow. He hung his coat on the brass rack in the hallway, soon settling onto a wingback chair in the vast living room, near the roaring fireplace.
I’d made a fire in the ancient white marble fireplace as soon as I’ve arrived home by taxi.
“Brandy? Perhaps we could both use one.” Tears slid down my cheeks.
“Thank-you. Yes.”

I poured the brandy from the oak carved bar, which was set off to one side of the vast living room. Aunt Tally had furnished the mansion in a baroque style with antiques and other magnificent pieces. A wonderful collection of fine art hung in the living room. I’d always loved the great character of the mansion. I served William a snifter of brandy, joining him with one.
“Strange that Effie vanished. Where do you think she’s gone? Do you expect she’ll return?”
“I wish I knew. I find it creepy that she vanished without a word. But then again, the mansion is known for strange happenings, isn’t it?” I shuddered.
“I’m afraid so. I do hope you find out what’s going on in the attic. Now that Effie has gone, maybe you should contact the sheriff and ask him to accompany you to the attic. You really mustn’t go up there alone.”

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