Day 27: 4 December 2025

 Short Story -- Monkshood Manor: Part 7

Teddy’s mind was mulling over everything as she drove home. ‘Was that what it had become after two days?’ she wondered to herself. 

Monkshood Manor had certainly seen better days, but why couldn’t those days come again? She’d need to know exactly what the will said before doing anything, but when she’d been on Mr Drey’s tour the day before… she couldn’t help but picture Monkshood being more than a family home. Maybe a retreat for orphans? Maybe a high end boutique hotel? Maybe something in the middle? But there was more space there than any one person needed. A sentient house, though. She paused. What does that even mean exactly? And what had Mr Reed meant when he said that to some extent the house takes on the wishes of the owner? Her mind then turned to Lord Tottington (even her mind imagined the name sounding snooty). What was he up to? Did he know about the house? It had sounded like Mr Drey had a history of sorts either the house — and therefore also the neighbourhood — she resolved to ask him some questions once she was back. 

The countryside really was beautiful. Verdant green fields speckled with white sheep grazing. A brilliant blue sky. White clouds peppering it here and there. 

An hour later, Teddy pulled up in front of the house. 

Already, she noticed, it looked slightly less bleak than when she’d arrived. Somehow softer. 

She walked through the front door and as she took her gloves and hat off called, ‘Mr Drey?’ 

 ‘Miss?’ he answered. 

‘Would you please have coffee and sandwiches brought to the study? And then, if I may impose on your time, I have some questions that need answering.’ 

‘Of course, Miss,’ Mr Drey said with a nod and left in the direction of the kitchen. 

Teddy headed to the study. A fire was already crackling. Sitting in one of the chairs near it, she opened the folder that Mr Reed had given her and was perusing that when Mr Drey entered. 

He set the tray down with coffee and sandwiches — tuna — and then stood where Teddy could see him. 

‘Please, do sit,’ Teddy gestured to the chair. ‘It feels absurd to make you stand.’ 

Mr Drey looked uncomfortable but took a seat, perching more than sitting. ‘How may I be of assistance?’ 

‘A sentient house?’ Teddy exclaimed. 

‘Yes,’ Mr Drey said matter of factly. ‘For as long as I’ve been here and my father before me and my grandfather before him.’ 

‘How does that work? What does that even mean?’ Teddy asked. 

Mr Drey paused. He’d never had to do the explaining before. The fire crackled more loudly and gave off an extra genial warmth. The house’s attempt at encouragement. ‘Well,’ he started. ‘I suppose it means that the house has a certain awareness. She — we’ve just always referred to her as she — has personality and ideas.’ As he talked he warmed up to the subject. ‘She loved your blue outfit on day one. And she approves of you.’ 

‘She didn’t like Lord Tottington and neither do you,’ Teddy supplied. 

Mr Drey’s face darkened a bit. ‘Your great aunt discovered that he had somehow learned of Monkhood’s… consciousness. She wasn’t sure how. And he’s been keen to master it ever since.’ 

Teddy nodded thoughtfully. 

‘What do you know of his character?’ she asked. 

‘He’s always been a mean sort,’ Mr Drey replied. ‘Of course, he can be gracious when he chooses, but cruelty and possessiveness are what motivate him.’ 

‘Going back,’ Teddy said, ‘How can I learn to communicate with the Manor?’ 

‘Oh, you’ll get a sense for her. You already have a bit. You noticed the drafts,’ he answered. Then added, ‘She tried to pretty up your room for you before you arrived.’ 

‘Thank you,’ Teddy said warmly reaching out to set her hand against the wall. ‘I’m of a mind to stay and perhaps find a way to open the house up to others — to fill the rooms and make it a welcome and happy place,’ Teddy continued, ‘But I don’t want to step on any toes and obviously I still need to hear what’s actually in the will.

Mr Drey listened to all of this and waited a moment before saying, ‘Well, it would be a change. But perhaps not a bad one.’ 

‘Thank you for answering my questions,’ Teddy said. ‘I won’t take up any more of your time at the moment, but please feel free to speak to me if you or Monkshood has any thoughts on the matter.’ 

Mr Drey stood. ‘I will, Miss.’ And he made his exit. 

‘A sentient house,’ Teddy thought. ‘How wonderful!’