Day 62: 8 January 2026

 Short Story -- Monkshood Manor: Part 16

Teddy had finished replying to Lady Genevieve’s invitation saying that she would be delighted to meet up at her earliest convenience. She also called Mr Millings, the contractor, to see when he’d be free to come for a walk through. Happily, he had said that he could swing by the next morning.

Which is why Teddy was now sitting in the drawing room clutching and unclutching her hands. She’d never been good at waiting for guests to arrive. Even people she liked made her a bit giddy and nervous for the half hour leading up to the designated meeting time.

Thankfully, Mr Drey soon relieved her. ‘Mr Millings is here,’ he said, showing him into the drawing room. Thomas Millings was over six feet tall, with dark wavy hair and intelligent green eyes. He was younger than she’d expected — closer to her own age really. He was dressed practically in clothes that were modest, durable and one wouldn’t mind if they got dirty. 

‘Mr Millings, welcome!’ Teddy said. ‘Can we get you coffee or tea?’

‘Ummmm, no thank you,’ he said appearing a bit confused but then smiling warmly. ‘You must be Miss Theodora?’

‘Oh dear, I skipped that, didn’t I?’ Teddy’s cheeks turned pink.

‘Not to worry. It was easy enough to figure out. So, you mentioned when we spoke yesterday that you recently inherited this house and are interested in both just making sure that it’s generally safe but that you possibly have some other plans?’

‘Yes!’ Teddy confirmed. ‘Perhaps we should do a walk through first and then I can tell you some of my ideas?’

‘That would be fine,’ he answered. ‘Shall we start here? Since we’re already here?’

The next three hours were spent walking through the house while Mr Millings took detailed notes. Teddy seeing how far into his notebook he was was starting to feel a bit disheartened. Perhaps after today’s chat she and the House could see how much they could do themselves? Much like her tour with Mr Drey. They’d ended up upstairs. They’d started with the children’s half and ended in the old servants’ quarters. Looking across the room to a small mirror, Teddy noticed a message appearing in the dust: You’ve got this! Teddy smiled, glad that Monkshood was on her side.

When it looked like Mr Millings had finished writing, Teddy ventured, ‘Shall we head down to the drawing room and you can tell me what you’ve found?’

‘Of course,’ Mr Millings agreed.

They walked down to the drawing room in silence. Teddy had noticed that Mr Millings didn’t seem one for small talk, which had made her self-conscience at first.

In the drawing room, it was immediately clear that Mrs Winter had been in. There was a fresh pot of both tea and coffee, sandwiches and cake. Teddy shook her head amusedly. Then she gestured to a seat. ‘Please. Can I get you anything?’

‘A coffee would be nice, thank you. Just black.’

Handing him a mug, she poured herself one. Looked at him timidly. Then also made herself a plate with a few sandwiches. He proceeded to do the same, which made her feel better.

‘It’s a stunning piece of work,’ Mr Millings started. ‘But I’m sure it will come to no surprise to you that in order to get the whole house habitable, assuming that’s your intention, it will take a fair amount of time, effort and money.’

Teddy’s smile fell slightly. She’d known it was the case but still, she’d hoped perhaps more of it was cosmetic than not.’

Mr Millings, having noticed the effect on Teddy’s smile, jumped in to reassure her, ‘But I’m hopeful that we can break it down into more manageable pieces.’

Teddy’s smile was warming again when it turned to a frown. Confused, Mr Millings followed her gaze: out the window and to the lawn, where he noticed a man stalking across her land and coming towards them.

‘Miss Thompson?’ he asked.

‘I am not expecting anyone,’ she started, ‘But it looks like Lord Tottington. And that could mean trouble. I’m so sorry but please, give me a minute.’ She stood and rang for Mr Drey.

He arrived not a moment too soon, as Lord Tottington was soon rapping at the glass doors that led out. His eyes were dark and full of fury. ‘Let me in. NOW!’

Mr Millings instinctively put himself between Lord Tottington and Teddy as Mr Drey met Lord Tottington outside.

Mr Drey was calm. He wasn’t speaking loudly so it was hard to hear exactly what he was saying. But Lord Tottington was shouting, about: the police, his reputation and honour, about lack of some people’s class, and something about it not being over — whatever it was.

Teddy stood tensely but still behind Mr Millings. He didn’t move from in front of her until Lord Tottington had started marching back the way he’d come from and Mr Drey’s shoulders had visibly relaxed.

Teddy started. ‘I’m so sorry you had to witness that.’

‘I’m sorry that you experienced it,’ Mr Millings said, clearly still concerned.

Teddy went to the glass doors and let Mr Drey in. ‘We need to call the Inspector,’ he said. ‘Shall I or would you like to, Miss?’

‘You can,’ Teddy decided. ‘Since you actually had the conversation with him.’

Mr Drey bowed slightly and left the room. Teddy walked back to her chair. ‘Again, I apologise,’ she said looking at Mr Millings. ‘Please continue with your assessment and recommendations.’