Day 75: 21 January 2026

 Short Story -- Monkshood Manor: Part 20

Teddy awoke to hearing rain pattering against the windows of her room. But the fire was already lit — Teddy suspected Monkshood herself of doing that — and the smell of fresh baked pastries and just brewed coffee hung in the air.

‘Are you trying to make the morning I bind myself to you special?’ Teddy asked the house smiling.

The house sent a happy vibration through the room.

‘Thank you,’ Teddy said.

A little while later, Teddy emerged from her room dressed and ready for the day. She headed towards the kitchen.

To her surprise, Inspector Will and Althea were deep in discussion as she swung open the door. Both of them looked up as she entered.

‘Morning, Teddy dear!’ Mrs Winter exclaimed walking towards the coffee pot. ‘Sit down and help yourself.’

Teddy settled in a chair opposite the Inspector.

‘Morning,’ he greeted.

‘Good morning,’ Teddy said to them both. Then she turned to the inspector, ‘What brings you here on a Saturday morning? Any updates on Lord Tottington?’

‘Only that apparently he mysteriously disappeared in the night,’ the Inspector said.

‘What do you mean? Disappeared?’ Teddy asked.

‘I had a couple men covertly keeping an eye on Lord Tottington after he barged over yesterday. But it seems that this morning, when they went to do a check, he was gone.’

Teddy’s brow furrowed as she took a bite of the warm pain au chocolat. She chewed thoughtfully.

The Inspector continued, ‘I was apprising Althea here of the situation so she can be better prepared.’

‘I’m nothing if not always prepared,’ Althea said with a wink, ‘but it never hurts to have more intel.’

At that, the Inspector excused himself and headed out.

‘What do you think?’ Teddy queried Mrs Winter.

‘Old houses all have their secrets,’ Mrs Winter said. Then, changing the subject she asked, ‘Are you ready for your and the Mano’s big day?’

‘I think so,’ Teddy replied. ‘As far as I’m aware it’s just a prick of the finger. Some blood here and there.’

Mrs Winter nodded. ‘But it’s a big commitment to the house as well.’

‘True, but that part’s easy enough. Anyone can see Monkshood Manor is special.’

Mrs Winter nodded.

An hour later Mr Reed arrived. He was dressed more casually today Teddy noted as they all gathered in the main hall: herself, Mr Reed, Mrs Winter, and Mr Drey.

Mr Reed had set out the document that required blood, some powder for setting it all, a pen, and a ceremonial looking bone handled knife.

‘Is that,’ Teddy said pointing to the knife uneasily, ‘really necessary?’

‘Rules are rules, and traditions are tradition,’ Mr Reed answered solemnly. Then more light heartedly he added, ‘But it really is just a prick.’

The whole thing took less than ten minutes to complete.

Mr Reed gathered the items he’d brought and put them back into his satchel. ‘Monkshood Manor is yours,’ he said.

‘I don’t feel any different,’ Teddy said.

‘The magic is in the relationship, not a one time action,’ Mr Reed answered.

And simple as that, Teddy was now the legal owner of Monkshood Manor.