An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Fri Jun 26, 2015 2:30 am

Monday

“Well, as school terms go, that had to be one of the quietest we have had for a while.”

“Oh I agree,” Bobby said to me as we sat in the back of the car, “and I’m really looking forward to the summer holiday now.”

School had broken up for us the previous Wednesday, and now we were heading to a family dinner at the manor house with Grandma and Granddad. We’d even dressed up a little for the occasion – I was wearing a sky blue dress with capped sleeves, and small heels, while Mum had on a grey silk dress. Bobby and Dad were wearing suits and ties, and even Lucy had got dressed up, in a white dress with a yellow sash around her waist.

She was giggling happily in the front seat, looking back at the three of us as we made our way down the road and then up the driveway to Holderness Manor. As Dad parked outside the house, Mister Bridges came out, wearing his formal attire – the stuff he usually only wears for these occasions.

“Good evening, Master Alexander,” he said as we got out of the car, “Lord and Lady Holderness are waiting in the library.”

“Are they here yet,” Mum said as we walked through the front door.

“Not yet, no,” Mister Bridges said as he opened the door, and we walked in to find Grandpa in his favourite chair, Grandma standing by the fire. They were also dressed for dinner – Grandma in a cream coloured dress, Grandpa in a suit, shirt and tie.

“Ah good,” Grandma said, “Can I get you a sherry, Alexander, Susan?”

“A small one please,” Mum said as Bobby put Lucy on the floor, Grandpa leaning over and talking to her as she waved her arms.

“So did they enjoy helping out,” Mum said as she stood with Grandma.

“I think so yes – it was good of the school to allow Alicia to use this as further work experience, and it kept Angela occupied after she finished her first year, but you can ask them yourself when they get here.”

That was the reason we were gathering here tonight – well, that’s not quite true, I guess. We get together regularly anyway, but none of us has really seen either Alicia or Angela since before the half term holidays for any length of time.

Apparently, Granddad had been approached by one of his old friends, to help back a film that his son was making set in the Victorian era. It’s not something Red Line would normally get involved in, according to Dad, but Granddad had agreed, and in return not only would he get an acknowledgement in the film, but Angela and Alicia were offered parts in the cast. Alicia had finished her exams, and Grandma talked to Alicia’s school, so they were able to go and take part in the filming.

Why didn’t I go? Well, for one thing I could not get the time off school. For another, Mum and Dad told me it wasn’t that glamorous, and I spent those weekends hanging out with Cassie and Lisa, as well as the others. Still – the idea of being in a real film...

“There you are!”

I looked round to see Alicia come in with her mother, Andrew holding his mum’s hand as he looked round. He had on a waistcoat over his shirt and tie, while Aunt Anne was wearing a yellow sundress. Alicia was wearing a short sleeved blouse and knee length skirt.

“Hello Grandma,” she said as she came forward and hugged her, “Angela is just coming with Eddie.”

“Excellent – how are you my dear?”

“Excited – I still can’t believe we had the opportunity to take part in the film, even if we were only extras.”

“Well, it was an insight, that’s true,” Angela said as she came in with Eddie. Our oldest cousin was wearing a black evening dress with high heels, and looked like a million dollars – if that’s the right phrase.

“Congratulations on passing your first year,” Grandpa said as she stood up and hugged Angela. “It must be a relief.”

“In a way – but I had fun for the last few weeks as well,” Angela said with a smile.

“Dinner is ready when you are, Your Lordship,” Mister Bridges said as he appeared at the door.

“Excellent – shall we,” Grandma said as Alicia lifted Lucy from her chair, and we all walked into the dining room.




“I guess the best words are organised chaos,” Angela said as Mrs Bridges cleared the plates from our starter away, “a lot of people rushing around and a lot of standing around while things get sorted out.”

“They were a good group to stand around with though,” Alicia said, “and the ballroom scene...”

“What were you wearing for that,” Bobby asked as Mrs Bridges brought through the vegetables.

“Evening gowns – real old fashioned ones, like those they were at Debs balls now,” Angela said, “complete with the evening gloves and the sparkle.”

“It’s an amazing room as well at Markson Manor that they used,” Alicia said, “Bigger than the one here – no offence.”

“None taken,” Grandpa said with a smile, “Geoff has an amazing place there.”

“Geoff?”

“Sorry Suzanne,” Grandma said, “Geoffrey, Viscount Markson. Your father and I have known him for many, many years.”

“How many years?”

“Since my schooldays, if truth be told,” Grandpa said as he thanked Mrs Bridges for the plate she put in front of him. “But we really got to know him when he worked alongside your grandmother and I, as well as David Craig.”

Many years ago – or at least it seems that way the way Dad talks about it – my grandparents and Cassie’s late grandfather served in a forces unit together. They don’t talk a lot about it, but I know it was the same unit Cassie Craig Senior served in before she became a teacher.


“So did you recognise any of the actors on the film,” I asked as I looked at Alicia.

“Well – there was Tom Holland, he played the young male lead. They also had... What’s the name of the actress who was playing the lead, Angela?”

“You mean Georgie Henley? Yeah – they also had Keira Knightley...”

I was totally lost by now in their description of the clothes they had to wear, and the work they did. It was like a totally different world to me...

“So when do we get to see this masterpiece,” Bobby said as he put some of his meal into his mouth.

“Well, the premiere is on Sunday,” Grandma said as she looked at Grandpa, “but – well, you tell them Desmond.”

“As I said, Geoff is a very old and dear friend, so when his son Alun approached me to back this film I was more than pleased to do so. The Markson family have roots almost as deep as ours, but – well, they don’t have quite the financial reserves we do.”

“You mean they are poor,” I said as I looked at Grandma.

“Oh no, hardly that – but Markson Manor is a much older and larger place than the manor house here, and costs much more to maintain, so they rent it out for functions and also as settings for films such as this one.”

“Where is Markson Manor anyway,” Bobby asked.

“Near Exeter,” Grandpa said, “the village of Markson is a good half hour’s drive away, and Geoff works both as the director of the trust that maintains the village, and as a financial officer for a London firm in his own right.”

“So he lives in Markson Manor?”

“With his wife Audrey, yes. They have two children – Alun is in his late twenties, while Geraldine is the same age as Angela.”

“I met Gerry during the filming,” Angela said, “she’s a nice girl.”

“Anyway,” Grandpa said, “as I said, the premiere is in London on Sunday, and Geraldine and Alun will be attending. Geoff, however, has some meeting she cannot get out of, so he and Geraldine will be at the Manor – and, as a further thank you for supporting Alun, he had invited your grandmother and I to come and view the film.”

“Unfortunately,” Grandma said, “we also have other commitments, although we will attend the premiere on Sunday night.”

“So,” Grandpa said, “he has instead invited you, Suzanne, as well and Alicia and Angela to spend the weekend, along with a number of your friends.”

“What – see where a real film was made?”

“As well as the film – I understand you are unable to do a visit this weekend, Robert?”

“Yeah – weekend camp,” Bobby said with a sigh.

“Interested?”

I contained my joy at the idea as much as possible as Alicia said “how many friends can we take?”

“Well, it will only be Geoff, Geraldine and their housekeeper, Mrs Danvers,” Grandma said. “Mister Danvers is acting as chauffer for Audrey next weekend at their London apartment. So he suggests a maximum of four.”

“Well, I think only Jenny is free this weekend,” Alicia said, “so I can ask her – and I would imagine you want to ask Cassie as well, Suzie?”

I nodded before saying “I will need to ask if anyone else is free. Can I call you tomorrow with the other names, Grandpa?”

“Of course you may,” Grandma said, “we will inform him tomorrow night once you have made your decision.”

“You’ll love it,” Alicia said as she looked at me, “Viscount Markson and Geraldine are very nice.”

“So how close were you, Grandfather,” Bobby said.

“As close as you can be – we saved each other’s lives at least once.”

We looked at Grandpa before he said “this is an exceptionally good piece of pork, Mrs Bridges...”



Tuesday

“Wow – this sounds like an amazing place,” Cassie said as we sat on her bed. I’d been taken round with Bobby to ask if she wanted to come along. “About the only thing that could spoil it is having the Tornado Twins along.”

“I know – but Hazel, Claire and Pippa are all busy. Put it this way – they will be on their very best behaviour.”

“I suppose so,” I said as I smiled, “but think about it – Alicia said they still have a lot of the costumes from the film there, and we might be able to try some of them on.”

“Sounds like it’s going to be a real adventure,” Cassie said as she crossed her legs. “Do you think we’d get any time to play any games?”

“I have no idea,” I said quietly, “although if we did, it would have to be on the QT.”

“I know – and a whole new house to explore. You said your grandparents and Viscount Markson go way back?”

“Way way back – I googled them before coming over this morning. The name goes right back to Norman times like our family.”

“So we stay over at the Manor on Thursday night?”

“That’s right – Mister Bridges will drive us up on the Friday, and come to pick us up lunchtime on Monday.”

“Devon – that’s one heck of a drive away.”

“Agreed – so we leave early on Friday. Maybe we should pack some supplies – if only to make the long car journey a little more bearable...”
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 4:23 am

Nice!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 5:12 am

That would be a great adventure!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby Tom Ford » Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:27 am

Ah, so starts the mystery of Markson Manor. And it seems that Alicia and Angela are in the movies, and even if they would only be extras, still, not everyone can be in a movie! I’m sure they are very happy to see themselves when they get to see the movie itself at the manor.

So the Marksons are rich in land but relatively poor in cash, eh? Otherwise, Geoff, or Lord Markson as I’m sure everyone of the girls would call him out of respect, would not let his son ask money from his dear old friend. And he would not need rent out his manor for functions. I do wonder how much his son paid his father as rental? Probably nothing, since they chose the location so that they can save money on rentals.

A very interesting start. Told us where Alicia and Angela was during the time of the tale of A Quiet Night In. And the girls would get an advance screening of the movie. It would be a blast to see the reaction of them looking at Alicia and Angela in a movie, even only as extras as part of the crowd.

And it’s nice that they are even thinking of playing tie up games! They have a big playground, and with only three other people to hide it from!

And by the way, an extremely tiny quibble.

KP Presents wrote:Geoff, however, has some meeting she cannot get out of, so he and Geraldine will be at the Manor – and, as a further thank you for supporting Alun, he had invited your grandmother and I to come and view the film.”


She refers to Geoff, so that has to be he.

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:30 am

Great chapter!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:33 am

Great update!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Fri Jun 26, 2015 7:51 am

I like this new story. This should be interesting, to have them play in a totally new and awesome place.

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 8:52 am

Please please update really really soon!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Jun 26, 2015 8:53 am

Great beginning!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby William F Somebody » Sat Jun 27, 2015 11:27 pm

Thank you very much for this story, KP! I really appreciate it!!

So they are going to another manor, much bigger than Holderness Manor, but at the same time, much more expensive to maintain? And it was used as a movie set, and they will have an advanced screening?

I am excited, and I am looking forward on how the kids could sneak in being tied up in the story!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:30 am

Hope you update soon!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:56 am

“Actually – I wonder if the girls would be up for a little challenge for the journey – break the monotony a little bit?”

“Well, we could always ask them...”


Friday


“Cassie? Suzie?”

I slowly opened my eyes, wondering why it was still dark outside in the summertime, and then I remembered – we had a long drive and an early start ahead of us. I looked over at Cassie who was still sleeping, and then at Angela as she stood over me.

“I guess you want that taken off, don’t you?”

I nodded slowly as she leaned over and gently removed the strip of tape that was covering my mouth. We had all arrived at the manor house last night, so that we could get up and set off in time, and then – well, you probably know what happened when we went to bed.

Cassie and I were wearing shorts and vest tops, with our wrists tied in front of us, our ankles and knees bound, and the afore mentioned tape gag over our mouths. As Angela started to untie me, Cassie opened her eyes, looked over and said “Mrnggszeee.”

“Yeah it is,” Angela said as I sat up and stated to untie my legs, while she released and ungagged my friend. “Get up, washed and dressed – the others are getting ready, and Mr Bridges is putting your bags for the trip in the SUV.”

I nodded and went to the toilet, Cassie untying herself as we left.



When we went down for breakfast, I had put on a short sleeved blue dress, with a knee length skirt, while Cassie was wearing a white polo shirt and a grey gypsy style skirt that went over her knees.

Now, the obvious question is why these outfits, given we would be in a car most of the day. Well, firstly we already knew we were having a slightly more formal dinner when we arrived.

The other reason – well, that might have to do with the bet the six of us had made the night before, to have our knees tied for the entire journey. As we came in, we saw that Patty and Rachel were already eating, Patty in a yellow sundress, and Rachel wearing a patterned t-shirt with a long white skirt.

“You’d better eat up,” Alicia said as she helped herself to some cereal, “we’re stopping for lunch, but not before.” She had put on a green sleeveless coat dress, with a black belt around her waist, while Jenny was wearing a knee length floral print skirt with a short sleeved jumper.

Angela also came in, having changed into a dark blue dress with a white belt. We had all decided to wear proper shoes, to save changing when we got there.

“Okay, eat up,” Angela said as she sat down, and Mrs Bridges started to serve up scrambled eggs.

“I envy you girls,” she said as she handed Alicia, Jenny and Angela some coffee, “I’ve seen pictures of Markson Manor, but never actually visited it.”

“We’ll tell you all about it when we get back, Mrs Bridges,” Angela said with a smile.



The sun had just started to appear on the horizon as we slowly walked out to the SUV, Mr Bridges holding the door open as I climbed in with Cassie, Patty and Rachel.

“Are you sure you four want to do this,” Angela said as she climbed in after us.

“Yeah – we do want to do it,” Rachel said with a smile.

“Okay then – crossed wrists in front of you, please.”

I watched as one by one Angela made sure our wrists were tied tightly together in front of us, and then the rope taken down and used to tie our ankles together. Once we were all simple bound, she made sure out seat belts were on as Jenny and Angela came out.

“I might have known,” Jenny said as she shook her head, “still, at least they’ll be quiet.”

Cassie stuck her tongue out at her sister, before Angela smoothed a length of white tape over it. All four of us soon had the gag, before Angela got in the front beside Mr Bridges. The big car we were in had tinted windows, as we started off down the driveway, Mrs Bridges waving us off.

As we turned on to the road, I saw the red glow of the sun as it started to appear above the trees, and then my eyes slowly started to close...




“Do you want to buy a gigantic yacht?”

I wondered what that had to do with my dream of Brian, but then opened my eyes to see Angela looking at me.


“Whttmmsstt?”

“Just after twelve – we’re going to stop here for lunch,” she said as she untied me, and I saw Jenny helping Cassie to get free. “Wake the tornado twins up, and untie them for us please? We need to take a comfort break.”

I nodded as Angela followed Alicia, Jenny going as well, before we untied Patty and Rachel and got out, making sure our skirts kept our legs covered as Mr Bridges locked the car. We were at a service area, but we also had a picnic basket, so we made our way over to a picnic area and sat down.

We had chicken legs, sandwiches, and – no not lashings of ginger beer, before you think I’ve gone all Enid Blyton on you. But we had enough to eat and drink, before we had a somewhat constrained walk round and stretched our legs as much as we could.

It was closer to two when we got back into the car, the older girls replacing our ropes and tape gags as Mr Bridges put the basket away. As we set off, Angela said “if you can manage to stay awake, I’ll put a DVD on for you to watch and sing along to.”

We all nodded as Angela turned on the small screen in the back, and we watched this new musical they had bought. It was set in Scotland, and Angela put on the subtitles so we could all sing along – the film opened with two soldiers walking along before they started to sing, and we joined in.

Mnmwe frmmseeerethepeinstde (uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh)
Mnmwe frmmseeerethepeinstde (uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh)
Mnmewwtwhtwwntfrmthswrld
Ndyrssfrmnwwulmktthnxtwrld
Ndfrrfngthturssvvpyndr
Sswhtugfftmthdeewdred


It was great fun, singing along to a new film, even Patty and Rachel joining in as Alicia and Jenny talked quietly. Once that was done, Angela put on a cartoon collection, as we headed down the motorway.


It was just after five when Mr Bridges stopped and said “we’re nearly there, Miss Angela.”

“You’d better make them decent,” Angela said, Alicia and Jenny nodding as they untied us, removed the tape gags, and put everything into a bag as we wiped our wrists and mouths with baby wipes.

Setting off again, Mr Bridges drove for a few minutes, and then turned into a gate in a high wall. We drove up a long tree lined road, and then came out onto the largest private lawn I had ever seen, the three storey Markson Manor appearing before us.

“Wow,” Patty said as she looked out of the window, “this looks amazing, Angela.”

“It’s a sight, isn’t it,” Angela said with a smile as Mr Bridges pulled up at the bottom of a long, large set of stone steps. Getting out, Angela also got out as a girl about the same age as her came out of the house, wearing a cream dress with a white belt and shoes.

“Angie – I’m so glad you could come this weekend,” she said as the two of them hugged, while I got out.”

“Thanks for inviting us Gerri,” Angela said with a smile. “You remember Alicia of course?”

“Good to see you again Gerri,” Alicia said as she helped us out, “this is my good friend Jenny Craig and her younger sister Cassie. The redhead is my cousin Suzanne Holderness, but she prefers Suzie.”

“A real pleasure to meet you, Lady Markson,” I said with a little blush.

“Now, none of that this weekend – it’s Gerri. And the last two?”

“Patricia Pickering,” Patty said as she made a little curtsey, “and this is my friend Rachel Rigg.”

“Thank you for inviting us,” Rachel said as she looked at the large house.

“Come away in – Dad’s in the library,” Gerri said as we waked up the staircase, Mr Bridges bringing our bags up.

As we walked into a library the size of Grandma’s drawing room, we saw Viscount Markson sitting reading a book. He was certainly about the same age as Grandpa, and as thin, but as he stood up he smiled and said “Well, well – welcome back, you two.”

“Thank you, sir,” Angela said. “This is my cousin Suzie, my friends Jenny and Cassie Craig, Patty Pickering and Rachel Rigg.”

“So you’re David’s grandchildren,” he said as he looked at us. “I can certainly see your grandfather in you. How is your father?”

“He’s well,” Jenny said, “and when Aunt Cassie heard we were coming here, she said to say hello from Craig and Frost.”

He smiled as he said “well, I am glad they sent that message. I am really glad you got the chance to visit and watch the film with us. Geraldine, why don’t you show them round before dinner?”

“Of course,” Gerri said with a smile. As we left the library, she said “why don’t you grab your bags and come upstairs with my first, I’ll show you the rooms you will be sleeping in, and then we can do the mini grand tour.”

Once w head put our bags into the huge rooms we were sharing, we came back down and out of the front door, as Mr Bridges went off with a middle aged woman who wore a blue dress with white trim.

“That’s Mrs Danvers our housekeeper,” Gerri said, “let’s go for a walk round the back first.”

I thought they had a large lawn at the front, but as we walked round I saw this huge garden stretch off to the horizon, with a small pond that was fed by a fountain.

“Was the house built in Tudor times,” Jenny said as she looked up.

“Very good Jenny – the main part of the house dates back to Henry the Eighth, but the wings were built during Georgian times.”

“This is an amazing garden,” Cassie said as she looked down.

“We used this for the garden party scene in the film,” Angela said, “and for the grand ball arrival.”

“Oh yes,” Alicia said, “they were fun days – and dry thank goodness.”

“Tell me about it,” Gerri said with a smile, “let’s take a walk round.”

As we went round, I was amazed – this place made Holderness Manor look like Wissenden Hall, but they weren’t as well off as Grandma and Grandpa? But it was an older house, so I imagined it cost a lot more to look after.

Eventually, we walked back round the front, only to see Mr Bridges had left.

“Don’t worry – he’s going to stop overnight locally, and then come back for you on Monday,” Gerri said as we went back in. “Why don’t you get washed up and then we can go in for dinner?”

We went to the toilet, making sure we untied the ropes from our knees, and then came back out as Gerri said “All done? This way...”
Last edited by KP Presents on Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:48 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Jun 29, 2015 3:29 am

Nice!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Jun 29, 2015 3:30 am

The Manor is awesome!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby Tom Ford » Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:37 am

That was a really really long road trip! Twelve hours! Good thing they woke up so early or they would have arrived so late! At least they had some tie up fun during the trip.

And now they arrived at the Manor. I’m impressed with its size and age. It’s definitely famous since it ‘s used as a location for filming period films. Even Mrs Bridges wanted to go there!

Now that they have arrived, we’ll see what adventures our heroines will have!
One tiny quibble.
KP Presents wrote:I wondered what that had to do with my dream of Tommy, but then opened my eyes to see Angela looking at me.


Suzie can’t be dreaming of Tommy, since he is the crush of Patty. She should be dreaming of Brian Hampton, her crush!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:39 am

Yes I meant Brian - fixed.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:54 am

Wow! Everything is huge at Markson Manor! From the grounds, to the Mansion, to the rooms! I won't be surprised if Lord Markson is seven foot tall, or at least 6'5"!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Jun 29, 2015 6:18 am

Great chapter!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:06 am

Great update!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Jun 29, 2015 8:15 am

Please please update really really soon!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby The Wrapster » Mon Jun 29, 2015 9:09 am

Great update to what looks like an intriguing story!! One quibble, however. It's Wissenden Hall, not Widdeness

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:48 pm

OK 0 fixed that Wrapster
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby William F Somebody » Tue Jun 30, 2015 4:59 am

Thanks for this update, KP! So they arrived at Markson Manor, which as noted, was huge! Let's see what happens next, as they learn more about the Manor. Looks like Suzie would love to try out some of the costumes. I'm sure the others would like too!

I wonder what tie up fun will they have at the new Manor?

Definitely a transitional chapter! Still, I love the tie up scene in the car, and of course, by the fact that they were tied at the knees the entire trip, and I love their outfits!!

More! More! More!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Tue Jun 30, 2015 9:42 am

Hope you update soon!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:39 am

As we walked along the long corridor, I was amazed at the whole look and feel of the place. I mean, when we visit Holderness Manor you can see how old it is, but we don’t have real suits of armour standing there, with the swords. I kept wondering if we were in an old movie or an episode of Scooby Doo, and the armour would start to move...


“Boo!”

Yes, I jumped and then stared at Cassie, who was giggling like mad as we walked further down, and past large portraits. Some of them did look like Gerri, so this was obviously the family history, but when we passed the picture in Tudor costume I realised just how old this family was.

In fact, the strange thing was the lamps. Gerri smiled as she said “Because a lot of films have hired the Manor, we can easily hide things like the lights to make it truly authentic.”

“Ah there you are,” Lord Markson said as we entered the large dining room, “please, sit – Mrs Danvers, can you start to serve please?”




“So how well did you know our grandparents,” Alicia said as we were eating the main course.

Lord Markson smiled as he said “Well now – how much do you know of what your grandparents did before he became Lord Holderness?”

“Not a lot – in fact, all we really know is they worked for the government.”

“And what about your grandfather, Jenny?”

I could see Jenny and Cassie exchange a look – they have this thing in their family called the Craig Compact, where they don’t talk about certain things.

“All I can say for certain,” Jenny eventually said, “was that it was dangerous, and our Aunt Cassie did the same thing.”

“Mostly true,” Lord Markson said, “we helped out with a few things here and there.”

“Is it true you saved our grandfather’s life,” I asked, not sure if it was the right thing to do. He looked at me, then at Alicia and Angela, before he said “yes” and put some more food into his mouth.

“What happened,” Alicia asked as he put his knife and fork down, and wiped his mouth.

“Okay,” he eventually said, “how much do you know about what was going on in Africa in the 1970’s?”

We all looked to Angela, who said “A lot of revolutions and upheavals, the last real vestiges of the colonies becoming their own masters I guess.”

“Fair enough – well, towards the end of that century your grandfather and I were based in one of the friendlier of those countries, when we had word that another colleague was in some difficulties in Uganda. The sort of difficulties which meant getting him out of them had to be done – shall we say, quietly?

“So your grandfather and I had to travel across country to where this colleague was, slipping unnoticed across the border. It was very important nobody knew we were there, or that this other colleague as there. We travelled at night, and slept during the day, so it took at least two days to get to the rendezvous.

“When we got there, we met the friend, and we were about to set off back when, quite by chance, two army soldiers on patrol came by. We ducked down to hide, but as we did so I managed stupidly to step on some branches – however, by the time the patrol had found your grandfather and our friend, I had managed to slip away under cover of the dark and the bush.

“He could speak a little of the language, so they both stood with their arms raised and he started to try to talk to them. The capacity for talking to an obvious European, however, was a little low, so they shouted something and then aimed their guns at the other two. I think they both had the same thought at that time, but something else happened instead?”

“What,” I heard myself say excitedly.

“Me – I had made my way behind the two soldiers, and managed to subdue both before they could carry out their threat, and we escaped back over the border.” Looking over at Cassie and Jenny, he then said “your grandmother was very pleased to see him back as well, I can tell you.”

“Wow,” I said as Patty looked at Lord Markson. “So did you know James Bond as well?”

“No,” he laughed as dessert was served, “but I did meet Ian Fleming once.”

He then told us a few more stories, each one stranger than the first, before he said “why don’t you take the girls into the drawing room, Geraldine – I have something I want to show them.”

As we walked along, we heard Alicia say “this is where we had to stand for the reception line of the grand ball – was all the film made here, Gerri?”

“A lot of the location scenes yes – and a lot at Pinewood. Actually, we still have quite a lot of the costumes here in storage.”

“Wow,” Rachel said, “I’d love to try them on, if that was possible?”

Gerri looked at all of us as we sat down, and then said “Well, we could have you all dressed up to watch the film tomorrow, if you want, but it could be a little uncomfortable...”

“If Alicia can do it, so can I,” I said firmly, my two cousins shaking their heads as Gerri said “All right, all right – I’ll sort something out.”

“Now then,” Lord Markson said as he came in, carrying an old brown leather briefcase, “have a look at these.”

He sat down and opened the case, before he passed round a series of photos.

“Oh my,” Alicia said, “is that really our grandparents?”

“It most certainly is,” he said as I saw the picture of a young man and woman, the man in an officer’s uniform, the woman wearing a brown dress with gloves and a hat. I could certainly recognise my grandparents, and the second woman in the photo looked like Miranda Craig.

“So that’s our grandfather,” Cassie said as she looked at it with Jenny.

“Yeah – that’s how I remember him,” Jenny said with a smile as we next saw a photo of Grandpa, Cassie’s grandfather and Lord Markson together.

“And this,” he said as he passed round a letter in a clear plastic folder, “is the letter of commendation I got for the rescue I told you about.”

Yes, I admit it, I gawped at the letter, just as Jenny and Cassie stared at another one he handed to them. And then I couldn’t stop myself from yawning.

Gerri could see what I was doing, as she said “let me see if your rooms are ready yet,” and stood up, walking out of the drawing room for a minute.

“Would you excuse me if I went to bed, your Lordship,” I said as I looked at him.

“Of course not – you must all be very tired,” he said as Gerri came back. “I will see you all tomorrow morning.”


When I got to the room I was sleeping in, I saw something laid out on the bed, with a note pinned to it. It was from Mrs Danvers, who said that as we would spend the day in Victorian clothes, we should sleep in the same costumes the girls wore in the film as well.

I looked at the long white nightdress, and then stripped and put it on. It came to the floor, and had long sleeves with lace cuffs. It also had a top that was designed to mimic a shawl, with a gathered part under my chest.

It felt very comfortable actually, and I was very tired – very very tired, as I lay down and my eyes closed almost instantly....





Saturday

“Good Morning, Miss Suzanne.”

I slowly opened my eyes to find Mrs Danvers at the side of the bed, placing a glass of milk at the side of the bed on a small table.

“What time is it,” I asked as I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

“Just after six – Miss Geraldine and Miss Angela would like you to shower, and then start to don your costume before they come in.”

“All right then,” I said as I sat on the edge of the bed and drank the milk, “thank you Mrs Danvers.”

“Miss,” she said as she turned and left the room. She was wearing a white blouse and a knee length grey skirt with shoes, so I knew she probably would not be dressing up. I finished my milk, grabbed my wash bag and a towel, and then went into the shower.



When I came back, there was what looked like a short sleeved white nightdress on the bed, as well as a pair of white stockings and brown ankle boots that laced up the front. Now, normally boots or trainers or whatever I had on my feet would be the last thing I would put on – but these had to have been placed there for a reason, so I put on the nightdress. It had short puffed sleeves, and certainly was comfortable – as were the stockings.

“Morning Suzie – I need you to put the boots on as well now – you’ll understand why in a few minutes.”


I looked at the door as both Angela and Gerri came in, accompanied by Mrs Danvers – but my oldest cousin and her friend looked very different. Angela was wearing what appeared to be an off white blouse, buttoned up the front, and a very large grey silk skirt that really did flow out from her waist to the floor. She also looked thinner somehow, with a black sash round her waist, and a funny looking jacket the same colour and material as the skirt, with sleeves that were open below the elbow. Her blonde hair was covered by a peach coloured bonnet which was loosely tied under her chin.

Gerri was wearing a tartan patterned dress, which flowed just like Angela’s, and had a black sash round the waist, as well as a dark chocolate brown jacket. A bonnet of the same colour was tied over her hair, while she also wore a pair of off white lace gloves.

“Well, I’m glad the chemise fits at any rate,” Gerri said as the three of them put some things on the bed. “I shall wake Miss Patricia now, and make sure Miss Cassandra will be ready for you,” Mrs Danvers said as she left the room.

“We decided we should really go for it today,” Angela said, “so we’ll all be wearing the full outfits, just as Ali and I did. Now what you have on is the first layer.”

“So what comes next,” I said as I put on the boots and laced them tightly.

“Well, these,” Gerri said as she held up what looked like a pair of Capri pants – except they were white, baggy, had a gathered cuff, and appeared to be crotchless.

“They’re called drawers,” Alicia said as she helped me to put them on, and tucked the chemise into them.

“But they’re missing something...”

“Again, little cus, trust me,” Angela said as Gerri held up a white – well, it looked like a white flexible board, buttons in the middle and laces at the sides.

“What is that?”

“Oh this – this is what makes your waist thinner,” Gerri said, “a corset.

“Ready?”

I nodded as Alicia took the corset, and positioned it so that the buttoned front was against my stomach. As she wrapped it round me, I wondered what was going to happen – and then my breath was literally taken away as she began to lace it at the back, pulling tight as I felt my stomach being pulled in.

“You need to keep breathing slowly and regularly,” Gerri said as Alicia pulled it as tight as she could, and I felt not only my waist move in, but my chest move up as well.

“There,” Alicia said as she tied the final knot, “what waist are you normally Suzie.”

“Twenty four I think – why?”

“Well,” Angela said as she took a tape measure round, “you’re now nineteen inches. Ready to continue?”
Last edited by KP Presents on Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:58 am, edited 2 times in total.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:52 am

And now, courtesy of William F Somebody - visual references!

Nighttime attire
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Angela
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Gerri
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The undergarments
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Image
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Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby Tom Ford » Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:06 am

A quick quibble. I think you meant Lord Markson when Markham was written.

Thanks.

KP Presents wrote:“Ah there you are,” Lord Markham said as we entered the large dining room, “please, sit – Mrs Danvers, can you start to serve please?”

***



Lord Markham smiled as he said “Well now – how much do you know of what your grandparents did before he became Lord Holderness?”

***

“Mostly true,” Lord Markham said, “we helped out with a few things here and there.”

**

“Wow,” I said as Patty looked at Lord Markham. “So did you know James Bond as well?”

**

“Now then,” Lord Markham said as he came in, carrying an old brown leather briefcase, “have a look at these.”

***

“Yeah – that’s how I remember him,” Jenny said with a smile as we next saw a photo of Grandpa, Cassie’s grandfather and Lord Markham together.

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby KP Presents » Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:19 am

Tom - sorted
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Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:20 am

What fun!!!!

Re: An Education - The Mystery of Markson Manor

Postby John Kennon Smith » Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:22 am

What great costumes!!