Grand Deceptions. G. S. Willmott
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track them.’
‘Clever thinking, Mathew.’
‘What time do we start out?’ asked Joseph.
‘We will all meet here at the manor ready to begin the hunt at eleven.’
Joseph nodded and turned to their sister. ‘I assume you’ll be joining us, Rosie?’
‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
‘What about you, Mother? Will you be joining Father in the hunt?
‘I’m afraid not, son. My fox hunting days are well over.’
November 16, 1855
At 11 a.m. a hundred and fifty riders assembled, with over fifty hounds.
Mathew, being Master of Hounds, was in charge of the hunt; supervising the field, the hounds, and staff. The huntsmen, who had bred the hounds and worked with them, took charge of the pack during the hunt.
When Mathew was satisfied that all was in order, he instructed the huntsmen to lead the pack of hounds out over the estate’s meadows, hoping to flush out a fox. When the fox was flushed out into the open, the group would pursue their quarry with the huntsman and the hunting party. The field would follow at a gallop and watch the hounds chase down the fox. When the animal was cornered, the hounds took over.
In this particular case the fox eluded the hunters, the riders and hounds returned to the manor house without the trophy they sought. Waiting for the group was a banquet of food and drink on the lawns of Abernethy Manor. Mathew was congratulated by the former Master of Hounds, his father Lord Abernethy, for the excellent hunt despite the lack of success.
June 23, 1856
Lord Abernethy was sitting in his office, which was adjacent to the manor’s extensive library.
He was waiting for his son to meet with him as arranged the previous day.
Mathew entered the office, wondering what the purpose of the meeting was. It was unusual to receive a summons from his father. They usually talked at dinner or when working around the estate.
‘Ah, Mathew, please take a seat. Can I pour you a whisky?’
‘Yes thank you, sir.’
Lord Abernethy poured two generous malt whiskies from a 16th century decanter, and added, ‘I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you here.’
‘Well, yes, I don’t believe I’ve done anything wrong.’
‘Of course you haven’t! I just thought it was time to discuss your future.’
‘My future?’
‘As you are aware, Joseph as the eldest son will inherit my title and the entire estate. Your mother and I want to make sure that you are in a position to build your personal wealth.’
‘Thank you, sir. What are you proposing?’
‘What do you know about Australia?’
‘Well, I know it’s on the other side of the world.’
‘True, it is certainly a long way from here. However, it offers great promise of prosperity. It is rich in resources, including gold, and boasts the highest standard of living of anywhere on the globe.’
‘Father, are you proposing I immigrate to Australia?’
‘I am suggesting it; there is no pressure whatsoever. I will bequeath you £25,000 (Equivalent to $3,500,000 in 2016) to establish yourself.’
‘That’s a significant amount of money.’
‘Yes, it is, more than enough to create a very comfortable life in the colonies.’
‘Do I have a choice, Father?’
‘Yes, you do, but the money will not be available to you if you decide to stay. Understand, Mathew, it’s not that we want to get rid of you. Your mother and I love you. It’s just that we think this would give you an enormous opportunity to create your personal wealth.’
‘May I think about it?’
‘Certainly, take your time.’
Mathew decided he had no other choice, so he accepted his parent’s offer and made preparations to sail to Australia.
The Pain of Seduction
Chapter 2
January 1, 1856
George Griffith was preparing to celebrate his 21st birthday. His parents, Harriet and Harold, had invited one hundred guests to their home in Somerset for a party to end all parties, doubling as a New Year’s celebration. George was regarded as handsome with black hair and dark brown eyes and his posture was such that he appeared taller than his 5 feet 10 inches.
‘So, George are you looking forward to the festivities?’ asked Harold.
‘I am Father, and not just to the party but to coming of age.’
Harold looked at him thoughtfully. ‘Yes, son, you are now a man with all the responsibilities that entails.’
‘Like earning a living, you mean.’
‘Yes, that’s part of it. Have you given any more thought about what you would like to do?’
‘I’m still considering your offer of joining you in the bank, but I’m still not sure.’
‘Well, George, you’d better decide soon.’
‘Yes, I know.’
Harold laid a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘We’d better get organised. Your guests will be here any moment.’
‘I purchased a new outfit for the occasion, so I’d better get changed.’
‘Did you? I’m just wearing the same old thing I wear every New Year’s Eve.’
‘Hardly the same old thing sir! I’ve always admired that Savile Row suit.’
‘Yes, I must admit I always feel special when I’m wearing it,’ Harold admitted.
The two women of the house were also getting themselves ready for the big occasion Harriet had chosen a low-cut velvet dress, while her daughter Jane had chosen satin with the same fashionable neckline.
They both looked beautiful as they made their way to join the gentlemen in the foyer ready to greet the first guests already arriving to wish George a happy birthday as they presented him with gifts.
Soon the house was filled with the sound of conversations and laughter. At midnight the guests sang Auld Lang Syne and immediately after that, every guest present shouted Happy Birthday George.
When George finally made it to bed at 3.30 am, he was exhausted but euphoric.
The next morning, the young man decided to try and clear his head by taking a walk along the River Brue which bordered his parents’ property.
As he walked, he noticed young Cathy Haines swimming in the river. He stopped and called out to attract her attention. ‘Good morning, Cathy! I can’t believe you’re swimming… it must be very freezing in there.’
The girl rolled over