Chatterbox: Pudding's Place

The Mystery of Marlow Manor

The place: Marlow Manor, the home of the esteemed author, Margaret Marlow, home to some of the rarest antiquities on earth.

The time: A stormy night, December 16th, 1929

The cast:

Madame Marlow, age 53, the hostess of a most unusual holiday party, and a frequent visitor to the White House (She is a personal friend of president Herbert Hoover). Madame Marlow is the praised author of a series of mystery books, and lives a reclusive life in her estate.....

Dr. Alice Regenbogen, age 36, an alumni of a prestigeous University. One of the leaders of the chemistry field, not much is known about her, other than her published works, and many a rumour...

Mr. Raymond Bloodstone, age 56, a very popular actor, famous for his roles in Hamlet and King Lear. Very bold and brash, he is not known to give up easily, especially when much is at stake...

Dr. Thaddeus Bayconn, age 67, a famed archeologist, known for his work regarding Egyptian Mummies. However, he is rumoured to be cursed by one of his finds. Frankly, that's not hard to believe...

Mr. Walker "Tex" Rychmann, age 72, a robber baron with a mean streak, and a mean attitude. He doesn't stop till he's got his way, and you're history. Don't get on his bad side...

Miss Emelia Gearheart, age 29, famed avatrix, and the first person to cross the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean at the same time (long story). She is the figurehead of her sponsor, General Aviation, who also built her airplane, the Albatross IV (bet you can't guess what happened to the other three). Best look out...

Miss Lucy Svetton, age 21, a popular singer, and a well known guest at parties. Known to freely spend, especially when the latest in fashion is offered. One of the most affluent of the guests at this party, and that's saying a lot...

Mr. Jacob Breezeway, age 29, president of Consolidated Shipping lines, and a frenemy of Tex Rychmann.  He inherited the company from his father, and quite a bit of money as well. For him, life is on the up-and-up. We'll see if that still stands after tonight...

Dr. Jameson Rutherford III, age 65, a well-known professor at a well-known university. Renowned for his work in mathematical theory...

Mr. James Jameson, age 43, a senator, who is probably just here for money...

Mr. Barry Baymour, age 56, a real estate mongul, who is only present to bribe James Jameson... 

...and finally, Ms. Ruby Ameralde, age 48, a (very rich) jewel empire heiress... 

Later tonight, several, shall we say, unexpected guests shall arrive...

All guests recieved the following invitation:

~--------~Dear XXXXXX~--------~   ~December 3rd, 1929, CE~

You have been cordially invited to attend a dinner party at the residence of the esteemed Madame Marlow. Please arrive at the south entrance, on the 16th of December, no later than 8:30 PM. Bring no one but yourselves. Please, R.S.V.P. 

~ Sincerely, Madame Marlow ~

On the stormy 16th of December, all the patrons arrived. The guests began to talk among each other in the lounge. And thus, began the most harrowing night of all of their lives...