GRACEHAVEN Copy

Mr. Merton sniffs. "Dinner's in an hour. You'll be expected downstairs. Sally will show you to your room." He turns and leaves abruptly. Sally, the maid, takes your valise from the coach and smiles. "Don't mind the master," she says, kindly. "He's a bit rough around the edges, but his heart is in the right place. You must be tired. Let me take you to your room." You're grateful for her kindness as she takes your valise and leads you down the hall. [[Continue|Go to Room]]

Your are relieved to see that your new room seems agreeable enough. There is an ornate wardrobe to unpack your things, a bed and a window overlooking the grounds. In the distance, you can see the ruin of Gracehaven Abbey rising above the trees. As you dress for dinner, you take a look around the room. [[Unpack your Things|Examine the Wardrobe]] [[Contemplate Gracehaven Abbey|Enter Eliza]]

Lighting the candle, Eliza leads you down a long passage to the dining room, where, lit with tapers, a group of young people are gathered around a long dining table. "Prudence, allow me to introduce my brother, Frederick. Beside him, in the army uniform, is Mr. Henley, and then Georgiana Henley, his sister." The fashionably dressed young lady nods at you, and smiles. "How do you do?" [[Curtsey to Georgiana|Greet Georgiana]] [[Compliment her dress|Compliment Georgiana]]

The tall, carved wooden wardrobe is a type in common usage in the last century. You open the heavy door and look inside. It is clean and empty, except for a spare blanket. Not much to see here, really. [[Close the Wardrobe Door|Close the Wardrobe Door]]

"Forgive me for not waiting until dinner to be introduced," Eliza continues," but I'm so excited to have a friend here at Gracehaven. I've been stuck here with my brother and his friends all summer, and I'm sooo bored! "Tell me: have you any news of London? Or have you read a good novel?" [[Sorry, I've never been to London.|Country Girl]] [[Talk about London fashions. |News of London]] [[Have I! Let me make you a reading list. |A Good Novel]]

Pretty soon, you have Eliza eating out of your hand as you describe the latest London fashions. You don't outright lie... but if Eliza thinks you've spent time in London society, so much the better. [[Continue|Cont Eliza]]

"I am a great fan of gothic novels," you confess. "Particularly ones with crumbling abbeys!" Eliza is clearly charmed by your guilelessness. She clasps your hand with a conspiratorial giggle. "Me too! Don't you just love spooky stories? And - our Abbey is haunted!" "I can tell we are going to be great friends," says Eliza, confidently. [[Continue|Cont Eliza]]

"He's here!" Eliza says, excitedly. "In fact, you'll meet him at dinner. He's quite handsome," she adds, blushing furiously. You're dying to press her for details about Henley, but you aren't sure if you know her well enough. Perhaps it's better to change the subject? [[Change the subject.|Ask About the Abbey]] [[Press her for a confidence about Henley.|Eliza's Confession]]

"The old abbey," you say, indicating it. "I'd love to know more about its history." "Oh, it's quite horrific!" says Eliza, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Some say that a woman killed herself there, and that's why it was abandoned. At night, you can hear her keening in the wind!" Seeing your eyes go wide, Eliza giggles. "Come. You must meet my brother Frederick. He knows all about the abbey!" [[Go to dinner. |Meet the Other Guests]]

A sudden storm darkens the skies over the English countryside as your carriage hurtles toward Gracehaven Manor. The bumpy country roads toss you around the carriage. "Some holiday," you think to yourself, wondering what could have possessed your father to send you to the small country village of Gracehaven, alone. You remember the letter that he pressed into your hand as you mounted the carriage. It might shed some light on his intentions. [[Read the Letter|Read the Letter]] [[Look Out the Window|Contemplate the Abbey]]

You open the letter in your lap and begin reading: "March 10, 1794 My dearest daughter, Please forgive my rushing you to Gracehaven this summer without explanation or ceremony. You deserve to know the truth. Since the death of your mother, you may recall that I have been spending much of my time in London on business. I am ashamed to admit that, in the course of that endeavor, I have taken up a habit of playing cards at the men's club where I take my dinner. In my grief, I perhaps spent too much time and money in that particular pastime. In short, I have run us into bankruptcy. [[Bankruptcy?|Continue Reading]] [[Skip to the End|Skip to the End]]

As you look out the window, you contemplate the reasons why your father might have sent you away for the summer. He seemed more preoccupied than usual the last time he returned from London. Possibly he was brooding about... [[His excessive debts|Excessive debts]] [[The death of your mother|Death of your mother]] [[The future of his only daughter|Your future]]

Evening falls on Gracehaven Manor as you arrive. An older man in worn clothes and wild hair lights a lamp at the doorway. When he sees you descending from the carriage, he approaches you. His face is serious, but his aspect is kind. "You must be the daughter of my former barrister," he says, with a smile. "What a good man your father is. He was like a brother to me! Why, when I began to lose my eyesight, he took over all my affairs. An upstanding gentleman. So trustworthy! Why, the most admirable man I've ever met in my life!" [[Well, actually... |Tell the Truth]] [[ Yes, he is quite admirable. |Shine Him On]] [[The miserable reprobate gambled away our house.|He Gambled it Away]]

(set: $tossLetter to true)\ You ball the letter up and throw it out the window. "Miserable reprobate," you mutter to yourself. With a jolt, the carriage comes to a halt. [[Arrive at Gracehaven|Arrive at Gracehaven]]

You fold the letter carefully and place it in your reticule. "Well, I've never met General Merton, but Dad trusts him. What could go wrong?" You think. With a jolt, the carriage comes to a halt. [[Arrive at Gracehaven|Arrive at Gracehaven]]

You read on: "I must sell the estate and go to sea, where I hope to regain our fortune by trading in the West Indies. My darling daughter, it shames me to confess it to you, as you are a blameless and most accomplished young lady, deserving of all that is finest in life... It goes on like this for another page or so. Father does tend to ramble. [[Continue reading the letter|Continue 2]] [[Skip to the end|Skip to the End]] [[Throw the Letter Out|Throw the Letter Out]]

"I am sending you to live at the home of my former patron, General Merton. There, you may be introduced to society while under his loving protection, and cultivate the gentle decorum which befits country life. There is nothing else for it, my dear: you must find a husband with an income. A thousand pounds a year should suffice to keep us both. Best of luck. When I return from my voyage, I hope to find you well settled with good friends and a fine estate. Forgive me, Papa" Speechless, you let the letter drop in your lap. [[Throw the Letter Out the Window|Throw the Letter Out]] [[Fold the Letter and Put it In Your Reticule|Keep the Letter]]

(this is where you would pick a name if we had a name generator.) For now, we will call you: PRUDENCE. [[Continue.|Welcome]]

Mr Merton's face darkens, all kindness drained from it. "Gambled it away?" He says. "Ah, I see the complete picture." [[Continue|Continue]]

"I'm sorry," you say. "We got off on the wrong foot. While my circumstances may be reduced, I assure you I will be no trouble to you." [[My name is...|Pick a Name]]

"Look," you say. "I'm very tired. It's been a long journey. Would it be possible to get a bath and some food?" Mr. Merton peers at you disagreeably. "Not only a fortune hunter, but a rude one who speaks ill of her own father. Very well. Sally, get the little savage a bath and we'll figure out where to put her tomorrow. Her manners recommend her to the stable." [[I'm sorry. We got off on the wrong foot. |Happy Aaron]] [[The little savage has a name. |Pick a Name]]

"Mr. Merton," you begin, "It grieves me to tell you this, but my father is not the most upstanding man you ever met. In fact, his debts have forced him to find his fortune in the West Indies. He has completely bankrupted our family." Mr. Merton blinks in disbelief. "But... how can this be? How did he lose his money?" [[He gambled it all away.|He Gambled it Away]] [[He made some... unfortunate investments.|Father Was Not Good With Money]]

"Indeed he is," you say, mustering a smile. "And he speaks most highly of you!" Mr. Merton is pleased to hear it. "Welcome, my dear," he says. "And... what shall we call you?" [[My name is...|Pick a Name]]

"Father was never very good with money," you confess. It's not exactly a lie, but it whitewashes the truth enough to make your arrival a bit more comfortable. Mr. Merton nods. "That is true," he says ruefully. "His heart was in the right place... but he was always at the card table. " [[Continue|Continue]]

You step back into the room, closing the wardrobe door. A girlish voice startles you. "You must be the new guest! Father told me you'd be here." You turn around to see: Eliza, the youngest daughter of the Merton household. She has a bright, open countenance which you find immediately engaging. [[Greet Eliza |Meet Eliza]] [[Oh! You startled me. |Meet Eliza]]

"I'm sorry," you say, blushing. "I'm afraid I wouldn't know a London hat from a poke bonnet." Eliza is clearly charmed by your guilelessness. She clasps your hand with a conspiratorial giggle. "Well whatever you do, my dear: don't tell Georgiana. She talks of nothing else but turbans and silk stockings!" [[Continue|Cont Eliza]]

Your window affords a clear view of the Abbey. Around the intact bell tower, portions of the medieval roof have fallen to ruin. From this angle, it almost seems as though you can see a woman's figure in the bell tower, framed by the dwindling light... "You must be the new guest! Father told me you'd be here." A girlish voice startles you, and you turn around to see: Eliza, the youngest daughter of the Merton household. She has a bright, open countenance which you find immediately engaging. [[Greet Eliza |Meet Eliza]] [[Oh! You startled me. |Meet Eliza]]

"He's here!" Eliza says, excitedly. "In fact, you'll meet him at dinner. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you again! " Uh oh. [[Change the subject.|Ask About the Abbey]] [[Press her about Henley.|Eliza's Confession]] [[Go to dinner and hope for the best. |Meet the Other Guests]]

"Do I detect some feeling for our Mr. Henley?" You venture, delicately. Eliza blushes even more furiously. "Oh, I'm sure they all know. Frederick and Georgiana tease me mercilessly. But I can't help it. He looks so dashing in his uniform!" [[There's more to love than a dashing uniform.|Overstepping]] [[I know what you mean.|Sympathy]]

"Careful," you admonish the young girl. "A dashing uniform does not make a great husband." Eliza visibly chills. "Thank you for the advice," she says, in a tone of voice that lets you know that she never asked for any. You wonder if you've spoiled a perfectly good friendship as she gestures for you to follow. "Come. Let's go down to dinner," she says. [[Try to patch things up.|Sympathy]] [[Go to dinner. |Meet the Other Guests]]

"I understand," you say, sympathetically. "Sometimes its hard to hide our feelings, even when it means braving ridicule." Eliza smiles. "I can tell we are going to be friends," she says, confidently. Come. Let's go down to dinner. I'll introduce you." [[Ask about the Abbey.|Ask About the Abbey]] [[Go to dinner. |Meet the Other Guests]]

You sit beside Georgiana. She seems talkative and friendly. Perhaps she can be your guide to manners at Gracehaven. She looks past you at Eliza. "You barely introduced us, Eliza," she chides. "Tell us, what is your charming friend doing at Gracehaven?" "You know, I completely forgot to ask!" Says Eliza, laughing. "What does bring you to Gracehaven, Prudence?" [[My father thought it would improve my manners.|Georgiana at Gracehaven]] [[I'm looking for a husband.|Husband hunting]]

You take a seat beside the mysterious James. You're drawn to him, perhaps because he is so self-contained. He barely seems to notice you're there. You venture an ice-breaker. [[So. Where are you from?|James at Gracehaven]] [[How do you know Frederick? |University Days]] [[How much money do you have?|An Affront to Good Taste]]

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss," you say to Georgiana, with a deep curtsey. Georgiana can barely stifle a laugh. "'Miss?'" she scoffs. "Goodness, who are you? The village shepherdess?" You blush furiously, embarrassed. Eliza takes your elbow and directs you to another guest. [[Greet James|Greet James]]

"I love your dress," you say to Georgiana appreciatively. Georgiana is flattered. "Thank you!" She says. "I bought it in this precious shop in town. You must allow me to take you there while you're here." You smile warmly at Georgiana, as Eliza takes your elbow and directs you to another guest. [[Greet James|Greet James]]

"And this is Mr. James Radcliffe, my brother's friend from Oxford. He has joined us for the summer!" she adds, with an air of false cheerfulness that seems to indicate that she has no idea why Mr. James Radcliffe is here. James Radcliffe, himself, is handsome, in a dark and stormy way, but seems distant and preoccupied. "Hmnm," says Mr. Radcliffe, by way of introduction. [[Compliment James|Compliment James]] [[Try a more formal greeting |Formal James]]

"That's a very nice... tie," you say to James, trying to find a flattering thing to say. James Radcliffe stares at you with a look of horror. He says nothing. There's a moment of uncomfortable silence. Georgiana laughs. "That will never do, Prudence," she says. "A gentleman never appreciates a compliment. You must treat them with more spirit!" [[Sit down to dinner.|Choose a Seat]]

"How do you do, Mr. Radcliffe," you say, with a deep curtsey. This seems to get the attention of the preoccupied Mr. Radcliffe. He smiles, faintly, nodding in your direction. [[Sit down to dinner.|Choose a Seat]]

"Please, Prudence, join us, and sit where you like," says Frederick Merton, with a friendly air. "Father is not joining us tonight, and we don't stand on ceremony." You look around the table and survey your choice of dinner companions. There are two seats left: one next to Georgiana, and one next to James. [[Sit by Georgiana.|Sit by Georgiana]] [[Sit by James. |Sit by James]]

"What part of the country do you hail from, Mr. Radcliffe?" you ask. Radcliffe seems uncomfortable with being asked the question. "I have an estate in the North," he answers, hesitantly. [[How do you know Frederick? |University Days]] [[Is it a very large estate?|An Affront to Good Taste]] [[Very pretty country up North.|North Country]]

"Do you know Frederick from University?" You venture hesitantly. Mr. Radcliffe nods. "Both Frederick and Henry were in my class at Balliol. We met as freshmen. We rode here from my family's estate the North country." [[Good friends are hard to find. |Friends]] [[Very pretty country up North.|North Country]] [[This estate... how much is it worth, do you think?|An Affront to Good Taste]]

You jump right into the matter at hand. "How big would you say your estate is, roughly?" James Radcliffe just stares at you in horror. The whole room falls silent. Georgiana laughs. "Desperation is never attractive, my dear. Try something else." [[How do you know Frederick? |University Days]] [[Apologize|Was it something I said?]]

"Oh, the Abbey!" Frederick leans forward. "Yes, it's full of secret passages. They're called 'priest holes.' During the Reformation, priests would hide there to avoid being killed by the Protestants." "Good lord," says Georgiana, her eyes as wide as saucers. "Killing priests? That seems excessive, doesn't it?" [[Ask about the priests.|Ask about the priest.]] [[Ask about the secret passages.|Am I safe?]] (if: (history:) contains "Find the trap door")[ [[I think one of those secret passages leads to my room.|Ask about the trapdoor]]] (if: (history:) contains "Ask About the Abbey")[ [[Ask about the ghost.|Ask about the ghost.]]]

"My father sent me here for the summer. He seems to think it would improve my manners," you reply, lightly. Georgiana's laugh trills through the halls. "Not likely with this lot, Prudence. We'll lead you astray faster than the devil himself." You're so relieved to have passed muster that it takes you a moment to catch the meaning in her twinkling eyes. Is she.. flirting with you? [[And what about you? Will you lead me astray?|Flirt with Georgiana]] [[Make small talk|Oh the Turbanity]] [[Nod and smile|Nod and smile]]

"I hear turbans are all the rage in London right now," you say out loud, to no-one in particular. Georgiana nods. "Everything's gone Turkish, " she pouts. "It looks hideous on me, but I do adore fashion!" (if: (history:) contains "Sit by Georgiana")[[[Continue|Gossip]]] (if: (history:) contains "Sit by James")[ [[Ask about the Abbey|Change the subject]]]

"Eliza tells me there is a ghost of a woman that haunts the Abbey," you say. "Who is she?" Georgiana smiles. "A disappointed lover, no doubt," she smirks. "Indeed." Frederick nods. "Some say she is the lover of a priest who was burned alive during the Reformation." "Burned alive!?" Mr. Henley is visibly repulsed by the idea. [[Who was this priest?|The Tale of Brother Harmon]] [[Burned alive?|The Tale of Brother Harmon]] [[So... about these secret passages...|Am I safe?]]

"Speaking of secret passages," you say, trying to keep it light, "there appears to be one that leads to my wardrobe." "Did you know about it, Frederick?" Cries Eliza. Frederick gets very solemn. "I did," he says. "That passage was bricked up long ago. But it was the one that Brother Harmon used to visit his secret lover." [[Secret Lover?|The Tale of Brother Harmon]] [[So... nobody is using it now, right?|Am I safe?]]

You wonder why he would send you to the home of his former patron, General Merton. Father muttered something about "being introduced to society." It's true that at home, you had no nearby neighbors. As a young woman of marriageable age, it stands to reason that your father would want you to spend the summer among other young people your age. But maybe there's more to it than that? [[Read the Letter|Read the Letter]]

"My father thought I could find a husband here," you say, smirking. Georgiana laughs, lightly. She looks round the table to see who heard. Then raising her napkin to her lips, she leans in close. "Don't even bother with Frederick or my brother," she whispers. "They don't go that way... if you know what I mean." [[Continue.|Gossip]]

"And what about you?" you ask in a whisper. "Will you lead me astray?" Dabbing her lips delicately with a napkin, Georgiana smiles. "Come find me later," she says. "And you'll find out." [[Continue|Gossip]]

Changing the subject, you turn to Frederick. "Eliza tells me you know all about the Abbey," you venture. "Oh, yes!" Cries Eliza. "Frederick, do tell the story about the priests getting strung up and burned alive in the Abbey!" [[Ask About the Abbey|Frederick Tells Ghost Stories]]

"Ha, ha!" You give a little hollow laugh. "I'm sorry, my journey has left me tired and I fear my little joke has missed the mark. So..." [[How do you know Frederick? |University Days]] [[Where did you say you were from?|James at Gracehaven]]

"Good friends are a blessing in this world," you say, sympathetically. "They are indeed!" Says Mr. Radcliffe, with some emotion. "Without good friends like Frederick and Henley, I should be completely lost. When I leave my home, I shall need all the friends I can get." [[Why would you need to leave home? |Disinherited]] [[I, too am in need of friends.|I Too Need Friends]]

"I hear the North is quite beautiful," you venture. Mr. Radcliffe seems to relax visibly. "It is," he says, softly. "Beautiful, but desolate. I love to wander the moors, particularly on a wild night such as this." As if to underscore his point, thunder rattles the windows of the dining room. [[Have you met Eliza? I think you'd like each other.|Talk about Eliza]] [[Your home sounds lovely.|Inheritance]]

Radcliffe smiles warmly. "I'm so glad you said so," he says. "Money and loyalty are important, but sincerity - that is something I value above all things." Eliza catches sight of the two of you smiling at one another. "My goodness," she teases lightly. "Are Prudence and Mr. Radcliffe canoodling?" [[Ask about the Abbey.|Change the subject]] [[Talk about hats.|Oh the Turbanity]]

"Have you met Eliza?" you say. "I feel like you two would get along." Radcliffe smiles faintly. "Eliza is like a sister to me, and I love her dearly," he says. "But she does have a morbid turn of mind, doesn't she?" [[She is very nice, though.|Sincerity]] [[I, too am in need of friends.|I Too Need Friends]]

"Your home sounds lovely," you say. Radcliffe nods. "The estate has been in my family for years. I love every inch of its moors and hills. It will be a shame to leave it." [[Leave it? |Disinherited]] [[You and Eliza would get along.|Talk about Eliza]]

"Why would you need to leave your home?" You cry. Touched by your feeling, Radcliffe smiles. "When my older brother marries this year, he inherits the estate. I have a small allowance, but I will need to make my way in the world." [[I know the feeling.|I Too Am Poor]] [[Have you met Eliza? I feel like you would like each other.|Talk about Eliza]]

"I, too, have been obliged to make my own way in the world," you say. Mr. Radcliffe leans forward earnestly. "But... why? What's going on?" He asks. You look into his eyes. He seems genuinely concerned. [[I hardly know you.|New Phone Who Dis]] [[Make something up.|Lie Again]] [[Tell him the truth.|Tell him the truth]]

"I, too, am in need of true friends," you say. Mr. Radcliffe leans forward earnestly. "But... why? What's going on?" He asks. He seems genuinely concerned. [[I hardly know you.|New Phone Who Dis]] [[Make something up.|Lie Again]] [[Tell him the truth.|Tell him the truth]]

"I'm sorry, Mr. Radcliffe, but I'm afraid I don't know you well enough," you reply. All right," he says. Then, hesitantly, he adds: "If you are in some trouble... I would like to help, if I can." [[Seriously, I'm fine!|I'm fine]] [[Tell him the truth.|Tell him the truth]]

You find yourself telling a tale in which you are, apparently, a worthy orphan: disinherited, noble, possibly of royal blood - but, friendless and poor. "And so you find me, Mr. Radcliffe: in reduced circumstances," you conclude, ruefully. "Mr. Merton took me in out of sheer pity." "My word," Radcliffe says, stunned. "Can this be true?" [[Every bit of it.|Sincerity]] [[No, I made it all up.|Tell him the truth]] [[Reassure him you'll be ok.|I'm fine]]

You take a deep breath, and tell Radcliffe the whole story. Your father's bankruptcy, the West Indies - all of it. You hold nothing back. "My goodness," Radcliffe says, stunned. "And your father just... left you here on Merton's doorstep?" [[Be Sincere.|Sincerity]] [[Put on a brave face.|I'm fine]]

"Thanks for your concern," you say, "but I'm fine. Really." Radcliffe is chastened. He nods. "Forgive the intrusion," he says politely,and falls silent. It appears your conversation has come to an uncomfortable end. [[Continue|Change the subject]]

You wonder if you should tell Eliza about the trapdoor you found earlier.

"Who were these unfortunate priests?" You ask. "Franciscan monks, really," says Frederick. He leans forward over the candle, which throws a disconcerting light over his face. "The most unfortunate of all was Brother Harmon." Eliza claps her hands with glee. "I love the story of Brother Harmon!" [[Listen to the story of Brother Harmon|The Tale of Brother Harmon]]

"A hundred years ago," Frederick intones, over the guttering candles, "The Abbey was a vibrant place, with a garden, a winery, and a brotherhood of monks who tended both. Brother Harmon was one of these." "In those days, monastaries were pretty lax," he adds, shrugging. "Oftentimes, the devotional life was simply a place to dump relatives who had become... inconvenient." [[Inconvenient how?|The Inconvenient Relative]] [[Sounds quite lovely, actually.|Monastic Life]]

"These secret passages... nobody is using them now, right?" You ask, hesitantly. Eliza laughs. "Why, what a vivid imagination you have, Prudence," she says. "No, of course nobody is using them now." "Trust me," says Frederick. "All the passages were bricked up long ago. Even if someone wanted to use them to travel to the abbey - they'd hit a wall." [[Never mind. Go on with your story.|The Tale of Brother Harmon]] [[Ask about the priests.|Ask about the priest.]]

"These relatives... how were they 'inconvenient,' exactly?" you ask, apprehensively. Frederick shrugs. "Gay brothers... unmarried sisters... second or third sons with nothing to inherit... the mad, the stupid, the rebellious. They could be packed off to a life of 'work and prayer' without a whole lot of fuss." The table falls quiet. Everyone seems to be sneaking sideways glances at everyone else. Except Eliza, who loves this story. [[Ok, we get the picture.|Monastic Life]] [[Let's get to the burning part.|Rebecca]]

"In many ways, it was, indeed, an idyllic life," continues Frederick. "For a long time, Gracehaven was a quiet, protected place. Brother Harmon and Rebecca, the lady of the house, were free to live their lives in undisturbed bliss - walking the garden, discussing their books, drinking their wine." But then the Reformation came, and changed all that." [[Wait. Who is Rebecca?|Rebecca]] [[Were they... intimate?|Intimate friends]] [[Back up a second.. what's "the Reformation"?|The Reformation]]

"Ah yes," says Frederick, ruefully. "The burning part." The guttering candles throw long, looming shadows on the walls, as he continues: "One day, the agents of the Reformation came for Brother Harmon. To them, he represented everything that was wrong with the Catholic church: hypocrisy. Licentiousness. Corruption." [[Winemaking.|The Wine]] [[Did he hide in the secret passages? |Secret Passages]]

"Our great grandmother, Rebecca, donated the manor library to the Abbey upon her husband's death," continues Frederick. "It brought her into frequent contact with Brother Harmon, and they became... quite intimate." [[More than friends, intimate?|Intimate friends]]

"Their relationship was certainly inappropriate, by the standards of the day," admits Frederick. "And... well they had all those secret passages, didn't they?" "They were lovers!" cries Georgiana. "How scandalous!" "How romantic," sighs Eliza. "Don't you think so, Prudence?" [[Sure, except for the burning part.|The Burning Part]] [[Cast a sidelong glance at Georgiana.|Sidelong Georgiana]] [[Cast a sidelong glance at Mr. Radcliffe.|Sidelong James]]

"Winemaking," you say, smirking. Georgiana laughs. "Stop interrupting!" cries Eliza. "Okay, okay!" you and Georgiana are in laughing fits. "Sorry. I'll be good." [[Continue your story.|The Burning Part Two]] [[But what about all those secret passages? |Secret Passages]]

"Rebecca threw herself from the bell tower," Frederick replies, simply. "Sometimes, at night, you can still see her figure in the bell tower, and hear her keening in the wind." As if on cue, the wind blows through the stone hallway, slamming a window shut, and blowing out a candle. [[Okay! Time for bed.|Say Goodnight]] [[Run away.|Run away]]

"But what about all those secret passages?" you ask. "Surely he could have hidden out in those for days." "He did," replies Frederick. ""Rebecca tried to hide her secret lover in the passages - there were places underground where he could hide for days, even weeks. But it wasn't enough." [[Oh no. Is this the burning part?|The Burning Part Two]]

James gives you a dirty look. "Not really funny, Prudence," he says. "Sorry," you say, coloring with shame. "I thought we could us a laugh." [[What about Rebecca?|She roams these halls]] [[I could use some of that wine, actually.|Go Get Some Wine]]

"They dragged Brother Harmon from the Abbey, and made an example of him," Frederick continues, quietly. "They piled up the books from the library in the courtyard, set a stake in it, and set him on fire. Rebecca watched from the bell tower as everything she loved went up in flames: her lover, her books, the garden." Even James gasps at this. "Good lord," he mutters, shocked. [[What about the wine? Was the wine ok?|Enough with the Wine]] [[What about Rebecca?|She roams these halls]]

"Well! It's been a lovely evening," you venture, "But I think it's time we went to bed." "Bed!" Cries Georgiana. "Good lord, after that story, I'll be staring at the walls until dawn." "Are you sure?" Asks Frederick. "The night is young, and Henley just went to get some more wine." [[Go to your own room.|Go to your room]] [[Stay and wait for Henley.|Wait for Henley]]

"I could use some of that wine right about now, actually," you say. "Me too," says Mr. Henley. "I don't suppose there's any in the cellar?" "Is there? I'd love to try it," Georgiana chimes in. Henley gets up to go look. The wind picks up, moaning through the chinks in the windows. A chill creeps over you. There's only one question left to ask. [[What happened to Rebecca?|She roams these halls]]

"Suit yourself," says Georgiana. "Say there," says Frederick. What are you two whispering about?" [[Ask About the Abbey.|Change the subject]]

"Come in," General Merton says gruffly. He is holding a crumpled, damp piece of paper in his hand. You can see that it is your father's letter. "This was found by our groundskeeper. Is it yours?" he bellows. [[I see you've found father's letter.|Own up]] [[That's not mine!|Lie About Letter]] [[Run away|The moors]]

I'm very tired," you say. "I've enjoyed the evening, and the story. But I must rest." "Tomorrow if the weather is fine, you must take a walk with us to the Abbey," ventures Frederick. "Oh, you must!" cries Eliza. [[I'd like that very much.|Invite to the Abbey]] [[The Abbey with the ghost? No thanks.|Invite Haunted Abbey]] [[Is James going?|Is James going?]]

Unable to contain your fear, you run down the halls. Georgiana calls after you. "Prudence!" she cries. "Please come back! It's cold outside!" [[Wait for Georgiana|The halls]] [[Go back|Wait for Henley]]

"Well, all right," you say. "Perhaps its better to stay in company, anyway." "Quite right," says Georgiana. "Sit with us, my dear, and calm your nerves after that horrid story." Henley returns with the wine and pours out a cup for each of you. You are starting to warm to the idea of spending time with the young people of Gracechurch Manor. Perhaps this summer won't be horrible, after all. As if reading your thoughts, Henley extends an invitation. "Prudence, we were just discussing a walk tomorrow to visit the Abbey. If the weather is fine, you must come with us." "Oh, you must!" cries Eliza. [[I'd like that very much.|Invite to the Abbey]] [[The Abbey with the ghost, you mean?|Invite Haunted Abbey]] [[Is James going?|Is James going?]]

You let your eyes plead with Mr. Radcliffe from across the room. He steps up. "Mr. Merton," he interjects. "I have passed a pleasant evening with this young lady, and I can assure you: while she may sometimes be.. imprudent, she is, in her heart, perfectly sincere." [[Imprudent?|Don't Push Your Luck]] [[Thank you!|Gratitude]]

There's no point running from the truth of your situation. The best you can do is stand your ground, and own up to it. "I see you've found my father's letter," you say. "Your father is a bankrupt, and you've come to my house to seek a fortune," Merton bellows. "You're here to take advantage of my family. Do you deny it?" [[Hold up. I'm no fortune hunter.|I do deny it]] [[How is this my fault?|Insolent]] [[Appeal to Frederick|Appeal to Frederick]]

"Oh, that!" you try to laugh it off. "That's not mine. What a curious thing to find. Where was it?" "Inside a crumpled envelope with your name on it," says Merton. <Uh oh. It seems you have dug yourself in deeper. "What do you have to say for yourself?" Thunders General Merton. "I... I was..." [[holding it for someone else|Holding]] [[writing a draft of a pastoral novel|Creative]] [[Own up to the letter|Own up]] [[Run away|The moors]]

"Mr, Merton," you begin. "I admit that I may have sometimes...embellished the truth to ease my passage. But I swear it was never my intention to take advantage of you, or anyone else here. My affection for you and your family is sincere. I didn't even know my father was bankrupt until I was already in the carriage." Merton is having none of it. "Turn her out of this house immediately." he says. You look around. Georgiana, Henley, James and Eliza are all standing in the doorway, watching. You try to muster some dignity. [[Deliver a passionate speech on the Rights of Women.|Rights of Women]] [[I'm leaving anyway.|Get Your Things]] [[Make me.|Make me]] (if: (history:) contains "Tell him the truth")[ [[Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe|Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe]]] (if: (history:) contains "Flirt with Georgiana")[ [[Appeal to Georgiana|Appeal to Georgiana]]]

"Mr. Merton," you say."Am I to answer for the sins of my father? I admit that I may have sometimes...embellished the truth. And I am seeking my fortune, the same as any young woman might in my circumstances. But I didn't even know my father was bankrupt until I was already on my way here." Merton is having none of it. "Turn her out of this house immediately." he says. You look around. Georgiana, Henley, James and Eliza are all standing in the doorway, watching. You try to muster some dignity. [[I'm leaving anyway.|Get Your Things]] [[Make me.|Make me]] (if: (history:) contains "Tell him the truth")[ [[Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe|Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe]]] (if: (history:) contains "Flirt with Georgiana")[ [[Appeal to Georgiana|Appeal to Georgiana]]]

"I was trying my hand at a novel!" You exclaim. "The heroine is a worthy orphan, you see... she's down on her luck... and, uh --" Merton is having none of it. "Turn her out of this house immediately." he says. You look around. Georgiana, Henley, James and Eliza are all standing in the doorway, watching. You try to muster some dignity. [[I'm leaving anyway.|Get Your Things]] [[Make me.|Make me]] [[Own up to the letter|I do deny it]]

Georgiana interjects. "Mr. Merton," says Georgiana, hesitantly, "I can vouch for the character of this young lady. I don't know her well, but from what I can tell, she is quite sensible and warmhearted." "Perhaps," she adds, "You'll allow me to take her under my wing? I am sure we can find an appropriate situation for her - if not at Gracehaven, perhaps... elsewhere?" [[Appeal to his sense of history|Appeal to Rebecca]] [[Thank Georgiana|Thank Georgiana]]

"Mr. Merton," you begin. "I don't need to tell you that, for a woman of my situation, very few options are available. I do not condone my father's... financial imprudence. But to tell the truth would most certainly have me thrown out of decent company. My father has left me at your mercy. What, then, would you have me do?" Mr. Merton is silent. It seems your words have had an effect. [[Appeal to his sense of history|Appeal to Rebecca]] (if: (history:) contains "Tell him the truth")[ [[Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe|Appeal to Mr. Radcliffe]]] (if: (history:) contains "Flirt with Georgiana")[ [[Appeal to Georgiana|Appeal to Georgiana]]]

You turn to the younger Merton, Frederick. "Frederick," you begin. "Do you think I've taken advantage of you? We've spent a pleasant evening together." Frederick looks apologetic. "I'm sorry," he says, softly. "I do like you. And my sister likes you. But it's my father who you need to convince." [[I'm no fortune hunter.|I do deny it]] [[How is this my fault?|Insolent]]

"Your own ancestor, Rebecca, created a sanctuary in Gracehaven for misfits everywhere - for 'inconvenient relatives' of every stripe." You continue, addressing Mr. Merton. "In her spirit, could you find it in your heart to allow me to stay?" With this, Merton finally relents. "All right," he says. "I am not made of stone. You may stay, at least until we find you properly situated." (if: (history:) contains "Flirt with Georgiana")[ [[Thank you!|Thank Georgiana]]] [[Happily Ever After|Drunkenly Ever After]]

"Imprudent?" You raise your eyebrow in Mr. Radcliffe's direction. "Don't push your luck," Mr. Radcliffe whispers in your ear. "You may have won my heart... but you could still get turned from the house." With this, Merton finally relents. "Very well," he says. "If you have won Mr. Radcliffe's heart, I suppose you're not my problem anymore." [[Hooray!|Gratitude]] [[Wait - I won your heart?|Have I won your heart]] [[Then I'll just say - thank you! |Gratitude]]

"Thank you, Mr. Merton!" you say, breathlessly. "And... Mr. Radcliffe." "Please, Prudence," he says, smiling at you. "Call me James." You both blush. [[All right, then... James.|Happily Ever After]] [[Have I won your heart?|Have I won your heart]] [[Sincerity is great, but how will we live?|Happily Ever After]]

"But how shall we live?" You venture, quite prudently. "We can live on my pension. I can afford a reasonable rent at the Gracehaven Vicarage," Says James. "How charming!" You cry. And so, you and James live out the rest of your lives on his small pension in a country vicarage. You were never terribly rich... but at least your father never came back from the West Indies to trouble you for money.

"Have I won your heart?" you ask, teasingly. James pulls you close. "Your sincerity has won me over completely," he declares. "You have won me... if you will have me?" [[Of course I will!|Happily Ever After]] [[Sincerity is great, but how will we live?|Happily Ever After]]

"You have saved me," you say under your breath to Georgiana. "How can I ever repay you?" Georgiana smirks. "Don't worry," She says. "We'll think of something." [[Happily Ever After|Drunkenly Ever After]]

And so, with the help of Georgiana, you restore Gracehaven to its former glory days as a haven for misfits - making wine, reading books, and walking the gardens together. Strangely, no-one has heard the wind moaning in the hallways since that day.

You stand contemplating the lights of the Manor. You think about how comfortable the Mertons and their guests are, right now. Overcome with sadness, you regret leaving so precipitously. This is where Rebecca stood when she threw herself from the tower, you think. You inch closer to the edge. You could follower her... and all this would be over. [[Jump!|Jump off the ledge]] [[Step back|Step back]]

Stepping back from the ledge, you hear a woman's voice behind you. "My goodness! Is it that bad?" You turn and see: Georgiana, who has followed you to the bell tower. [[It is that bad.|Don't give up hope]] [[I suppose it's not that bad.|Let's find a way back]] [[What are you doing here?|Georgiana followed you]]

You stand at the very edge, but a strong gust of wind blows you back. It's a sign! you think. Stepping back from the ledge, you hear a woman's voice behind you. "Is it that bad?" You turn and see: Georgiana, who has followed you to the bell tower. [[It is that bad.|Don't give up hope]] [[What are you doing here?|Georgiana followed you]]

"I'll admit," you say, "I did think about going the same way as Rebecca." Georgiana looks uncharacteristically serious. "Do not let the wonton cruelty of this world break you," she says."You must retain your indomitable spirit." You are so grateful for her friendship, you could hug her. [[It will be easier, now that you are here.|Let's find a way back]] [[Thank you for coming to get me.|Friends in Need]] [[Hug her.|Hug her]]

"With you here, I suppose it's not so bad after all," you say, smiling. Georgiana takes your hand. "Come on," she says. "We'll look for secret passages together. There must be some way back to the house!" [[But didn't Frederick say the passages were blocked off?|Frederick said]] [[Thank you for coming to get me.|Friends in Need]] [[Back to the house? I just left!|Why go back?]]

You embrace your friend. She smiles at you. Come on," she says. "We'll look for secret passages together. There must be some way back to the house!" [[But didn't Frederick say the passages were blocked off?|Frederick said]] [[Search the Abbey.|Search the Abbey]]

"If I were a priest," you say, "I'd probably put an escape hatch in the wine cellar." You and Georgiana go down to the wine cellar and sure enough, behind a crumbling stone wall, you find a round wooden trap door, fashioned from the lid of a wine barrel. It's locked. [[Look for the key.|Look for the key]] [[Break down the door.|Break down the door]]

"There must be a key here, somewhere," says Georgiana. "Let's look for it." You search high and low for a key, but there doesn't seem to be one anywhere in the wine cellar. "Maybe it's somewhere else?" says Georgiana. (if: (history:) contains "Keep looking")[[[Let's just break down the door.|Break down the door]]] (else:)[[[Search the Abbey for a key.|Behind the altar]]] [[Break down the door.|Break down the door]]

"It'll take forever to find the key," you say to Georgiana. "Let's just find something to break down the door." You find a big wine press and together, you break through the wood of the trap door. It's easy work - the wood is so rotten, it practically disintegrates in your hands. You peer into the darkness below. You think you can see a set of stairs. [[Go down the steps in the dark.|Go down the steps in the dark]] [[Find a candle.|Go down the steps in the light]]

"We can probably feel our way along," you say to Georgiana. "Nonsense," says Georgiana. "There must be a candle around here somewhere!" She searches the kitchen for an old tallow candle, and produces dry matches from her pocket. "This is why we wear dresses with pockets!" she exclaims. Together, you descend the stairs. The old, damp, stone passage is full of cobwebs, and you can hear something scuttling that you don't want to know about. [[Turn back.|Turn back]] [[Keep going.|Keep going]]

You find an old tallow candle, and Georgiana has some matches in her pockets. "Thank goodness, my frock has pockets!" she exclaims. Together, you descend the stairs. The old, damp, stone passage is full of cobwebs, and you can hear something scuttling that you don't want to know about. [[Turn back.|Turn back]] [[Keep going.|Keep going]]

You try to go back the way that you came, but these tunnels are confusing. You feel like you're going in circles. Somehow, it seems you've gone farther than you went before. Was this hallway here the last time? [[Turn left.|Turn left]] [[Turn right.|Keep going]]

You continue on, and come to a dead end. "Frederick was right," Georgiana says, ruefully. "It looks like the tunnel was bricked up. What do we do now?" You examine the bricks. The mortar has been worn by water and time. The two of you can probably break through the wall. [[Turn back.|Turn back]] [[Try to break through the wall.|Break through the wall]]

This tunnel just keeps turning left. [[Turn left.|Turn left]] [[Turn back.|Turn back]]

"Let's just spend the night here," you say. Georgiana makes a face. "Absolutely not," she says. "You can stay here yourself, but I'm going back to the manor." She leaves you in the dark. You settle in for the night, and freeze to death. You are the spirit of the Bell Tower, now. Another lost soul, wailing in the night wind, and haunting the visitors of Gracehaven Manor.

You examine the bricks. The mortar has been worn by water and time. "Working together," you say, "We can probably dig our way through this wall." Georgiana makes a face. "But what about my dress?" She asks. [[Don't make a face. Get to work!|Rude]] [[Come on, let's give it a try.|Hard work]] [[Turn back.|Turn back]]

"Your dress is beautiful," you admit. "But, it doesn't look like it will be that hard to break through. What do we have to lose?" Georgiana sniffs. "I suppose it's worth a try." The two of you dig through the wall with your hands. It's harder than it looks. Soon you're covered with damp mortar. Georgiana wipes her face, streaking it with mud. "'Not that hard,'" she sneers."Thanks for that." [[Quit bickering. Get to work!|Rude]] [[We're almost there!|Find the Wine]] [[You're right. Let's give up.|Die alone]]

"Rude!" Georgiana sniffs. "I guess this is why one of us has a warm bed to go back to at the Manor... and one of us doesn't." [[I'm sorry. Let's try again.|Find the Wine]] [[You're right. Let's give up.|Die alone]]

You dig through the crumbling mortar. Finally, the wall gives way. And something is glinting in the darkness beyond... Georgiana lifts the candle, and you see: wine bottles. Racks of them, stretching on into the darkness, along with stacks and stacks of barrels. "It's the monk's secret wine reserve!" You proclaim, in awe. "Each of these bottles must be worth a fortune." "We're rich," Georgiana breathes. "What should we do?" [[Tell the Mertons.|Tell the others]] [[Take as much as you can carry.|Load up the carriage]]

"We should tell the Mertons," you say to Georgiana. "After all, it is their Abbey." Georgiana raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" She says. "I mean... I do have a carriage. We could leave with as much as we could carry." You think over how the Mertons have treated you. Finally, you say: [[Let's go tell the others.|Go to General Merton]] [[Screw the Mertons. Let's go.|THE END]]

"You know, I do have a carriage," says Georgiana. "We could just take as much as we can carry, and leave." "I think I saw a nice country inn down the road," you reply. Georgiana seems to read your thoughts. You both say at the same time: [[Screw the Mertons. Let's go.|THE END]]

You and Georgiana take off with the wine. Living off the proceeds of the bottles, you live together quite comfortably for the rest of your days.

You and Georgiana return to the Abbey, your arms laden with bottles of wine. You break out the first bottle, and sample it with Frederick, Henley, and Eliza. It's delicious! You're all enjoying a convivial glass, when General Merton appears in the doorway. "What's this?" He says. "Don't think you can buy your way into our family's good graces with wine, you fortune-hunting hussy." "Father," says Frederick. "Please, reconsider. Prudence has done us a great favor. Why, with the proceeds of the reserve alone, we could re-open the winery. You know we need the money." Merton seems to soften. He looks askance at you. Georgiana nudges you. "Say something," she hisses. [[Appeal to the General's sense of history|Appeal to Rebecca]] [[Deliver a passionate speech on the Rights of Women|Rights of Women]]

"I'm not sure I can stay in my own bed," you tell Georgiana. Georgiana shrugs, smiling. "Well then, darling... you can spend the night in mine!" [[Well then. Lead on!|Search the Abbey]]

You read on: "In my grief, I'm afraid I allowed you to run nearly wild, and you are not now acquainted with the ways of of the world. I regret that I was not able to give you more of an education in manners. Your mother, bless her, would have done better in that regard. Your lack of fortune will make your way hard. But while you have no fortune to speak of, you have my family name to recommend you. Guard your reputation well, for it is all you have left." [[Finish the Letter|Skip to the End]] [[Throw the Letter Out|Throw the Letter Out]]

"The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century religious, political, intellectual and cultural movement in Europe," replies Frederick. "They believed that the Catholic church was lax, indulgent, and too powerful, and sought to reform it." "If only we all had a tiny, magical item in our pocket, so we could look these things up ourselves," adds Georgiana. [[Let's get back to Rebecca and Harmon.|Rebecca]] [[Did you say there was a burning part?|The Burning Part]]

You and Georgiana go down to the wine cellar and you show her the round wooden trap door, fashioned from the lid of a wine barrel. "I never found the key, but it looks pretty rotten," you say. Georgiana shrugs. "What do you want to do?" [[Look for the key.|Look for the key]] [[Break down the door.|Break down the door]]

[[Gracehaven|Approaching Gracehaven]] an Interactive Tale. by Janet Harvey 04/21/2019 [[www.janetharvey.com|http://janetharvey.squarespace.com/]]

"Mr. Merton," you exclaim. "What do you take me for? While my circumstances are, indeed, reduced, I am a woman of some spirit. And I have my reputation to think of." "Of course," says Mr. Merton. "Forgive me, my dear. I should have known that a man like your father would not raise a daughter of low character." [[ Yes, he is quite admirable. |Shine Him On]] [[Whatever, old man. Just let me in.|Evil Eye]]

Father always did enjoy his game of cards a little too much. And as much as he's tried to shield you from his financial circumstances, the unpaid bills have become harder and harder to ignore. [[Continue|It's a long ride]]

It's been many years since your mother passed away, but father never really got over it. Even when he was home from his business in London - which was not often - he was emotionally absent. [[Continue|It's a long ride]]

Your childhood was happy, but with your father mostly absent on business, you grew up in the care of a housemaid and a rotating selection of cousins. Your education consisted mostly of climbing trees and reading adventure stories. [[Continue|It's a long ride]]

"But.." you can see the gears turning in his head. "How does he expect you to live now? He hasn't sent you here to find a husband, has he?" [[Absolutely not!|Absolutely not]] [[Well, I wouldn't say no.|Fortune Hunter]] [[I can see this is going to be fun.|Evil Eye]]

"Father sent me here to reap the benefit of good society," you reply, archly. "He assures me that you can provide that for me." Mr. Merton raises an eyebrow. "You are penniless and friendless, my dear," he replies tartly. Maintaining a humble aspect will do much to improve your prospects in 'good society'." [[I'm sorry. We got off on the wrong foot. |Happy Aaron]] [[Whatever, old man. Just let me in.|Evil Eye]]

"I don't suppose you spent any time in London circles with a certain Mr. Henley?" she asks, shyly. "He's an officer in the army." [[No, I don't know Mr Henley. Is he a friend?|News of Henley]] [[Oh sure! Good old Henley.|Hoisted on Petard]]

Georgiana leans in conspiratorially toward you. "What are your thoughts on the present company, Prudence? I can acquaint you with them, if you like. I have known many of them since childhood. Do any particularly strike your fancy?" [[That seems a bit forward.|A Bit Forward]] [[Who has the most money?|Ask About Frederick]] [[Ask About Mr. Radcliffe|Ask About Radcliffe]]

"What's your take on Mr. Radcliffe?" you ask. "Ah, the mysterious Mr. Radcliffe!" says Georgiana. "He's not my type, but I hear he has quite a large fortune." [["A fortune?"|Press her about fortune]] [["What is he like?"|Mysterious Mr R]] [["He's definitely MY type."|Mysterious Mr R]]

"Forgive me, Georgiana, but on such short acquaintance, I'm hesitant to indulge such a confidence," you say. Though your tone is pleasant enough, Georgiana seems offended. However, she quickly recovers her smile. "Of course," she says, smiling. And she abruptly stops speaking to you entirely. [[Continue the meal in silence.|Eat in silence]] [[Try to return to gossip.|Ask about gossip]] [[Beg her forgiveness.|Forgive me]]

"Of the gentlemen in our present company," you say, quietly surveying the room, "Who among them would you say has the largest estate?" Georgiana can barely supress a laugh. "My goodness, you do get right to the point," she says, but she does not seem shocked by the question. "Probably Eliza's brother, Frederick. He stands to inherit Gracehaven when his father dies. But he is engaged." (if: (history:) contains "Husband hunting")[[[I thought you said he was gay?|Frederick Gay]]] (else:) [[Engaged?|Georgiana 2]] [[What about your brother? Is he engaged?|Henley]]

"Engaged?" You ask, surprised. "Yes," Georgiana replies. She smiles tightly. "Frederick Merton and I are engaged to be married this spring." Her manner tells you there is more to this story. Do you know her well enough to press further? [[Do you love him?|Do You Love Him]] [[Do you need money that badly?|Georgiana 3]] (if: (history:) contains "Flirt with Georgiana")[[[I thought you said you were gay?|Georgiana Gay]]] (if: (history:) contains "Husband hunting")[[[I thought you said he was gay?|Frederick Gay]]] (else:) [[[Say nothing.|Eat in silence]]]

"Is it quite a large fortune?" You ask, hoping not to be too forward. Georgiana shrugs. "I am not sure," she says. "Since my engagement, I haven't had a reason to inquire further." [[Engagement?|Georgiana 2]] [[What about your brother? Is he engaged?|Henley]]

"What his he like, our Mr. Radcliffe?" Georgiana shrugs. "All I know of him is that he has come here with my brother and Frederick on Holiday. I thought we would celebrate our engagement, but Frederick seems even more preoccupied than usual." [[Engagement?|Georgiana 2]]

You think it's perhaps wise to say nothing in this instance. You smile and nod amiably. Georgiana leans in conspiratorially toward you. "What are your thoughts on the present company, Prudence? I can acquaint you with them, if you like. I have known many of them since childhood. Do any particularly strike your fancy?" [[Ask About Mr. Radcliffe|Ask About Radcliffe]] [[The one with the most money.|Ask About Frederick]] [[That seems a bit forward.|A Bit Forward]]

You continue the meal in silence. "Prudence, it seems you have silenced my sister," says Mr. Henley. "Pray, how did you accomplish it? You must tell us, because I've never seen it happen." [[Ask About the Abbey.|Change the subject]]

"Come now," you say, trying to jolly her out of it. "I did not mean to dampen your spirits. Let us return to speaking of the present company." Georgiana shakes her head. She seems to have made up her mind about you, and it's not good. "While I enjoy a convivial conversation about our company, I would not be thought a gossip," she says with a faint, forced smile. [[Continue.|Change the subject]]

"If I have given offense, it was not my intention to do so." you say to Georgiana. "Forgive me. I am not well versed in the ways of the world." Georgiana softens at this. "Of course, my dear. Your reserve speaks well of your ability to keep a confidence. But it is not the most... conducive quality to conviviality." [[I prefer to be quiet.|Suit Yourself]] [[I'm not naturally reserved.|Convivial]] [[I like to go with the flow.|Amiable]]

"Engaged? I thought you said he was gay?" You ask, surprised. "He is," Georgiana replies. She dabs her lips delicately with a napkin. "But his father will disinherit him if he does not marry. So he asked me." [[Do you love him? |Do You Love Him]] [[Do you need money that badly?|Georgiana 3]] (if: (history:) contains "Flirting with Georgiana")[[[I thought you said you were gay?|Georgiana Gay]]]

"Engaged?" You ask, surprised. "But I thought you said that you did not... incline in that direction." Georgiana shrugs and smiles, but the smile does not quite reach her eyes. "There are far less pleasant ways to keep oneself in the world," she says. [[Do you need money that badly?|Georgiana 3]] [[Do you love him?|Do You Love Him]]

"I am not naturally given to reserve," you say, smiling. "But sometimes the occasion requires listening more than speaking." Georgiana smiles in return. "What a relief," she says. "There is nothing wrong with being quiet when the occasion requires it. But I cannot abide a person of excessive reserve. Above all, I prize spirit and openness of manner." [[Continue|Mysterious Mr R]]

"I can be convivial or quiet, depending on the company," you say, smiling. Georgiana smiles in return. "What a relief," she says. "There is nothing wrong with being quiet when the occasion requires it. But I cannot abide a person of excessive reserve. Above all, I prize spirit and openness of manner." [[Continue|Mysterious Mr R]]

"Do you love him?" you ask. Georgiana hesitates. "Of course!" She finally answers. "We grew up together. I am excessively fond of Frederick." [[So. "Like a Brother," is it?|Like a Brother]] [[Do you need money that badly?|Georgiana 3]] [[Say nothing.|Eat in silence]]

"What about your brother? Mr. Henley?" You inquire. "Is he presently engaged?" In an instant, all the conviviality disappears from Georgiana's face. "My dear," she says, "if you must find a fortune, I beg you to seek a different path to get it. If my brother had any, I wouldn't be engaged to Frederick." [[Engaged?|Georgiana 2]]

"Do you need money that badly?" you ask, shocked. "Please," she begs, "I cannot talk about this now. Come and find me later, when we can speak more privately. [[Continue.|Eat in silence]]

"If you are speaking honestly of your feelings," you venture, "The love you describe does not generally leads to happy marriage." "Please," she begs, "I cannot talk about this now. Come and find me later, when we can speak more privately." [[Continue.|Eat in silence]]

"Yes," you say, catching Georgiana's eye. "Very romantic." The two of you exchange meaningful glances. "Now tell us about the burning part!" Eliza cries, gleefully. [[Continue the story.|The Burning Part]]

"Yes," you say, catching James's eye. "Very romantic." The two of you exchange meaningful glances. "Now tell us about the burning part!" Eliza cries, gleefully. [[Continue the story|The Burning Part]]

"Wait!" Georgiana catches up with you in the halls. "May I walk with you? After that story, I'm quite unsettled! The wind in these halls is eerie enough without ghost stories!" [[Walk Georgiana to her room|Walk Georgiana to her Room]] [[Walk with Georgiana as far as your room|Walk Georgiana to her Room]] [[Walk to your room alone|Walk halls alone]]

"Of course," you say, taking Georgiana's arm. The two of you walk to the door of her room. "This is me!" says Georgiana. "Well... goodnight." She looks at you expectantly. [[Say Goodnight|Go back to your room]] [[Ask to come inside|Go inside Georgiana's room]]

"If you don't mind, I'd rather go back to my room alone," you say. "It's been a very long day, and I have... a lot to think about." "Of course," says Georgiana. "Good night." She leaves you to walk back to your room alone. [[Continue|Go back to your room]]

You reach out to take a taper and retire to your room, when Georgiana lays a hand on yours. "Wait!" She cries. "Will you walk with me to my room? After that story, I'm quite unsettled! The wind in these halls is eerie enough without ghost stories!" [[Walk Georgiana to her room|Walk Georgiana to her Room]] [[Walk with Georgiana as far as your room|Walk Georgiana to her Room]] [[Walk to your room alone|Walk halls alone]]

"I'd like that very much," you reply gratefully. "Capital!" says Mr. Henley. "We leave after breakfast." Saying your goodnights, you make ready to retire for the evening. [[Continue|Walk with Georgiana]]

"You mean the abbey that's haunted by a ghost, you mean?" You laugh. "Georgiana, are you going?" "After that story?" Georgiana shivers. "No thank you. Besides," she turns to Henley and pouts. "I didn't bring proper shoes for traipsing about in the moors." Henley is disappointed. "Very well then," he says. "If either of you change your mind, the rest of us are leaving after breakfast." Saying your goodnights, you make ready to retire for the evening. [[Continue|Walk with Georgiana]]

"Will Mr. Radcliffe be accompanying you?" You ask, trying to sound as unconcerned as possible. Henley laughs. "Well, well," she says. "I guess we now know who our dear Prudence favors." James Radcliffe blushes furiously. "Her?" he blurts out. "That would be a lapse of judgment, surely." As your own cheek flushes hot, you try to think of what to say. [[Deny any attraction to James.|Deny James]] [[Say something hurtful, as he has hurt you.|Make excuses]] [[Leave without saying anything.|Walk with Georgiana]]

"Mr. Radcliffe need not worry about my lapsses in judgment," you reply archly. "I've judged him to be so haughty and ill mannered, I wouldn't take him if he were the last man on earth." With those words, you appear to have stunned the entire party into silence. You take a taper and leave for your room. [[Continue|The halls]]

"I'm sorry that you consider a romantic attachment to me a lapse of judgment," you retort, bitterly. "But no-one was asking you." "I meant," replies Mr. Radcliffe, softly, "that it would be a lapse of judgement on your part. For in our brief acquaintance, I can see that a young woman of your taste and intelligence deserves far better than a man of my resources can provide." The entire room watches this exchange in stunned silence. Mortified, you take a taper and excuse yourself. [[Continue|The halls]]

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