Village News

Well, the wife and I returned to Lesser Pudding Manor today after a relaxing week with friends. We were greeted by the sight of three tax inspectors' heads displayed at Gallows Oak. Apparently the local outlaws have been busy. I summoned a meeting of the local manorial court and acquitted them. The bodies have gone to fertillize Lady Arcos' award-winning roses.

I contacted the publishers after receiving another notice from them. Apparently one set of legal difficulties with my memoirs has been sorted out.

I had to see to the business of the Old Hall today, too. This building, possessed of a gloomy and haunted wing, is part of the estate, and we have been trying to let it for years. Apparently the Girl in Grey wants to book it for a party some time next week. The Outsider is coming too. I think she and the Green Man are luring some unwary villain to their doom there. I'm supplying staff as well.

The Old Baptist Chapel, of which I am a trustee, has invited Dr. Horatius Bridge of Mannington to speak. A notoriously eccentric character, he will be bringing his black cat with him, as the monstrous creature also acts as a scarf.

And Pudding Norton College re-opens this week after considerable renovation.