Whispers of Serpent's Manor

The Groundskeeper’s Revelation

Coby blinked, the remnants of adrenaline mingling with confusion. The swift return to normalcy was disorienting, making him question the line between reality and the supernatural.

His eyes grew wide with amusement as he caught sight of the approaching figure. Decked out in a pair of wellies, jeans, the man’s head covered in a farmer’s hat and curly brown hair, almost touched the ceiling. Ewan, looking small and vulnerable, followed behind. Coby had never met a giant, and his jaw practically hit his chest.

Saying “Hello,” the giant extended his hand in greeting, towering over Coby. “I’m Cameron and it’s nice to meet you.”

Coby marvelled at the sheer size of Cameron, his towering figure commanding attention. His sharp ears detected a subtle speech impediment in the big man’s slightly slurred words. His wide eyes explored the man’s features, noticing the severe crookedness of his nose and the yellow stains on his teeth. The scent of earth and the outdoors clung to Cameron, a hint of fresh air amidst the musty atmosphere of the mansion.

“Hello Cameron,” Coby said, extending his hand for a firm handshake. “Coby McTavish is the name.”

“Your boy told me you’ve been looking for me,” Cameron said in a deep, rumbling tone. “What can I do to be of help?”

Coby quickly pondered the best strategy, hoping to approach the man without alarming him and making him flee. Coby recognised Cameron as a valuable asset, and he understood that when it came to people like him, there was no room for mistakes. The thought of asking for a blueprint of the mansion crossed his mind, but the familiar soft voice warned him, filling his ears with echoes like wailing alarms.

Finally, Coby asked, “Do you have any idea what lies beyond this door?” as he knocked on the hidden entrance, causing the sound to reverberate down the corridor.

Cameron’s eyes shot open wide in alarm, his expression filled with fear. With a quiver in his voice, he uttered, “Yes,” and swiftly discarded his hat, as though commemorating the deceased, “It used to be the nursery.” His eyes shifted anxiously between Ewan and Coby, betraying his uncertainty. He drew a cross in the air with his finger, saying “poor Daisy,” and closed his eyes in her memory. “God bless her soul.”

Memories came rushing back to Coby, overwhelming his thoughts. The faint melody of a lullaby, “one, two, three, four, Daisy is at the door,” whispered through the air, intertwining with the musty scent of leather-bound books. In an instant, he was transported back to the old, dusty library, surrounded by towering shelves filled with forgotten knowledge. The vivid flashback washed over him, transporting him back in time. He could sense the young girl’s presence, as her voice gently echoed the haunting chant.

“Coby!” Gracie’s voice echoed through the house, reverberating off the walls and jolting Coby out of his daydream. As the haze lifted, his eyes were drawn to the elaborate wallpaper, its intricate details becoming more apparent.

Cameron shifted nervously, the worn wooden floor creaking beneath his weight. “We’re up here!” Coby called out, his voice gentle and cautious, afraid of causing any distress to Cameron.

The sound of Gracie’s footsteps resonated through the staircase, causing all eyes to turn towards her. She approached, cradling a stack of books in her arms. Cameron and Gracie startled simultaneously – Cameron captivated by her breathtaking beauty, Gracie surprised by his towering stature.

Coby swiftly intervened before Gracie could impulsively say something that might spoil the moment. “Gracie, this is Cameron, the groundskeeper,” he introduced.

Gracie extended her hand towards Cameron. “Hi Cameron, I’m Gracie,” she greeted, her smile radiant, capable of stirring up emotions in anyone who beheld it. Cameron gracefully sank to one knee as he gently grasped her hand in his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady,” he said, bowing his head with a touch of old-world chivalry.

Curiosity got the better of Coby as he took the burden of books from Gracie, his fingers grazing the worn covers. “What did you discover?” he asked, his excitement palpable.

Gracie chuckled, finding amusement in the eccentricity of Grimloch’s library. “The library at Grimloch is the most peculiar I’ve ever encountered,” she said, her voice brimming with amusement. “I couldn’t find anything else about the Serpent’s Manor except for this.”

Cameron, ever the knowledgeable groundskeeper, interjected with a suggestion. “My lord, excuse the interruption, but if you seek information about Lady Grimloch’s estate, you’ll find everything in the private library.” A silent understanding passed between Gracie and Coby as they exchanged a quick glance.

“But the private library is off-limits,” Coby said, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

“Oh,” Cameron responded, his head bowed, his gaze fixated on his oversized rain boots. “Lady Grimloch won’t find out unless someone spills the secret.”

Coby’s excitement was apparent as he inquired, “Do you believe there’s a blueprint of the manor in the private library?” Cameron shrugged, revealing his unfamiliarity with the term.

“It’s like a map of the mansion,” Coby explained, hoping to convey the significance to Cameron. “I wonder what’s hidden behind this locked door.”

“You don’t need a map!” Cameron exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement, as he absentmindedly scratched the back of his head.

Coby observed Cameron intently, noticing the flicker of realisation in his eyes. Cameron, filled with enthusiasm, suggested, “I can get a long ladder. You can sneak in through the window.” Gracie’s excitement was palpable, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer audacity of the idea, causing her to release an exuberant shriek.

Coby felt a surge of electricity coursing through his veins, his heart pounding with anticipation. “What a grand plan,” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together with glee, revelling in the thrill of the impending adventure.

“Braw!” Ewan cried out, his eyes widened in wonder. “We should go out and hunt rabbits!” He took hold of Cameron’s arm, leading him away, their footsteps fading into the distance.

Just before they reached the staircase, Coby shouted, “Who is Daisy?” his voice echoing through the hallway.

“Oh,” Cameron gasped, a look of realisation crossing his face, “she was the nanny all along!”