Characters so far are my own. This story (and this is the different bit) will unfold in 'real time' ...
15th May: This evening I retired to the Smoking Room after a busy day judging the best cakes at the Spring Fair in Little Fontingford when Gibson brought me my evening drink. I could tell immediately that something was troubling him, and so tactfully I enquired as to what the cause of his disquiet might be. He said there was nothing the matter but I persisted and at last he shared with me. I have tried to recall the words we spoke, and the following is I believe an accurate record of what was discussed.
"I have received a letter, Sir," he started. "It is a letter with such troubling content that I must ask you to swear never to make it known outside of this room."
"Of course, you have my word."
"It is a letter containing a threat, Sir."
"Threat?"
"A threat on my life, Sir."
"Is there an indication of the sender?" I asked, hopefully, although when he replied in the negative I was hardly surprised. "Can I see it?"
Reluctantly he took the letter from his waistcoat pocket and handed it to me. I looked closely at the envelope to see if there was any indication of the sender's identity, but it was blank other than the word 'GIBSON' in crude block capital letters.
"Clearly this has not come through the postal system."
"No, Sir, it was on the servants' door mat this morning. No-one saw who left it."
"Very well." I opened the envelope and removed the single sheet of white paper. The writing on it was also in block capitals, again crudely put as though to disguise the identity of the writer.
"'The sum of one thousand pounds for our silence. Speak of this and death follows. More to follow.' Is that it? What does it mean? Silence about what?"
"I do not know, Sir. I imagine that there will be a further communication in due course which will explain the matter further."
"This is intolerable, Gibson. I am sorry you have suffered such an injustice. I will personally see to it that this is resolved. Have no fear, now, and if another letter arrives let me know as soon as possible. In the meantime I will alert the local constabulary."
"No Sir! You promised."
"But surely we must involve the Police? This is blackmail."
"Let it ride, please, Sir, at least for the immediate future. I know you will support me whatever happens, and for that I am most grateful."
"I will indeed, Gibson. All I want you to do is to consider what it is they may be referring to. We have known each other long enough, and if there is anything I need to know then please, you need to tell me."
"I really cannot think of anything at present, Sir," he replied, "but rest assured I will give the matter my attention and you will be the first to know should either a further letter arrive or if I consider there is something to which it may pertain."
With that he bade me goodnight and I must admit that I thought little more of the matter. After all, I thought, what secrets could a reliable valet like Gibson be hiding?
