A new Case

After breakfast I went into the lounge.
On the cabinet laid about ten letters waiting to be opened. Usually my husband would have done this job but now it was my commission.
Regrets still came in. It was not a great effort to write a reply since I was able to say the lines in my sleep by now.
Between all these more or less important letters hid an envelope which was sent by my father.
I gave it a surprised look.
Inside was an invitation to…..a party?
I wondered why my parents would host a party?
I shrugged it off and called Elaine. I did not want to miss it especially not with my father being in town. I have not seen him since forever it seems. He is always out of town.

“Yes m’am”Elaine said.
“Tell Victor to get the carriage ready. I am going to visit my parents for a couple of days. They invited me to a party. Isn’t that nice?”
“Yes m’am.” She nodded.
“We will be leaving after lunch. I want you to help me pack.”
She curtsied and left.
I went upstairs into my bedroom and laid the dresses I chose to take with me onto the bed so Elaine knew which to pack.

I was glad to get away for a few days. I felt like the roof was falling onto my head. Although I was not keen on large get-togethers I was looking forward to being around other people and escaping this nightmare of a life for a little while. The thought of it whetted my appetite and I actually ate properly for the first time in weeks.

After lunch I went upstairs and changed into something more classy. A lovely black and white stripped dress. I powdered my nose, painted my lips, pinned up my hair and drizzled a few drops of the most valuable perfume you could get around here onto my neck and chest.

Back downstairs the coachman Victor was already waiting. After putting on a decent black hat, matching my dress and slipping into black gloves Elaine helped me into my coat. We were finally ready to leave.

The streets were packed and it took us long enough to get to my parent’s mansion. But finally there I couldn’t wait to see my father.

My older sister Abigail stormed out of the house approaching me with her arms wide open.
“Abby!”I joyfully called, surprised to see her.
She welcomed me with a tight hug.
“It’s been so long Mary.”she said pressing my body tighter to hers.
She let go and held onto my hands stepping back.
“Look at you.” She said smiling. “You look so bonnie.”
“Oh thank you so do you!” I replied slightly giggling over her new English accent. After marrying a fine English gentleman she moved to Britain you see.
“How are you dear? I’m sure you went through a difficult time.”she said giving me a sympathized look as we went up the stairs leading to the front door.
I sighed “ Well…” I paused. “ I don’t even know where to begin.”
She decided to drop the subject and put on her lovely smile again rubbing my hand gently.
I removed the needles that held my hat in front of the mirror that hung in the hallway as she stated with a mischievous grin on her face : “I heard you found a new man.”
“Whom did you hear that from?” I asked shaking my head and trying to hide my smile thinking of Ichabod of course.
“So it is true.” She said putting her hands on her hips and tilting her head to the side.
I remained silent pretending to be too busy with unbuttoning my coat.
“Tell me is he handsome?”
I felt my face turn red. I couldn’t help but smile. ‘Yes he’s beautiful’ I thought to myself.
“What’s his name?”
“Do I know him?”
“When will you introduce him to me?” She got more and more impatient.
I laughed out loud.
“Enough of that!” I exclaimed amused. “Anyhow where is father?”
“Don’t change the subject.”she threatened with her index finger.
But then I heard someone approach. I turned around only to see a small, corpulent, grey haired man in front of me .
“Father!”
I ran towards him hugging him tight. He kissed my forehead as he always did and stroked my cheek.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” I heard his rusty voice say.


The whole family sat together at the dinner table when mother discussed the finishing assignations for the party with the main maid. 12 people would accomplish mothers orders beginning early in the morning at 6 o’ clock . That is also when the flower bouquets would be delivered. Seems like this is going to be a major event
“This will be the most successful party of the year.”she promised clapping her hands together in excitement.
“The whole city of New York will be talking about this. I invited everyone worth knowing.”
I was glad for her and happy about her commitment. That meant she had no time to pry into my affairs.

I went to bed unscrupulously devoting my last thought to Ichabod ,the man I hoped would come to me in my dream, before falling into a deep slumber.

Sadly my dream was too short for I woke up by yelling, loud thuds, bangs and all sorts of other noises. The preparations seemed to be in full process.
I got dressed quickly and tiptoed down the steps trying to stay unnoticed for my mother loathes it when her “masterpieces” are desecrated too soon.
I couldn’t get a good glimpse though because the working men where blocking my view.


I entered the crowded ball room which was filled with laughter and chatting voices. I wore a laced white formal dress ornamented with a diamond. An orchestra played a cheerful composition.
I curtsied and nodded, greeting the guests for it was expected from me. After uncountable intellectual small-talks about the newest plays on Broadway, literature, politics, countries afar and of course a great amount of bragging about how wealthy one is I finally made my way through the room to where my sister sat and held an intense conversation with some author “who made it big”.
“Have you seen father Abby?”
“No I have not.”she replied.
“I don’t think he has come down yet M’am. At least I’ve not seen him and I was one of the first guests to arrive.”the author said.
I nodded slightly concerned for he has been complaining about nausea earlier this afternoon.
“What’s the matter love?”Abby asked.
I shook my head and went to address my mother who was visibly in her Element tattling about other people. I touched her upper arm turning her attention towards me.
“Have you seen father?” I almost had to shout over the music.
“No darling I haven’t.”she said in a dissembling, friendly tone.
“But don’t go looking for him now. I have an announcement to make.”she informed me, smiling brightly.
Was I the only one worrying about him? I asked myself. No soul has seen him since teatime.
My train of thoughts was interrupted as mother spoke up
“Dear you do remember your Cousin Edward don’t you?”she asked, introducing me to the dark haired man she was talking to. He had really bad acne and a huge gab between his yellow teeth.
“Of course. It’s so pleasant to see you” I said taking his reached out hand , wanting to shake it. But he bowed and kissed it. I felt my stomach turn.
“I have heard so much about you but my Lord you really are a feast for the eye.”he still held onto my hand. I really had other things in mind.
“I would just love to talk with you more but I have to go.”
I pulled my hand away and walked quickly, heading for the doors. My instinct told me something was wrong with my father. I had to find him. But before I could even reach them I heard my mothers voice. Everybody became silent and paid attention to her.

“At first I want to thank everyone for coming and making this such a lovely night.”she reached out her arms as if she was to embrace every single person in the room.
Of course the crowd loved her and praised her with applause.

“But before we continue I have an announcement to make which is also the reason for this celebration. My wonderful daughter Mary-Alice has chosen a broom and accepted Mr. Edward Brady’s proposal.”

I almost fainted at that moment. I completely froze as everybody starred at me. The room was filled with Ahhh’s .I felt my heart race. I was completely helpless.

My mothers face turned into the image of Satan before me.

“May the bridal pair step forward.”she said.

I couldn’t move a single bone. The shock went too deep. I felt completely numb.
Edward approached me and linked my arm to his. He literally pulled me with him.

We stood before the applauding and cheering crowd. I stood still, starring into blankness.

The first thing I perceived was my mothers voice telling me it was for the best and a feeling of my heart breaking into pieces.
My eyes started to well up and in a fast pace I left the ball room. I went into my room and collapsed onto my bed, letting the tears flow now.

It was only minutes later when Abby entered my room.
She rushed to my bed and sat beside me.
“What’s the matter?”
“Mary-Alice what’s the matter?”she repeated concered.
“It…was…a…pact.” I whispered in between sobs. “A cal…calculated plan!”
She didn’t understand yet tried to comfort me with a hug but I pushed her away.

“No!” I wailed trying desperately to find words to make her understand.
“It’s not Edward…..Ichabod, find Ichabod!!” I demanded.
“What about Edward? And whose Ichabod!”
It was hopeless I knew. I just couldn’t find the strength to explain. I laid back down crying and sobbing to myself.
Abby was stranded, rubbed my back and left, shaking her head in confusion.

I must have cried myself to sleep for the next thing I knew was Edward shaking me to wake me up. As I opened my eyes I heard him say “Darling, your father has been found dead. We have to leave right now. I’m sorry my love.” In a nauseously soft voice.

Needless to say I shed another pool of tears and screamed hysterically at the same time. Edward picked me up and carried me downstairs. I struggled so hard to escape but it was useless. He carried me outside into the night and sat me in a carriage. He locked the door before he went back inside to get our cases. I saw Abby walking towards the carriage looking devastated. I could tell she had been crying for her eyes were red and swollen.

I pressed myself against the window and told her:
“Find Constable Ichabod Crane.”
But she couldn’t hear me. She pointed to her ear and shrugged.
“Find Constable Ichabod Crane.” I screamed. “Ichabod Crane.”
She gave a confused look.
“He’s the one I love. “I screamed.
She put her hand to hear mouth. I could see her gasp. I believed she understood then.
“Find Ichabod Crane please.” I begged her.

Edward pushed Abby to the side and climbed into the carriage himself. Then we took off.