5
"A genuine medieval banquet, reconstructed as faithfully as modern scholarship can manage. If it proved successful, I hoped it might become a regular attraction."
He paused, and the animation slowly faded from his face.
"I cannot claim to possess any particular gift for business, Mr. Holmes."
The admission was made without embarrassment.
"Indeed, such matters are rather above my station."
He gave a self-conscious little laugh.
"My late father concerned himself with the management of the estate. Unfortunately, he became involved in certain financial difficulties."
He spread his hands vaguely.
"I never entirely understood them. Figures, investments, loans—such things have always been beyond me. I only know that the consequences were disastrous."
His gaze wandered slowly about the room.
"The estate is not what it once was."
There was no trace of self-pity in his voice, merely quiet resignation.
"If I cannot discover some fresh source of income before very long, I greatly fear I shall lose Northleigh Manor altogether."
For a few moments the three of us stood in silence.
It was Holmes who eventually spoke.
"Then I imagine your distinguished guests have been invited for reasons extending beyond their enjoyment of medieval cookery."
Mr. Goode looked almost relieved.
"You have seen through me, Mr. Holmes."
"I imagine they possess influence."
"They do indeed."
Goode nodded eagerly.
"If gentlemen of their standing speak favorably of what they see here, others may follow. Some might publicize the venture. Others may perhaps know persons willing to invest in it. I ask for nothing more than a fair opportunity."
I found myself looking once more around the magnificent room.
"So much now depends upon the success of a single evening."
"It does."
For a brief moment his expression betrayed the anxiety which he had done his best to conceal since our arrival.
"I have no choice except to try."
Holmes inclined his head.
"No," he said quietly. "I believe you have chosen the only sensible course."
His eyes drifted once more around the remarkable room, lingering for a moment upon the waiting tables with their polished pewter and spotless linen, before returning to our host.
"Now then, Mr. Goode," he continued, "let us return to the matter of Professor Stratton himself."