The Somerton Man

Home Sweet Home

Unable to put it off any longer after his disastrous visit with his daughter, and knowing if he tried to return to reside somewhere in York his relations would not be happy, Daniel eventually found himself returning to Somerton Manor

The place had not changed that much, the gardens a little overrun with weeds and long grass. But Daniel was not particularly concerned about the state his old home was in. He dismounted from his horse as he reached the stables, there wasn't anyone about.He had not announced his arrival back, so was now a little unsure of what to expect.

It was growing dark; he found he had to leave his horse in the stables which were also empty and run looking rather down, then he made his way round to the door at the side of the house that was usually open were the servants and tradesmen used.

Making his way down the narrow passageway, he headed for the kitchen to see if there were any servants about. He could hear voices, but none of them familiar to him

Entering the large kitchen, found a rather fat grey haired woman, whom he assumed was some sort of cook, by the way she was dressed. She was sitting at the kitchen table drinking from a cup. Sitting opposite her was a rather wizened faced man.

When Daniel entered the kitchen, the woman looked around and caught sight of him, she looked startled letting out a small exclamation of shock

"Goodness gracious! Who are you? what do you think you are doing, intruding on us like this?" she then demanded in alarm

"I, am Daniel Somerton, and this is my house, so I believe i have every right to intrude" Daniel informed her coolly

The woman exchanged looks with the man, both of them gaping at each other, obviously thrown by his unexpected arrival.

The woman scraped back her chair proceeding to stand up and come over to him, "Mr Daniel Somerton you say? So then, the rumours are true, you have returned to England". She realised, and immediately looked flustered, "But we did not get any word that you were planning on returning here yet" she added is some sort of defence of her earlier outburst, suddenly bobbing in an awkward curtsy, "I am so sorry sir, if you had given us notice that were coming, we would have been more prepared" she then hastily apologised

"It does not matter," Daniel said dismissively, he had not wanted any fuss on his return to Somerton manor, which was why he had turned up unannounced.

At that moment they were joined by someone else, this time Daniel recognised the woman, it was the housekeeper, Martha Rawlings.

She stopped in her tracks when she caught sight of him, staring as if she was seeing a ghost.

"At last, a slightly familiar face," Daniel drawled

"It's Mr Daniel.. he has returned," the grey haired woman spoke up, still wide eyed as she addressed Martha.

"So I can see," Martha replied, quickly recovering her wits, "Well Sir, this is quite a surprise, your father or aunt did not write to inform me you intended to take up residence here yet, and I assumed from you returned you would be staying in York with them " she said smoothly

"Yes well, I thought I would surprise you all," Daniel returned dryly, "But never mind all that, I am here now, so perhaps you should introduce me to my new staff?" he turned his attention towards the couple by the table

"Of course sir," Martha replied, "After you left, some of your old staff were not happy staying on. So I had to replace them,... And with no one staying at the house we didn't need so many working here," She then explained, " So this is Lettie our cook, and her brother Tom, who looks after the stables and grounds"