Music and Mystery at Hazelmere

Music and Mystery at Hazelmere

It is a truth universally acknowledged — at least in our little village — that no occurrence, however slight, remains unknown for long. Thus it is that the unhappy business of the shattered vase at Hazelmere has, in the space of a single morning, become the chief topic of conversation among the parish. Mrs. Marsten herself is quite at a loss to comprehend how so precious an heirloom could have been dislodged from the column upon which it had rested undisturbed for years. Its loss has wounded her deeply, for the vase belonged to her husband’s family for generations, and was regarded by all as a treasure of no small distinction.

What renders the affair most perplexing is that the calamity occurred at a moment when nearly the whole of the village was assembled in her drawing room for an evening of music. The Marstens had supposed that, should any unfortunate accident have been occasioned by one of their guests, the person responsible would by now have offered some expression of regret. Yet no apology has been forthcoming, nor even the faintest hint of remorse.

The vase met its untimely demise while Miss Margaret Marsten played the pianoforte, scarcely had she begun her piece and only moments after Mr. Henry Marsten, the elder son, concluded his violin solo. Someone ventured that perhaps the high soprano note of Miss Powell when she sang Amazing Grace had caused the mishap; but such a suggestion was quickly dismissed, for had her voice possessed such destructive power, surely every crystal ornament in the room would have suffered equally.

Mrs. Howells and her daughter, Clarissa, who were seated nearest the column, narrowly escaped being showered with fragments when the vase fell and shattered at their feet. The music ceased instantly; all eyes turned toward the commotion. Mrs. Marsten hurried forward, her voice trembling as she cried, “Oh, not the family vase!” The distress in her countenance moved even those who had never before seen the object in question.

From that moment the evening was quite undone. Conversation turned exclusively upon the fallen vase, each guest offering conjecture as to the cause. Though many insisted it must have been an accident, Mrs. Marsten would not be persuaded. She declared that the vase had been placed with such care that no slight vibration could have disturbed it. Her gaze travelled slowly around the room, resting upon each familiar face in turn, before she announced, with a solemnity that chilled the company: “This was no accident. The vase was purposely tipped over.”

A collective gasp followed her words. Guests looked at one another with expressions of disbelief, as though unable to imagine that anyone present could be capable of such a wanton act. Mrs. Marsten, near tears, continued, “I beseech the person responsible to tell me why. Have I not been a good neighbour? Who among you could bear such ill will? This vase has been in my husband’s family for generations; its loss is felt most keenly.”

For a moment the room seemed suspended in silence; then, as though released from a spell, the company stirred. Several ladies hastened to comfort the poor hostess, while others withdrew into small knots of whispered speculation. In the midst of this agitation, and quite without attracting notice, a candlestick was placed curiously atop a volume of Mr. Samuel Richardson’s works, and positioned so near the edge of the table that it seemed almost designed to draw attention. Some later insisted it must be connected to the mystery of the vase, though none could determine its meaning.

Particulars of the swap:

Who among us can resist a delicious mystery? For this swap, you shall solve this tantalising enigma of the broken vase. You will have one partner, whom you will email your suspicions about who broke the vase and why. Once partners have been assigned, you will receive a full account of the evening including important clues and a seating chart. You will have to do a little detective work to figure out who the culprit is, but if you are very observant, and inquisitive, you will be successful. When you have received the details of the evening, take all into account, some clues are of no consequence, others will help you solve the mystery. After you have made your decision about who tipped the vase off the column, write a short note to your partner and tell them who the culprit is and why you believe they did this dastardly deed.

Good Luck to you all and have fun!

I will begin a thread on the forum in the event anyone has questions so that all may follow along. There is a link for the forum on the home page

NOTE Because I know who broke the vase, I will send my partner my account of the evening.