Master Gregory

All Master Gregory ever wanted to do was read his books.  Even after the disappearance of his wife he stayed locked up in his library.  It got worse when she disappeared actually, but what am I to say?  I’m just the housekeeper after all.  When Mistress Mary was still around, they would have dinner parties on the estate and guests.  At the parties, I’d have to serve the meal, but it was still interesting for me to see other people.  Now I only see Master Gregory and the cook.  The Master would even leave the estate to join his wife at dinner parties.  Although I must say that he never seemed too happy about it.  It was as if he was leaving against his will.  I’d often hear fighting before they left.  The only words I could ever pick out of these arguments were the Master yelling about his books.  I never truly knew why those two ever married, but I suspect it might have been arranged by Master Gregory’s mother.  She knew how peculiar he was and probably knew he would never do the respectable thing and find a worthy woman to marry on his own.  Sadly neither of my late Mistresses could change Master Gregory’s odd way of life.  Then Miss Mary disappeared and, even more strange, Master Gregory seemed happy to not have her in the house anymore.  Oh my! Look at the time! I must get Master Gregory’s tea ready. 

         Knock, knock.  “Enter Kate.” grunted Master Gregory. 

         “I’ve brought you your tea, sir.”  No response. 

I never saw the Master as a mean man.  He just preferred not to be disturbed and especially not to be asked to leave his library before he was ready.  At times, Master Gregory would stay in there for days and I would continue to bring him food night and day though I suspect if I hadn’t he might have just starved himself.  Although, every time I enter his library to bring him meals, I get the chills.  Nothing has changed; all the beautiful furniture Miss Mary picked out is still there, even though it doesn’t really suit Master Gregory’s style.  Maybe it’s the stale air or the draft from the window.  I don’t know but something has happened here, something terrible. And I suspect it may have something to do with Mistress Mary’s disappearance and the newly locked door on the second floor.