The Yewin Files

by Etana des Etoiles

28 December 1933. 11:15 a.m.

Yewin Manor

Benjamin Dover had once been a servant, when he was young and stupid. He hated the job, and vowed never to return to the profession. Yet here he was, scrubbing at a chamberpot. Actually, scrubbing at several chamberpots. He really didn't like washing away bodily fluids, and the smell was starting to get to him.

"Benjamin?"

Benjamin lifted his head quickly. It was Evelyn, her shawl hanging loosely from her shoulders and her eyes downcast. He felt his heart lift unwillingly- maybe he could take a break.

"Yes?" he said quickly.

"We have another chamberpot in a bedroom, but it's so disguisting I don't want to touch it." she said, wrinkling her nose, "You can remove it for me, and clean it while you are at it."

"Yes ma'am." Benjamin said sarcastically, "Lead the way."

"Lead I shall," she said, raising her eyebrows, "Follow me."

He tried to memorize where she was leading him, but the Yewin Manor was full of too many corridors and rooms. Without his guide, Benjamin would have quickly gotten lost. He wondered how George Yewin found his way around. Maybe he hired someone to be his guide.

"Here," said Evelyn disdainfully, "In there."

She pointed at a door, and Benjamin grudgingly entered. His jaw dropped. He was standing in the most beautiful room he had ever seen. That wasn't saying much, but the room was truly amazing. Benjamin let his eyes wander, and they fell upon a lovely woman lying in a large bed. Beside the bed was a lovely table, covered in bottles. The woman's eyes were closed and her dark hair was unkempt. Beside her stood two servants, one with an eager face and blonde hair, the other looking prunish.

"Er," said Benjamin, "I'm here for the chamberpot..."

"There," said the eager one, pointing, "Are you new? I haven't seen you before."

"Ugh, yeah. I'm Benjamin Dover," he said, with a rough bow. The woman started to laugh.

"I am only a simple servant! I am Samantha Letue, and this is Ruby Hampton. We're taking care of Breah Lamant here...or should I say, Breah Yewin!"

Benjamin gasped. "Yewin! Is she his wife?"

"Fiancée, just engaged" said Samantha happily. On the bed, Breah did not move, and her breathing was slow and uneven. Her face was deathly pale.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Benjamin. Samantha's face fell.

"We're not sure, but she won't wake. Her fever's high, and she was coughing up a storm before she fell into this coma. The doctor's declared he can't make heads of tails of it."

Outside, Evelyn cleared her throat loudly. Benjamin hurriedly grabbed the foul chamberpot and dashed out of the room. He spent the rest of the day cleaning away Breah Yewin's urine, but didn't dwell on it, because his head was swirling with what he had just discovered.

December 24, 1933. 9:45 p.m.

Yewin Manor

"My darling!" cried George Yewin as Breah Lamant sailed into the room. Her hair was decked with pearls, and her brown eyes shone with anticipation. Though the room was empty, it now seemed full of Breah's presence. George took her in with a loving glance, and extended his hand.

"I have been waiting forever," he said.

"You've been busy," said Breah with a simple smile.

"Business always beckons," said George, "But business can always wait for a man's beautiful wife! That dress becomes you, who bought it for you?"

"You did!" laughed Breah, "But darling, I feel guilty. It's Sunday and we haven't gone to church."

"Don't fret," smiled George, "God will understand if we are not in a building for one day, when we are in each other's arms!"

"I'm not in your arms!" said Breah.

"Now you are!" exclaimed George, and swept her around into a spirited dance. Outside, the orchestra played a jig, and George twirled his lover around. Breah's feet moved nimbly, and she laughed as she danced. The music slowed, and George pulled Breah into a passionate embrace.

"Shall we announce our engagement now?" he whispered into her ear.

"Yes," she murmured, hypnotized by the moment, "Do you have the ring?"

"I thought you had it!" George cried, releasing her.

"Don't be silly," said Breah with a smile, "I will have my servant get it."

She strode across the room, where an odd device was stuck on the wall. It was some new technology that could call anyone in the house, including servants. Nobody understood how it worked, but it was very useful. Breah opened the box it was in, and pressed a button.

"Samantha Letue, I need you!" she said clearly. A voice answered,

"I thought I had the day off!"

"I need my engagement ring!" cried Breah.

"...Fine, but I need to get the mail first. Nobody picked it up this morning."

"Fine." snapped Breah. She closed the box, and scuttled back to her lover. George wrapped his arms around her, and they swayed gently to the music outside. On the balcony right outside the room, they watched little children chase each other through the glass doors. They both knew it would be at least a half hour before Samantha got the post and found the ring, and were content with staying there alone, dancing with each other.

Suddenly the door swung open. Breah looked up and gasped.

"No!" yelled George. Ten seconds later he was dead.