Historical

JACK OF DIAMONDS

(CHAPTER 1 part 1)--THE ROAD TO MANDALAY.... Artie could see that the grounds of Mandalay Manor were kept neat, and trim. The brushes growing along the base of the foundation were all cut back from the windows--which should make for easier climbing, he reminded himself--but still, he was amazed at how the ivy always somehow managed to cling to the walls by leeching onto the masonry. He imagined the flowers lining the hedges blossomed in vivid colours of green, red, gold and purple--but they were gone now, he conceded, their season long over. The paving stones lining the circular drive were still slick with dew, the horse's flanks steaming in the morning light as Reggie slowed the cart to a regular walk.