The year is 1888 and in the house of a prosperous sweet manufacturer something stirs. The stirring is done by the Cook, Mrs Enid Baggins, who is putting the final touches to the secret recipe for the Davenport Dreadnought Drops. Sales of this new product are expected to enhance the fortunes of the Davenport family and bring social recognition to an upwardly mobile Rolo Davenport, head of the household.
But Mrs Baggins is found drowned in her own concoction and foul play is suspected. Inept Police Inspector Arthur Pratt is seconded from Scotland Yard to solve the case. He has reluctantly been called away from investigations into the Whitechapel murders, reportedly being carried out by the mysterious Jack the Ripple. Inspector Pratt moreover, is not alone in his enquiries. A lady by the name of Millie Fry, one of a new breed of lady journalists, turns up to look for a story. Far from being grateful for Miss Fry’s assistance, Pratt regards her as an intrusive nuisance. However, Miss Fry uncovers some very interesting evidence indeed.
The family Matriarch, Great Aunt Edna Rowntree is a gambling and sherry addict. Her embittered and taciturn Lady’s Companion, Miss Treadwell has another job to bolster her meagre salary – she works as a bartender in a low-end tavern. Rolo’s daughter, the delightful Delphinia, is a fluffy, gossamer, tremulous little spendthrift, who plans to marry Rolo’s impoverished delivery boy, Willie Mackintosh. Willie is going to get on, as he says many times. The family Butler, Frobisher, takes nocturnal walks to soothe his deep, deep depression but he keeps Edna well-supplied with her favourite liquor in ever-increasing quantities. Lastly, Delphinia’s approved suitor, Lord St John Snearing, is not as rich as he maintains and is clandestinely involved with a married lady, a Mrs Nelly Jelly. Rolo Davenport himself is a go-getting, on-the-make, conniving, underhand, money-making, scoundrel. Apart from that he is quite the aspiring gentleman.
Against a background of intrigue, misunderstandings and devious climbing in through windows, it seems impossible that the case will be solved in order for Inspector Pratt to return to Whitechapel to help solve the mystery of Jack the Ripple, but indeed it does. Join us to find-out who-dunnit!
Luncheon Details
Mini Turkey Sandwich
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Pasta Salad
Dessert
Coffee/Tea/Water