Inspector’s Notes with the “Ravenscroft” Suspect of the Week
Inspector Ruffing has been called to investigate the death of Patrick Roarke at the remote Ravenscroft estate in the English countryside. The year is 1905. There are five women in the house: Mrs. Ravenscroft, her 17-year old daughter, Gillian, Marcy Kleiner, Gillian's governess, Mrs. French, the housekeeper, and Dolly, the Ravenscrofts' maid. When the Inspector arrives at the manor, he is told that Patrick fell down the stairs and his death is an accident. He discovers some interesting details through his questioning of the residents of the Ravenscroft estate.
This Week’s Suspect: Gillian Ravenscroft
Gillian: Well, I can't say Mrs. French is really my favorite person. She never goes along with my jokes or games and she's always scolding me and can be quite cross. She doesn't seem to understand I'm only having fun. I mean really, there's only so much to do in this drafty old house. I'm afraid I get bored easily. She's no fun at all really. Maybe it’s because she's Irish. But Patrick was Irish, and he was loads of fun!
As for Dolly, well she amuses me quite a bit. To be honest, she's a bit "dim-witted" as my Mother put it so kindly once. She's not always that kind when it comes to Dolly. Don't tell Mother, but I do have quite a bit of fun with Dolly, I play pranks on her all the time and confuse her--she's easily confused. And naturally if I do something bad, I make it look like it was Dolly's fault and Mother always believes me! So does Mrs. French because she can't stand Dolly! And Dolly never tells on me because she doesn't want to lose her job. I do tend to get her in trouble with Mother a lot. Maybe that's why Mother doesn't like her too much either. Poor girl. But it's all in good fun really!
I absolutely adore Marcy! She's truly wonderful, so intelligent and so beautiful! I want to be like her someday. She's really the only one in the house who truly understands me. She's an excellent teacher too; Mother says I've come a long way in my studies since Marcy has come to work here. She's really the only friend I've got now since poor Patrick died. Mother and Mrs. French don't seem to like her very much and I'm not sure why. But I would absolutely throw a fit if Mother ever fired her, she's my closest companion.
Ruffing: What is your relationship with your mother like?
Gillian: Mother and I haven't always seen eye to eye on things, but recently we've become much more close. I'm afraid she's never really understood me that well, she thinks I'm a bit "odd"-- isn't that silly? She's never seemed to accept me for who I am. However, I think I'm more like her than she realizes. She has been quite protective of me lately, though. I suppose it's to do with what's all happened recently, and I have been upset a great deal. I can't really complain, she lets me have whatever I want and most of the time she lets me do whatever I please. I suspect it’s because she feels guilty and sorry for me and just wants me to be happy. That's sweet of Mama, isn't it? I know she loves me, and I love her too.
Ruffing: What do you have to say about Patrick Roarke?
Gillian: I was completely distraught when I found out poor Patrick was dead. I was quite hysterical really; Mother and Marcy had to calm me down. Unfortunately, this isn't the first upsetting incident that's happened to me. I was so very fond of Patrick. I grew up with him in the house and he was always like an older brother to me. He always made time for me, even when he was working. I was never a bother to Patrick. He enjoyed my games and jokes, he could be quite funny! Then when I got a little older he became such a good friend. Truly a very special friend. We had so much fun together! It's a terrible shame what happened, I do miss him terribly.
Ruffing’s Notes: What manner of odd place is this? This is getting to be rather more complex than I had first anticipated. The only mystery that has been solved is why Dolly burns the meals here. Gillian seems to be obsessed with jokes, pranks, and games. What sort of humor do these entail? What other upsetting incidents has she encountered? I will continue to investigate into these matters further.
More will be revealed…
As the Inspector hunts for clues to lead him to the truth, be on the lookout for more suspects of the week. GreenMan Theatre invites you to attend “Ravenscroft” by Don Nigro to see for yourself who the culprit, or culprits, will be. Mrs. Ravenscroft cordially requests your presence at Asbury Hall at the First United Methodist Church at 232 S. York in Elmhurst. The Ravenscrofts will only provide their hospitality for 9 weekend gatherings between October 14 and 30. Mrs. Ravenscroft requests that guests attend at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets to attend the Ravenscroft manor are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. If you require more information, please telephone 630-464-2646.
