But what about those that didn't receive envelopes?

Becky let out an exasperated sigh of relief. "At last. If we sit here any longer, I'm going to melt." A few other voices echoed her sentiment as the guests all began to rise from their seats. The uncomfortable silence had broken and everyone seemed a little more at ease. A weird end to a weirder journey, or was it just the beginning? None of that mattered right now to the party of guests as the prospect of a cooler room to rest was all too tempting and easily washed away the tension, allowing for social conversation and curious speculation to ensue.

Roger followed a flushed Becky as they quickly made way to the head of the mass trying to leave the study. As they were about to reach the threshold, the bald man called out in what seemed an unnaturally loud yet calm voice. "Mrs. Carmine, I believe I was quite clear in my instruction. Only those who have received their envelopes may leave. The presence of those without are still required."

Confusion swept the room once more but this time joined by outrage as the voices of angry husbands, wives, partners, even brothers and sisters relayed their displeasure and defiance. Becky herself stood in shocked dismay, her body trembling slightly as she turned to Roger only able to silently mouth the phrase, "What do I do?"

It took all of Rogers composure to not reiterate what was fast becoming his slogan for the evening. His own anger finally catching up with him as he took his wife's hand possessively and marched back to confront the bald man.

But alas, Rogers moment of fury was stolen as Charles Marsh imposed himself, an accusatory finger waving at the man as his face burned red to the point where Roger was certain steam would shoot out from Mr Marsh's ears. "NOW SEE HERE! MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER ARE STAYING WITH ME! WILL BE DAMNED! I WANT AN EXPLANATION TO THIS PREPOSTEROUS SITUATION!

On closer inspection, Roger, now able to see both Charles Marsh and his family, noted that they all seemed to be from another time completely. He had first put it down to Marsh simply being well dressed and of blue collar stock but both his wife and daughter seemed to be dressed in what he could only assume were gowns that came straight out of Victorian England. In fact, looking around the room more closely, Roger could see that most of the guests were oddly dressed. Some looked like they were straight out of the 1950's while others were wearing strange fashions he had never seen before.

"Sir, I understand your frustration. The patruus does indeed have a history of odd and often eccentric requests but I assure you and your family and by extension to all our other guests that this detainment is in fact very necessary for the weeks proceedings. I ask that all involve please bare with us and all will be revealed in due time." The bald man had not broken his verbal stride one bit. He had been all business since their arrival with barely a hint of emotion outside of what was displayed for Roger's late great uncle. It was as if the man was possessed by an unnatural resolve; steeled and tempered to deal with the pomp and bluster of lesser men.

Roger would have been almost impressed if the circumstances did not facilitate his own grievance.

Becky was still bewildered by what was transpiring. The unforgiving heat in the study, in-spite of the contrasting weather outside, made it difficult to think straight. Sweat poured from her brow as even the thin material of her dress felt stifling. She wondered if Roger would forgive her desire to simply rip off her clothes once she got to their room. Maybe her delicate fingers could do some ripping of his attire. Maybe it was the stress of being in a strange mansion in the middle of nowhere surrounded by stranger people but all Becky wanted in that moment was to be in Rogers strong arms and taken away to a land of marital bliss...or maybe...yes just maybe... Her eyes now wondering the room, pausing at the selection of available bodies...Wait.. what the hell am I thinking? She chided herself. It must be this heat, it's driving me mad! The soon this is over the better.

Roger felt a tug at his arm that pulled him out of the events unfolding. Turning to his wife, he asked, "Yes love?"

Excising the natural volume of her own vocals, Becky kept looking around the room as she spoke for all to hear. "Roger it's OK. I'll stay and see what our hosts want. This heat is becoming insufferable and the quicker we get this over with the quicker we can all go home."

"Now see here Madame!" Started Marsh only to be interrupted by his own wife.

"Charles, she's right. Let us be done with it. Alice and I will be up to our room once we are finished here."

Roger caught the bald man looking off to side as Mrs. March spoke. This made him feel even more uneasy. He did not trust this man and it seemed like foul intention was afoot. His objection was rendered mute however as mumblings of agreement to Becky's words rumbled from the crowd. Better to wait and talk with her in the safety of their room, plus he could not deny that he was becoming eager to learn the contents of his envelope.