Doctor Who: Strange England by Simon Messingham

Author:Simon Messingham
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub, mobi
Tags: Science-Fiction:Doctor Who
ISBN: 9780426204190
Publisher: London Bridge
Published: 1994-01-01T10:00:00+00:00

* * *

Peter and Tillie drank their tea whilst the Doctor attempted to talk to Mary and Jane. He had said he wanted to find out how much or how little they knew.

Peter stared at the hallway outside, diligently keeping watch whilst Tillie, on finishing her tea, began to tidy the room up.

The maids were answering the Doctor’s questions politely but he seemed irritated by their perfunctory statements. Clearly they weren’t saying what he wanted to hear. ‘What do you do in the House?’ he asked.

‘We cook and clean, sir,’ answered Mary.

‘When did you begin working in the House?’

‘We have always worked here.’

‘What is your favourite food?’

‘Whatever is given.’

‘Do you like working here?’

‘We cook and clean.’

The Doctor sighed and joined Peter on watch. The man seemed confused. ‘They’re like blanks,’ he said. ‘Half‐formed automatons. And very dull company.’

The maids gave no reaction and continued to sit by the fire, clearly waiting for instructions.

Thinking aloud, the Doctor sat down in a comfortable padded chair. He stared up at the brass and crystal chandelier that dominated the ceiling. Wearily, he looked at Peter. ‘Something has gone very wrong in this valley. I presume we should still be in high summer, the pattern of life as unchanged as ever. It’s as if this place has become stained, tainted. Some outside influence has got inside it and is gnawing away at its heart.’

Peter felt that the Doctor was seeing right through him. Was he supposed to think of an answer?

‘So who or what has interfered?’ the Doctor continued. ‘What is manipulating the design and running of this House? It’s a bit of a complicated plan. Why doesn’t whatever it is just invade and take over? Hmm. Because it can’t, this is the easiest method for it.’ He glanced up at the chandelier again. ‘Why do I feel like a goldfish in a bowl?’ he said suddenly. ‘Who’s watching me?’

The Doctor leapt up and ran to one of the boarded‐up windows. He looked out into the dark night. Fumbling with his pocket watch, he muttered, ‘Eight o’clock. Impossible. Why haven’t I detected it? Funny how quickly the nights are drawing in.’

He turned abruptly and stared at the maids by the fire. Peter noticed that the air had become very still. ‘What is it?’ he asked.

‘Did you say something?’ replied the Doctor.

Peter shook his head. He wondered what had alarmed the little man. ‘No. Why?’

The Doctor shook his head, as if to clear his thoughts. ‘I heard a voice,’ he said. ‘Didn’t you hear a voice?’

Peter glanced at Tillie who was listening intently. ‘No. What was it?’ she asked.

Frowning, the Doctor sat back down in his chair. ‘It was one word,’ he stated mysteriously. ‘Leave.’

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