Thread: Abandon All Hope.... (Casket and Victorian Virtue)

A clipping from The Illustrated London News circa Wednesday, June 2nd 1905. The Devil from Hertfordshire is at it Again!!!! Many of our faithful readers might remember the stories of the young Viscount Henry Blanchemere and his fiendish activities he was henceforth accused of from years past, well the devil is at it again. The very same man whose estate was raided by authorities only a few years ago and evidence of bestiality, polygamy, and varying degrees of occultism were found by constables. Our sources here at the Illustrated London have found that he's applied for Italian citizenship and is currently living in a former Abbey in the providence of Trino. The Lucedio Abbey was rumored that numerous young people underwent assault and torture at the hands of the monks.From 1457, by an act of Pope Callixtus III, Lucedio was placed under commendatorial control, losing prestige and autonomy. When Italian government officials were contacted they informed us that Blanchmere has been convicted of no crimes that would hinder his citizenship status. We can only hope that they don't turn a blind eye to his nefarious acts and that his true nature will be brought to the light soon so that no other innocents are affected by his taint. We here at our prestigious news organization have received information that he is hosting another one of his mysterious seminars this season and although the admission is quite steep, our editor has agreed to float the styphon so that I, your intrepid reporter and first female news journalist in England can attend the seminar in Italy and write about it so that the monster can finally be exposed for what he is. Keep your eyes peeled dear readers for my installments as I stalk the devil in a foreign land and hopefully illuminate him for all to see. Written by Gwyneth Alger Gwen, you don't honestly think I'm going to pay for you to go to Italy and write about this flash in the pan Blanchmere do you? The Editor of the Illustrated London said as he removed his glasses and looked up at the young woman standing before him. Yes sir, I do. It's news and that's what we do here. Gwen retorted, standing with her pale hands behind her back. She was an extremely attractive young woman of 21 years old with reddish blond hair and a freckled face that framed her piercing blue eyes. I won't, firstly we can't afford that and secondly it's Italian news if it is new at all, we write about England and her colonies because that is what people care about. Not this Gwen. I begrudgingly hired you even though you were a woman because I believed we could sell more papers than our competitors if we appealed to the female perspective as well. I assumed you'd be writing puff pieces about clothing trends and cooking column with new recipes Not trying to hunt some devil worshiper down and expose him. Editor James said as he rubbed his temples out of frustration. Fine, what if I cover the admission price myself, will you print my letters? She asked and showed her fierce determination which had landed her the job in the first place. Where in the good Lord's name would you come up with a thousand pound? He asked looking up again. I have a pen name and I've been published. I written several successful fictional novels, I have the money. She answered. You mean you've been moonlighting on me....Really? What's your pen name? He asked with an amused smile on his face. Never you mind, if I went around telling people that it wouldn't be a pen name would it? The question remains, will you publish me if I send home letters? She asked again this time placing her hands on her hips defiantly. As always Gwen, I print news, either your letters will be news and I'll print them or they wont' be news and I'll file them in my circular file. He answered as he pointed at his trash bin. Don't you worry about that Mr. James, I can assure you our readers will be enthralled. I thank you for your time and must take my leave if I hope to be packed and on board the steamship I bought a ticket for passage on. She said. You already had the ticket? What if I'd said 'no'? Mister James asked as he pulled his pipe out and took a puff. I never had any doubts sir. She answered in that confident tone which had got her the job in the first place.