The Lady of the Manor

The Lady of the Manor is the sixth episode of the first season of Stories from the Smelting Shed.

## Synopsis:

Thomas and Percy both witness what looks to be an attempted murder in progress at Upton Abbey but when the Lord of the Manor is strangely reluctant, almost insistent, on not getting the Police involved, the tank engines wonder if something of a supernatural nature may be occurring..

### Plot:

#### Intro:

The Fogman greets the Viewer and is invited to offer an opinion on a manor the Viewer happened to be looking at before the Fogman surprised them. The Fogman agress to do so and happens to bring up an abbey, which "just so happens" to be haunted. Discovering an ornate bench, the Fogman invites the Viewer to be seated and listen to the tale.

#### Story:

The Fogman talks about how the Island is home to many stately homes and estates, especially Upton Abbey which often undergoes restoration. One day, the Fat Controller informs Thomas and Percy that the Abbey is undergoing yet another period of restoration and the NWR is again stepping in to help. He assigns the pair to handle the shunting on the site, which Thomas is unsure of, due to the large amount of rolling stock, but the Fat Controller reassures them he wouldn't ask if he wasn't confident.

The pair head over to the Abbey where they're greeted by the current Lord, Rupert Crawley, who immediately sets them to work. At the end of the day, the pair are informed by their Crews that they will be sleeping at the Abbey, so as to be ready for work first thing next day; as Thomas and Percy start to drift off, they're suddenly awoken by a gunshot and the sound of screaming! Looking around, they spy a couple in antique clothing fleeing the Abbey and inform their Crews of this.

Just as Thomas recommends sending for the Police, Rupert suddenly appears and attempts to downplay everything, saying the couple were probably just a couple of kids who spooked a Poacher but Thomas and Percy aren't convinced. The next day, they discuss a plan of action and put it into place; later that night, Thomas wakes Percy and informs him he can hear someone walking around. The pair are horrified to discover their nocturnal visitor appears to be a Soldier, carrying a large hunting rifle which is suddenly aimed right at them!

Thomas and Percy scream for their lives which attracts the inhabitants of the Abbey; upon hearing the descriptions, Rupert grimly informs them the three figures are, in fact, the ghosts of his Great Grandfather, General Sir Reginald Crawley, his Daughter Sarah and her Lover James Hiller. Rupert informs them that Sarah was engaged to marry the Son of one of Sir Reginald's friends but refused. The General locked her up but she was freed by James, only for them to be shot dead by an enraged Sir Reginald.

The story ends with Thomas and Percy solemnly keeping an vow of discretion and with Thomas wishing that Sir Reginald burn in the Devil's own private furnace.

#### Outro:

The Fogman explains that power over people is important but it should not consume you. The clock then strikes the hour and the Fogman bids the Viewer farewell and vanishes into the night.

## Cast:

* The "Fogman"/Lord Rupert Crawley: Flashstudiosguy
* Thomas: RailFan#1
* Percy: Jonathan Asiamah
* Sir Topham-Hatt: TB76Returns
* Bob: Mandedhawk
* Peter: AgentLoLOfficial
* Hammersmith: CalebtheOriginalCJC

## Trivia:

* Several references are made to the hit ITV Period Drama 'Downton Abbey' which both Flashstudiosguy and Henry's Haunted Forest are fans of.
* This story was inspired by 'The Haunting of Ballahoo Manor'
* This is the first episode to contain footage edited in Microsoft Powerpoint.
* This is the first episode to feature the Fogman in his new shape.