The Doctor grinned with amusement at the servant and stowed away his unused psychic paper in his jacket. Then he put his hands into his pockets and walked confidently into the huge, magnificent marble hallway. Several doors led off from the hall and a huge staircase in the centre of the room led up to a surrounding gallery. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
As the Doctor looked around, another man opened one of the doors and entered the hall, walking towards the Doctor with a welcoming smile on his face. The man was handsome with a square jaw, close-cut dark hair that was just starting to turn grey, and dressed very elegantly, complete with a royal-blue silken coat. He gave a short bow in front of the Doctor. 'Ah, welcome my friend, you are late!'
'Am I?' replied the Doctor, still a little puzzled at the warm reception.
'Indeed, but it is no matter. You will find a room prepared upstairs.' The man clapped his hands together and the servant that opened the door for the Doctor appeared next to them and gave a short bow. 'Henri will show you the way,' the aristocrat smiled, 'until tomorrow then?'
Amused and slightly bewildered by the French aristocrat’s instant acceptance of him, the Doctor was for once a little lost for words, so he just smiled and gave a short bow instead. 'Thank you, I’m most grateful.'
His host just nodded in return. 'Not at all, sleep well.' He then turned and walked across the hallway and through another door leaving the Doctor alone with Henri.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
his way, monsieur' said the manservant politely as he gestured towards the stairs. After a brief hesitation for the Doctor to follow, Henri started up the marble sweeping staircase and onto the gallery.
The Doctor glanced at the many paintings on the walls next to the staircase as he followed Henri up the stairs. Most were portraits of regal men and women; others depicted scenes of riders hunting through woodlands astride magnificent horses and followed by faithful hounds. As he climbed the stairs, the Doctor also admired the superb crystal chandelier that hung from the ornately decorated ceiling.
More doors and corridors led off from the gallery. Henri walked along one of the long corridors before stopping at one of the ornate wooden doors. He opened it and then stood to one side to let the Doctor enter. 'Your room monsieur?' he said respectfully.
The Doctor smiled delightedly. 'Merci, Henri.' The servant bowed again solemnly and then walked away along the corridor and then down the stairs, leaving the Doctor alone.
The Doctor paused at the doorway to his room and looked up and down the corridor. It was empty. His curiosity was burning. Perhaps he should look around and explore a little? He glanced into his room and saw a large four poster bed and then he grinned. His curiosity could wait a while. Next to the bed was a table set for an elegant supper with silver dishes and bowls. A carafe of red wine stood next to a crystal goblet on the table.
The Doctor walked into the bedroom and across to the dinner that was laid out on the table. He lifted one of the silver serving dishes to reveal a whole roast duckling in a rich, dark and sticky sauce. Another tureen held freshly cooked and steaming vegetables. Taking off his brown coat and throwing it on the bed, the Doctor poured himself a large goblet of red wine, pulled up a red velvet chair, and sprawled back into it.
time of the witch page 2
he Doctor strolled through the fabulous gardens as they grew darker and marvelled at the wonderful topiaries, delicate arches entwined with leaves, sumptuous rosebushes of every imaginable colour and scent, and the extensive, manicured lawns. Whoever owned the magnificent palace before him certainly knew their way around a trowel!
