Scarhaven Keep · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Scarhaven Keep by J. S. Fletcher.

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Chapter 1
Wanted at Rehearsal
Richard Copplestone arrives at the Theatre Royal in Norcaster for a rehearsal with Bassett Oliver, only to find that Oliver has not appeared. Stafford, the business manager, and Rothwell, the stage-manager, are perplexed by Oliver's uncharacteristic absence. They learn that Oliver left his hotel in Northborough the previous morning and has not been seen since, prompting concern and the beginning of a search.
Chapter 2
Grey Rock and Grey Sea
Copplestone joins Stafford and Rothwell in the search for the missing actor Bassett Oliver, tracing his journey to the remote coastal village of Scarhaven. There, they encounter the mysterious landscape and begin inquiries, meeting Mrs. Wooler and learning of the dangerous cliffs and rocks. Copplestone explores the south side of the bay and sees a girl walking across the sands.
Chapter 3
III: The Man Who Knew Something
Copplestone meets Audrey Greyle on the shore near Scarhaven, seeking information about the missing actor Bassett Oliver. She reveals the danger of the Devil's Spout, a whirlpool that could have swallowed Oliver. They encounter Marston Greyle, the Squire of Scarhaven Keep, who offers little help. Stafford, the business manager, arrives with a policeman and learns from a local that Oliver was last seen heading toward the Keep. Stafford suspects foul play and leaves Copplestone to stay overnight and investigate.
Chapter 4
The Estate Agent
Copplestone observes the stark contrast between the wealth of Marston Greyle at Scarhaven and the genteel poverty of his cousin Audrey and her mother Mrs. Greyle. He follows Audrey after a tense encounter on the quay and is invited to her cottage, where Mrs. Greyle expresses certainty that Bassett Oliver never left Scarhaven Wood and insists there must have been foul play. Copplestone reflects on the suspicious circumstances surrounding Oliver's disappearance and Marston Greyle's possible connection. Later, at the Admiral's Arms, he receives a visit from the estate agent Peter Chatfield, a nosy local figure known as 'Peeping Peter.'
Chapter 5
The Greyle History
Copplestone learns the history of the Greyle family from Mrs. Wooler, including the estrangement between the current Squire, Marston Greyle, and his cousin Audrey Greyle and her mother. Later, estate agent Chatfield visits Copplestone, fishing for information about Bassett Oliver's disappearance and expressing concern over rumors that Oliver claimed to have met Marston Greyle in America. Copplestone rebuffs Chatfield's probing and reveals that Sir Cresswell Oliver, the missing man's brother, is expected to arrive.

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Wanted at Rehearsal

Grey Rock and Grey Sea

III: The Man Who Knew Something

The Estate Agent

The Greyle History