Misty like an old novel by sabresun

Misty like an old novel

I don't know why, but this tree seems to lend itself to different interpretations. This type of scene reminds me of when I first encountered the great storytelling of Wilkie Collins, in novels such as 'The Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone.' It all seems a very long time ago now. Incidentally, The Moonstone (1868) is generally considered to be the first detective novel in the English language.

The Moonstone opens with a "family document" that records how the Moonstone (a huge, yellow diamond) was stolen in India by an English soldier and was taken back to England.

Now flash forward a couple of decades: our narrator is now Gabriel Betteredge, the old steward or butler for a wealthy English family living in the country. Betteredge has been given the job of describing how Rachel, the daughter of his boss, inherited the diamond from her wicked uncle on the day of her eighteenth birthday, and how the diamond disappeared that very night. Here's how it all happened:

The diamond is brought to the family mansion by Rachel's cousin, Franklin Blake. Franklin is afraid that someone will try to steal the diamond, so he leaves it under lock and key at the bank until it's time to give it to Rachel. He notices three Indians, dressed as entertainers, who follow him from the city. He wonders whether they might be after the diamond – since, after all, the diamond was originally stolen from India. Franklin has been living in Europe for the last few years, so it's been a while since Rachel has seen him. He's in love with her (it was OK to marry your cousin back then) and, for the few weeks before Rachel's birthday party (when she is to be presented with the diamond), the two cousins spend all their time together.

But Rachel has another cousin, Godfrey Ablewhite, who is also in love with her. And Godfrey is much better looking than Franklin. Godfrey is tall and athletic, and what's more, he's incredibly religious and is in charge of about a zillion charities in London. Betteredge doesn't think Franklin stands a chance.

Meanwhile, one of the servant girls in the house, Rosanna, falls in love with Franklin Blake. Too bad he never even notices that she exists! Poor Rosanna becomes depressed, especially when she remembers that she used to be a thief (she's reformed now).

On the night of the birthday party, the diamond disappears from Rachel's dressing room. Rachel is understandably upset about it, but she seems to be particularly angry with Franklin Blake – especially after he calls the police to try and recover the missing diamond. Sergeant Cuff, a famous detective, arrives, and starts looking for clues.
Kaz
I adore the texture and moodyness of this Matt. A fave for me.
February 14th, 2012  
It's a great photograph and I love the blue and rainy feel.
February 14th, 2012  
The whole story sounds very interesting and surely it builds into a fascinating story. Sounds like something I would enjoy. the tree photo, I had to FAV it, afterall, I love trees. You did an outstanding job with this one.
February 14th, 2012  
I love this!!! Great feel to it!
February 14th, 2012  
Now I need to read the book to find out who stole the diamond! I love this pic, Matt! Fav!
February 14th, 2012  
Very cool processing. Love the feel to this!
February 14th, 2012  
"what's more, he's incredibly religious and is in charge of about a zillion charities in London"

He scares me. 8D I like this shot! Love the silhouette and textures and very melancholic color tones. It feels so moody that I'm expecting a long-robed figure to appear under the tree, hanging by her neck. I love photographs that make my imagination go ZIIING!
February 14th, 2012  
I've been shooting loads of skeletal looking trees lately. I can't seem to get enough. I don't know why. I have a whole folder of just trees trees trees. It's an odd obsession. Anyways, that's why I love this one so much. I don't know why, but you're processing here immediately brought Wuthering Heights to mind for me. Weird. Anyways, fav.
February 14th, 2012  
This is so pretty. Love how you processed it.
February 14th, 2012  
Jen
Love the tones and texture in this image, really sets the stage for the text that follows.. fav
February 14th, 2012  
Super processing as usual, Matt. A classic picture. Glad to see you've popped back in...!
February 14th, 2012  
Is this ''to be continued '' as I won't be able to read any more of this story after today !!! Lovely tree picture that looks like could be an illustration from your story telling ...what will happen next I ask !!!
February 14th, 2012  
B
Makes me maudlin. Liked very much
February 15th, 2012  
Very cool shot. Love the silhouette style. Nice one.
February 15th, 2012  
Love the mood and tone of this shot. It does look mysterious. Interesting when a photo can bring to mind such a feeling like this one does.
February 16th, 2012  
Beautiful moody photo.
February 18th, 2012  
this was an instant fav for me, it's super awesome. there is something about the overall feel of it that i just love!
February 21st, 2012  
This could definitely be hanging on a wall! Fine art!
February 21st, 2012  
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