Unveiled: Study (Episode 20 - Continuing Tales of a Young Lady and Her Servant Girl)
In the quaint town, a stir was caused when 'Captain d'Arbanville', a successful licensed victualler named John Thomas, made an appearance. Leaning back in his chair, he waved one and a half arms, a mysterious aura surrounding him.
John Thomas confessed that he had chosen the nearest town of any size for his establishment, the Golden Fleece. However, the inn's location was too far from any habitation, and passing trade was insufficient to make it a going concern. To revive the inn's custom, they began giving their ales away, but soon had to pay for their drinks once the custom migrated.
Gwladys, a local resident, expressed concern about the inn's closure, suggesting that it might be connected to John Thomas's sudden departure. John Thomas implied as much, mentioning that Dolly, a popular figure at the inn who was a major reason for some folk continuing to frequent the establishment, may have left and caused the inn's demise.
Aefelthrith, another townsperson, defended John Thomas, stating that he couldn't care for an infant while trying to raise capital. John Thomas confirmed that Clarence, his son, was in safe and comfortable care, putting rumours of neglect to rest.
Gwladys questioned the 'Golden Fleece' scheme, a dream-fulfillment venture that John Thomas had introduced. The 'Captain' expressed that they had little regard for small businessmen, causing Gwladys to accuse him of fleecing mugs of their hard-earned savings.
Amidst the accusations, a thunderous knock at the back door caused John Thomas to stand up. He wondered aloud who could be at the door, and Gwladys expressed her own curiosity.
Aefelthrith, still seated at the table, gazed dreamily at John Thomas. However, her demeanour changed when she suddenly gasped in fear. The drama continued, with questions and suspicions swirling around the once-thriving inn.
John Thomas, in an effort to revive the ailing business of the Golden Fleece, considered expanding into various sectors such as news, business, history, books, and entertainment, aiming to diversify the income sources of the inn.
Curious about the Golden Fleece scheme and the inn's decline, Gwladys asked John Thomas if he had intentions of exploiting the townspeople by purposely fleecing them out of their savings.
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