Tabula Rasa

That is the line I was referring to when I said I was puzzled. Let me recount again the events as I know them and perhaps you can help me solve it. As previously noted, the events unfolded around 7 January, 1934, based on the limited resources available to me. The description of the white light and fresh snow comes from Mrs. Pemberton's diary, written on the evening of the 7th. You might find this intriguing—why would a woman in her situation think to record the colour and intensity of the morning light? Nevertheless, this is the best primary source I have to set the scene. Mrs. Pemberton is said to have risen and rung for her maid, who promptly arrived with a cup of tea ("white, one sugar, uncommonly strong," according to the maid's notes). Mrs. Pemberton inquired about Mr. Pemberton's sleep—they had been sleeping in separate rooms since the birth of their fourth child—and was informed that he had not yet risen. Seemingly this was unusual, as Mr. Pemberton often woke at dawn, a habit, I am told, he had unable to shake even years after leaving the military. Mrs. Pemberton instructed the maid to let her master sleep undisturbed and then went downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast (muesli and fresh fruit) and perusing the papers (The Times, The Independent), Mrs. Pemberton returned upstairs, dressed, and then headed back downstairs to Mr. Pemberton's room. ("Well, this is getting ridiculous. George will waste the whole day,” according to the maid) It's worth noting here that Mr. Pemberton, contrary to tradition, slept on the ground floor due to a knee injury that made climbing stairs difficult. The maid, two gardeners, and the cook all attest to hearing a scream around 10 a.m. when Mrs. Pemberton entered her husband's room. The maid was the first to arrive in the room and recounts seeing Mrs Pemberton clutching at the hand of Mr Pemberton who gave all appearances of being merely asleep, with just his upper torso and head outside of the bedding. However, as the maid drew closer she says she saw a large red patch staining the bedsheets. From the interviews with the staff (who all promptly rushed to the source of the scream) we can ascertain these facts about the scene of the crime. First, it would appear that the window had been left ajar suggesting the perpetrator left by that way, but we are frustrated in that direction by the nights fresh snow. Second, it was noted that despite the open window the room was not unusually cold. Third, the maid noted that despite the blood on the sheets there was no puncture evident upon them A case most intriguing I am sure you will agree dear ___. I am catching the first train to London this afternoon so we can discuss further in the club. Until then, yours faithfully, Arthur P. Shanksbury, Detective