title: At Home at Highclere: Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey
author: The Countess of Carnavon
description: "Gain complete access to the world-renowned historic country house and its art of entertaining, past and present. Highclere has welcomed royalty, statesmen, and notables from the worlds of business, academia, and the arts for shooting parties, elegant f&ecirc;tes, and celebrations in the grand style. "<br>&mdash;<i>The Society Diaries</i>
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  **The Hambleton Affair**
  
   **A Maurice Newbury Investigation**
  
   **By George Mann**
  
  The Hambleton Affair © George Mann 2008
  
  2
  
  **London, November 1901**
  
  “You never did tell me about the Hambleton affair, Newbury.”
  
  Sir Charles Bainbridge leaned back in his chair, sipped at his brandy and
  regarded his friend through a wreath of pungent cigar smoke. Around him, the
  gas lamps flickered momentarily in their fittings, as if a sudden breeze had
  passed through Newbury’s Chelsea living room. Unperturbed, the chief inspector
  crossed his legs and stifled a yawn.
  
  Across the room, Newbury was leaning on the mantelpiece, staring silently into
  the fire. He turned towards the older man, the flames casting his face in
  stark relief. He nodded. “Indeed not. Although I will warn you, Charles, it's
  not a tale with a heart-warming end.”
  
  Bainbridge sighed. “Are they ever?”
  
  Newbury smiled as he started across the living room to join his friend. “No, I
  suppose not.” He paused beside the drinks 