Chapter Two, English Gothic: Part One Summary

Tony and Brenda Last live on the Last family grounds in a house called Hetton Abbey. The house was at one point very notable in society but it was rebuilt in 1864 in a Gothic style that has now become outdated. Even remaining family members believe it to be designed in poor taste, but Tony has every intention of keeping it as it is. He has plans to upgrade certain amenities after he pays off the estate's debts left by his parents' deaths.

Tony's mind drifts into his own thoughts as Brenda reads the mail. Outside, the Lasts' son, John Andrew, learns how to jump with his pony ,Thunderclap. Right after lunch, Tony receives a telegram with John Beaver's arrival time and he is thoroughly annoyed. He didn't think that Beaver would take his...