Beyond Midnight 68-11-08 (02) The Paxton's House (The House at Brickett Bottom)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Beyond Midnight 68-11-08 (02) The Paxton's House (The House at Brickett Bottom)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Beyond Midnight 68-11-08 (02) The Paxton's House (The House at Brickett Bottom)
• Release Date: May 18, 2025

Overview: "Beyond Midnight 68-11-08 (02) The Paxton's House (The House at Brickett Bottom)" is a captivating episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, evoking the suspense and intrigue characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio. Set in post-World War I England, the narrative weaves a tale of mystery surrounding an enigmatic house and the disappearance of one of the Maydew sisters.

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Introduction to the Maydew Family

[00:02] Narrator: The story introduces Reverend Arthur Maydew, a dedicated clergyman serving a large parish while balancing his responsibilities as a student. Due to his frail physique, he eagerly accepts an opportunity to swap his urban parsonage in a dark industrial town for a serene country residence in Overbury, hoping for a restful holiday.

Key Points:

• Character Introduction: Reverend Arthur Maydew and his two daughters, Alice and Maggie.
• Setting: Transition from an industrial town to the peaceful countryside of Overbury.
• Initial Hope: The family anticipates a period of tranquility.

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The Maydew Sisters’ Exploration

[01:32] Alice Maydew: Alice expresses her delight in their new surroundings, contemplating persuading Mr. Roberts to exchange Overbury for their father's parish permanently.

Notable Quote:

"Oh, Maggie. We shall persuade old Mr. Roberts to exchange Overbury for Father's parish permanently."
— Alice Maydew [01:32]

Key Points:

• Alice’s Optimism: She enjoys the beauty of the green countryside.
• Maggie’s Skepticism: Maggie doubts the possibility of changing their living arrangements.

[03:00] Maggie Maydew: Maggie muses about Lord Carew’s estate, expressing a mix of curiosity and melancholy about their bleak yet beautiful surroundings.

Notable Quote:

"It is bleak though, isn't it? All about here. Beautiful, yes, but bleak."
— Maggie Maydew [03:05]

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Discovery of the Mysterious House

[03:33] Maggie Maydew: As dusk approaches, Maggie points out a quaint, old-fashioned red brick house at the bend of the road, which Alice fails to see due to her poor eyesight.

Notable Quote:

"There's a house down there in the bottom which we have never, leastways I have never noticed before."
— Maggie Maydew [03:33]

Key Points:

• Maggie’s Observation: Identifies an unfamiliar house, igniting curiosity.
• Alice’s Doubt: Questions the existence of the house, highlighting her reliance on Maggie’s vision.

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Escalation and Maggie’s Ankle Injury

[05:23] Maggie Maydew: During their exploration, Alice injures her ankle, rendering her unable to accompany Maggie as she intends to investigate the mysterious house further.

Notable Quote:

"Oh Maggie, help me."
— Alice Maydew [05:26]

Key Points:

• Conflict Arises: Alice’s injury prevents her from pursuing the mystery immediately.
• Maggie’s Determination: Despite the setback, Maggie is resolute in her intent to explore the house.

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Maggie’s Encounter with the Paxtons

[09:20] Maggie Maydew: Maggie narrates her interaction with Mrs. Paxton, the elegant old lady residing in the enigmatic house, who expresses loneliness and a desire for companionship.

Notable Quote:

"You needn't be afraid of me, my dear. I like to see young ladies about me."
— Mrs. Paxton [09:21]

Key Points:

• Introduction of the Paxtons: Colonel and Mrs. Paxton’s background as retired military personnel.
• Maggie’s Invitation: Mrs. Paxton invites Maggie for a visit, deepening the mystery.

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Mr. Roberts’ Concern and Investigation

[11:17] Mr. Roberts: Mr. Roberts, presumably the local authority or a family acquaintance, expresses concern over Maggie’s impulsive actions and the sudden appearance of the house.

Notable Quote:

"I am not too well pleased about this, Alice. Maggie should not be so impulsive and scrape acquaintance with unknown people."
— Mr. Roberts [12:06]

Key Points:

• Authority Figure: Mr. Roberts takes an active role in managing the situation.
• Heightened Tension: The sudden reappearance of the house sparks unease.

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Unveiling the House’s Sinister History

[18:11] Smith: An elderly character, Smith, provides a historical account of the house and the Paxton family, revealing dark events and unresolved tensions that shroud the property in mystery.

Notable Quote:

"Undue influence, even cruelty, were charged against them. I do not know the truth. All I can say is that Miss Paxton died and a very bitter feeling against her parents sprang up."
— Smith [19:36]

Key Points:

• Historical Context: The house was once owned by Colonel and Mrs. Paxton, who met tragic ends.
• Rumors and Tragedy: Suggests past conflicts and possible supernatural elements tied to the house.
• Smith’s Insights: Provides credibility and depth to the haunting narrative.

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Maggie’s Disappearance and Ongoing Mystery

[16:37] Mr. Roberts: As the investigation unfolds, Maggie’s disappearance becomes more perplexing, with eerie details about her last known whereabouts and the inexplicable presence of the house.

Notable Quote:

"Miss Maggie, where are you?"
— Mr. Roberts [16:37]

Key Points:

• Escalating Suspense: Maggie is missing, heightening the mystery surrounding the house.
• Supernatural Undertones: Unseen forces or curses may be implicated in her disappearance.

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Climactic Revelations and Unanswered Questions

[22:28] Smith: Smith delves deeper into the rumors, hinting at supernatural occurrences and the lingering presence of the Paxton family, leaving listeners with unresolved tensions and a sense of foreboding.

Notable Quote:

"And she may have run away voluntarily from her parents, although there was no known cause for her doing that. That is all I can tell you of either facts or rumors. All that I can do now is to pray for you and for her."
— Smith [23:36]

Key Points:

• Unresolved Mysteries: The true fate of the Paxtons and Maggie remains unclear.
• Atmospheric Closure: The episode ends with lingering doubts and the haunting legacy of the house.

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Conclusion

"Beyond Midnight 68-11-08 (02) The Paxton's House (The House at Brickett Bottom)" masterfully blends suspense, historical intrigue, and supernatural elements to create a gripping narrative. Through the Maydew family's encounters and the revelations shared by Smith, listeners are drawn into a tale that echoes the timeless allure of classic radio dramas. The episode leaves audiences pondering the mysteries of the Paxton's House and the fate of Maggie Maydew, embodying the essence of the Golden Age of Radio's storytelling prowess.

Notable Final Quote:

"This is the place. But there's no house here."
— Mr. Roberts [15:38]

— Harold's Old Time Radio

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Reverend Arthur Maydew worked very hard in a large parish for 11 months of the year. He was also a student and a man of no strong physique. So that when an opportunity was presented to him to take a holiday by exchanging his parsonage in a sprawling dark industrial town with the country living of another clergyman in the sunlit south, he was very glad to avail himself of it. Arthur Maydew had two daughters, the heroines of this story set in an English county shortly after the First World War. Both these girls rejoiced at the prospect of a period of quiet and rest in the pleasant country neighborhood of Overbury. But their dreams were shattered. From the gentle green acres the Maydew sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight.

[Mr. Roberts]

Biotechs. The new soak and pre wash powder presents. Beyond midnight.

[Alice Maydew]

Quite, quite lovely. Oh, Maggie. We shall persuade old Mr. Roberts to exchange Overbury for Father's parish permanently.

[Maggie Maydew]

Oh, as if he would. This lovely place, these surroundings for shadow. Oh, Alice. Who in all the world would make such a bargain? Look.

[Alice Maydew]

That was a song thrush. Did you see him?

[Maggie Maydew]

No. With eyes like yours I'm surprised you did.

[Alice Maydew]

Well, I will not wear spectacles. And if it contents me to say I saw a song thrush, then a song thrush I saw. Do you think father is contented here, Maggie?

[Maggie Maydew]

Of course he has Mr. Roberts library. What could content him more? Books, books and more books. A hundred thousand books.

[Alice Maydew]

Oh, how green it is up here. That's brick at bottom. Down there the glen. How long do you think it is?

[Maggie Maydew]

1 mile, 3 quarters perhaps? You must ask Smith. He knows all the county's history.

[Alice Maydew]

I would not dream of asking Smith anything. He's quite stupid. Look. You see? That's the road which leads to Blaise's farm.

[Maggie Maydew]

Ah.

[Alice Maydew]

Oh, I wish there were a few friendly neighbours, that's all. Then it would be paradise here. That's the only trouble. Once we've fully explored. What shall we do then? On this side of Brick and Bottom there's nothing but Carew Court. And that's miles and miles and miles away.

[Maggie Maydew]

I wonder what he's like.

[Alice Maydew]

Who? The owner.

[Maggie Maydew]

Lord Carew, of course. They say he's one of the worthiest men in England.

[Alice Maydew]

I've heard tell that he doesn't have a handsome 25 year old son, Maggie, only a rather plain daughter.

[Maggie Maydew]

I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like. It is bleak though, isn't it? All about here. Beautiful, yes, but bleak. Oh, come on. It's getting dark. We must.

[Alice Maydew]

Tomorrow we'll explore right to blazes far. Who knows, we may be treated to fresh, warm, creamy milk.

[Maggie Maydew]

Alias look, look. How very curious. There's a house down there in the bottom which we have never, leastways I have never noticed before.

[Alice Maydew]

House.

[Maggie Maydew]

Well, do you see? We've walked along the path down there.

[Alice Maydew]

But I.

[Maggie Maydew]

No, no. There girl, there, you see.

[Alice Maydew]

I don't see any house.

[Maggie Maydew]

You must be able to see it. Quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right. See the garden?

[Alice Maydew]

No, I certainly can't see a house.

[Maggie Maydew]

Oh, Alice, I am very sorry but if you don't persuade father to buy spectacles for you, soon you'll be incapable of seeing anything.

[Alice Maydew]

Yes, yes, perhaps I can see a house, but. But the light is getting so bad. Oh Maggie, we really must fly.

[Maggie Maydew]

All right, but tomorrow we shall come and explore it. Perhaps we shall meet some charming people, make new friends.

[Alice Maydew]

Wait for me.

[Maggie Maydew]

Perhaps we may persuade father to desert his books and come with us too. We must meet the people in the high school, otherwise father will be too shy.

[Alice Maydew]

We can't go tomorrow. Maggie.

[Maggie Maydew]

What in heaven's name. Alice.

[Alice Maydew]

My ankle. Oh Maggie, help me.

[Maggie Maydew]

Why did you come down the stairs like an elephant? It's your own fault.

[Alice Maydew]

You told me to hurry.

[Maggie Maydew]

Don't stand. Sit down. Rested well? I wanted to go to the house. Father's forgotten all about visiting Overbury. We can go this morning.

[Alice Maydew]

Oh, it's swelling. Oh, look. Oh Maggie, it's so painful. I shan't leave the house this morning, that's evident. If you wish to explore, you must go alone.

[Maggie Maydew]

Yes, father. If we don't go now, we'll never get away. He's sure to want to go to Overbury. It's no good.

[Alice Maydew]

I cannot stand. Go alone and tell me about it when you come back. If there is a house in Brick and bottom, I swear I saw nothing.

[Maggie Maydew]

I shall see you soon. If they are pleasant people and we are invited to tea and your ankle still pains you, tomorrow we shall take the trap over.

[Alice Maydew]

Maggie, you are so still forward.

[Maggie Maydew]

Don't try to walk. Preserve your ankle at all costs. I shall not be late. Tell father I am just walking. He will be cross if he thinks I have gone to the house without many. Very old fashioned but oh, absolutely charming. Oh, and Alice, if you just stay, see the garden. Oh, there are hollyhocks and roses and Canterbury bells and foxgloves. It is absolutely lovely. A darling little house. It set close to the woods just where the lane Turns off to Blazer's farm. And Alice, I saw the people too. An old lady and gentleman. The gentleman was sitting on the porch. I couldn't see him clearly, but the lady was in the garden tying up her flowers or. Or weeding or something or the other. Oh, and she looked up and smiled as I went by. Oh, Alice, I'm sure they are nice people. It would be awfully pleasant to make their acquaintance. And we shall, too. I shall make their acquaintance if it is the last thing I do.

[Alice Maydew]

Hello.

[Maggie Maydew]

Hello. You're walking. The ankle is fully healed.

[Alice Maydew]

I hobble. What's the matter?

[Maggie Maydew]

Matter?

[Smith]

Yes.

[Alice Maydew]

You don't look yourself this morning. Father was not angry yesterday, was he? I'm sure he was not awfully keen on going into Overbury.

[Maggie Maydew]

No, no, not angry. I'm all right. Only I did not sleep very well. I kept on dreaming about the house. Such an odd dream, too. The house seemed to be home and.

[Alice Maydew]

Yet to be different. What?

[Maggie Maydew]

That house in Wicked Bottom?

[Alice Maydew]

What on earth is the matter with you? You seem perfectly obsessed with the place.

[Maggie Maydew]

Well, it is curious, isn't it? I mean, that we should only just have discovered it. And it looks to be lived in by nice people. I don't do wish we could get to know them. There's going to be a storm.

[Alice Maydew]

Oh, the swelling just will not go down.

[Maggie Maydew]

Alice, I went to the house.

[Alice Maydew]

House? Oh, the house in brick at bottom.

[Maggie Maydew]

Well, I saw the old lady and she is absolutely a darling. I believe she simply lives in that garden. Mind you, it's absolutely enchanting. Oh, anyway, she came to her gate and talked with me and she asked me in to look at her flowers. She's terribly keen on flowers. Anyway, the thing is, I was a little shy, I suppose, and she said, you needn't be afraid of me, my dear. I like to see young ladies about me. And my husband finds their society quite necessary to him. She's awfully attractive. Lovely silver hair. Anyway, she told me about herself and the Colonel. That's her husband. He used to be in India in the army. Paxton's their name. Colonel and Mrs. Paxton. She said they were awfully lonely at times and she asked me to meet the colonel.

[Alice Maydew]

I hope you didn't go in.

[Maggie Maydew]

Why not?

[Alice Maydew]

Well, I don't like her asking you in that way.

[Maggie Maydew]

Well, I didn't actually go in because it was getting late, but.

[Alice Maydew]

But what?

[Maggie Maydew]

I have accepted Mrs. Paxton's invitation to pay her a little visit to Morrow.

[Alice Maydew]

Well, I do think you ought to find out a little more about them before you go calling Maggie. Why?

[Maggie Maydew]

What on earth is the matter? They are lovely people.

[Alice Maydew]

How do you know?

[Maggie Maydew]

Well, I'll tell you when I come home. Oh, you would have to go and hurt your ankle. Look, I'll go this afternoon, just for a short visit. I'll be back for tea and then we can have some croquet. You know how happy father is when he plays croquet. Oh, Alice, don't look so disapproving. Maybe the Colonel and his lady have a handsome son after all. You're getting awfully old, Alice. 20.

[Mr. Roberts]

Where is Maggie Valdet? Where is Maggie?

[Alice Maydew]

Out for a walk. And she is bound to pay a call on some neighbours whom she has recently discovered.

[Smith]

Neighbours?

[Mr. Roberts]

What neighbours? Mr. Roberts never spoke of any neighbours to me.

[Alice Maydew]

Well, I don't know much about them. Maggie and I were out walking the other day, the day before I hurt my ankle and we saw. At least she saw a house in Wicked Bottom. Honestly Father, I am so blind I can't.

[Mr. Roberts]

What house?

[Alice Maydew]

It belongs to Colonel and Mrs. Paxton in Brick at bottom. A little red brick house. Maggie has made the acquaintance of the Paxtons. It's perfectly all right. He's a retired Indian army officer. Maggie went along this afternoon but she said she'd be back long before this.

[Mr. Roberts]

I am not too well pleased about this, Alice. Maggie should not be so impulsive and scrape acquaintance with unknown people. She said she'd be home early.

[Alice Maydew]

Well, yes.

[Mr. Roberts]

Had there been nice neighbours at Bricket bottom, I'm sure Mr. Roberts would have told us. It's getting late. Can have delayed her. You say she saw the house.

[Smith]

You didn't?

[Alice Maydew]

It was getting dark. You know how short sighted I am.

[Mr. Roberts]

But surely you must have seen it at some other time.

[Alice Maydew]

Well, that is the strangest part of the whole affair, Father. We have often walked along there but neither of us have ever seen the house till that evening. And as I said, it was getting dark. Father, perhaps we should ask Smith to harness the pony and bring Maggie back. I am not happy about her. I am rather afraid, I must confess. I don't know why.

[Mr. Roberts]

Afraid of what? What could have gone wrong in a quiet place like this. Still, I. I'll send Smith over for her. Yes, Smith, if you feel you can manage with that ankle of yours, perhaps you'll come too. Poor dear departed mother always swore she would have preferred sons less trouble. Not that she wasn't terribly fond of her two daughters, of course, bless her so.

[Narrator]

But.

[Mr. Roberts]

Ah, Smith, I want you to harness a pony at once and go over to Colonel Paxton's. House in Bricket Bottom and bring Miss Maydew home. Well, what are you waiting for, man?

[Smith]

Go where, sir?

[Mr. Roberts]

To Colonel Paxton's house. Bring Miss Maggie home.

[Smith]

I never heard of Colonel Paxton, sir. I don't know what else you mean.

[Mr. Roberts]

Alice, tell this fellow where your sister has gone to and let us be off to fetch her. The Paxton's house, man, in brick at bottom. Colonel Paxton.

[Alice Maydew]

Smith, you must know the house, you really must. Why, we saw it only the other day. At least Maggie saw it.

[Mr. Roberts]

I not too heavily on that ankle now, girl. Harness the pony at once.

[Smith]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Roberts]

Stupid man. Alice, is your ankle strong enough?

[Alice Maydew]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Roberts]

Then you must show Smith where this house is. I? I must own. I'm worried, Alice.

[Alice Maydew]

But why, Father? Maggie merely went to pay a visit to the Colonel and his wife.

[Mr. Roberts]

And why have I not heard of the Colonel? Roberts would have informed me if there had been pleasant neighbours hereabouts. Ah, be that as it may. Come, let me help you. I shall find it difficult not to be stern with your sister when we meet her again. The place depresses me, Alice, that I must own. It depresses me. The country all around is beautiful but I'm not fond of this part. Where is the house?

[Alice Maydew]

At the bend of the road.

[Mr. Roberts]

It should be there, coming dark. Yet you remember no house. Smith, how long have you worked hereabouts? Nigh on five and 20 years, sir. I shall be fierce with her, I promise you.

[Alice Maydew]

Here we are, Smith. It's here. Just.

[Mr. Roberts]

This is the place.

[Alice Maydew]

Yes, Father.

[Mr. Roberts]

But there's no house here.

[Alice Maydew]

Sir.

[Smith]

Look, sir.

[Mr. Roberts]

What?

[Alice Maydew]

Some part of a building here and here in the grass there.

[Mr. Roberts]

There was a dwelling here at one time, a long time ago. There were terraces here, running. What does it all mean, Alice? Are you sure of yourself, girl? You're not mistaken? Perhaps further.

[Alice Maydew]

No, Father, I promise. It stood here, the house. Maggie pointed it out to me from. From up above.

[Mr. Roberts]

And she went to visit the Paxtons. Well then, where is Maggie? Listen, Smith.

[Smith]

Maggie, where are you?

[Mr. Roberts]

That was Maggie's voice. She's near and in some trouble. Where did it come from, Smith? I didn't hear anybody call him, sir. Alice, go back to the trap. Let me help you. Smith. We must search.

[Smith]

Miss Maggie. Miss Maggie, where are you? We heard you call again.

[Maggie Maydew]

Where are you?

[Mr. Roberts]

Alice, drive on to Blaze's farm. Bring help. Ask Mr. Rumbold to come and his sons too, if they're at home. And ask them to fetch lanterns.

[Alice Maydew]

Father, she might have returned over the downs while we were going by road. Perhaps she saw Us and called out.

[Mr. Roberts]

Try to place his farm girl.

[Smith]

Maggie.

[Maggie Maydew]

Maggie. Maggie.

[Smith]

Maggie.

[Alice Maydew]

May I offer you more tea, Mr. Roberts?

[Smith]

No, thank you, my child? No, thank you.

[Mr. Roberts]

Nothing. Four days. Nothing.

[Smith]

Where?

[Mr. Roberts]

What can have happened to her, Roberts? The police have questioned the old woman. She saw her on the path to Brick and Bottom, but no one else has seen her since.

[Alice Maydew]

She. The old woman said. What was it, Father?

[Mr. Roberts]

She described Maggie as smiling but looking queer. Like the house. There is no house. And yet.

[Smith]

Have you ever heard any local gossip concerning this Colonel and Mrs. Pexton?

[Mr. Roberts]

No, I never heard mention of their names until.

[Alice Maydew]

I think the pup needs more hot water, Father.

[Smith]

Well, I'll tell you all I can about them, which is not very much, I fear. I am now nearly 75 years old and for nearly 70 years no house has stood in brick at bottom. But when I was a very young child, there was an old fashioned red brick house standing in a garden at the bend of the road such as you have described. It was owned and lived in by a retired Indian soldier and his wife, a Colonel and Mrs. Baxter at the time. I speak of certain events having taken place at the house and the old couple having died. It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting. The Paxtons were well known to my father, who was the clergyman here before me, and to the neighbourhood in general. They lived quietly and were not unpopular. But the Colonel was supposed to possess a violent and vindictive temper. Their family consisted only of themselves and their daughter, the Colonel's old army servant and his Eurasian wife. Well, I cannot tell you the details of what happened. I was only a child. My father never liked gossip and in later years when he talked to me on the subject, he always avoided any appearance of exaggeration or sensationalism. However, it is known that Miss Baxter fell in love and became engaged to a young man to whom her parents took a strong dislike. They used every possible means to break off the match and many rumours were set on foot as to their conduct. Undue influence, even cruelty, were charged against them. I do not know the truth. All I can say is that Miss Paxton died and a very bitter feeling against her parents sprang up.

[Mr. Roberts]

Yes, but Roberts, I pray you, what?

[Smith]

Please let me continue. I know how shocked you are. This story, well, it may shed some light. My father never saw Paxton after his daughter's death and only saw Mrs. Paxton once or twice. He described her as an utterly broken woman and no one seemed at all surprised when she followed her daughter to the grave. Within three three months. Paxton himself became a recluse. He was rarely if ever seen and himself died in a very short time, some said by his own hand. He was buried like his wife and daughter in the churchyard of my church. The property passed to a distant relative who came down to it for one night. Soon afterwards he never came again. It's said he conceived a violent dislike to the place. He sold it to Lord Carew who later pulled it down and the garden was left to relapse into a wilderness. Those are the facts.

[Mr. Roberts]

But there is something more. I can see it in your face.

[Smith]

You have a right to know. What I am going to tell you now is rumour vague and uncertain. About five years after the house had been pulled down, a young maid servant at Carew Court was out walking one afternoon. She was a newcomer to the district. On returning home to tea, she told her fellow servants that as she walked down Bricket Bottom, which place she described clearly, she passed a red brick house at the bend of the road and that a kind faced old lady had asked her to step in for a while.

[Maggie Maydew]

I saw the old lady and she is absolutely a darling.

[Alice Maydew]

She came to her gate and talked.

[Maggie Maydew]

With me and asked me in to look at her face. Flowers. She's awfully attractive. Lovely silver hair.

[Mr. Roberts]

Did this girl go in?

[Smith]

No. She feared that she might be late back at the hall for tea. She never visited the bottom again. But two or three years after that, after my father's death, a traveling tinker and his wife and daughter camped for a night at the foot of the bottom. The girl strolled away up the glen to gather blackberries and she was never seen nor heard of. Of course one does not know the truth. And she may have run away voluntarily from her parents, although there was no known cause for her doing that. That is all I can tell you of either facts or rumors. All that I can do now is to pray for you and for her.

[Mr. Roberts]

Beyond Midnight is presented every Friday night at half past nine by Biotex the new Soak and pre wash powder.

[Narrator]

The program is adapted for broadcasting and.

[Mr. Roberts]

Produced by Michael McCabe.