Conversations in the Dining Room

Emma Knytleigh: In an attempt to record the current history of Stoney Grove a number of interviews and conversations will be recorded with some of the people who have connections with the estate.

Special Session Held off-site at Brixton Prison

Emma Knytleigh and Gerald Anderson

Emma: Thank you for agreeing to talk to me, Mr. Anderson.

Jerry: Call me Jerry, everyone does. I was surprised when you called, but the truth needs to come out. I've been thinking, plenty of time in here for that, and he should know the truth.

Emma: John?

Jerry: Yes.

Emma: Are you his father?

Jerry: Blimey you don't mess about, do you? Yes, I am and that's why I'm here.

Emma: You're in prison because you stole from Stoney Grove.

Jerry: Yes, but why did I do it, eh? Why did I do it? It was for him, for John. It was Shirley's idea. I was just giving him what was rightfully his.

Emma: Shirley knew you were stealing from the house?

Jerry: Oh, it was her idea. She said that I'd done nothing as a father to provide for him, and that Monty had always intended to give John some income. So since those two useless lumps had no idea what was there I just took a few things for him.

Emma: Why didn't you tell the truth at the trial?

Jerry: Well I'm a gentleman and there was no need to get Shirley involved. To be honest I may have got a bit carried away with taking stuff, but it's a crime it is when people have wonderful things that they don't treasure.

Emma: Stealing the desk was a bit obvious.

Jerry: It's Queen Ann that desk. I didn't think she appreciated it.

Emma: I can't believe Shirley would steal from the house she worked at for all her life.

Jerry: Well, I think she always felt guilty about sending Betsy away. John grew up down there, and she wanted to make it up to him. You see she really believes that the stuff should be John's.

Emma: Because Monty liked the little boy she thought she could take stuff from the house and give it to him? She's got no right to be casting aspersions about my character!

Jerry: But there's more. Turn that bloody tape off, will you.

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