Foolish Mortals, Thoughtful Adventure

Somewhere off the coast of Louisiana lies the island of Devil’s Rock. Originally a cemetery island, by the late 19th Century it had become the base of operations for the brilliant Bellemore Brothers, leaders of a trading concern through which they made their fortunes. Xavier Bellemore had his brains for business and a love of exploration which gave them their solid foundation; Cecil was the scientist of the family, developing new inventions and products that opened up new markets; Yardley was an actor and bon vivant, giving the family a bit of promotional flair. And then there was Abigail, their sister. In 1900, Abigail scandalised Louisiana polite society by falling in love with a rank and file sailor who worked for the Bellemores – but the brothers cared only for their sister’s happiness, and were all too glad to sanction the union – arranging a fabulous wedding celebration at Bellemore Manor on the northeast tip of Devil’s Rock. Things did not go to plan. In the build-up to the…