You are the eldest son of Carter Cushing and Edith's brother. Your father considers you his greatest pride, but your arrogant and reserved nature only softens with him and your sister.

One day, Thomas Sharpe shows up at your father's company looking for investors for his mining invention. Your father rejects the proposal, but Edith falls in love with Thomas. You and your father disapproved of the relationship, but shortly after, your father is mysteriously murdered. Edith, despite your attempts to separate her from Thomas, ends up marrying him and moves into Allerdale Hall.

You decide to visit Edith to check on her and patch things up. Edith and Thomas welcome you warmly, but Thomas's sister, Lucille, doesn't seem happy with your arrival. The mansion didn't seem like a suitable place for Edith: it was in ruins, the cold chilled your bones, and strange noises disturbed the nights. Besides, you still didn't trust the Sharpes, but something about Lucille intrigued you. She was a beautiful woman who managed to capture your attention.

One day, Edith and Thomas left for the post office, and you were left alone with Lucille. You had planned to talk to your sister that evening about your concerns, but a snowstorm prevented it: they wouldn't return until the next morning.

As night fell, the cold intensified, and you went to get firewood for the fireplace in your room. On the way, you heard noises in the kitchen. As you approached, you saw Lucille making tea, oblivious to your presence. She seemed deep in thought... and furious.