A Rough Kind of Magic

by Louise James

  Bronwyn examined Ray’s side and hand. ‘No bones broken but gosh boy, it’s your wedding day tomorrow and you are going to look a pretty sight.’

  ‘So it is and I can’t stand make-up.’ They laughed though Ray complained it hurt.

  ‘I’ll run you a hot bath.’ Bronwyn not approving or disapproving left the room.

  ‘Thanks Ray’ Greg gripped his shoulder. ‘You never know what might happen with someone as unbalanced as Luke’

  It was almost an hour until the police arrived. Ray’s parents had come down to hear the story again and of Luke’s previous exploits. They were in full agreement that the man was unbalanced and needed a lesson. When the police arrived they only stayed a moment to confirm that they had heard nothing be for slipping away to bed.

  Jeff Arnott had another constable with him whom he introduced as Steven Shaw who came from town but had been at Jeff’s house when the call came through. They had found Luke on the road making for home. He told them he had been hit by a car which didn’t stop. Greg and Ray exchanged surprised glances. Jeff looked from one to the other.

  ‘Do either of you wish to add anything to what Mr Bower told me on the telephone? You will need to make a full statement. Luke could change his tale by morning. We will need all the details now.’

  ‘Greg had nothing to do with it.’ Ray put in quickly. He knew nothing about it until he came down to let the dog out and I came in.’

  ‘You are sure about that?’ Jeff looked hard at Greg. ‘You didn’t both wade in did you?’ Before Greg could reply.

  ‘No. He was upstairs with everyone else, anyway look at him then look at me.’ Both policemen smiled wrote the details and Ray signed them.

  ‘Well we can’t do more tonight. If Luke persists in his story about a car, you are in the clear but if he’s hurt and decides to sue you, it’s a different story; regardless that he was trespassing with some motive in mind. We will let you know in the morning when we have spoken to him again.’

  ‘Ray is getting married at twelve o’clock, Jeff and flying at midnight to Egypt for their honeymoon.’

  ‘We’ll early enough if there is any news. Let’s hope there isn’t and Luke has the sense to take his medicine without trouble or causing trouble. I can’t say that I blame you under the circumstances but better you had dragged him in here and rang me, not taken the law into your own hands but I know how you must feel. Let’s go and find this gun.’ They all went into the garden with flashlights. Greg found the gun handing it to Jeff, a double barrel shot gun with the safety catch on.

  ‘I wonder what Like was hunting with this; definitely a word in his ear in the morning. He must have a strange story to tell, lost his gun and got hit by a car late at night. With a bit of luck he hasn’t got a licence. Good night to you both and good luck for tomorrow.’

  ‘That’s torn it. Megan will go spare instead of getting married I could be going to jail.’

  ‘Come on you don’t know that. Ring Megan put her in the picture.’

  ‘I can’t look at the time it’s half past one. No wonder it’s quiet upstairs. I’ll have to wait ’till morning. Just keep praying.’ He turned at the stairs.

  ‘I’m not sorry. I’m glad I hit him.’

  Greg laughed and turned out the light.

  Chapter 36

  At ten o’clock the phone rang. Everyone was rushing around getting ready and getting in everyone else’s way except Olwen who slowed everybody down by demanding to see how they looked or give some vital instructions. John answered the phone shouting to Ray who was trying unsuccessfully to fix a sticking plaster to his face making more of a mess than if he left it alone.

  ‘Mr Bower.’ Jeff was brusque. ‘Luke Jeffries is not a pretty sight this morning. He has two broken ribs, broken nose, two black eyes and other cuts and bruises. He is in so much pain that he called Doctor Davies this morning; in fact he was there when I arrived this morning. Luke is going to Casualty to be patched up. More to the point he still says a car hit him but he doesn’t know who was driving and didn’t see the make. That he made that statement in front of the doctor means he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. I asked the doctor if the injuries were consistent with a car accident and he seemed to think they could be so you could be in the clear if he doesn’t change his statement. The gun, unfortunately he does have a licence but he doesn’t know how it got into your garden, he lost it one night when he fell down the other side of your hedge when he was shooting rabbits one night with a torch and he hasn’t had time to look for it.’ Jeff was laughing openly now. ‘I read him the riot act about fire arms being left in the open unattended, warned him about the possible trespass when rabbiting and warned him there had been reports of a peeping tom in the neighbourhood and unless he wasn’t more careful about roaming about at night he could be blamed. I think that’s enough to be going on with. Congratulations on the day, enjoy your honeymoon but don’t let the bride hug you too tight for a day or two.’ He rang off before Ray could thank him.’ I’m in the clear Greg, so far, so, good. Now let’s get a move on. Hell! My side hurts.’

  ‘What is Megan going to say about those hands?’ John inspected them. ‘You’ll never get a ring over those knuckles.’

  ‘Oh! Laws. I’d better ring and warn her.’

  ‘No you don’t.’ Sally took the phone from him. ‘I’ll do that you don’t see or speak to her before twelve o’clock. Go and get ready and take that ridiculous plaster off, it’s curling at the edges.’

  Bronwyn elected to stay with Olwen with apologies to Ray.

  ‘I shall be alright Granny, please go.

  ‘No indeed, I am not a relation, only know Megan really. They won’t miss me. Ray understands so does Megan, I rung her.’

  ‘So did I this morning.’ Olwen said sorrowfully. ‘I mean she knew about me yesterday but I rang this morning to wish her luck. Did you see the present we gave jointly with Greg’s parents?’

  ‘Yes I did. A reclining chair and a rocker, I bet they laughed over that.’

  ‘Megan said it was just right. Ray will lounge about while she rocks and knits. They were both pleased anyway.’ The morning passed slowly for Olwen she kept putting her book down and looking from the window. The afternoon wore slowly on. The promise of more snow hung over the mountains and it was bitterly cold. The thought of Megan in a wedding dress made her shiver. What the dress was like was a well kept secret still she would see the video later. She dozed but awoke suddenly to the sound of a car, voices on the stairs, quick light footsteps and the door flew open It was Megan in her bridal gown, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement, dressed in white silk over covered in lace. Her veil was lace and hung to the hem of her gown her hair piled high and held in place with a glittering tiara. She wore a white fur cape against the cold and carried white Freesias and Carnations which trailed through maidenhair fern which clung to her gown. Spangled with confetti she glowed with happiness.

  ‘You’re beautiful’ gasped Olwen. ‘You’re a lovely, lovely snow queen. Come and let me look at you. Really, really married?’ Megan laughed and flashed her gold band.

  ‘Really, really and I had to come straight away for you to see, better than waiting for the video, isn’t?’

  ‘Oh! it is. Thank you so much. I did so much want to be there.’

  ‘I did too but you must take care, you all seem to have been in the wars. Have you seen the state of Ray’s hands? I won’t be able to hug him for a while either.’

  ‘No but he’ll be able to hug you. Have a splendid time Megan. Give our love to Egypt and send a postcard if you have time.’

  ‘I’ll do better than that I’ll bring a bag of sand for the baby’s sand pit.’ They laughed and hugged. Just then Bronwyn brought Olwen’s tea.

  ‘My, My, You look good enough to eat.’ Her eyes were misty. Megan laughed again and kissed her. ‘I’ll send cake and champagne up with Greg. �
��You take care now. Bye.’

  ‘She looks fantastic.’ Olwen sighed.

  ‘Nice girl Megan always was even as a youngster which seems like yesterday. Nicer than her sister Jean who’s all right I suppose, very pretty but sharper nature. Bronwyn sank into a nearby chair while Olwen drank her tea.

  ‘Gran, I am really worried about Greg. He is worse isn’t he? He was in pain and breathless this morning. It was a real effort to be Ray’s best man but he wouldn’t hear of letting him down. Do you notice that he can do less and less; he doesn’t look at all well either.’ Olwen pushed her almost untouched plate away. ‘It is so frightened I am.’

  ‘I know girl but what can’t be cured must be endured. You must stay strong for his sake and the little one.’

  ‘I know that was what Ray was saying.’

  ‘I thought that boy had some sense for all his flighty ways.’

  ‘Have you noticed Ray has become quieter and more mature since Greg has become less well? I do wish a donor would be found soon,’

  ‘So do I.’ Bronwyn picked up the tray. ‘Now you rest some more then maybe you could get up for an hour or two when your guests come back.’

  ‘Thanks Gran. What would I do without you?’

  Greg was thrilled to see Olwen in the big chair when he came back but seeing how exhausted and drawn he looked she packed him off to bed in her place while she chatted with his parents and Bronwyn. John and Sally were leaving the next day but Sally confessed she was very worried about Greg and they were only rushing back because they had urgent business to see to and some appointments, they would come back as soon as possible and would ring every day. The next morning saw them leave with tears from Sally as she hugged Greg who looked no better for his early night.

  Ray’s parents came to say goodbye and were glad to see Olwen about again. They weren’t staying for the evening and left early for the long drive home while Jenny, Ken and Emma stayed at the Green Man after the evening do and left next morning.

  ‘Thank goodness they have all gone.’ Greg sighed as Olwen prepared for bed that evening. ‘I have enjoyed them but can’t stand too many people for long.’

  ‘No more now until the honeymooners get back except the parents of course and by the christening you will have a new heart.’

  ‘Will I? I often doubt it.’ Greg’s eyes were clouded. ‘I am teaching myself to accept that it may never happen but I do want to see our project started but most of all I want to see our baby born and to be able to take you in my arms making love as we did the first time not gentle fumbling as we have managed about twice since.’ His voice was bitter. ‘I so much want to make passionate love to you so much Olwen so much but I dare not and it’s not fair on you, my darling. Olwen took him in her arms. Greg was the first to recover. ‘Don’t cry sweetheart. Promise me that you won’t cry over me. I am so happy with you and lucky enough to marry you and have our baby.’

  ‘Stop it Greg.’ She fought hard to control her tears. ‘It hasn’t happened yet. It won’t be happening. Now keep your chin up. I love you and I’ll wait to make love until your new heart comes. Listen I have some good news for you, did you know that the builders will be back on Monday? There is no frost forcast so they are going to take a chance on the weather and start on the foundations.’

  ‘Are they?’ Greg’s face lit up. ‘When did you hear?’

  ‘Len rang while you were out with Rocky this evening. All systems go for Monday.’ Having something else to think about might help Greg to sleep. He did and looked better for it the next day.

  True to their word the builders arrived in the morning with three men and two diggers, they definitely intended to get a move on while the weather was right. Within the next week the foundations were in; thankfully the promised snow did not materialise but they were only just in time for at the end of February the frost returned and Ray and Megan arrived home shivering into minus three degrees. Everything ground to a halt. The foursome back together again didn’t mind too much. It was quite pleasant to get the chores done and settle in the evenings to talk and T.V. They took turns to do exciting little suppers for each other in their kitchens while they discussed plans for the new build. Greg seemed a little better for the enforced rest and time passed quickly enough.

  At the beginning of March the snow came back but not in any quantity but enough to give everyone “cabin fever” To everyone’s surprise it was Greg who roused the demon of his old self by suggesting a visit to The Copper Beech. They looked up startled. Greg had not lately moved far from his chair.

  ‘I am not mad. I know it’s cold and dark outside and the roads aren’t that special but Hell! I’m sick of being cooped up here and you lot must be. I feel good tonight so how about an adventure.’

  They didn’t need much persuasion but only Olwen’s jeep had room for them all. She held her breath as they passed her grandmother’s house.

  ‘I always feel as if she can see what I’m doing and she would be shocked at me going out on a snowy night at eight months pregnant so she would, in fact I would never be hearing the last of it.’

  Chapter 37

  Inside the pub the welcome was warm as was the fire, with very few people in they managed to bag the seats near it.

  ‘It’s lovely to see you all. How are you Olwen? We heard that you had a fall way back.’ Betty was hurrying to serve them. ‘Are you alright now?’

  ‘Of course she is, Betty.’ John spoke before Olwen could answer. ‘She wouldn’t be here now otherwise. How are you dear? It’s an awful night out there tonight surprised you could make it down here.’

  ‘It’s lovely out there tonight.’ Betty brought their drinks on a tray. ‘All sparkly like fairyland now the moon’s come up.’ The foursome exchanged amused glances.

  ‘Are you all recovered from the weddings then.’ John leant on the bar fingering his moustache.

  ‘Of course they have.’ Betty handed Greg his change. ‘Have you heard about Luke Jeffries?’ ‘She went on ‘Seeing he lives your way.’

  ‘He doesn’t, Betty. He lives the other side of the village.’

  ‘Now John, he lives nearer them than us. A car hit him a while back he’s out of hospital but keeps himself to himself lately. His daughter has been staying with him they say.’

  ‘They say, they say. You listen to too much gossip, woman.’ John wiped the bar with a towel. ‘Have you seen his daughter? No one else has.’

  ‘Oh! yes they have. She was on the market bus a week ago Mrs Lacey was talking to her. The Laceys knew Maddy when she was in school. They say she left here when her mother died or did she just leave him? I can’t remember.’

  ‘You remember too much Dear, that’s the trouble.’ He turned as the door opened to admit two local farmers who were often in here and the weather had been no deterrent. The girls were giggling now concealing it with great difficulty.

  ‘It’s always good.’ Megan was struggling to keep a straight face.’ They have always been like this especially when there are not too many customers then they have time to listen to each other. It’s a real entertainment sometimes.’

  ‘Why do they keep contradicting each other?’ asked Ray who didn’t get it.

  ‘Don’t know but they always have. It’s awful trying not to laugh in their faces sometimes.’

  “That’s Albert Price at the bar.’ Olwen interrupted. He and his wife live in the hills about three miles from here. When it snows someone usually Jeff Arnott or Doctor Davies go to see if they are okay for supplies They don’t have any means of getting out except by tractor or a very old unreliable Morris Oxford. That’s where I was taking the chickens when I met you.’ She smiled at Greg.

  ‘People are funny.’ Ray remarked lighting a cigarette. ‘If I lived up there I would make sure I had a four-wheel drive.’

  ‘Like Patience.’ Greg laughed. ‘Like Patience. What a find that was. I enjoyed t
hat project.’

  ‘So did I.’ Talk between the men became technical. Megan turned to Olwen.

  ‘When do we start thinking positive? I was talking to Len the other day and he seemed to think we might be opening in June if things go alright, he is prepared to put more men on to get it finished in time.’

  The unspoken thought passed between them, it needed to be soon if Greg was to see it finished if the heart didn’t come in time.

  ‘Shouldn’t we be thinking about how we are going to decorate? We should start calling in some of the sponsors or they forget half of what they intended to give us.’

  ‘To be sure’ Olwen sipped her orange juice. ‘There is so much stuff ordered and promised but nowhere to put it all at the moment. Most people are hanging on to the goods until we give them the go ahead but some parcels have arrived already; two very large ones this morning. I forgot to tell you. I think you and I should be opening them tomorrow and list who from and what they contain then find somewhere to store them depending what they contain of course.’

  Megan thought for a moment. ‘Mightn’t Fred have a dry shed or something?’

  ‘That’s an idea. He doesn’t come up so often in this weather now that Ray does the horses and chickens so I’ll ring him in the morning. Now you mention it Mrs Fred said she had a spare room if we needed it, whether for people or goods I didn’t ask.’

  ‘It’s great I am dying to get started.’

  /Albert Price and the old man with him came and sat near them. He nodded at them’

  ‘There’s more snow to come for sure’ Greg looked surprised. ‘Do you really think so, it won’t come to much though will it?’

  “Don’t you believe it.’ laughed the other man who introduced himself as Dave Hughes. His laugh sounded like branches creaking in the wind and he himself sounded more than anything a small gnarled tree, brown of feature like a walnut and just as lined. He was bent at the shoulder like someone walking permanently in a strong wind, sparse grey hair and old grey overcoat completed the image of a wintry, hazel bush.