by Gill Mather
“I WAS JUST passing the library, and I heard something, I’m sure I did” said Fairymead to Amelia. “Listen.”
The crowd which had gathered in the library dutifully quietened down. Roz held her breath. There was a definite scratching from the other side of one of the bookcases. It was the bookcase by which they’d entered the passage during the night. The walls of this place were so thick, the noise sounded feeble, more like a rat scratching at the wall the other side.
“William,” said Roz. “If Amelia’s going to open the door, you and some of your friends had better stand near it in case it’s Henry, possibly with some weapon.”
Once the men were in place, Amelia walked to a bare section of wall near the door. Most of the walls were lined with bookcases. She moved her hand over a dado rail and at a certain point where the mechanism must have been, she applied a little pressure. The bookcase and the part of the wall behind it swung open as before.
Two large black objects dashed out. William, expecting an adversary on two legs not four, stood back surprised. The dogs ran round the library sniffing as they went and greeting the residents voluptuously. The dog-lovers amongst them bent and ruffled the dogs’ fur and spoke to them.
Disappointment hit Roz like a steam hammer. So a couple of dogs had somehow got into the passage and followed the scent of the people who’d been in it. General chatter broke out. Roz didn't want to listen to it. She hung her head. She was about to leave when Jack turned up and took in the scene.
“Come and have your tea Roz. We’ll sort the dogs out later. I don’t suppose they’ll do any harm.”
He took her arm. The library was a large room. As well as the bookcases lining the walls, there were eight rows of free-standing bookcases and a central aisle. The rows were broken in the middle of the room by a sitting area. Other chairs were dotted about the room. They were at the door before Roz became aware of a voice she’d given up all hope of ever hearing again. Even as she hurried back to the opening, her mind doubted her ears and she tried not to think the impossible. Guy back from the dead. Or near-death.
When she saw him clearly, she gasped and leaned for support against a large wing back armchair, tears coursing down her face. In a moment, he was beside her, his arms around her, telling her it was all right.
An unknown man walked over and stood beside Guy looking bemused and trying to call the dogs to order, but they were having none of it. Everyone crowded round them, wanting to know what had happened.
“This is Stuart,” said Guy. “He saved my life, he really genuinely did. Henry drugged me. He must have put it in my drinking water. He led me to the river and set me afloat in a leaky coracle. Stuart fished me out of the river in the middle of the night. I’ve been at his cottage. He brought me back to life, literally, and we came here by river in his motor boat. But what about Henry?”
“Unfortunately he escaped,” said Jack. “We don't know how. And he burned down the building we were keeping the body in.”
“Don’t worry Stuart,” said Guy. “It was an old corpse, nineteen seventies probably, that was uncovered accidentally. Sorry I haven't told you that bit. I’ll explain later. I think that’s why Henry tried to do away with me. But….er….if Henry’s on the loose, it might be better if you stay here, at least until the weather’s improved. That’s if you want to of course.”
Guy turned to Jack. “Would that be all right? Stuart lives in a quite remote cottage though it actually isn't that far from here. I wouldn't want to think of Henry turning up at his place and doing anything to him.”
“Er, yes I don't see why not. If you want to stay you’re very welcome Stuart.”
“Well,” said Stuart, “if you’ll have me and the dogs.”
“So is the play still on tonight?” asked Guy.
“Well everything’s ready. It’s not yet midday. Shame not to. Do you feel up to it?”
“More than actually. And you know what they say however clichéd.”
“Indeed I do. I’ll announce it straight away.”
Chapter 8 Send
21st January
Subj: Greetings
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Hi Amelia.
How’s it going? Guy and I are fine. No ill effects. Guy took a few days off work but he’s back at the uni now. Good job we had that thaw on the Sunday or we’d probably still be there!
As we haven't heard from any “authorities” we’ve kind of assumed you didn't report anything. Guy says it suits him in spite of what happened to him. He’d rather not get involved in any trouble. And thinking about it, if I hadn't woken up in the small hours and taken you all on a man hunt, you know who would probably have come back and gone to bed and we’d have been none the wiser.
It’d be nice to keep in touch. Hope to hear from you.
Love Roz
22nd January
Subj: Greetings
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Hello Roz. I was delighted to get your email and I’d certainly love to keep in touch. Perhaps you’ll come and visit again some time.
We didn't do anything about all that. There’s nothing to show for any of it and we decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
Leonora left a day or two after you did. We assume she’s gone off with him. Perhaps she can keep him in order.
That nice Stuart who saved Guy has visited us. He has rather a bluff manner but he’s a very genuine person. I wonder if he was in the military. He’s taken Poppy out a couple of times. I think they may be on the verge of getting together. You saw them dancing. Very nice if they do.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Love Amelia
P.S. How’s Harland getting on? Has he caused any more trouble!
2nd February
Subj: Good news
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dear Amelia,
You know I told you all about what happened last year. Well we heard yesterday that Boris is going to be able to stay in this country and not have his citizenship taken away from him and we’re so relieved about that.
As far as we know, Liz doesn't have any date for her trial yet. Guy hasn’t been charged with any immigration offence yet and neither has Liz. We hope those matters will be dropped.
Jack and Mrs. Jack are coming to visit us next weekend. Just for the Saturday. I wonder what Mrs. Jack’ll be like. I got the impression she was a career woman but then so was I so I shouldn't be intimidated. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Love Roz
P.S. No trouble from Harland. If anything I think he’s bringing good luck.
3rd February
Subj: Visit
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dear Roz. In haste to say Anna is a dear. No problem. Look forward to hearing from you….Love Amelia XXX
10th February
Subj: Visit
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dear Amelia,
We had a wonderful day with Jack and Anna. We took them to see the sights of Lincoln and to Guy’s favourite restaurant. Then back to the house again and we found out all about each other. Next time they’re going to come for the whole weekend.
I was thinking last night. In the small hours, like you do, I sort of started worrying that YKW might still decide to come after us to protect his mother. I hope not.
Much love, Roz XXXX
11th February
Subj: Visit
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Hello Roz Darling. I should’ve said. Some of went us to M’s funeral and cremation last week. YKW wasn't there. Her death should hopefully eliminate the main reason for any further action on his part.
Are you doing anything special for Valenti
ne’s Day? Stuart and Poppy are giving us a party here. I wonder if there’ll be an announcement. She’s quite “alternative”. Stuart has let his hair down since he found us, figuratively speaking of course.
Must dash. It’s thought that M may wish to stay in contact and we’re having a session this afternoon.
Much, much love, Amelia. XXXX
18th February
Subj: Valentines
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dear Amelia,
You’ll never guess! We met Boris and Andrea on the 14th. We went over to Hertfordshire and gave them lunch with Andrea’s husband and Boris’s girlfriend at a restaurant next to the canal. It’s got emotional significance for us. Guy and I went there soon after we’d got together last year.
It was a really nice day so we sat outside and waited for the others. And there was this gorgeous girl sitting at the next table. She was pretty tall and so noticeable. She was with her boyfriend. And I mean boyfriend. They were all over each other.
There was something so familiar about the beautiful girl, I had to go over and speak to her.
Cut a long story short, she admitted she was actually Adam from BSH and that she was waiting for the op. Can you believe that?
What a terrible loss to the female population of Southern England!
On another note my contacts suggest YKW has left the country therefore hopefully risk eliminated for the time being at least.
Tons of love, Roz XXXX
19th February
Subj: Visit
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Dear Roz,
I must say I’m not surprised about Adam. I didn’t like to say before, but Adam “came on” to Jack and of course it didn’t go down at all well. I think he told Adam to leave in no uncertain terms.
The Valentine’s party was wonderful. So full of love and spirituality. Stuart and Poppy sealed their bond with a dance. A central pole in the hall was decorated with ivy and flowers and we all danced round them. Mark gave them a blessing.
I don't like the word romantic but it was all so very emotional. We cried and laughed with them.
Stuart is selling his house and he and Poppy are buying a couple’s apartment on the ground floor. Because of Bruno and Bill.
Do come and visit soon. I miss you.
Love Amelia. XXXX
25th February
Subj: Visit
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Hi Amelia. In haste. We’ve been invited to stay with Jack and Anna at the Hall this coming weekend. I can't wait to see you again. Love Roz XXXX