Ravens Deep (one)

by Jane Jordan

  “You are very beautiful,” he said seductively and I found myself lost in his vivid green gaze. I was happily succumbing to whatever magic he was weaving around me.

  “I have dreamed of this moment,” he continued in earnest. “In all these years I have never met anyone like you, but it is a twisted fate that has brought you to me now.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, not understanding the meaning in his words. He sighed, leant back and gazed up at the ceiling.

  “Madeline there is so much that you don’t know about me,” he said a little sadly, and I thought to myself that it couldn’t be any worse than all my imaginings put together, but his sudden solemn demeanour worried me.

  “Darius, whatever it is you can tell me when you’re ready. I only need to know you are here with me now and are not going to suddenly disappear.” Darius raised his head and turned to me with a puzzled look. I noticed for the first time vulnerability in his eyes, a look that that I had not seen before, as if a barrier had come down for him.

  “I am not going anywhere,” he assured me.

  “Although . . . I have been wondering what it is you do and where you go,” I said and saw the openness disappear, a barrier was back. “You know it doesn’t’t matter. You don’t have to tell me.” I wished I had not said anything. It must seem that one minute I was telling him he didn’t have to tell me anything, and the next, interrogating him about his life. Darius was quiet for a few moments.

  “You are curious, that is understandable. I live close by, but I also spend time and have a house in the city.” He paused briefly, “as for what I do. . . . I am a historian for a museum.”

  There was hesitation in the way he said those words, as though he had never spoken them out loud before. I watched him, fascinated. I had known he would do something intriguing, I could not somehow have pictured him doing anything else.

  “Do you specialize in any particular subject? I am not entirely sure what a historian does,” I said, hoping I didn’t’t sound too ignorant. Seeing my interest he continued.

  “I search for interesting objects to add to various collections and when an artefact is retrieved or purchased, I make sure all the information on that object is factually and historically correct.”

  “That sounds really interesting,” I said, placing my wine glass on the table.

  “It has its moments,” he continued, “but most of the time it is tedious and repetitive research. Searching endlessly through old libraries and archives. I can spend weeks and months tracking down cultural treasures and the documents that belong to them.”

  “But surely it’s fascinating to discover artefacts that the majority of people don’t even know exist. Isn’t’t it?” I questioned.

  “Yes it is,” he said agreeably. “So few people even take the time to learn about ancient cultures or objects of art, let alone become interested in them. I have spent endless hours in old libraries and have acquired rare book collections. Books can tell us so much about the past.”

  I listened to his words and his sentiment, which was so much like my own. I felt that this was the moment in my life I had waited for. To have met someone who cared about the things I did. Someone who shared a fascination with ancient history and cultures. I loved old houses and museums, but Charlie had never wanted to visit those places, so I had often gone alone. I nodded in agreement.

  “I know, but the real tragedy of our world today is people lack the ability to research things properly. I love old and rare books. The feeling that you are holding some old forgotten treasure of literature. Modern computers cannot compete with that, and people seem to be losing the ability to even pick up a book let alone buy one.” Darius was staring at me as if what I had said fascinated or amused him. Seeing his look I paused.

  “Sorry,” I said hoping I was not rambling. “But it is tragic that everyone expects to be able to press a few buttons and the answers magically come to them. I truly think reading and researching is becoming a lost art form.” Darius was smiling at me now.

  “You are right of course, but one thing I do know is that you cannot stop progress. You have to move with it or get left behind. It is inevitable though, that some of us long for a simpler way of life. People are preoccupied with how much they can cram into their lives these days, that in fact, they hasten the approach to their own demise,” he said wistfully. “But some people still get it right; they still appreciate the true art forms and even today in this modern world, a pace of life can be found to suit your own liking, especially here.” His eyes held mine captive for a few seconds.

  “I know,” I said in total agreement with him. “It’s so relaxing and tranquil, almost like a different world.” Darius nodded in accord. I thought for a moment. “You know the books in this house are very old and some of them very rare. You are welcome to look through them, if you need to do some research closer to home,” I said.

  “I would like to do that,” he remarked smiling. I thought then that he had a beautiful smile, his whole face seemed to radiate attractiveness, it wasn’t a full smile for just a hint of what could only be perfect white teeth were visible. But when I looked at Darius I could often see nothing other than his alluring eyes enticing me further and I could lose myself in those eyes and virtually forget how sensual his lips were.

  “Of course you probably know London has some great libraries,” I said, trying to keep my focus on the current conversation. “I have often spent entire afternoons absorbed in old books, especially when the weather is bad.”

  “Do you miss being in London?” I considered for a moment.

  “No I don’t, it’s so different down here. This feels how life is supposed to be, not fighting your way through traffic, or jostling for space on the underground. This is much better. Although, it will probably take me a little while to get used to living in such an old house, especially one that may have other occupants.”

  “Are you frightened to be alone in this house?” Darius asked suddenly. I was taken aback by his sudden directness, and paused a moment, thinking about the question.

  “No I am not, although,” I hesitated again, “You know that I don’t think I am entirely alone. Does that sound paranoid?”

  “Not at all, I think you are courageous to stay alone in this ancient house,” he replied earnestly.

  “What do you know of this house, Darius? Being a historian, you must have done some research. Will you tell me?” Darius leant back and closed his eyes.

  “It all happened so long ago,” he said quietly.

  “But I am living here now, don’t you think I should be aware of what has happened here?” I reasoned. I saw him smile at my words.

  “You are very persuasive,” he said at last. “I will tell you, but I must begin at the very beginning and it could take a while,” he said opening his eyes and looking at me.

  “Well, I am not going anywhere,” I replied and still holding my hand, Darius began.

  * * *

  “The man who once owned this house was Theophilus Shaw, born around 1788, although to everyone he was known as Theo.”

  “Shaw,” I repeated. “A relation to me?” Darius stared at me, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of caution, he was choosing his words carefully.

  “If he was, he would have been your great grandfather about seven generations back,” Darius said, “but I should begin this story a long time before his birth. It will give you an insight into his corruption.” As Darius continued speaking, I drew closer to him, as if pulled by some unknown force. His voice became sultry and addictive and my mind was transported back in time.

  “In England, early in the seventeenth century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, ships were chartered under her command, to purchase the finest quality Indian opium and transport it back to England. I cannot recall from my own historical knowledge how much opium came into the country before that, but after that period it became widely used for medicinal purposes.

  Around the year 1680, a well known
English apothecary by the name of Thomas

  Sydenham introduced a compound he had made up of opium, herbs and sherry wine. This compound was a revelation of the time, it became known as Sydenham’s Laudanum and was guaranteed to cure numerous ailments. It made the opium trade into England a viable business enterprise.

  By 1793, the British East India Company, a well known trading company at that time, established a monopoly on the opium trade. Theo’s father Philip had worked with the British East India Company and had earned a well-established reputation within that industry. He successfully managed the dangerous task of getting large quantities of opium into England.

  By then the demand had increased substantially not only for medicinal uses, but

  increasingly for recreational ones. Philip had built up many contacts, and driven by his ambition formed his own company. That business mainly consisted of smuggling opium out of both India and Turkey. He brought it via the Bristol Channel and Exmoor, here to Ravens Deep, the centre for his business. He took legitimate business away from his former employer and set up his own black market enterprise. For years he maintained a monopoly on this portion of the smuggling trade.

  I am sure you know that the Exmoor coast is famous for its smuggling history, but most people think of tobacco and other contraband from the American Colonies. The opium trade was guarded well and Philip bribed and threatened many politicians and officials when his business was in full force, but you didn’t engage in that type of activity without making dangerous enemies.

  Philip was not unaware of the risks of his business, and his growing son Theo was

  exposed to the entire depredation that went with the lifestyle. Ravens Deep became a notorious opium den. Many a famous word was written by poets or authors of that time staying here whilst in an opium haze. This house became a hangout for many rich, easily corruptible young gentlemen.

  Philip had an acquaintance by the name of John Aston, an American from New York, who was notorious himself for smuggling opium to China, but with the problematic opium wars in China taking their toll, John Aston left the Chinese opium trade and sold solely to England. Philip trusted John and several business transactions passed between them. Over the years that followed vast amounts of money passed between these two men.

  By the time Theo was a grown man, he was eaten up with jealousy of the relationship his father had formed with John. Theo believed John took more than his fair share of the profits. In time Theo manipulated John from any connection with his father's business, but by doing so he made an enemy of his father.

  Theo was greedy and selfish. He had learned from his father how much profit could be made in the black market trade and he was eager to gain all the profits for himself. By the time Theo was thirty, he was a dangerous force in his own right. Philip disappeared one night and then weeks later his decomposing body was found floating in the Bristol Channel. It was not a surprise. Hushed stories circulated that Theo had committed the murder. Theo inherited everything from his father and that made him the most powerful influence in these parts, whatever anyone thought, they kept it to themselves.

  Philip had been corrupt, but Theo made that corruption appear mild. He worked

  intently to rid himself of any rivals in the trade, lest he should meet the same fate as his father. Not only would Theo murder, but he maimed, kidnapped and tortured rivals, seeing them as a conceivable threat to him and his business. He even travelled with armed personal servants and a huge array of weaponry.

  By the year 1830, the British dependency on opium and its demand was at an all time high. I believe that year, some twenty two thousand pounds of opium found its way into England from Turkey and India and it would be nearly forty eight years before Britain passed the Opium Act to reduce the consumption of opium. In the meantime, Theo had free rein and a booming business.

  There was also another side of life that fascinated Theo. An even darker side. He was a true believer in the occult, it is said he partook in strange and disturbing ceremonies, even gaining the loyalty of corrupt priests of the day. Local people were terrified by the sounds they heard coming from the woodlands in the middle of the night. So it is no wonder fantastic and strange writings appeared connected with this house. In turn, the dark stories got passed down from generation to generation and they have become the myth and lore of legends.

  When Theo was in his early thirties, a merchant coming ashore sought counsel with him. A matter regarding a cargo lost to pirates. Theo was convinced that the merchant was lying and had already sold the cargo to a rival. As Theo was about to slit the unfortunate merchant's throat, a gold locket the merchant wore around his neck opened, revealing a picture of a young girl.

  Theo seized the locket and demanded to know the identity of the girl. The terrified merchant, in fear of his life, revealed that she was his daughter. Theo was mesmerized by the girl in the locket and he struck a bargain with the merchant: his life and the lives of the rest of his family in return for the girl. The merchant had no choice and he obeyed.

  Her name was Anna and she was very beautiful with her jet black hair and striking eyes. Theo and Anna were married quickly, much to the girl’s horror. The ceremony took place at the church you found in the woods and it was presided over by a corrupt priest, whose loyalty lay with Theo. But Theo did not treat Anna well. She was a little better than a servant to him. But a year after the marriage she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, James and Madeline. As time went on, Theo turned even more violent, fuelled by his own illicit drug use and opium addiction. When the children were about four years old, Theo, became so enraged one night that he threw Anna down the staircase and left for the city.

  Anna was knocked unconscious and badly bruised, she survived, but feared that both her and her children’s lives were in terrible danger. The very next day she made a journey to a county far away in the north, where she left her children with a distant cousin. She knew they stood a better chance of anonymity if she did not remain with them, as she believed Theo would track her down.

  She left a large sum money for them, stolen from Theo’s desk and thought it was

  probable that he would kill her when he discovered what she had done, or even worse, force her to tell him where the children were. Anna would not allow him the satisfaction of that certainty and took a huge opium overdose. She was found dead in her garden.” Darius turned to look at me. “It was this garden, here at Ravens Deep.” I suddenly shivered as my mind returned to the present time.

  “So does Anna haunt this house?” I asked.

  “Well maybe the garden,” he smiled, looking amused. Darius stared into the fireplace and continued. “As far as I know, James and Madeline had a happy childhood far away from their father. But he had obviously not forgotten about them and for several years searched in vain for them. Anna had been a clever woman. She hid them well and the distant cousin she left them with remained loyal to Anna’s memory and her wards.

  Theo did find them though many years later. I do not know how he finally managed it. I believe, a great deal of money was involved. Someone, somewhere was probably bribed or blackmailed. James had already married a girl, called Eva. They had a young son, John.”

  “John Shaw,” I repeated, “that would be my great, great, great, grandfather, I said

  slowly. “So I am related.”

  “Yes,” Darius agreed, “it would appear so.” He continued, “However, James would have nothing to do with this father, being of a good moral character himself and he had well connected friends. Theo. quickly realized that James was not someone to be manipulated easily. So he went looking for his daughter Madeline instead.

  Before James could send word and warn her of the impending danger, Theo found

  Madeline, kidnapped her and brought her here to Ravens Deep. Madeline, was not as well connected as her brother. She had been working as a seamstress in a private house and was engaged to John Chamberlayne, the son of the house. When John learned that his fiancée ha
d been taken, he tracked Madeline down to Ravens Deep and confronted Theo.

  By all accounts, Theo placed a terrible curse on John and his family. Whatever it was that happened here, John fled in such fright that he fell from his horse and suffered a severe blow to the head. He was discovered bruised and bloody two days later in the woods close to his home. He had survived, but only just.”

  I gasped, “How awful.”

  “Yes,” Darius agreed. “It truly was a tragedy, for Madeline was heartbroken. But she was strong, she realized quickly that she would never be free of Theo or the horrors that may lie ahead for her. Then three days later, Theo fell ill. Madeline refused to let anyone near him. The seemingly dutiful daughter nursed her dying father for two days and nights. On the third day Theo was dead. The cause appeared to be an opium overdose.

  There was speculation that she had poisoned him, but nothing could be proven. He was already an opium addict. Her brother James with his good connections quickly silenced any talk of foul play and James and Madeline took care of all the funeral details. They did not allow anyone near the body. Theo was buried in an unmarked grave, lest anyone ever tried to exhume the remains.

  Madeline and John married and they had two children, but that blow to John’s head was more serious than anyone imagined. For three years he suffered headaches and some days had to be confined to his bed, from the pain in his head. He died when his children were two and three. Both children were sickly children and Madeline believed that her father’s curse was indeed taking vengeance.”

  “What happened to them?” I asked. Darius was quiet, he seemed lost in thought.

  “They grew up here, but I do not know any more.” He paused for a few moments. “Madeline lived for a while, you can see that from her tomb.”

  “What a sad story,” I said. “It’s amazing to think how one person can ruin the lives of so many.” I thought for a few moments. “Do you believe in curses?” Darius looked at me oddly.