by K E O'Connor
We walked into a vast modern kitchen with white units and granite work surfaces. There was a large island in the center. The kitchen led onto an orangery.
“We take our breakfast in here,” said Ben as he showed us around the orangery. “We get the sun here first thing in the morning, and in the summertime, it’s glorious. When we’re not using it, you would be most welcome to sit here. The views into the garden are quite lovely. Juliette often works in here.”
I couldn’t disagree with him about the views, as I noticed the expanse of neatly manicured lawn, well-maintained trees, and flower borders.
“The grounds are going to keep you busy, Zach,” said Ben. “I hope you’re up to the job.”
“I enjoy being busy,” said Zach with an easy smile.
“We have a ride on lawnmower, so I don’t think you’ll get too exhausted taking care of the grass. Juliette does like the garden to be kept nice,” said Ben. “I suggested I’d have a go at it, but she didn’t take too kindly to that idea. And when I read through your experience on your application, I knew you were the man for the job.”
“I’ll make sure not to let you down,” said Zach.
“Excellent work,” said Ben. “Right, up to the bedrooms and bathrooms, and then I’ll show you outside.”
We had a quick look around the first floor of the house, where the family lived, and then up to the next story, which was for guests. The bedrooms were all large and spacious and several of them had ancient looking beams running along the ceilings. The bathrooms were all painted in pale, calming colors, and there was an expansive claw foot bath set in the center of one and some large antler horns nailed onto the wall that served as a towel rack.
“You can get to the garden in a number of ways,” said Ben as he led us back down the stairs and out the front door. “Going out the back is easiest. But you’ll find your way around soon enough. Now, in the garden, we have the greenhouses, the herb garden, and a wildflower meadow. I do like my birds and wildlife. We also have the lake house, and there’s a separate cottage where you ladies will sleep.” Ben stopped and placed his hands on his hips, gazing away from the house at the rolling hills in front of us.
“It is a lovely setting,” I said to him. “How long have you lived here?”
“Juliette’s been here ten years,” said Ben. “I moved in after we got married. I had my own place, but it seemed foolish to keep it after we were wed. Otherwise, Juliette would be rattling around in this enormous place on her own. At least the two of us can rattle together.”
I’d done some research on the family before we’d accepted the jobs and discovered Juliette’s first husband, Archie Musgrave, died after a fall from a horse. Juliette had remarried quickly, and there had been talk in the tabloid press about her forgetting Archie too soon and her new husband not being an appropriate match for her. From our introduction to Ben, I couldn't agree with that. He was a nice guy.
“The grounds are incredible,” said Zach. “Your previous gardener retired, didn’t he?”
“That’s right. He said his knees weren’t up to the job,” said Ben. “And I’ve rather grown to love the gardens so want to keep them nice. I wasn’t so sure if Juliette would want to stay here, what with all that happened to Archie. But she is content enough to remain, and I didn’t want to press the matter and make her move. What do people say; marriage and moving house are two of the most stressful things a person can do?”
“Archie died at home?” Helen gave me a discreet raise of her eyebrows. She knew about the research I'd done, so I recognized she was prying for extra information.
“No, but close by,” said Ben. “He loved to ride and was out one day when he had his accident. He fell from his horse and broke his neck.”
“That’s terrible,” said Helen.
“It was all rather sad,” said Ben. “We’re not entirely sure what happened, but we think the horse was frightened, threw Archie off, and he landed badly. He was discovered by Juliette. Must have been a terrible shock for her.”
“I can imagine,” I said.
“Still, she wants to stay here. And although I was a bit worried about Archie’s ghost popping up and scaring me, nothing like that has happened.” Ben laughed. “Not that I believe in ghosts.”
“Could you show us the cottage we’ll be staying in?” I asked, struggling to hide a smile. If only he knew the truth.
“Of course! Right this way.” Ben led us away from the house and along a small gravel path that traced through a pretty autumn flower bed. “According to Juliette, this used to be an old cow shed. But I promise you, there’s not a hint of cow inside anymore.” He unlocked the cottage door and passed me the key.
A brief inspection revealed a compact, cozy living room, two bedrooms, a tidy bathroom, and a brand new oak kitchen.
“This is perfect,” said Helen. “Just what we need.”
“We did think about having you in the main house,” said Ben. “But I look an absolute fright first thing in the morning, and Juliette is not a morning person. So, we figured it was best if we kept out of your way and didn’t frighten you.”
“That’s thoughtful of you.” I smiled at Ben. I already liked him. He was well spoken and polite, and there were no unnecessary airs and graces about him.
“And as for you,” said Ben, turning to Zach, “we have a studio apartment near the greenhouses. It’s a great location. All your tools are close by, and everything is there for you to do your job. Handy for any gardening related emergencies that happen late at night. And at the end of the day, you can throw everything in the storage sheds and go straight home. There's also a golf buggy in one of the sheds. Ideal when you need to get somewhere in a hurry. You're welcome to use it. I hope that’s suitable?”
“It sounds ideal,” said Zach. “I do get mucky working outside all day, so being close to somewhere I can get changed and cleaned up is perfect.”
“Excellent.” Ben turned towards the house, and his back straightened. “I can see Juliette. Let me introduce you.” He bounded across the grass, not waiting for us to keep up.
“He seems keen,” said Helen quietly. “Like an adorable puppy, who wants his ears scratched.”
“I like him,” said Zach. “Seems like a sensible guy to me.”
“Yes, me too,” I said. “And it doesn’t bother him that he’s husband number two.”
“Bit sad how the first husband died,” said Helen.
I nodded but decided not to say anything more in case Juliette overheard us. It wouldn’t make a great impression on our first day to be caught gossiping about the former husband.
“Juliette, my love, come and meet Lorna, Helen, and Zach.” Ben grabbed hold of his wife’s hand and kissed the back of it. “They are perfect for the jobs we need doing.”
Juliette was a thin, pale woman, with ash blonde hair cut into a neat bob. Her pale blue eyes were pinched at the corners as if she was in pain.
“Welcome to you all,” said Juliette. “I’m so glad you were able to join us so quickly.”
“Their references are excellent,” said Ben. “They used to work at Galbraith Manor in Wiltshire.”
“The Galbraith Estate,” said Juliette after a short pause. “I heard some rumor about there being a spot of bother with that family.” She raised her groomed eyebrows at me.
As much as I longed to tell her about the sordid affairs that had gone on at my former employers, we’d been sworn to secrecy. So I bit my tongue and smiled politely. “Nothing untoward happened when we were there.”
“Maybe I imagined it,” said Juliette with a vague wave of one hand. “You know what the gossip rags are like.”
“I’ve already given them a tour of the house and shown them the cottage,” said Ben. “Perhaps we can give them time to settle in now?”
“That’s a good idea.” Juliette's voice was so soft I could barely hear her.
“I need the keys!” A stick thin blonde in a fitted dark blue tube dress and Louboutin heels s
trode across the grass, her stilettos making ugly indentations on the neat lawn.
Ben sighed and shook his head. “The keys to what, Fleur?”
“You know jolly well what,” said Fleur. “I need to go to town.”
“You can’t have the car keys,” said Ben. “You’re banned for speeding.”
Fleur’s gaze ran swiftly over all of us before settling on Ben, and a hard look filled her brown eyes. “I only need the car for an hour. And I won’t speed. No one will even notice it’s me behind the wheel.”
“If you get caught, you’ll go to prison,” said Ben.
“Of course I won’t,” said Fleur. “Judge Henry was a good friend of Archie’s. He would never do anything as foul as sending me to jail.”
“It may not be Judge Henry who tries you,” said Juliette. “Can’t you take the bike?”
“Cycling! In these heels? Not a chance,” said Fleur. “Ben, you’ll have to take me if you won’t hand over the keys.”
“I’m showing around our new employees,” said Ben. “I may have time to take you later.”
“You need to take me now.” For a second, I thought Fleur was going to stamp her feet. Instead, she settled for folding her arms over her overly exposed bosom and glaring at Ben.
Ben gave another shake of his head. “This is Lorna, who is going to be assisting with our administration.” He gestured at me. “And Helen is the new seamstress and will help with the laundry. And this is Zach; he’ll be working in the gardens.”
Fleur dismissed us with a shrug. “I don’t care about the new staff. I must go to town.”
“Later,” said Ben, “or perhaps, it’s time you thought about getting your own place closer to town? That would make things much easier for you until you get your licence back.”
“My place is here, in the family estate,” said Fleur with a haughty tilt of her chin. “It’s what Archie would want. You can’t get rid of me just because you married into the family.”
“I’m not trying to get rid of you,” said Ben.
“Now isn’t the time to discuss living arrangements.” Juliette cast a glance in our direction. “I’m sure we can sort something out.”
“But I need to go to town now,” said Fleur.
“Then call yourself a cab,” said Juliette.
“Give me money.” Fleur held her hand out and waved her fingers.
“You can’t have spent everything you’ve already been given,” said Juliette. “Your allowance is supposed to last you for a whole week.”
“I can’t possibly exist on the pittance you give me,” said Fleur. “If Archie had been a better brother, he would have given me at least half of this house and everything in it. Instead, he expects me to rely on your generosity. It’s unbecoming, having to ask you every time I need something.”
I noticed Ben and Juliette exchange a strained look. I didn't blame them. Archie’s sister was an unpleasant handful.
“What do you need to go into town for?” asked Ben. “I can pick up whatever you need the next time I’m there and save you the bother of going.”
“I’m meeting friends for a few drinks. And then we might go to a new restaurant.”
“That’s hardly an essential,” said Juliette. “Can’t you postpone for another day?”
“Absolutely not,” said Fleur. “Trixie has some exciting news about an engagement, and there are rumors about an affair. I have to be kept in the loop, or I’ll stop being invited to all the good events.”
“That’s not exactly world changing news,” said Juliette. “You can wait a few days before getting the latest sorority gossip.”
“No, I can’t. Are you going to give me the money for a cab or not?” asked Fleur. “You promised Archie you’d look after me no matter what. He’s been dead barely a year, and you’re already breaking a promise.”
“I’m not breaking my promise to anybody,” muttered Juliette. She looked over at Ben, desperation clear on her face. “Can you help?”
“Come with me, Fleur.” Ben gestured to the house. “I’ll give you what you need.”
“I know what she needs,” whispered Helen in my ear, “a gag and some manners.”
I suppressed a smile and nodded at Helen.
“I knew you would.” Fleur gave us a smug smile before winking at Zach.
“I am sorry about that,” said Juliette, once Fleur was out of earshot. “She is my late husband’s sister and has been living here for years. I did promise Archie that I would take care of her if anything happened to him. But she can be a little trying at times.”
“Families can be complicated,” I said.
“Yes, they can be.” Juliette looked down at Flipper, who had just joined us after running around the gardens with Jessie. “He is rather lovely. He’s your assistance dog, isn’t he?”
“That’s right. His name’s Flipper,” I said. “He helps me with my fainting episodes.”
Juliette bent down and stroked Flipper’s head. “Ben told me all about your health condition. I have episodes myself; terrible headaches that I can’t shake for days. I’ve had one this morning, but it’s easing now. You have my sympathy. Having a condition you cannot control is not pleasant.”
“Having Flipper helps,” I said. “He’s amazing. He has this ability to detect when I’m feeling ill.” Well, that was the tale I told all my employers; Flipper was my assistance dog and helped me with my seizures. And he did assist me, but in detecting ghosts, not with any illness I had.
“Perhaps I should get a dog of my own.” Juliette beckoned to Jessie, who stood timidly by Zach’s knees. “They are such lovely company.”
“I recommend everybody get a dog,” I said. “I wouldn’t be without Flipper.”
Juliette smiled as Jessie carefully sniffed the tips of her fingers. “I’ll think on that. A dog would be nice.” She stood and looked at us. “Is there anywhere else you wish to see?”
“No, Ben has shown us around well,” I said to her. “I think we know where everything is.”
“I will leave you to settle in. Please do feel at home in our house. You have the cottage to sleep in and have your meals in; the kitchen is already well-stocked, but you are most welcome to make use of the rooms in the main house. As you can see, it’s just the two of us, well, three if you include Fleur, although she’s often out with her friends. That means you’ll have plenty of options if you want a room of your own to use.”
“Thanks, that’s kind of you,” I said.
Juliette rubbed her fingers against her forehead. “I think I’ll go and have another lie down. All this fresh air and daylight is making my eyes hurt.” She turned and walked slowly back towards the house, her white skirt blowing gently in the cool afternoon air.
“Maybe we shouldn’t worry about ghosts,” said Helen quietly. “If Juliette doesn’t like the daylight, she could be a vampire.”
I shook my head at Helen. She always had an overly active imagination. “No. But Juliette is pale. I hope her headaches aren’t a symptom of something more serious.”
“It’s an interesting family set up,” said Zach as we made our way back to our cars to unload the bags. “First husband dead, wife remarried quickly to a younger man, and a spiteful sister of the dead husband in residence.”
“It’s a modern day family,” said Helen. “You don’t often find a husband, wife, and two children living in happy harmony anymore.” She looked over at Zach. “I got the impression the spiteful sister likes you. You’d better make sure to bolt the door on your bedroom in case she sneaks in and tries to have her wicked way with you.”
“She wouldn’t,” I said sharply.
“Didn’t you see the way she was looking at Zach?” asked Helen. “Those talons of hers will be drawn if she discovers the two of you are an item.”
“I don’t see Lorna and me being together a problem,” said Zach. “It’s usual for couples to take on roles in estates like this.”
“Yes, but married couples,” said Helen. �
�The upper class can be such stick in the muds. You don’t want to cause a scandal.”
“What century are you living in?” I asked Helen with a smile. “This is a modern family, and we are modern employees.”
“Maybe I should start a rumor suggesting I’m dating both of you?” suggested Zach. “How modern is that?”
Helen laughed and swatted Zach’s arm. “Sorry to disappoint, but you’re not my type.”
“I know. A lowly gardener will never catch your eye,” said Zach with a grin.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong; you’re lovely,” said Helen. “And you’re perfect for Lorna.”
“I’m not offended,” said Zach as he briefly squeezed my hand. “And I will keep an eye out for Fleur. I don’t want my door handle being rattled in the dead of night. Well, not by her anyway.” He gave my cheek a kiss.
I smiled at Zach and watched as Jessie and Flipper dashed around the lawns, still excited by their new home. A chill ran through me as I walked past one of the ground floor windows, and I paused before taking a step back. Flipper barked loudly and raced towards me.
“Everything okay?” Helen stopped to look back at me.
“I’m not sure,” I said. Flipper had reached my side and was circling me rapidly.
“We don’t have an unwanted presence do we?” Helen’s blue eyes sparkled with interest.
An icy shiver ran through me again. “It’s a cold spot.”
“Flipper thinks something is here,” said Helen. “You don’t see anything?” She gazed around the garden as if trying to spot a ghost. Helen had never been able to see ghosts, but we’d been friends since childhood, and she believed in my ability, supporting what I did when we came into contact with one.
“There’s something here.” I raised my hands and saw the flesh goose bump. “It could be an old ghost that doesn’t have much energy left.” Ghosts gained their energy from electrical items and human energy. If I happened across a ghost who had been bereft of both for a long period of time, I struggled to detect them and just got a cold feeling or a sense that something wasn’t right.
“What’s going on?” Zach paused by the corner of the house.
“Lorna’s sensing a ghost,” said Helen.