Beautiful Strangers

by Ellen Dean

  After a shower she headed to the kitchen to find H already waiting for her.

  ‘I didn’t want to disturb you, darling. You were so peaceful when I looked in.’

  Beth’s stomach plummeted. So H hadn’t wanted to come and climb in beside her. Accepting a cup of tea, she looked at H’s long fingers, imagining them touching her, invading her intimate places. God, I must stop this.

  ‘I thought we could have an easy day, darling. Perhaps go for a walk by the loch?’ H said while going moist at the thought she had just picked up from Beth.

  ‘Yes. Okay.’ Beth answered casually, consciously suppressing images of her dream.

  They spent an idyllic day together, walking round the loch, and then picnicking until H suggested it was time to return to The Old Manse and prepare for the midnight celebrations.

  After enjoying a luxurious soak in the bath she still couldn’t decide what to wear. She had no idea what would be considered appropriate.

  She needn’t to have worried, for laid out on her bed was a white silk Grecian style gown with a note:

  Darling Beth,

  For you to wear tonight.

  H

  Beth was enchanted. Trust Hyacinth to think of everything. She pulled on the gown. It hugged under her breasts, emphasizing her shape, it was split down both sides almost from top to bottom, and would reveal everything if she turned too quickly.

  Five pairs of eyes assessed her as she walked down the stairs into the hall.

  ‘Darling! I just knew you would look sensational.’ H paused while the other women all murmured and nodded in agreement. ‘Come, meet my friends.’ She moved to the bottom step to take Beth’s hand before making the introductions.

  The women stepped forward, each kissing Beth on the mouth. Beth was surprised at their familiarity, but too polite to say so. She thought it quaint that the women wore the same Grecian gowns.

  Then it was everyone to the kitchen to collect the trays of food Angela had spent the day preparing. Leading the way, Hyacinth carried the first tray followed by Beth and then the others. They walked in single file through the warm night air along a narrow pathway to a sheltered spot where a large circle of candles burned. In the centre of the circle a huge fire crackled spitting embers high into the night air, casting dancing shadows over the piles of cushions set around the circle.

  Beth shivered. This was in my dream.

  Glasses, bottles of wine and mead were already placed beside the cushions.

  Angela has been busy. I wonder what we do next, Beth thought.

  The trays of food were carefully placed on the ground around the fire. Hyacinth opened a bottle of wine, filled six glasses and handed one to each woman, leaving Beth till last before making a ceremonial toast.

  ‘To the Moon Goddess.’ Hyacinth raised her glass.

  Forming a circle around the fire they all stood and raised their glasses, ‘To the Moon Goddess.’

  Then they settled into the cushions to enjoy the banquet.

  Beth was touched by the energy of the group. It was beautiful. She had never been involved in anything like this before; had not known what to expect and laughed at her expectation of drinks and canapés in Hyacinth’s drawing room. It was much nicer to sit outside under the stars like this.

  After they had eaten, two of the women started to dance, slow movements set to raise the energy of the group. Then the other two women joined in, and finally Hyacinth and Beth. It was approaching midnight when they all joined hands around the fire.

  Hyacinth, as their High Priestess, took the lead. ‘Ladies . . . it is time to write down your dreams and desires to be delivered to The Goddess.’

  ‘H, what am I supposed to do?’ Beth whispered.

  ‘Write down your heart’s desire, your deepest wishes . . . but be careful what you ask for as wishes have a way of coming true.’

  ‘Why do we do this? What do we do with our letters?’

  ‘We burn them, darling. It’s part of our celebration. Now hurry, it’s almost midnight.’

  Beth wrote quickly, the first thing that came into her head, and then turned to Hyacinth. ‘I’ve done it.’

  At midnight, with the moon riding high in the sky above them, they stood in silence around the fire ready to throw their letters into the flames. Hyacinth passed a wooden bowl filled with vervain herbs and dill for each one to take a handful. On her command they threw the herbs and their letters into the fire.

  ‘Now, my darlings, you have sent your deepest desires to the Universe. Forget about them and leave it in the hand of destiny.’ She handed out glasses of mead poured in readiness, raised her glass to the full moon and spoke. ‘We stand before you, Moon Goddess, in our nakedness, ready to do your bidding.’

  On her words, the women released the shoulder clasps that held their gowns in place. Beth stood still, uncertain, until Hyacinth reached across and unhooked her gown.

  Naked they all held hands and circled the fire, feeling the rise in energy, the fire warming their naked bodies. Eventually they turned to wish each other peace and happiness. While holding Hyacinth’s hand, a vision of a much younger Hyacinth handing a gorgeous cherub of a baby to a nurse shot through Beth’s mind so fast she was unable to anchor it. The vision instantly faded when Hyacinth released her grip.

  Beth was enchanted by the celebration, the gentleness and camaraderie reached into her soul.

  Alone in her bed in the early hours of the morning Beth tried to analyse what she had been part of; how her previous night’s visions had been of the clearing with the bright fire and magic circle, and how it happened in real life. As usual she had no answers, only questions. She had no doubt she had taken part in a coven’s ritual.

  Chapter 11

  Beth had been trying to contact Hyacinth since their trip to Scotland. She was smitten, her feelings alternating between incredible lust, desperate to get into bed with her, and total self- doubt seeing herself as a stupid fool who had got the situation entirely wrong. Despite leaving several messages, H hadn’t returned her calls. What was the woman playing at? Beth was anxious to make contact, needing some sort of reassurance.

  Beth presumed Hyacinth’s silence meant she wasn’t going to Davinia’s birthday party. She convinced herself H was playing with her mind; she didn’t appear to want to play with her body. The party might help to lift her spirits. Despite going with dreary Daphne, she was looking forward to her first glimpse of Melton Manor. From Daphne’s description the MacFarline residence sounded impressive.

  On the night of the party they rattled along in Beth’s old car. The Manor was well off the beaten track. The endless private drive twisted through acres of open parkland. Finally they arrived. Built more like a castle, Melton Manor was imposing, and much bigger than Beth’s family home. She couldn’t wait to see inside.

  To create an atmosphere, not that they needed to because the place had enough of its own, strategically placed torches were positioned to cast long shadows. Beth loved it.

  The minute they stepped out of the car, Beth’s keys were taken by a handsome young man who drove it away to be parked out of sight. Apparently Daddy didn’t like the place to look untidy and her old boneshaker of a car would certainly lower the tone. Liveried staff ushered them towards a red carpet leading into an arched doorway that spilled out warm welcoming light.

  This is some way to live, Beth thought, walking into the grand reception hall where a string quartet played in an

  alcove. Davinia and Julie were waiting inside to receive their guests. Beth was amused that they were immaculately and identically dressed in purple silk shirts under flowing black kaftans.

  ‘Come in, darling girls. Have some champagne,’ greeted Julie. She air kissed Beth, and thrust a glass into one hand as she grasped the other continuing, ‘Come with me. Daphne knows lots of people here, but let me introduce you to someone so you don’t feel left out. Daphne’s sure to get sidelined; she always does!’ Julie chuckled.

  Barely giving Beth ti
me to wish Davinia a happy birthday, Julie led her into the garden room — a lovely, mellow, yellow room with tall windows reaching down to the floor that opened in such a way you could step out into the walled garden. Numerous fruit trees jostled with each other from behind shrubs in varying stages of bloom, providing a riot of colour. A summerhouse, almost hidden by rhododendron bushes, was just visible in a far corner — perfect for secret liaisons. Holding on tightly to Beth’s hand, afraid of losing her in the throng of chattering women, Julie headed towards a woman sitting alone on one of the comfortable sofas. As they approached, the woman turned her head, glossy dark hair swung across her shoulders and brown eyes smiled up at them.

  ‘Constance. I’d like to introduce you to Beth.’

  Constance stood up, and held out her hand, ‘Hi Beth. How lovely to meet you. I’m guessing that like me, you don’t know many of the guests.’

  Julie answered. ‘No. She doesn’t, which is why I thought you two could get to know each other.’

  ‘Thanks Julie. How thoughtful.’ Beth took Constance’s outstretched hand. ‘Good to meet you, Constance.’

  Julie, confident that Beth was in good company, hurried back to Davinia. Like a lost puppy Daphne had trailed across the room behind them, spotted someone she knew and promptly scuttled away.

  ‘Refill?’ Constance asked before they sat down.

  ‘No. I’m fine, thanks. I want to keep a clear head. I’m driving. Plus, I’m in theatre early in the morning.’

  ‘In theatre? Is that acting or operating?’

  ‘It’s operating. I’m a surgeon at St. Gregory’s.’ Beth took a sip of champagne and brushed a strand of her hair back from her brow.

  ‘So you’re a cut above the rest then?’ Constance laughed. ‘Pardon the pun.’

  ‘You could say that.’ Beth chuckled. ‘What about you?’

  ‘I work in Newcastle too. With Brewsters. I’m a corporate lawyer.’

  ‘Yes, I know them. They’re a huge company. Don’t they have offices up and down the country?’

  ‘Yes, and abroad. I split my time between the south of England and here, mostly. Like you, I work long hours when the need arises. I was hoping you were a thespian. I love live theatre.’

  ‘I was on the stage once.’

  ‘You were?’

  ‘Yes — sweeping up.’

  ‘Touché.’ Constance raised her glass.

  ‘Joking aside, I love live theatre too. I used to help out at our local amateur dramatic society before I started my medical training.’

  ‘I knew you had a dramatic side to you. During my gap

  year, just for the hell of it, I studied theatrical make-up. I

  loved it, and very nearly made a career out of it.’

  ‘How interesting. Totally different to being a corporate lawyer.’

  ‘Yes. But what I’m doing now definitely has its perks. It keeps my penthouse in Newcastle going, and my little country hide-a-way too. Though I must say, I’m always glad to get back from London to the more sensible pace of life here.’

  ‘Talking of London, I’m going down there soon. A friend and I are planning a weekend shopping, and clubbing.’ Beth said.

  ‘Here, take this.’ Constance dipped into her small shoulder bag and passed her a business card. ‘This is an exclusive night club, strictly ladies only, with a very discerning membership. Go,’ she pointed at the name on the card. ‘I know you’ll enjoy it.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Beth took the card and sank back into the sofa to read it. She liked Constance. She was easy to talk to.

  Constance excused herself to fetch them more drinks. Beth took the opportunity to survey the room, and the guests. Although the furniture had been pushed back against the walls to allow more floor space for all of the inevitable food and drink, it was evident this room was well used by the family. Beth was idly looking at the other guests, a diverse selection of women in all shapes and sizes, when she noticed one or two of them wore the same diamond pendants as some of the more glamorous girls she’d met at Hyacinth’s charity bash. Others wore long silk scarves in the same shade of purple as Hyacinth’s new curtain material. Strange, purple isn’t one of this season’s colours, she mused, it’s all yellows and creams. She was still pondering on the pendants when Hyacinth stalked into the room.

  Damn — what’s she doing here? Flustered, Beth looked for Daphne who was on the far side of the room deep in conversation.

  Muttering an excuse about needing fresh air to Constance, who had just returned, Beth ran out into the garden hoping to become invisible amongst the cherry trees.

  Constance followed and found her lurking in the shadows, ‘Are you running away from Hyacinth?’

  ‘Sort of.’

  ‘Why? Has she done something to you?’

  ‘Yes. I suppose she has, but I can’t talk about it. I didn’t expect her to be here.’

  Seeing the apprehension in Beth’s eyes, Constance spoke matter-of-factly. ‘I had a brief affair with H years ago. And let me tell you . . . she’s an extremely jealous and volatile bitch.’

  ‘She is?’ Beth swallowed hard.

  ‘Trust me when I tell you that you want nothing to do with her. She’s trouble with a capital T. She’s involved in . . . well, I don’t know what really or even how to describe it. It’s some kind of rituals they do. Oh, I know it sounds crazy, I would even go as far as saying she dabbles in . . . magic. Anyway there are some weird goings on with her and her group of special friends. You must have noticed the stunning women wearing identical diamond pendants?’

  Beth nodded.

  ‘The pendants indicate ownership.’

  Beth frowned. ‘Ownership?’

  ‘Hyacinth’s ownership.’

  Beth listened intently.

  ‘The women wearing the pendants have connections you wouldn’t believe, and they are all under H’s control. She’s had everyone of them. Take my advice Beth. Stay well away from all of them.’ Constance, taking Beth’s hands, looked at her with genuine concern. ‘Don’t tell me you are going to London with H?’

  ‘Yes, I am.’ she said quietly.

  ‘Oh my God. How did that happen?’

  It was a relief for Beth to talk. She stood nervously squeezing her hands together, saying how she was besotted

  with Hyacinth. I must be crazy opening up to a stranger like this.

  ‘Please, please take my advice, Beth. Let H go. She is evil. How that poor husband of hers puts up with her, I really don’t know. Are you listening to me?’ she said firmly. ‘I don’t think you appreciate the seriousness of what you’re getting into. Look, if nothing else, think about your career. H should have a red warning light flashing above her head. ’ Constance was trying her best but, Beth wasn’t listening and she knew it. ‘Don’t let her draw you into her web.’

  ‘I have to go.’ Beth said faintly.

  She needed to find H — before H found her. She ignored Constance’s advice. All that silly hocus-pocus cloak and dagger stuff, was just that, silly! Although she knew their celebration at The Old Manse was white magic, she preferred to think of it as working with mother earth’s energy, and in her opinion, there was nothing wrong with that. Pendants and ownership. . . bah! Constance wasn’t the only person to notice Beth’s reaction to H. Julie’s sharp eyes missed nothing. Not wanting any upsets, and knowing H of old, she organized Davinia to show Beth around the Manor. That would take Beth safely out of the way while she had a few warning words with Hyacinth.

  When Beth stepped back into the garden room Davinia appeared like a vision at her elbow. Knowing Beth had a keen interest in old property from their first meeting it didn’t seem unusual for her to offer a personal tour of the Manor.

  Davinia led the way into a vast mirrored ballroom where a female DJ was busy checking her equipment for the dancing that was to come. Beth wondered what sort of scenes these mirrored walls had witnessed over the years. Then Davinia took Beth into the drawing room where a regal display of family portraits
gazed down from the gold, silk-lined walls onto exquisite antique regency furniture. A priceless Venetian chandelier graced the ceiling. Nothing ostentatious here then, Beth thought sarcastically.

  They moved into the formal dining room dominated by an impressive mahogany table capable of seating twenty-four people comfortably. At the far end of the room a fireplace filled the entire width of the wall.

  ‘What a huge fireplace.’ Beth said with enthusiasm.

  ‘Come. Have a closer look. See if you can guess its secret.’

  ‘Lead the way.’

  Actually standing in the fireplace Davinia warned, ‘Be careful of falling soot. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea. This fireplace is used regularly.’

  ‘Come on then. Tell me the secret.’

  ‘Well. You know this place is ancient.’

  ‘Yes. 15th or 16th century’

  ‘Thereabouts. You know your history. Have a guess. It’s pretty obvious to someone like you really.’

  ‘I know. It hasn’t? Has it? Got a . . . ?’

  ‘Yes!’ Davinia clapped her hands while jumping excitedly on the spot. ‘A priest hole!’

  ‘Let me have a look?’

  ‘Sorry, Beth. I can’t.’

  ‘Why not?’

  Suddenly Davinia was all of a quiver. ‘It comes out in the garden. Now you know your history Beth, so you must know just how tiny those Catholic Priests must have been. This tunnel is so narrow I’ve never dared venture into it.’ Davinia went into peels of laughter, spluttering, ‘I’d get stuck if I tried.’ She shifted from one foot to the other. ‘This tunnel merges with many others. Why, we’ve got an entire network below us, like the London underground.’ She stopped abruptly. She’d said too much. ‘Come along my dear. I’ll show you upstairs now.’

  They crossed the hall, moving between the guests, to the foot of the wide staircase with an incredibly high ceiling.

  Looking up Beth remarked. ‘I wouldn’t like to have to decorate that.’

  ‘The decorators use scaffolding.’