Charms of a Witch

by Marina Oliver

  'If you loved him you would not mind that,' Lucy said gently.

  'I suppose not. In any event, Mother does not think much of his prospects now, so she has ceased to push his claims.'

  'Gavin's prospects? How have they changed?'

  Sarah looked at her shyly. 'Do not be a simpleton, Lucy. Now Sir Humphrey has acknowledged you, and you are his only child, naturally Gavin will not inherit all this.'

  'My father has promised to dower me, to leave me with sufficient, but that will not affect Gavin overmuch.'

  Sarah smiled at her in a superior way. 'Why do you think mother is encouraging Peter to pay his attentions to you when before, thinking you penniless, she would have done all she could to separate you. Now you and not Gavin will inherit the Manor, her attitude towards you is changed, and since I have an opportunity of making a good match elsewhere she is content.'

  'Sarah, I shall not inherit the Manor,' Lucy protested. 'My father has no intention of leaving the bulk of his estate to anyone but Gavin.'

  'Gavin could not have been mistaken.'

  'What do you mean?'

  'Though he did not say outright, he made it clear he expected no more than the title from Sir Humphrey now he has acknowledged you his daughter. 'Twas one evening when Mr Wetherby was supping with us.'

  Lucy, puzzled, glanced across the room, and saw Gavin watching her. He smiled at her, and she instinctively smiled back, then dropped her eyes.

  'Are you content, Sarah?' she asked quietly, and Sarah nodded.

  'To be sure. I like Mr Wetherby, and hope he will make me happy. You cannot deny that 'twill be a relief to get away from my mother.'

  Lucy nodded slowly. 'Poor Mistress Francis. 'Twas her ambition to make you Lady Anstey, and now she will not.'

  'But she still has Peter, and will encourage him to offer for you. Not that he needs urging.'

  Lucy began to protest she did not love Peter and could not accept any proposal, but she was interrupted by Mistress Francis who called across to them.

  'Now, girls, you must have whispered all your secrets by now. Cousin Humphrey wishes to show us the gardens. Sarah, come here.'

  *

  Reluctantly the girls rose, and Peter joined Lucy as they moved out into the gardens.

  'Has Jem been here yet?'

  'No, though Gavin said he would wish to see me.'

  'He was furiously angry with his mother. He was incoherent with fury when he came to us. Methinks Agnes will find him less subservient to her now than he has been in the past.'

  'It will be a good thing for him,' Lucy said calmly. 'A man like Jem should not be so subject to his mother.'

  Peter looked at her closely. 'Do you think the same of me?' he asked quietly.

  Lucy put her hand on his arm. 'No, Peter, of course not. You show proper respect and honour to her, but you are not subservient.'

  'I am relieved you say that, for I would not have you think, when her desires correspond with mine, that I am meekly obeying her.'

  'Of course not, Peter. Come, I want to show you the herbs we have. I know something of their uses, but you know much more. Will you instruct me?'

  Peter was not to be sidetracked. 'Of course, my dear, I would instruct you always, but I would much rather go in harness with you, pulling together.'

  Lucy laughed, and ignored the implication of his words.

  'This way. Can you smell that lavender?'

  'Lucy.'

  He held her hand and forced her to stop. She glanced around, but the others had vanished.

  'In the past I have asked you to marry me and you would not because my mother did not wish it.'

  She tried to interrupt, but he went on. 'Now my mother does not object, for she thinks you will inherit the Manor. Believe me, Lucy, I do not care whether you are penniless or wealthy. I want you either way, and that my mother has withdrawn her objections, will you change your mind and marry me?'

  Regretfully Lucy shook her head. 'No, Peter, I have not changed.'

  'But, Lucy!'

  'Please, Peter, do not plague me!'

  He stared at her in dismay. 'My dear, I would not distress you.'

  'Then please accept what I say, Peter. I do not love you, except as a brother. I like you and treasure your friendship, but I can never marry you.'

  For a long time they stared at one another, and then Peter sighed.

  'You are in love with Gavin, are you not?'

  Lucy continued to stare at him, and Peter smiled a little grimly.

  'I feared to lose you to him, but if you love him, Lucy, then I wish you happiness. He is a good fellow.'

  Unaccountably, Lucy's eyes grew bright with tears. She hastily brushed them away and Peter, with a little gasp, bent down and kissed her swiftly on the brow.

  'I shall ever regret what I have lost. Now shall we go in?' Thankfully Lucy took his arm and they walked back to the house slowly while she recovered her composure. After dinner Mistress Francis took her leave.

  'You must visit us soon at Delmead,' she said graciously to Lucy as they were making their farewells.

  Gavin was riding with them.

  'I will return by supper,' he said to Sir Humphrey. 'Lucy, you must not leave the house.'

  She smiled at him briefly and nodded.

  'I must clear up this small matter and collect my belongings, and I will be back here.'

  Mistress Francis and Sarah entered the carriage, and with Peter and Gavin riding alongside, they set off.

  *

  Chapter 13

  Sir Humphrey and Lucy stood on the steps watching them ride away, and then Sir Humphrey put his arm round Lucy's shoulders and smiling, she turned to him.

  'How happy I am you have come to me, my dear,' he said as they walked slowly back into the house.

  'You cannot be happier than I, Father,' she said softly.

  'Can you forgive me for those years when I did not accept you?'

  'Of course. You had me cared for, you did not reject me entirely. But Father, may I ask you something?'

  'What is it, my dear?'

  'Something Sarah said concerns me.'

  'I trust Sarah Francis is not going to become like her mother, full of gossip and malicious insinuation.'

  Lucy smiled slightly. 'I do not think she could be like her mother. But she said you intended to leave me everything, and nothing to Gavin. I did not think this was so.'

  'Where did she obtain this information?'

  'I understand Gavin said something while he was staying with them.'

  Sir Humphrey smiled appreciatively. 'Oh, he did, did he?'

  'Father, I do not wish it. You are generous to me, and have promised I shall not be in want. I am not your legitimate daughter – '

  'No, to my regret and shame,' he interrupted. 'I should have forced your mother to wed me, but I thought she would do so in the end!'

  'It would not be fair to Gavin, to take all from him.'

  'Would you not like to live here when I am gone?'

  'I do not wish to leave here, but I will not think of such a time! But Gavin has been your acknowledged heir for so long, and the property should go with the title.'

  'Do not worry, Lucy. Gavin will be my heir. Sarah has it wrong, I am doing what I told you earlier. You will have an adequate dowry, and Gavin will have the remainder. After all, you will marry, and your husband will not be penniless! But he is a cunning devil!'

  Lucy drew her brows together. 'Why do you say that?'

  He laughed. 'To set that rumour going. It has discouraged Mistress Francis from her pursuit of him on Sarah's behalf, has it not?'

  'Oh.' Lucy considered this. 'But how could Sarah be mistaken? Gavin must have said it.'

  'Oh, no. Gavin has a deal of wit. He would have suggested something to imply you would have Anstey Manor without saying I was giving it to you. I am intrigued to see Mistress Francis is now encouraging Peter's claims to your affections. I think she rather discouragd them before your prospects improved. Am I righ
t?'

  Lucy laughed a little shyly.

  'She was in great fear he would wish to marry me.'

  'She had cause. But Gavin evidently does not share her fears.'

  He smiled down at her and Lucy, embarrassed, looked away. Sir Humphrey laughed again and sent her off, saying she ought to rest, for she still looked tired after her ordeal.

  *

  It was several hours later, when they were together in Sir Humphrey's study, that a servant came to say they had a visitor.

  'Mr Jem Perkins wishes to see you, Sir Humphrey.'

  'Shall we see him, Lucy? Do you wish it?'

  'I suppose we must,' she replied slowly.

  'Show him in here.'

  A few moments later Jem entered the room, and bowed awkwardly to Sir Humphrey, and then strode across to where Lucy was sitting. He stood before her, fidgeting with his whip.

  'Lucy, I have come to beg your pardon.'

  'Jem, there is no need. I understand everything.'

  'You must think me a poltroon, a grown man locked in a cellar by his mother! Lucy, I am so ashamed!'

  'Jem, do not think on't.'

  'I promised to help you. I thought before I could guard you, protect you, and I am shown so weak and helpless.'

  'Jem, enough of this! You were tricked, and that could happen to anyone.'

  'Was I not captured and imprisoned too?' Sir Humphrey asked quietly.

  'Aye,' Jem agreed unhappily. 'And for that I crave your pardon, Sir. But in your case there was little you could do. There were several men against you. With me there was but a feeble old woman.'

  'Your mother may be old, and physically weaker than a man, Jem, but do not underrate her strength. She has enormous willpower.'

  'But even she is frightened at what she has done, now the full horror of it has penetrated her understanding.'

  'Then mayhap you can influence her more in the future,' Sir Humphrey suggested.

  'Yes, Jem. Do not be disheartened.'

  He smiled at her. 'I feel I have betrayed you so much. Can you ever forgive me?'

  'Yes, but I will not have you keep asking for forgiveness. Let this be an end on't.'

  'Lucy! You are so kind and gentle. I made a confounded mess of it, did I not? You may forgive me, but I cannot forgive my mother for having ruined my chances with you!'

  Lucy put her hand out to him.

  'Jem, you must forgive her. Believe me, she did nought to ruin your chances, as you think. I could never have married you. I am sorry, but I do not love you.'

  He nodded regretfully. 'That I understand now.' He looked across at Sir Humphrey, a slight smile on his face. 'I envy you, Sir Humphrey. If Lucy will not have me, I could almost wish my father had been hers too! Lucy, I am going to beg a great favour of you. My mother is most distressed. She wishes to tender her apologies herself, but she cannot bring herself to come. Will you come to see her?'

  'Why, of course I will. I would wish to be on good terms with all the villagers now, then I would be really happy in Brookley. I would not like living here, happy as I am with my father, if I were at odds with them all.'

  'Will you come and see her now?'

  'May I, Father?'

  'Gavin would not wish you to leave the house.'

  'Oh, but Matthew Hopkins and those others have gone. I cannot be in any danger now.'

  'I will see to it she comes to no harm if you will trust me, Sir.'

  Sir Humphrey frowned in silence for a moment, and Jem flushed with embarrassment.

  'I – I know I have not been worthy of trust in the past, but I swear to you, Sir Humphrey – '

  'No, no, my boy. I will come with you. 'Tis not that I do not trust you, but Lucy will be safer with the two of us.'

  'Would you really?'

  'Oh thank you, Father! I would like to see Jem's mother and reassure her I entertain no harsh feelings against her.'

  'We will ride. I will send for the horses.'

  'I will change into my habit,' Lucy said, and left the room.

  *

  Twenty minutes later they were all three riding towards the village. Sir Humphrey was chatting with Jem about the farm, and proving most knowledgeable. Lucy looked on, thrilled at this evidence he was emerging from his withdrawn ways.

  They passed Jem's farm and came in sight of the Black Goat. What they saw there brought them to a halt. A large crowd of villagers stood on the bank of the river between them and the inn, and an ugly murmur rose from them.

  'We had best turn back. Quickly, they have not seen us yet,' Sir Humphrey said, catching at Lucy's reins.

  'What is it?' she asked.

  At that moment a high scream came from the centre of the group, and the crowd parted, showing two of the men carrying a heavy burden and approaching the river.

  'God, 'tis my mother,' Jem cried, and set spurs to his horse, galloping towards the crowd. Lucy set off after him, and since Sir Humphrey had dropped the reins in his surprise she was able to get close to the crowd before her father caught up with her.

  Jem was too late to prevent his mother from being thrown into the river. She was trussed in the time honoured fashion, her right hand tied to her left foot, and her left hand to her right foot. The two men carrying her swung her out and she fell some way from the bank. A few of the villagers heard the thundering of the hooves of Jem's horse, and turned towards him.

  'You devils!' he shouted, and flung himself from the horse. Some of the men moved towards him to prevent him reaching the river.

  'Your mother's the cause of all this trouble in the village,' one of them said to him.

  'It is she that's the witch, not the lass.'

  'Aye. Poor Mistress Dean has been persecuted by Agnes.'

  Jem did not waste time arguing. His rush was so furious, his arms flailing wildly round him, that he sent two of the men flying, and the others gave back before him. Without pausing he leapt into the river and began to swim towards Agnes. She had sunk once, but had come to the surface, gasping and spluttering. Her gown had floated out and she was partly held up by it. Jem reached her in a few strokes. Putting his arms around her he towed her back to the bank, but there met resistance.

  'Don't interfere, Jem,' one of the women shouted to him.

  'She's evil!'

  'Aye, she's damaged you, has she not?'

  'She's the real witch in the village. We should have known.'

  'Even the inn is named after her master, the Devil,' one of the men said.

  Jem was standing in the water waist deep by the bank, supporting his mother who was now weeping gustily.

  'Let me get out. Will none of you help me?' he demanded.

  'You should not interfere. 'Tis justice being done.'

  'Why are you all so full of hatred?' This was from Lucy who had ridden up to the crowd unnoticed, and sat on her horse looking at them. 'I have come to no harm,' she went on as they turned to look at her. 'Please, if I can forgive Mistress Perkins, surely you can too? She is no witch!'

  The villagers began muttering amongst themselves and arguing, one or two of them shamefacedly, but there were many more aggressive ones determined to punish Agnes for the troubles that had fallen on the village. Some of these approached Lucy threatingly, and Sir Humphrey tried to put his horse in front of her.

  'Mistress Dean,' one of the men began. 'Will you leave this to us. 'Tis the old way, and we like the old ways.'

  'They are somewhat inhuman,' a new voice broke in, and Lucy turned to see Gavin ride up to them. 'Will you allow Mistress Perkins and her son passage, or must I use my whip on you?'

  He sat there gazing sternly at them, and they began to move away. One turned back and helped Jem scramble up the bank. Lucy slipped from her horse and went across to him.

  'Poor Mistress Perkins! Let me untie her.'

  She did so. Jem picked up his mother. She was a large woman, and heavy, but he was strong and he carried her across to the inn without effort, while the villagers standing around somewhat abashed,
not knowing what to do, stared after him.

  Lucy smiled tentatively at some of them. 'Please, do not bear hatred. That is the real evil.'

  'But you, Mistress Lucy,' one of the women said, stepping forward. 'How can you not hate her for what she has done to you?'

  'It helps nought to hate. And it has not resulted in harm to me.'

  'But your cottage? Oh, Mistress Lucy, will you forgive us for that? We were led astray by Agnes!'

  'She's a strong-minded woman,' one of the men said ruefully.

  'I lost my cottage, that is so, but I have another home now, and a father I did not know before. Please, promise me no further vengeance, particularly on my behalf?'

  Some of the villagers seemed disposed to argue, but most were only too glad to be able to forget their recent ill behaviour, and nodded quickly. Lucy smiled round at them.

  'I must see how Mistress Perkins does.'

  *

  She turned and went into the inn. An ostler who had been hovering at the edge of the crowd came and took the horses from Sir Humphrey and Gavin, and they followed Lucy. They found her in the large kitchen.

  Agnes' wet clothes had been stripped from her, and she was wrapped in a large blanket, and crouched before the fire, over which succulent chickens were turning on the spit.

  'Will you not go to bed, Mistress Perkins?' Lucy was asking. The woman shook her head, casting frightened glances at Lucy and the two men who had just walked in.

  'Lucy, you are most irresponsible!' Gavin said, striding across to her. He took her by the shoulders and shook her slightly.'I told you not to leave the house! How did you come to allow it, Sir?' he demanded turning angrily to Sir Humphrey.

  'It was fortunate we did leave the house,' Lucy replied with spirit. 'Do not upbraid my father for't! If we had not come, and Jem with us, Mistress Perkins would by now most like have drowned.'

  'But Lucy! The danger to yourself!' Gavin began, still angry.

  'There was no danger to me. They no longer think I am a witch, they are sorry for what they did. Did you not hear them?'

  He laughed ruefully. 'I could almost believe you a witch the way you charmed everyone.'

  Lucy smiled briefly then turned back to Agnes. 'You are shivering. You ought to be abed.'

  The woman shook her head.