Eloise

by Judy Finnigan

  The others, grouped in shadow behind us, were tense and mute.

  I felt momentarily horribly self-conscious, and then, more and more I was drawn into the priest’s insistent will.

  ‘God, please bless Your servant, Catherine. Please deliver her from torment, and let her mind be at rest. By Your grace, bring her peace.’

  He opened the flask of holy oil, and murmured a blessing over it. Then he dipped his fingers into the liquid, and turned to me.

  ‘Catherine, I bless you in the name of the Lord.’ And he traced a cross on my forehead.

  He held a small ceremonial crucifix before the candle in the centre of the mantelpiece, bowed his head and again began to pray. I listened to his words with reverence and dread.

  ‘Lord, please let Your servant Eloise rest in peace. Take her to Your side, and release her from the unholy world she inhabits now.’

  I heard a murmur of protest behind me. Juliana didn’t like that, but the priest’s voice grew stronger as he continued his prayer.

  ‘We beg Thee, Lord, in Your infinite wisdom, to allow Your servant Eloise to leave her beloved friend Catherine to go about her business unmolested by evil spirits. We beg Thee to banish those demons which seek to destroy Catherine’s peace of mind, and that of her family. Above all, to banish the demon masquerading as her friend Eloise, which is causing her so much heartache. For by Your Grace, we know such visitations are a manifestation of Satan, and must be vanquished.’

  His voice grew louder, powerfully confident.

  ‘In Thy name, Lord, I demand this evil spirit, this entity which calls itself Eloise, be banished from this house, and from Talland Bay, and cease to trouble Thy servant Catherine. For this creature is not Eloise at all, but a toy of Satan. In the name of the Father, the Spirit, and the Holy Ghost, let it be gone, to join its devilish master. Thanks be to God. Amen.’

  There was total silence. I was aware of nothing but the light of the candles flickering in the surrounding gloom. I felt a little sick. I swayed and thought I might faint. I turned to look at the others. Sam, awestruck by the unexpected power of Father Pete’s words. Ted, stunned and disbelieving. And Juliana, white-faced and terrified.

  And suddenly all hell broke loose. The wind that thrashed the weeping willow in the garden began to roar. Branches crashed and fell from trees on the roof and all round the house. The noise was deafening.

  Even the sea joined in. Our gentle cove became a raging monster. With disbelief I saw waves hurl themselves against the windows of our cottage, which was tucked away in a little hollow half a mile from the beach. It was as if the ocean itself had risen to avenge Eloise’s ghost, and marched up the lane to drown us in its protest.

  I thought I heard Juliana scream. I did too. But worse was to come.

  As the sea crashed and roared against the house, I heard a voice shriek over the stupendous noise. It pierced my ears and my heart. It was Eloise.

  ‘Cathy, no! How can you do this? How can you banish me like this? It’s not what you think. I’m not evil. He is. I thought you knew, I thought you understood. If you leave me now, my children will die. Please, Cathy, please. I beg you to help me.’

  Finally, I fainted.

  *

  When I came round, a trio of worried faces hovered over me; Sam, Juliana and Father Pete. I struggled to sit up, and they helped me to the sofa, onto which I collapsed. My legs were shaking and my mind was jittery with shock.

  Sam brought me water, but Father Pete thought I needed something stronger and gave me a glass of whisky. I gulped it down, and my queasy stomach settled a little. I looked at Juliana.

  ‘Did you hear her?’ I asked. She looked mystified.

  ‘No, dear. Hear who?’

  I was angry now. All three of them looked concerned, but they clearly hadn’t a clue what I was talking about. Hear who? Who did they think I meant? Why were we all here?

  ‘Eloise, of course. You didn’t hear her voice?’

  They shook their heads, then looked at each other. I knew that look. It meant they thought I had lost it again.

  ‘She spoke to me. Screamed at me in fact. She said I’d got it all wrong. She said she wasn’t evil. She said he was.’ I looked frantically around the room. ‘Where is he?’ I shouted.

  ‘Ted?’ said Father Pete.

  ‘Yes. Ted. He’s the problem. Always has been.’

  Juliana looked anxious. ‘He just left. He was … well, he was angry. He just said he’d had enough of this … ’ Ever genteel, Juliana looked anxiously at Sam and Father Pete, but then she decided to go for it. ‘He said he’d had enough of this “fucking bollocks”, and was off.’

  ‘But how could he leave? What about the sea?’

  ‘The sea, Mum? What do you mean?’ Sam’s handsome face was puzzled and worried.

  ‘It’s all around the house. Right up to the roof. Can’t you see it?’ And even I knew I sounded hysterical. Because, when I looked at the windows, there was nothing to see but the black Cornish night.

  ‘But didn’t you hear it? The waves. They were crashing against the windows. It was terrible. I thought we were all going to drown.’

  There was an uncomfortable silence. Then Father Pete spoke quietly.

  ‘I blame myself for this. It was a wretched idea to put you through such a difficult experience, when you were so upset and fragile.’

  Here we go again, I thought. The old mental illness stuff. But I wasn’t having any of it. I blazed at them.

  ‘Look, I know what I saw. And what I heard.’ I glared at Eloise’s mother. ‘And you above everyone should listen to me, Juliana. Your daughter has just told me Ted is evil. And she said that unless I help her, your grandchildren are in terrible danger.’

  She flinched. ‘Cathy, please, this has to end. You’re scaring me.’ She turned to Sam. ‘I think you had better telephone your father. She needs help. I also think Chris needs to get her out of Cornwall. She should be in a caring environment near your home in London. And then maybe she’ll leave me alone to mourn my daughter in peace.’

  ‘Juliana, I beg you. You know yourself something was wrong about Ellie’s death. You told me you didn’t believe she could die so suddenly when earlier she had seemed perfectly well. I’m on your side; I’m on Ellie’s side. She’s scared for her children. You must believe me.’

  Juliana’s face was a mask. She looked as if she was struggling to stay calm.

  ‘Yes, you’re right about what I thought about her death. But that was months ago, and I’ve thought about it since. I believe Eloise would have wanted me to help take care of her daughters, and to do that I have to co-operate with Ted. Making a monster out of him isn’t going to help anyone, least of all Rose and Violet. And Cathy, you’ve changed. You seem to be almost unhinged. I just can’t stand to see you like this. You’re obsessed with Eloise – with this, this – ghost you say you keep seeing. She’s not a ghost. She was my beloved daughter. My wonderful memories of her are all I have left. And you’re poisoning them, Cathy. You’re poisoning my thoughts. I won’t have any more of this nonsense.’

  She swept out. Father Pete looked apologetic, gave me an encouraging pat on the shoulder, and went to the door with Sam. I could hear their worried voices murmuring on the patio.

  So there I was. Alone again.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I went to bed straight away. Downstairs, I knew Sam would be calling Chris. Of course he would. Despite his heroic efforts to support me, he was only a boy, worried sick about his mentally ill mum.

  I took one of the sleeping pills Chris had left in the bathroom cabinet and I fell asleep in minutes, dreading that I would meet Eloise.

  I didn’t. But I did meet a man. Someone I felt I knew, even though I’d never seen him before.

  This man was on horseback, and he was riding on Bodmin Moor. He was about my age, tall and blond. He couldn’t see me, but in my dream I followed him, down the ghostly lanes, through the night where swirling scarves of mist were draped arou
nd gaunt tree branches twisted by the wind.

  He was riding purposefully, as if he had a specific destination in mind. When he finally pulled in his reins and dismounted, I knew at once where we were.

  The Stone Quoit of Trevetheyan. The five and a half thousand year old burial chamber of Cornish Kings and Princes, the ancient haunted monument to which Jack had brought a frightened thirteen-year-old Eloise, all those years ago.

  When I woke, I knew exactly who the man in my dream was. And Eloise had surely sent him to me, as a message, a sign, a map. I had to find Jack. He must be the key to my quest to save Ellie’s children.

  But I had no idea where to start. Was he still in Australia? Arthur could tell me for sure. And of course Juliana, who had written to Jack after Eloise died. Although I didn’t relish talking to Juliana again after last night, I owed it to Ellie to face this unpleasant prospect.

  Suddenly I realised that my feelings towards my friend had turned full circle. Until last night I had begun to hate her for causing me such anguish, for destroying my relationship with Chris. That was why I had wanted the priest to exorcise her. But after she came through to me at the end of Father Pete’s prayers, I no longer doubted her. I believed her. She needed me. If I didn’t help, her children would die. I knew that absolutely; it was a moment of total clarity and conviction.

  I felt different, energised. It was as if the swirling mist in my dream had been blown away, removed from inside my head. For the first time in weeks, I thought I was seeing straight. Ellie’s ghost was real. She existed in a terrified limbo, tortured by her fears for her kids. It was my duty and responsibility to respond to her, and I wouldn’t doubt her again.

  It was with an almost joyful heart that I went downstairs, to find Sam eating Frosties in the kitchen. He looked up as I joined him at the table, obviously wary.

  ‘Morning, Mum,’ he said tentatively. ‘How are you feeling?’

  I smiled at him. ‘Better than I have for a long while, thank you, darling.’

  He looked startled. ‘I thought that, after last night, you’d be upset.’

  ‘Nope, I feel fine. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you last night, darling. I suppose it was all a bit ridiculous, but believe it or not, it did me the world of good. I feel completely different this morning.’

  ‘Brilliant. So you’ve decided to let the whole Eloise thing go?’

  Of course I had decided to do nothing of the sort, but I wasn’t going to worry my son any more.

  ‘Yes, darling, I’m fine now. I just want to enjoy this lovely weather.’

  And through the windows the sun smiled down. The grass and flowers in the garden seemed impossibly bright. I couldn’t wait to get outside.

  The look of relief on Sam’s face would have been comical if I hadn’t felt guilty at deceiving him. My determination to help Eloise was absolute, but from now on I was keeping it to myself.

  ‘Er, Mum.’ Sam looked shifty. ‘The thing is, I called Dad last night.’

  ‘Of course you did, darling. I wouldn’t have expected anything else.’

  ‘You don’t mind?’

  ‘I don’t mind at all. What did you tell him?’

  ‘Well, obviously I told him you’d fainted, and then got very … er, upset and confused.’

  ‘Oh yes? And what did he say?’

  ‘Well … ’ Sam looked uncomfortable. ‘He said he wants to come down and see you.’

  ‘Oh, really? When?’

  ‘Today.’

  I kept my face calm for my son, but inside I was horrified. I knew Chris would be very angry with me, and I’d hoped for a bit more time before I saw him again. There would be a massive row, a confrontation I’d find deeply upsetting.

  ‘OK,’ I said, trying to sound cheerful. ‘Did he say what time he’d arrive?’

  ‘No. He just said he’d get away from the hospital as soon as he could.’

  ‘Perhaps you could call him and let him know we don’t need him now. Tell him I’m perfectly fine.’

  Sam looked alarmed. ‘ I don’t think he’d take any notice of me if I did. He’s pretty cross. With me, I mean,’ he added hastily.

  ‘I doubt that, Sam. If he’s cross with anyone, it’s me.’

  ‘He blames me for … for encouraging you to let Father Pete do his thing here last night. Said I was completely irresponsible.’

  I sighed. ‘Look, Sam. You have been nothing other than a wonderfully supportive son. And I’m sorry I got you into hot water with your dad. It’s really not your battle. If Chris is coming down here today, then I’ll explain that I was misguided last night, but now I’ve come to my senses. And that you’ve been a huge help.’ I stood up, walked around the table, and kissed the top of his head.

  ‘There is one thing, Sam. Would you mind driving me over to Roseland today?’

  ‘Mum, is that really a good idea? I mean, Juliana was pretty miffed with you last night.’

  ‘I know,’ I said smoothly. ‘That’s why I want to see her as soon as I can. To apologise for upsetting her, and to tell her this whole saga is at an end.’

  ‘That’s probably a good idea. When do you want me to take you?’

  ‘No time like the present.’

  And within minutes, we were off.

  It was a beautiful day. The hedgerows were brilliant with roses and honeysuckle, and as we drove across to Roseland, the sea gave us glad golden winks from the horizon. It was business as usual for Kernow. Cornwall was in holiday mode again. Paradise had revealed its glorious green, blue and gold landscape one more wonderful time.

  I was in an intensely happy mood. Even the thought of returning to a stern, accusing Chris didn’t alter my suddenly sunny disposition. And even the memory of Juliana’s furious face as she left the cottage last night couldn’t dampen my skittish thoughts.

  Because, as we bowled down to Bodinnick, crossed over to Fowey, past Daphne du Maurier’s gorgeous house at the side of the Ferry boarding point, I was bursting with joy. I felt as if Cornwall had opened its heart to me again, had shown me why I belonged here and what I had to do. I was at last totally in tune with my heart; completely at one with what I now saw as the biggest task of my life: to rescue Eloise’s children, and to save my friend’s soul.

  But when we arrived at Roseland, I quailed momentarily. The front door was firmly shut, something I had hardly ever seen before. It was as if Juliana was warning me to keep out. I wondered if I should have phoned instead. But no, she would never have talked to me on the phone; she would have rung off straight away. At least this way she would have to see me face-to-face.

  Sam was more than happy to stay in the car. I think he dreaded seeing Eloise’s mother again. I walked up the gravel path, squared my shoulders, and knocked. There was a long pause. Could she be out? But I’d seen her car parked just inside the gate. More likely she’d seen our approach, and was refusing to open the door.

  ‘Juliana? Juliana, please let me in. I want to tell you how sorry I am, how stupid I’ve been about Eloise. I’m devastated that I’ve caused you so much grief. Please let me talk to you.’

  Another pause, and then the massive wooden door swung open. Juliana stood motionless on the flagged stone inside the hall. She looked thunderously angry. I walked up to her and put my arms round her. I kissed her cheek gently. For a moment she froze. Then she dissolved in my arms, and rested her head on my shoulder, crying quietly. Slowly I guided her through the hall and into the sitting room. I sat her down on the sofa, and settled next to her, stroking her lovely silver hair.

  Annie was standing in the corner, her face a mixture of fury and distress. She moved towards her mistress, but Juliana motioned her away. She took a deep breath, took a tissue from a box on a side table, and blew her nose. Then she said, quite calmly, ‘I’m quite all right, Annie. Please, would you make us some tea?’

  Annie threw a poisonous glance at me and stalked off. Juliana looked me full in the face.

  ‘Cathy, I should tell you that I was very angry last n
ight. I still am. It was so shocking that someone Ellie loved so much could betray her as you did.’

  ‘You’re right, Juliana. I did betray her. I can only say I am desperately sorry. I don’t know what came over me.’ I was choosing my words very carefully. Although I was genuinely contrite that I had made her so upset, I needed her help to find Jack. And that meant I had to reassure her that her daughter was at peace, that I’d been wrong about her desperation. I’d have to keep the truth to myself.

  Juliana looked at me. ‘You know, although I wish I hadn’t been so rude to you last night, I still think you need some help. You’ve told me yourself how ill you’ve been. Surely you should let Chris look after you?’

  I gritted my teeth. Time to pretend I agreed with her. ‘He’s coming back today, actually. I’m sure we can sort things out.’

  ‘Good.’ She looked relieved. ‘The thing is, Cathy, Ellie was so fond of you. She always said she could trust you with her darkest secrets.’

  Then why didn’t she? I screamed silently. Why wait until you’re dead, Ellie? Why put me through all this angst, when nothing I can do can possibly bring you back to life? But I held my tongue. No point in going through all that again, even with myself. Especially with myself.

  Annie brought tea, obviously still very cross with me. Juliana smiled at her. ‘It’s fine, Annie. Cathy’s explained everything to me.’

  ‘And has she apologised to you, madam?’ she growled.

  ‘Yes, very much so. It was all a terrible misunderstanding, brought on by our shared grief about Eloise. And of course Cathy has been ill herself. It’s all water under the bridge now. Isn’t it, dear?’

  I nodded. ‘I hope so. Thank you for forgiving me, Juliana. I’m not sure I deserve it, but I promise you I’ll make up for it.’ I looked at Annie. ‘And I’d like to say sorry to you too, Annie. You’ve been so kind to me, and I know it hurts you when your mistress is upset.’

  Annie seemed mollified. ‘Well, thank you, miss. That was a handsome apology.’