by Holly Bell
‘Hm ... always nice to be reminded of dear absent friends, isn’t it? You know, while you were away in Cornwall, all I had to do was walk into the ballroom to see reminders of you, my dear,’ remarked Miss Armstrong-Witworth, returning to more mundane matters.
‘There’s more to do, I know, before the May Day Ball,’ Amanda acknowledged.
‘It’s nice for the guests to see the progress too, I think, as they’re twirling around. Shall we go back upstairs?’
‘Yes, of course. I’ll do my best,’ Amanda promised, ‘to get as far as I can with the restoration work before then.’
‘No hurry for that. You take your time and get back into the swing of work gradually.’
Amanda took one last look around the little office, marvelling,
‘All this time ... right here in Sunken Madley. Right under my feet all the time I’ve been working here. And that’s why I don’t often see you in the village, isn’t it? You’re working. You’re working here.’
‘Well, a bit,’ said Gwendolen moderately. ‘One does what one can. This place does serve as a sort of hub for collating information.’
‘And Uncle Mike’s sister and brother-in-law?’
‘Records are kept in different places. No one has the full set. Some in Spain, some in Cornwall, some here, some there.’
Although she wanted to ask where ‘there’ was, something held Amanda back. She was, after all, being made privy to a great deal of highly sensitive information. They were now ascending the stairs, the office securely locked behind them. Once they were back up in the small dining-room and the entrance hidden again, Amanda did, however, enquire,
‘So, what now?’
‘Oh, my dear, you are about have your hands full once more, I do believe.’ Miss Armstrong-Witworth led her back to the small salon.
‘Really? You mean ...?’
‘Bryan Branscombe begins work next week on the inspector’s new abode, does he not?’
‘Yes.’
‘Hm. Well.’ They sat down again, and Gwendolen poured some extra hot water into the teapot. ‘You get some rest. And ....’ She handed Amanda her freshened cup. ‘Look after your inspector.’
Amanda was mystified.
‘Oh?’
‘He’s new to this game.’
‘Yes,’ said Amanda, understandingly, ‘all this magical business.’
‘Precisely, and he hasn’t had your training,’ Gwendolen added.
‘No,’ agreed Amanda.
‘Be kind to him, my dear.’
‘Aren’t I always?’
‘Of course. But what I mean is, let him in.’
It was pretty much what Uncle Mike had said.
‘You mean I should tell him what really happened ...?’
‘Yes. And other things.’
‘Ah ... well ... I’m working up to that.’
Gwendolen smiled at her kindly and put a hand on Amanda’s arm.
‘Yes ... yes, I know. You’ll know the right time. Wait for it. It will come. And when it does, I do believe, it will be rather wonderful.’
Chapter 55
Visitors
At about the same as Amanda was arriving at The Grange, a flight was landing at Newquay Airport. Hogarth and Lucy were there to meet it. There was a joyful reunion as Vera and Harry emerged wheeling their baggage.
‘It’s only been a couple of days!’ exclaimed Vera hugging Lucy.
‘Yes, but we felt it was urgent to deliver your, er, clobber, without delay,’ explained Harry, trotting out the excuse they'd all agreed upon for an impromptu visit just for the weekend. However, it was true that certain art equipment deemed not immediately essential had been left behind, and since had had its status upgraded to oh-if-only-I’d-brought that.
Back at the cottage, choice Spanish sausages, ham and smoked fish were unloaded from suitcases into the fridge. Lucy was delighted.
‘We’ve got so used to eating these delicacies, we have to admit.’
‘I know you’ll be back soon and for frequent visits, but you’ll have to source something here. We can’t deliver your shopping every week,’ said Vera.
After they’d settled in, Hogarth and Lucy brought the visitors up to date. Zoe then took Harry into the garden to explain where the new swing was going to be, and for advice on how to get a treehouse into a less-than-suitable tree. Also, Peter wanted to explain where the new studio was going to be built.
Meanwhile, Vera and Hogarth took a stroll along the clifftop.
‘So, how does it stand between our young people?’ she asked.
‘Hm ... well, I think I’ve been able to give things a little encouragement.’
‘Oh dear,’ replied Vee, in a voice of foreboding.
‘Yes, possibly just a soupçon too much.’
‘Harry said you wouldn’t be able to resist giving it a prod. He also said that if a romance between them takes off like a rocket then crashes and burns, it could be disastrous for us all. And I couldn’t agree with him more.’
‘Hm well, he’s usually right. You married a wise one there, Vee. What else did he say?’
‘That the transition from detective and witness, to working partners is quite enough for now. That we should let them find their own way.’
‘Very well. Behold me all contrition,’ Mike responded meekly.
‘Ha!’ His sister gave him a knowing look. ‘Well see that you are, or Harry’ll ration your cheese-puffs.’ Mike grinned.
Vee linked her arm through his, and they walked a while in companionable silence. At last, she spoke again.
‘Hmm, feels good to breathe the Cornish air again.’
‘You brought the painting?’
‘Yes, of course. You really think Elodie’s Crimson Lake may contain some subconscious clue that could help us?’
‘I know it’s tenuous but possible. Too possible to leave it lying around in an unattended studio. Although Lucy will be back to work there until their new studio is ready. They still have commissions to complete. But you could have just kept it at the villa until I could collect it, or Lucy could bring it. Are you sure it’s a good idea for you to be here so openly, sis?’ asked Mike.
‘I don’t see why not. We’ve never used our own names, dear. It’s a long time since we were under surveillance. Our main purpose, among other things, has been to keep Lucy in hiding and now .... Besides, you never know, wind of our presence may help draw them out. On the other hand, we’re here for such a short time we may well pass unnoticed.’
‘But you believe, then as I do, that the remnants of the Cardiubarns and Flamgoynes will regroup.’
Vera stopped and looked out over the Channel. Her voice was unusually serious. ‘At this moment, I have no proof. It is just my belief, and I think, Harry’s too, that as long as those two mansions stand, this is far from over.’
‘How can we be sure?’
‘There is one, whose radar, I think is more powerful, or let’s say could be powerful, than any of ours. One who could tell us if they are out there still or not. Tell us whether we’re being paranoid or have every reason to be on our guard and to prepare ourselves.’
‘Ah ... “could be” .... Yes ... with practice ... and confidence. And I’m sure Amanda could give him that, if he’ll let her,’ said Mike.
‘Yes, then that’s our way forward. But if I’m right ....’
‘And the Romans are now desperate to retake Carthage?’
‘Let’s hope,’ answered Vera, ‘that any surviving clan members, dreaming of assuming the dominion of their estates, have as little success. But imagine it, a dazed deserter of a Flamgoyne or Cardiubarn, creeping back to Bodmin, seeing a great house that they lust after to be theirs. Believing that if they could just take the mansion, they could assume the clan’s lost power.’
‘But we are now stronger than ever, with Lucy’s return and the new knowledge we have gained,’ countered Hogarth. ‘Plus the new alliance, however tentative and if only between two people.’
‘We heard ab
out that. Who could have foreseen that Amanda Cadabra and Pasco Flamgoyne would pal up?’
‘We’ve been lucky,’ Mike remarked.
‘When we heard, Harry said. “Luck or something is on our side.” And Harry does not believe in luck. Either way, the dice, for the time being, has fallen in our favour. The next move is theirs.’
‘Perhaps. On the hand, what if we acquire their weapons before they have a chance to use them?’ suggested Mike.
‘The things that were taken from Growan House on the night of the attack?’ asked Vee.
‘Yes, at least one grimoire.’
‘The Grimoire.’ Vee put in with emphasis.
‘And the other objects. One of which may be the more powerful,’ speculated her brother shrewdly. ‘If we can learn what they are. And where they are ....’
‘Yes. Also, where they came from. Objects of themselves can carry some energy but this candlestick, bell and whatever, may have been imbued with power in the making. Or acquired it though arcane use,’ she pointed out.
Mike looked up at the sky and declared with certainty,
‘Somebody out there must know something.’
‘Or perhaps left traces of information about them .... So, what is our next step, Mikey?’
‘For now: none but the most subtle. We must let the dust settle. Lucy’s return will have kicked up some. Her power as a witness of any of the Cardiubarns or Flamgoynes who were present at the attack will perhaps hold them in check.’
‘While Thomas Trelawney, heir to Flamgoyne, and Amanda Cadabra, Cardiubarn Arlodha, can find their feet as a partnership, and build their magical skills.’
‘Put like that, if any others are left, those two each have a target on their back. But quite.’
‘Time then ... Lucy’s return buys us time,’ said Vera, looking out to sea. ‘How much ... is anybody’s guess.’ They were silent for a few moments, then she asked her brother, ‘Are you sure it’s safe for Amanda here?’
‘Of course, she’s had Kyt looking after her. And I’d swear there’s more to Flossie and Clemo Trelawney than meets the eye.’
‘And Pasco?’ queried Vee.
‘I’m not sure. Pasco Flamgoyne is a complicated man. I wonder how much of his I’m-old-and-tired-and-resigned line I buy into. We’ll see ….’
Mike paused too long. Vera looked at him.
‘Something troubles you?’
‘Yes … I think we almost lost Amanda.’
Vee raised her eyebrows.
‘What do you mean?’
‘When she was telling me what happened when she went back to the night of the fire at Growan House … there was something she wouldn’t say. But I have an idea … put yourself in her position. You come almost face to face with someone you knew would one day try to murder you, poison you, leave you disabled … and you have the chance … how many of us would have the … “Cadabraness” … to stay our hand. I believe it was a close call. Amanda is only one part Cadabra to three parts Cardiubarn, and you know their motto?’
‘No. What is it? “Shoot first, think later?”’
‘“Get them before they get you.”’
‘I see,’ replied Vera solemnly. ‘The witch who took The Grimoire?’
‘And the brown-haired man in the hall.’
‘Amanda went into the fire in more than one way then.’
Mike shook his head. ‘Thomas was right. The only purpose I could see was … for Lucy. If I had thought Amanda would be in that position … even for Lucy … I would never have let her —’
‘Ha,’ Vee interrupted him briskly. ‘Like you could have stopped her.’
That broke the sombre mood and made her brother smile.
‘How right you are. I should have more confidence. Amanda’s greatest test yet and she passed it.’
‘Unlikely that it will be the greatest she’ll ever face.’
He put an arm around his sister.
‘True. Either way, now she must go back to Sunken Madley. I have a strong feeling that somehow the witch-clan lands on Bodmin have a connection to that village, and that some part of our answers lie there. Meanwhile, you and Harry, go back to Spain, listen for chatter. Probably better if you don’t come back here for a while.’
‘Very well.’
‘And don’t fear for our queen on the chessboard. She has defenders enough.’
‘What’s Thomas? Her king?’ hazarded Vera.
‘No, the king is peace.’
‘Her bishop then?’
‘I’d say the bishops are Senara and Perran, wouldn’t you?’
Vera grinned. ‘Ah … then Thomas is … her knight.’
‘Without question. But of course, there are two knights. If one is Thomas, then the other ....’
They looked at one another, suddenly brimming with laughter, then spoke in unison:
‘Tempest!’
Chapter 56
A Gift for Thomas
The invitation from The Grange was couched in such terms as to suggest an opportunity for a new resident-to-be to pay his respects at the most influential establishment in the village. This was misleading. Every villager knew that that was not The Grange but was, in fact, The Corner Shop.
Nevertheless, Trelawney was quick to accept, and, like Amanda, was surprised by his reception.
Miss de Havillande only briefly welcomed him, said he would do very well in Sunken Madley and not to take any nonsense. She then announced that she must be about her business and would leave him in the capable hands of her dear Gwendolen. With that, she departed for the grounds.
Having regaled him with tea and Moffat’s homemade shortcake, Miss Armstrong-Witworth invited Trelawney to accompany her, up the grand staircase, to a well-lit but clearly little-used room. Pride of place was taken up by a splendid Victorian, mahogany, partners desk. It was nearly five feet wide and almost three deep, with three drawers on each side of the kneehole. Each drawer had two brass handles and a matching keyhole.
‘What do you think of this, Inspector?’ asked Miss Armstrong-Witworth gently. ‘And no need to be polite if it’s not to your taste.’
‘It’s ....’ Thomas ran his hand over the smooth, gleaming, innately warm surface.
‘It was made around 1840 in a London workshop, you know. So not terribly modern,’ Miss Armstrong-Witworth added a little apologetically. Thomas stood admiring it. ‘The drawers don’t go all of the way in. If you come this side ... do you see? Three small drawers along the top and then these cupboards either side. And this one has a divider. I had the top redone in chartreuse green, as you see. It’s hand-dyed, but if you don’t care for the colour, we can always change it.’
‘No. No, it’s beautiful. All of it. Absolutely stunning.’
Miss Armstrong-Witworth patted the desk fondly.
‘It was my father’s. I don’t use it as I like my own and I couldn’t bear to give it away but someone who would just ... but I know that he would like you to have it, and so would I.’
Thomas was frankly astonished. ‘Me?’
‘You see,’ she explained, ‘it’s called a partners desk, and as you and our dear Amanda are now partners, it seems to fit, wouldn’t you say? And in a sense, it will be going home. So, if it would serve ...?’
‘Serve?’ Thomas repeated, overcome by the understatement. ‘It would ... I never thought ever I’d own anything like this.’
Gwendolen smiled with a mixture of relief and delight in his response.
‘Well, it’s yours. I found one similar on the internet and, I know it is perhaps a little unrefined to mention such things, but it went for over £5000, would you believe? And you’re more than worth a desk of that value.’
‘I don’t know what to say, Miss Armstrong-Witworth.’
‘I know it’s a bit knocked about in places, but our dear Amanda can soon put that to rights for you. Oh, and it’s made in three parts, so it’s not as difficult as it might look to move it. What do you think? Is it a yes?’
Thoma
s laughed, still bemused.
‘It’s a yes, please, ma’am, and how can I thank you?’
‘Oh, I think Sunken Madley owes you enough and more. This is only a little token of our appreciation.’
He shook his head as though still in disbelief.
‘Well, thank you again. I’m rather at a loss for words, as you can tell.’
Gwendolen smiled at him kindly, quite pink with pleasure.
‘Nothing that another nice cup of tea and perhaps a slice of Victoria Sandwich won’t help to remedy, my dear Inspector. I’ll keep your desk here until you’re ready for it. Why don’t you bring Amanda to see it, in the meantime?’
‘I most certainly shall!’ In fact, uncharacteristically as he would have thought, he had the urge to tell Miss Cadabra almost immediately.
‘Good. That’s all settled then. Shall we return to our refreshments?’
‘Yes. Thank you.’ Gwendolen preceded him out of the room. Thomas took a last glance around, to see a man perched on the edge of the desk. He had a grey pointed beard, round spectacles, a gentle face, and was nodding and smiling. Trelawney turned away with a frown.
No, he thought. I must have imagined that. Or ....
‘Miss Armstrong-Witworth, do you have any photos of your father?’
‘Why yes, many. There’s one over here. Here he is, in the hall.’ She gestured to a medium-sized sepia photograph. Thomas drew near, inspected it and raised his eyebrows. Gwendolen glowed.
‘Oh good, you saw him sitting on the desk. I’m so pleased.’
‘He, er?’
‘Oh yes, he still pops in from time to time. Mamma too. As I say, it was all his idea. He said he would like you to have it.’
‘Right,’ managed Trelawney.
Gwendolen chuckled kindly. ‘I quite understand. He’s only the third dea— transitioned person you’ve seen in everyday life, I’m guessing. Don’t worry, dear Inspector, you’ll get used to it!’
Chapter 57
Another Revelation, and Questions
At the same time as Thomas was receiving his present at The Grange, Amanda was on the verge of another flash of enlightenment. She was staring out at the garden, thinking back over her trip to Cornwall. The man in the Koffiji Café and his daughter came back to her mind: more the man’s presence than his features. Amanda wasn’t good with faces. Yes … his pres—