‘To what do I owe the pleasure?’
Now he was here, Jason felt like an idiot. ‘I – er – I was passing, so I thought I’d pop in to say how much Millie enjoyed the workshop.’ Pathetic, Jason.
‘I’m glad. Although I’m surprised you are.’
‘Look, just because I think it’s a load of… Just because I don’t subscribe to it doesn’t mean I’m not pleased that Millie enjoyed herself and met people.’
‘Okay. How did your dinner go?’
‘Ah, you know – everybody pussyfooting around under the pretence of getting to know each other better.’
Claudia nodded, and Jason shuffled from foot to foot as silence fell. Why had he come? It was as though he’d been drawn here, like someone bewitched.
Ah, yes. That reminds me…
‘I heard rumours about you.’ He blurted it out with no finesse whatsoever, but it was, after all, his main reason for stopping by.
‘Oh?’ Claudia looked both amused and wary. ‘Since gossip’s a way of life in Porthsteren, those rumours could be many and varied. Any in particular that you’d like me to debunk?’
‘I was told that people thought you might be a witch when you first came here.’
Those rumours had niggled at him ever since he’d spoken to Libby yesterday – or she’d spoken to him, more like. Every time he thought he’d got Claudia pegged, he discovered another aspect to her – and he wasn’t sure he liked this one. He wanted to dismiss it as idle gossip, but with Millie so keen on Claudia and Healing Waves, and Claudia already admitting she was friends with a witch…
Claudia sighed. ‘Jason, you know as well as anyone that people speculate about newcomers. I suppose, many years ago, my shop and unconventional appearance might have raised a few eyebrows – but it’s hardly anything out of the ordinary nowadays. Cornwall attracts free spirits like a magnet. But add to that a rich history of witchcraft in the area and yes, it set bored tongues wagging. Nothing more than that. The rumours were good-hearted, never malicious. I didn’t encourage them.’ She flashed a quick smile. ‘I admit I didn’t actively discourage them, at first – I had a newly opened business, and I was happy for any footfall I could get. But I played the rumours down, and they soon died of their own accord.’ She studied his face. ‘You’re worried about Millie again.’
‘When am I not?’ He sighed, wanting to say something conciliatory. ‘I knew it was only gossip, Claudia, but it’s my job to make sure.’
Oh, Jason. Is that how you see fatherhood? As a job?
If Claudia thought the same, she let it slide. ‘Jason, we all know that witches were just healers – wise women who supplied herbs and concoctions; an early version of complementary medicine. I don’t even do that. I didn’t ask for the label, it was way off base, and it’s no longer a thing. I’m surprised anyone bothered to mention it to you.’
‘It was only with idle amusement in mind, I think, but I was…’ Dubious. Worried for Millie’s sake. ‘…intrigued.’
Claudia smiled. ‘Better that you’re intrigued than furious with me, I suppose.’
Oh, I’m intrigued more than you could know.
The ping of the door interrupted this disturbing train of thought, for which Jason could only be grateful.
Claudia’s face lit up. ‘Tanya!’ She embraced the woman who came in, and her hug was returned with the same affection.
‘I finished my appointment sooner than I expected,’ the woman said, then looked curiously across at him.
Claudia introduced them. ‘Jason, meet Tanya. Tanya, this is Jason.’
As Jason walked over, his mind scrambled. This was the witch? She sure as hell didn’t look like one, although Claudia had already told him off about hanging onto childhood images of warty hags on broomsticks.
Tanya was as far from that image as she could get. Petite with short blonde hair, wearing a jacket, T-shirt and jeans – no cloak, no dramatic colours – she had a friendly, elfin face and, in one small nod to the stereotype, green eyes.
She shook his hand. ‘So you’re Jason.’
‘You’ve heard about me?’
Her lips twitched. ‘A little.’
Jason wasn’t sure what to say to that, but he did know that glances were being exchanged that were perhaps best left unexplained. ‘Well, I should go.’
‘Why don’t you join us for a drink?’ Claudia asked him.
Taken aback – as was Tanya, judging by her expression – he stuttered, ‘Ah. Hmm. It’s getting late…’
‘Not even for half an hour?’ Claudia turned to Tanya, mischief in her eyes. ‘Jason and I have been having a very interesting discussion about witches, one which you’re far better qualified to continue than I am.’
Bamboozled by the two wily women in his presence, Jason blushed a little.
‘Phone Millie. Ask if she minds,’ Claudia persisted.
Unable to come up with an excuse, he obediently fished out his phone, hoping his daughter was already back from Phoebe’s and would demand his immediate return.
But Millie betrayed him. ‘I’m staying late, if that’s okay. We’re going to watch a movie. Phoebe’s mum’ll drive me back.’
Defeated, Jason shoved his phone back in his pocket. ‘Seems I’m not wanted at home yet.’
Claudia linked her arm in his. ‘Then you’re wanted with us. Smugglers’ Inn?’
They walked along the beach road to the harbour, an odd threesome – Tanya and Claudia catching up on news, Jason shuffling awkwardly beside them.
At the harbourside, the Smugglers’ Inn was a low, whitewashed building with a thatched roof and small, square windows, their frames painted pale blue. Trestle tables were set up outside, but the cool breeze drove them inside.
Jason looked around the cosy pub, taking in the flagstone floors and low-beamed ceilings. He was reminded how short people must have been when it was built. In more recent times, the beams nearest the bar had been padded with deep red leather to prevent concussion. A plaque by the bar stated there had been an inn on the site going back to the thirteenth century.
They placed their order, Jason gallantly paid, and the ladies gallantly let him. While they waited for their drinks, Claudia gave him a curious look.
‘You’ve been in here already, surely?’
‘Actually, no. I…’ Jason didn’t want her to think he was too unsociable. ‘I’ve been meaning to pop in for a pint. But what with work, and I try to be home in the evenings for Millie… and at weekends, I got addicted to the coffee at the Page Turner.’
Tanya smiled at him. ‘Easily done.’ When they had their drinks, she led the way to a small table. ‘So, Jason, what’s all this about witches?’
‘I was only asking Claudia about the rumours I’d heard,’ he said defensively. ‘About her being a witch.’
‘Jason still has the storybook stereotype in his head,’ Claudia said to Tanya. ‘Feel free to try to shift it.’
Tanya took a sip of her drink, giving him a speculative look over the rim of her glass. ‘Look, Jason. Witchcraft, Wicca – whatever you choose to call it – has been around for as long as humans have been alive. It wouldn’t still be with us if there wasn’t something to it. Potions for healing? Early medicine. Taking note of the stars? Early astronomy. All we do nowadays is combine ancient traditions with modern knowledge, to work with the seasons, the moon, nature. If we use it to try to heal or ward off harm or bring good luck, where’s the harm in that?’
She paused, and he knew the two of them were waiting for him to find fault. The trouble was, the way Tanya had worded it meant that he couldn’t – as much as he wanted to.
He picked up on the one thing he didn’t understand. ‘Witchcraft and Wicca aren’t the same then?’
‘In simple terms, Wicca’s more of a spiritual path, with magic. Some Wiccans honour gods and goddesses, but that varies – it’s all very individual.’
Jason didn’t like things that couldn’t be tied down. Nor was he sure why he was sitting in a pe
rfectly good pub with a perfectly good pint, having a conversation like this.
‘Please don’t tell me you have a crystal ball,’ he said.
‘No, please don’t,’ Claudia warned her friend. ‘His head may explode.’
Jason recognised delight in her eyes, presumably already knowing the answer.
‘Yes, I do.’
Jason turned to Claudia. ‘She’s not teasing me?’
‘No. Sorry.’
‘And you tell the future with it?’ The cynicism in his tone was blatant.
‘No…’
Victory! ‘Thought not.’
‘Scrying isn’t really about foretelling,’ Tanya told him. ‘It’s…’
‘But you perform spells?’ he interrupted.
Claudia whispered, ‘Have a sip of beer, Jason. You look like you need it.’
He did, but he scowled at her first. He didn’t like that she could read him like a book.
Tanya cast an amused glance between them. ‘I prefer “weave”. “Perform” makes me sound like a stage magician.’
‘And they work, do they?’ Jason couldn’t keep the incredulity out of his voice. He could try until doomsday and fail.
Tanya gave him a look which he probably deserved. ‘It’s not as simple as that.’
‘Hmmph. Didn’t think it would be.’
Tanya looked at Claudia, jerking a thumb in his direction. ‘It’s like trying to push a brick wall over. Can I stop now?’
Claudia smiled. ‘The Craft takes years to learn, Jason. It takes dedication and skill and knowledge. You shouldn’t dismiss that.’
Jason was defensive. ‘You can’t expect me to believe in spells and love potions, surely?’
Tanya shook her head. ‘Love potions are unethical. But I could whip you up an aphrodisiac if you need one. Mint, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, rose petals in black tea would probably do the trick. No eye of newt or powdered bat’s wing whatsoever.’
Jason grinned. He liked this woman, even though she was teasing him and his head was telling him to finish his beer and get the hell out of there before he said something he might regret.
Still seemingly reading his mind, Claudia placed her hand lightly over his in sympathy. If he did believe any of this crap, he could have sworn his skin fizzed at the light touch.
Perhaps she, too, felt it, because she hastily drew away. ‘Did you know we have our very own witch legend here in Porthsteren? Old Hester Moon. Back in the seventeenth century, when this was still just a tiny fishing village, she was the local wise woman.’
‘She also had second sight and predicted a couple of disasters over the years,’ Tanya chipped in. ‘But as I’m sure you know, people became rather paranoid about witches around that time.’
Her emphasis wasn’t lost on Jason, and he gave her a small smile.
‘People began to view village healers with distrust,’ Claudia went on. ‘One night, Hester predicted a terrible storm. There were no indications in the sky or sea to back her up, as far as the fishermen could see. And because people had become suspicious of her ways, they were scathing of her prediction. The fishermen took their boats out.’
‘I’m guessing Hester was right?’ Jason asked, caught up in the tale.
Tanya nodded. ‘The storm came out of nowhere, and a dozen men were killed. Hester was seen standing on the harbour wall, watching, the whole time. She was probably only waiting for the men to come home. But the villagers decided she’d used witchcraft to bring the storm about, to spite them for ignoring her warnings and to prove herself right.’
‘She wasn’t burned at the stake?’ Jason asked.
‘Actually, not many witches were in this country,’ Tanya told him. ‘Generally, they were hung or drowned. In Hester’s case, the villagers couldn’t quite bring themselves to do either, but in some ways, what they did was worse. She was hounded out of the village, up into the hills, without any belongings or food. There was a bitterly cold spell. Hester was an old woman. She was eventually found in a basic shelter she’d made of branches, starved and frozen to death.’
Jason paled. ‘That’s appalling!’
‘Yes.’ Tanya’s tone was sad, reverent. ‘She spent her life healing the sick, tried to warn them about a tragedy, and died a slow, lonely death for her pains.’
‘As for the name Porthsteren?’ Claudia said. ‘“Steren” is Cornish for star, and one of the meanings of Hester is “star”. So poor Hester has immortality here, in a way.’
‘Not much of a consolation,’ Jason murmured.
They fell silent as he absorbed the local history lesson.
Jason remembered something Libby had told him – which was impressive, since he generally only took in half of what she said.
‘Isn’t there a new shop opening?’ he asked. ‘Hester’s Cauldron or something?’
‘Yes. It’s in Hester’s old cottage,’ Claudia told him.
‘What kind of shop?’
‘Nobody knows. They’re keeping everyone on tenterhooks until their grand opening tomorrow.’
Jason noticed Claudia’s frown. ‘Are you worried about it?’
‘No. Not at all. Well. A bit, maybe.’
What could he say to cheer her up? ‘Claudia, you have the weirdest shop in Porthsteren. I doubt anyone could beat you at that game!’
Chapter Ten
‘You’re attracted to him,’ Tanya said after Jason had made his escape.
Claudia stared at her. ‘Hardly! I spend half my time treading on eggshells in case he yells at me again. You saw the way he reacted to anything outside his comfort zone.’
‘I also saw a man who listened. And he was trying to be polite.’ Tanya paused. ‘You don’t deny he’s attractive, then?’
Claudia shrugged. ‘If that’s your type.’
‘What, a fit physique, fair hair, a sweet-if-underused smile? That sexy voice? Those eyes?’
‘I suppose, if you put it that way…’
‘No suppose about it,’ Tanya said brightly, enjoying watching Claudia squirm. ‘But you’re in denial. So is he.’
‘What are you on about?’
‘He’s bewitched by you.’
‘I don’t think so!’
‘He doesn’t want to be – that much is plain. But when he’s talking to you, his eyes are on yours. When you speak, he watches your mouth. When you move away, his eyes linger on you.’
‘You got all this from one drink in the pub? Or have you been reading the tea leaves again? Maybe even smoking them?’
‘No tea leaves required. I used my eyes.’ Tanya patted Claudia’s hand. ‘You wish you weren’t attracted to each other?’
Claudia harrumphed. ‘If he’s attracted to me – which I very much doubt – then I’m positive that, as you said, he doesn’t want to be.’
‘What about you?’
‘It’s a moot point, isn’t it? We’re incompatible – diametrically opposed in the way we approach life. He thinks in terms of logic and things that can be measured. I go by gut instinct and play with crystals and have a witch for a best friend.’
‘Variety is the spice of life.’ When Claudia said nothing, Tanya asked her, ‘When was the last time you were truly attracted to a man? Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve rejected every single offer of a date!’
‘I needed a break after Lee. I didn’t want to become involved with someone local and be gossiped about. Besides, no one attracted me enough.’
‘And Jason…?’ When Claudia remained stubbornly silent, Tanya threw her hands in the air. ‘Okay, I give up – for now. Did I tell you about my neighbour who asked me for a spell to make her husband enjoy washing up? I mean, honestly…’
Saturday began with a depressing lack of customers at Healing Waves. Since it was opening day for Hester’s Cauldron, Claudia told herself it was inevitable – people were bound to be curious about the new shop. She reminded herself that it may have no bearing on her own business and she was probably worrying for nothing. But since she couldn�
��t be in two places at once, she couldn’t put her mind at rest.
Mid-morning, she phoned next door. Stopping short of barking, ‘Well? Any news?’, she asked Sarah, ‘Any chance of you popping round with a coffee?’
‘Just coffee? Or intel?’
Claudia sighed. ‘Both.’
Sarah appeared five minutes later, along with the much-needed coffee, and glanced at Claudia’s one customer browsing near the window. ‘We’re quiet, too.’
‘They’ll all be sussing out the new place.’
‘I’m sure they are. That’s fair enough. We hoped for plenty of interest on our opening days, didn’t we?’
‘You’re right. Have you heard anything yet?’
Sarah gave her a look. ‘I live and work with the queen of Porthsteren gossip, remember? Her phone’s been buzzing all morning. Good job we are quiet.’
‘And?’ Claudia held her breath.
‘Seems the clue was in the name, after all. Hester’s Cauldron has a witch theme. You know – witchy ornaments, witchy jewellery, fantasy ornaments.’ Sarah hesitated. ‘Crystals, essential oils, soaps.’
Claudia dropped her head into her hands as her heart plummeted to her feet. Ever since she’d seen the sign revealing the name, she’d had a feeling. But she’d told herself, as had Tanya, that there was nothing to worry about until she knew.
Well, now she knew.
Sensing she was upset, Pudding climbed out of his basket and nudged his head against her, but Claudia was oblivious.
Sarah clucked in sympathy. ‘Do you want me to look after Healing Waves while you go see? We’re not exactly overworked. Evelyn could manage.’
Claudia thought about it. A quick recce wasn’t good enough. She needed a proper look. ‘No, but thanks for the offer.’
‘Today’s probably not the best day to go anyway. Apparently, it’s heaving over there.’ Sarah’s face fell. ‘And I wasn’t going to tell you that.’
‘I’d already guessed that much.’ Claudia gestured at her almost-empty shop. ‘What else aren’t you telling me?’
Sarah heaved a sigh. ‘Everyone’s raving about it – great window, great layout, intriguing stock.’
The Little Shop in Cornwall: A heartwarming and feel good beach read Page 12