Witch Is Where Magic Lives Now Page 12

  “Mulgrave told me that there used to be more staff at the manor house.”

  “That’s right. At its peak, there were six of us. Now it’s just me and Mulgrave, and I’m surprised he’s still there.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Caroline was forced to cut his wages by almost half.”

  “That’s a big drop.”

  “I know. I fully expected him to leave. With his experience, he could easily have walked into a similar job elsewhere. There’s a shortage of experienced butlers in this country. I guess he stayed out of a sense of loyalty to Caroline.”

  ***

  I’d just left Mrs Jones’ house and was making my way back to the old watermill, when I heard someone calling to me, “Hey there!”

  I turned around to find the werewolf girl’s mother running down the road. By the time she’d caught up with me, she was red in the face and out of breath.

  “Thanks for waiting.” She wheezed. “I’m not as fit as I used to be. I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Donna. Donna Poulsen.”

  “Pleased to meet you. Jill Maxwell.”

  “I thought about coming over to say hello on Saturday at the dance class, but I figured it might be better to do it when your husband wasn’t around. For obvious reasons.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, but I could do with a sit down. Are you in a hurry, Jill?”

  “Not particularly.”

  “How about we go in there and grab a cup of tea?” She pointed to Tweaking Tea Rooms.

  “Have you been in there before, Donna?”

  “No, what’s it like?”

  “The tea is okay, but the owner’s a bit—err—much.”

  “I’m still up for it if you are.”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  As soon as we walked through the door, a waitress came scurrying over. It wasn’t Marian, but this young girl was obviously working under the same orders.

  “Welcome to Tweaking Tea Rooms,” she gabbled. “We have a free window table at the moment if you’d like it.”

  I glanced around and, once again, the tea room was deserted, except of course for Miss Drinkwater who was sitting guard by the counter.

  “I’ll just have a cup of tea, please,” I said.

  “Same for me.” Donna nodded.

  The waitress looked relieved that we’d ordered so promptly.

  “Is that the owner?” Donna whispered. “Over by the counter?”

  “Yeah, that’s her. Miss Drinkwater. She terrorises these poor waitresses.”

  A couple of minutes later, our tea arrived, and Donna began to fill me in on her background. She worked as a midwife and her husband was an engineer.

  “I have to say, Jill, it’s nice to know there’s another sup in the village. Ronnie and I were beginning to wonder if we’d made a mistake by moving here.”

  “Where did you used to live?”

  “In an apartment in Washbridge. We thought village life would be better for Wendy, but it came as something of a surprise when we got here, and discovered we were the only sups. By the way, I don’t know if Florence mentioned it, but Wendy would love for her to come over to our house to play some time.”

  “That would be lovely. And Wendy is more than welcome to come to ours. Does she like dogs?”

  “Wendy? She loves them. What kind do you have?”

  “A Chihuahua named Buddy. We’ve only had him for a few days. Florence told me that Wendy has a rat?”

  “She does. Ratty. He’s a lovely little thing. Very friendly.”

  “I hope you don’t mind me asking this, Donna, but does Wendy know she’s a werewolf?”

  “Of course. It’s not really something you can hide.”

  “I guess not.”

  “We always take her back to Candlefield during the full moon. What about Florence? Does she know she’s a witch?”

  “Yes, she does.”

  “That must be very difficult. With your husband being a human, I mean?”

  “It can be.”

  We chatted for another twenty minutes and we were just about to leave when my phone buzzed. When I saw who it was, I cancelled the call.

  “Just my new accountant.” I rolled my eyes. “She and I didn’t really hit it off. I’m going to have to find a new one.”

  “Have you considered using Mr Bacus?”

  “Who’s he?”

  “I can’t vouch for his work, but he’s a nice old guy. We’ve met him a few times in the pub.”

  “Is he local, then?”

  “Yes. He lives somewhere near the church, I believe. It might be worth talking to him.”

  “Thanks, Donna. I might just do that.”

  ***

  Jack must have spotted me through the window because even before I reached the gate, both he and Florence appeared in the doorway. Florence came running down the path and threw herself into my arms.

  “Mummy! Why is Buddy so slow?” She demanded to know.

  “Because he’s only a tiny dog with short legs.”

  “My friend, Andrew, has a small dog called Rum. Andrew says Rum runs really fast after the ball when he throws it. Why won’t Buddy? He just walks really slowly.”

  “Would you like me to have another word with him? Maybe, I can give him some tips to make him go faster?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Anyway, darling, did you have a nice day at school?”

  “Yes. Miss Soap asked if Daddy was going to pick me up today.”

  “Did she really?” I glanced over at Jack. “That was very nice of her, wasn’t it?” I picked Florence up and carried her to the door. “Florence tells me that her teacher was asking after you today.”

  “Was she?” He shrugged, nonchalantly.

  “Can I go and play with my dolls’ house, Mummy?”

  “Of course you can, darling.” I put her down, and she ran into the house and up the stairs.

  “So, Jack, how was Miss Hope?”

  “Same as usual. She told me that Florence had been a good girl and she’d been working very hard.”

  “Did she tell you that she’d missed you the other day?”

  “You’re not jealous, are you?”

  “Of course not. I know you’d never look at another woman when you have me.”

  “Because you’re so beautiful and smart, I suppose?”

  “Obviously there’s that, but also because I’d turn you into a cockroach if you did. Anyway, I’ve just been talking to Wendy’s mum.”

  “Is Wendy the big girl from the dance class?”

  “Yeah. Her mum’s name is Donna. She seems really nice.”

  “What did she have to say?”

  “That she was glad they weren’t the only sups in the village.”

  “She’s a sup?”

  “Yeah. The whole family are werewolves.”

  “You didn’t mention it on Saturday.”

  “Sorry, I intended to, but I forgot all about it. She and I have just been for a cup of tea in the tea room.”

  “Tweaking Tea Rooms? Whatever possessed you to go back there?”

  “It wasn’t my idea. Donna said she fancied a drink.”

  “Was the ogre on duty?”

  “Yes, and we got the icy stare treatment. Apparently, Donna and her husband used to live in Washbridge city centre. She asked if Florence could go over to their house to play sometime. I said she could, and that Wendy was welcome to come over here too.”

  “That’ll be nice for Florence.”

  “I’m starving. How long’s dinner?”

  “Another twenty minutes.”

  “Right. While you’re seeing to that, I’ll have a word with that Chihuahua. Where is Buddy?”

  “He’s out in the back garden.”

  “Hey, you!” I shouted at the dozing dog.

  “Do you mind?” He glanced up. “I was fast asleep.”

  “Tough. I thought you and I had struck a deal.”

  “
We did. I’ve been playing with the little squirt, haven’t I?”

  “Less of the little squirt. Her name is Florence. You need to show more enthusiasm. When she throws the ball, you’re supposed to run after it, grab it, and then run back again.”

  “Why? What’s the hurry? I get the job done, don’t I?”

  “If you want to carry on eating your expensive food, you’d better buck your ideas up. Otherwise, it’s back to the slop for you.”

  “You drive a hard bargain, lady.”

  That evening, it was my turn to take Florence to bed. By the time I was halfway through the second reading of her favourite book, she’d fallen asleep, so I crept out of the room and down the stairs.

  “I could kill a cuppa, Jack.”

  “Me too.” He looked up from the book he was reading. “You know where the kettle is.”

  “I bet you’d make a cup of tea if Miss Soap wanted one.”

  Chapter 15

  The next morning when I left the house, Florence didn’t see me off at the door because she was in the garden, playing with Buddy. The dog was dashing up and down the lawn like greased lightning. My threat to bring back the ‘slop’ had clearly done the trick.

  I was just about to get into the car when my phone rang; it was Freda Pearldiver.

  “Jill, I hope I haven’t called too early, but I wanted to catch you before I went to work.”

  “No problem. I was just on my way out.”

  “I spoke to Maxine yesterday and mentioned that you’d like to talk to her. She said she’d be happy to meet with you. In fact, it sounds like she’s something of a fangirl. Apparently, she has your picture stuck to the inside of her locker.”

  “That’s a little embarrassing. Still, I’m glad she’s agreed to talk to me. When do you think that could be arranged, Freda?”

  “She can meet with you tomorrow afternoon if that works for you. Maxine has a free period at two o’clock.”

  “That’s great. I’ll pop over then. Will you let her know?”

  “I will.”

  “Thanks again, Freda.”

  That was great news. I was eager to hear how Maxine felt about not knowing she was a witch until she was eleven years old. Maybe that would help me to come to a decision regarding Florence’s future.

  ***

  I’d just parked the car in Washbridge when my phone rang again. It was Pearl, who sounded frantic.

  “Pearl, slow down. I can’t tell what you’re saying.”

  “I’ve just called Mum, and something’s not right.”

  “What do you mean, not right?”

  “She sounded like she was trying not to cry. I asked her what was wrong, and she said it was nothing, but I’m worried. I can’t get away from the shop because I’m the only one here. I’ve tried calling Amber, but she isn’t picking up, as per usual. I don’t suppose you could pop over there and see what’s going on, could you?”

  “Sure. I’ll go straight over there now.”

  “Call me back and let me know what’s happening, won’t you?”

  “Of course. I’ll phone you as soon as I know, but don’t worry. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  I made sure no one was around, and then magicked myself over to Aunt Lucy’s house. There was no answer when I knocked on the door, so I let myself in.

  “Aunt Lucy? Aunt Lucy? It’s Jill!”

  There was no sign of her, but Barry came charging down the stairs and nearly knocked me over.

  “Not now, Barry. I’m looking for Aunt Lucy. Do you know where she is?”

  “She isn’t here.”

  “I can see that.”

  “Maybe she’s gone for a walk. Lucy loves walks.”

  “Hmm. Let’s try the garden.”

  I hurried through the house and out of the back door. Aunt Lucy was standing next to the wall, in tears. She was being consoled by her neighbour, Charlie Roundtree.

  Barry, who was much quicker than me, dashed over to her, jumped up and began to lick her face.

  “I’m alright, Barry.” She pushed him down gently.

  “What’s wrong, Aunt Lucy?” I took her hand. “Pearl called me.”

  “It’s nothing, honestly. Pearl shouldn’t have bothered you.”

  “It’s no bother, but I do want to know what’s going on.”

  “I’m just being silly.”

  “She’s not being silly at all,” Charlie said. “Lucy’s upset, and she has every right to be. Take a look over there.” He pointed to the far side of the garden.

  I’d been so focussed on Aunt Lucy that I hadn’t noticed the flower bed near the gate. Most of the flowers had been pulled up by their roots and thrown everywhere. The rest of them had been trampled underfoot. It was a disaster area.

  “What happened?”

  “Vandals did it,” Aunt Lucy said through her tears. “They came in the early hours of the morning.”

  “Did you see them?”

  “I didn’t, but Charlie did. Didn’t you, Charlie?”

  He nodded. “I was in bed and I thought I heard a noise. When I looked out of the window, I could see them, trampling all over the flower bed, laughing their heads off. When I shouted, they ran away like the cowards they are. I should have gone downstairs and tackled them.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t,” Aunt Lucy said. “Who knows what people like that are capable of?”

  “Did you get a good look at them?” I asked.

  “I’m afraid not. It was barely light; they were just shadows.”

  “I really thought I had a chance of winning the competition.” Aunt Lucy sobbed. “I’ve spent so many hours on this garden.”

  “Come on.” I put my arm around her. “Let’s go inside.”

  “Is there anything more I can do?” Charlie asked.

  “No, thanks. I’ve got this now.”

  Once she was seated in the lounge, I went through to the kitchen to make her a cup of tea.

  “Is Lucy alright?” Barry said.

  “She will be when she’s had a drink.”

  “Do you think she’d like one of my bones?”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you, but I don’t think that will be necessary.”

  By the time I took the tea through, Aunt Lucy had managed to compose herself.

  “Thanks, Jill. I’m sorry you had to come over. I’m just being a silly old woman.”

  “No, you’re not. It must have been an awful shock. I’d better call Pearl to let her know you’re alright. She’ll be worried.”

  After I’d updated Pearl, I sat with Aunt Lucy until I was satisfied that she was okay.

  If I ever got my hands on those vandals, they’d be sorry.

  ***

  When I walked into the outer office, I did a double take because sitting on Mrs V’s desk was a little white poodle.

  “Good morning, Jill.”

  “Morning. Who’s your little friend?”

  “I thought I’d call her Polly. The name suits her, don’t you think?”

  “Where did she come from?”

  “When I got back from the loo earlier, this little lady was waiting outside the office door for me. Armi and I have been talking about getting a dog for some time now, and then fate delivers Polly to me. It’s a miracle.”

  “Maybe, but there is another more obvious explanation.”

  “What’s that, dear?”

  “Do you think it’s possible that Polly came from down the corridor? From Bubbles?”

  “I wouldn’t have thought so.”

  “You don’t think it’s something of a coincidence that a dog grooming parlour opened next door yesterday, and today a poodle turned up outside our door?”

  “Hmm. I suppose it’s possible.”

  “Why don’t I take a walk down to Bubbles, to see if they’re missing a poodle?”

  “If you like, but I’m sure that’s not where Polly came from.”

  The young woman in reception at the grooming parlour had clearly been chosen for her bubblin
ess.

  “Good morning. Welcome to Bubbles,” she gushed. “Do you have an appointment?” She leaned forward. “Have you left your dog outside?”

  “Actually, I’m not here to get my dog groomed. I was just wondering if you’d lost a poodle.”

  “A poodle? I wouldn’t have thought so.”

  “I work in the office just down the corridor, and we seem to have acquired one. A little white one.”

  “We do have a white poodle waiting to be clipped, but I’m sure I fastened her in the cage.”

  “It might be worth checking, don’t you think?”

  “I won’t be a minute.” She disappeared through the door behind her, and returned a couple of minutes later, looking panic-stricken. “I could have sworn I locked it. Is Miranda okay?”

  Miranda?

  “Yes, she’s fine. She’s with my receptionist. Why don’t you come with me and get her?”

  “I will, thanks. You won’t say anything about this to my boss, will you? I only started here yesterday, and I don’t want to lose this job.”

  “I won’t say a word, but you really must be more careful in future. The dog could have gone down the stairs, out through the main door, and into the street.”

  “I know. I feel terrible. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Come on, then. Let’s go and get her.” I led the way down the corridor.

  “My name’s Delilah, by the way.”

  “My, my, what a nice name.”

  When the two of us walked into the outer office, Mrs V’s face fell.

  “This is Delilah, Mrs V. She works at Bubbles, and it seems they’re missing a poodle called Miranda.”

  “Miranda?” Mrs V shook her head. “That name doesn’t suit Polly at all.”

  “Who’s Polly?” Delilah said.

  “That’s the name Mrs V gave to the poodle.”

  “Her name’s definitely Miranda. She’s waiting for a clip. Is it okay if I take her?”

  For a moment, I thought Mrs V might grab the poodle and make a break for it, but reluctantly she handed her to Delilah.