The Witches of Holmwood 1/7

“Wrap one piece of newspaper round each plate, then stack the plates and give them to your father.”

Jennifer Jane’s mum was wrapping up drinking glasses in newspaper as she spoke, then placing each one carefully into a large wooden tea chest.

The floor of the room was littered with boxes and bits of paper, while workmen were picking up items of furniture and carrying them outside to a removal van. Dave was loading the crates with breakables as quickly as he could.

A family, who lived next door to the Bells, was moving. Then at the last moment, the removal men had rung up to say that one of their workmen was ill and could somebody help load the van, or do some packing.

The new owners would be arriving at two o’clock in the afternoon, expecting to find the house empty and Dave had agreed to help out so that the van could get away on time.

Mary popped home at dinnertime and brought back a great stack of sandwiches and a large pot of tea. People came and took what they wanted to eat and drink, then went off to carry on working with one hand, while packing with the other.

Everything was put away and ready to go with half an hour to spare. The old neighbours thanked everyone for their help in getting them away on time and then drove off in their car to show the removals men the way to their new house.

“Well that’s that!” said Dave “I wonder what our new neighbours will be like?”

“I hope they’re as quiet,” said Mary, “we wouldn’t have known that anyone lived there if they hadn’t been so friendly. It would be nice if we could keep the side gate through the hedge to their house as well, it saves such a lot of time if you want to pop in for a chat, or in case you need to borrow something.”

They went back to their own house while Jennifer Jane stayed by the front gate to watch for the new arrivals. She didn’t have to watch very long before a car, followed closely by a large furniture van, came round the bend in road.

The car turned straight in to the driveway and up to the garage, while the van drove a little way past the house and then reversed into the drive and backed up to the front door.

Jennifer Jane ran indoors, “They’ve arrived,” she shouted excitedly.

Mary immediately made a fresh pot of tea, then she and Jennifer Jane went next door through the side gate to meet their new neighbours.

Mary carried the teapot, milk and sugar on a tray, while Jennifer Jane carried another with a choice of biscuits and some cake. Mary knocked on the kitchen door and introduced herself.

“I thought you might like a little refreshment before you start settling in. You must be tired after your journey.”

“That’s very kind of you,” came the reply, “my name’s Eve and this is my husband Adam.” She laughed at the expression on Mary’s face. “I know, nearly everybody looks surprised the first time I tell them our names.”

One of the removal men came in with a large bundle done up in an old blanket. “Where would you like this put Ma’am?”

“Oh any where will do for now, just drop it on the floor over in that corner.”

The man did as he was asked, but as he left the room the bundle came apart and one of the items that fell out was a witch’s pointed hat.