Dealing With Tomorrow Part Two

Part Two of Twelve

 

 

It was In the cold light after many days that the community had exhausted their search for who murdered Reverend Thomas. The concept was that he'd been attacked by a wild animal though no creature was ever discovered, they had no idea what kind of beast could have inflicted such an horrendous act and were left mystified.

 

One week after Archie had come across the Reverend's body, the residents attended his funeral and burial service. Many of the extended families that he'd welcomed into the church were devastated at the loss doing whatever they could to lighten his families load, though his wife couldn't be consoled. It was a downcast time like the mist drifting in off the Ocean at Breathless Cove, hovering a while before climbing inland bringing with it a light rain that seemed to suit the atmosphere.

 

Within two months, his wife and two boys had moved away never to return. Many temporary vicars came and went, none staying more than a couple of months, it was a very unsettling time for the community.

 

****

 

One Year later, two days before All Hallows Eve darkness fell early in the small cove, but it wasn't a celebration for the locals just a time for remembrance, locking doors and closing curtains. Apart from fishermen and their families, there were a few shops that lined narrow paths leading down to the harbor, where you could buy freshly caught fish, next door was a butchers that residents agreed sold the best meat for miles, coming from the local farms that were situated not far, then of course there was the bakers where every morning fresh bread – rolls – cakes and biscuits were made. They even had a milkman that delivered daily come rain, shine, snow or hail.

 

Nearer to Breathless Cove was a General Post Office. It sat on Look Out Point and was a half moon building that was once a sentry for soldiers during the 15^th Century, but was now owned by the Post Mistress Myra who ran a cafe from the back where people could enjoy a drink or snack with amazing views out over the Ocean, she always said it was her little bit of paradise.

 

Further inland up a steep road the old church stood at the highest point, looking out over the harbor and cove like an ever watchful guardian. Nobody knew the exact date it was built, just that it was around the 15^th Century like the Post Office. Next to the graveyard was a smaller chapel that lent itself to silence and meditation, locals could come and pray remembering loved ones that had passed on.

 

Further on up the steep road was the Vicarage. Large gates and an imposing driveway that seemed to go on and on led to a Manor that was surrounded by woodland running as far as the eye could see.

 

****

 

It was late afternoon on 29th October 1971, light was now fading the sky dull and overcast with clouds that seemed to fluctuate between black and gray. The semi-darkness cast eerie shadows across the bay and inland as locals thought about evening meals and closing curtains.

 

Driving up the steep hill to their new home was Reverend Kenneth Baker and his family. Bridgette his wife was exhausted after a five long hour journey trying to keep her youngest happy, while occupying the girls with eye spy and other car games.

 

Rachel, ten was the apple of her dad's eye with her striking long red hair, that she either wore in a ponytail or plaits, she was the image of her Nan who was part Irish. Being a proper tomboy she always wore blue jeans, tea-shirts and sweaters. Rachel loved to go fishing with her dad, when he had time off from his Parish duties.

 

Her older brother Tom had introduced Rachel to hiking and adventure, but sadly he'd now left home and gone to Agriculture College to study farming, Rachel missed him so much. She hated the constant moving house when her dad was sent to a new Parish, It was the upheaval of making new friends constantly, while leaving behind her zany old friends.

 

One in particular was Georgina, but only her Mother or other adults called her that, usually friends just called her Gina. She was certainly an odd ball to some, but Rachel enjoyed her quirky, hippy dress sense and way out manner. Gina had promised to come and stay with Rachel as soon as she could desperate to see their new home. Rachel thought as they approached the gates, that Gina would love it here with its pretty coves and coast line that seemed to go on for miles, though she herself wasn't so sure.

 

Her youngest sister Catherine was eight, a stick thin but pretty girl, with her blonde short pixie cut style hair that didn't need much doing to it, she too liked to wear blue jeans like her older sister, but with added touches like flower patches, that her Mother would sow on for her. She had only one ambition in life to dance, she'd either be found tapping, or pirouetting just hating to be still for even a second. It had been a nightmare drive for Bridgette with the child's constant fidgeting and asking; “Are we there yet?”

 

Danny was the youngest at three, he was the image of his Mum, with a mass of natural blonde curls that would bounce back the moment you tried to straiten them. He'd either be found following Mum around or chasing after Catherine who would make him giggle with her dancing.

 

Pulling up at the gates every one was silent. Kenneth turned off the engine stepping out to open them, Bridgette didn't know why, but immediately felt an air of tension in this wildness, even before they entered, she just didn't feel welcome.

 

At a loss for words all the girls could say was: “Wow!” With mouths open wide gazing around at the tall trees. It felt like they were crossing into another world...like going back in time. It reminded Rachel of entering the grounds of some stately home owned by a rich landowner, the kind she read about in history books. Both sisters looked at each other at the same time and began laughing hysterically, while Catherine pondered that if this was the drive, what was the house like?

 

Of course Danny was oblivious and more interested in getting his Mum's attention by playing with her hair. For a three year old Danny could be quite astute and would sometimes find things that nobody else would even think about. If Bridgette lost an item, Danny could usually be relied upon to find it.

 

Once they were through the gates which Kenneth left open they were finally traveling down the long driveway when they came in sight of the Vicarage, a large Manor that was even bigger than they could have imagined. The girls became excited thinking about the adventures they could have, where as Bridgette felt intimidated by this huge rambling, imposing house, only having been used to a four bed roomed home in the suburbs.

 

The removal men were already there unloading the families furniture. The caretaker, Mr Hargreaves had let them in and sat outside on the wall with a flask of coffee. He was a tall older man with a beard and wore a corduroy beige jacket over a brown jumper and brown trousers that were tucked into wellington boots, he also had a loosely tied black cravat given to him by his wife which he was very proud of and it kept his neck warm.

 

The girls thought he looked funny, like a garden gnome and laughed as they jumped out of the car, they couldn't wait to check everything out.

 

“There be seven bedrooms in yer new home,” shouted Mr Hargreaves. “Plenty of room for all.” He smiled watching the excitement on the girls faces.

 

Now having their own rooms, that really was an upside to moving. At their old house the two sisters had to share.

 

“How cool!” Whispered Rachel. “Come on...I bags first choice.”

 

They raced inside stopping in their tracks, both girls were mesmerized by the entrance and then the grand staircase. “Wow! It's even more spectacular inside.” Declared Rachel. “Come on, let's go find our rooms.”

 

Kenneth approached the caretaker and thanked him for letting the removal men in.

 

“Ah! It be no problem. I'll just hang around here, then if there be nothing else, I'll be on me way.” He paused then spoke again. “I lives down near the cove if you needs anything, just give us a tinkle and I'll be there in the blink of an eye...if you knows what I mean.” He winked in a cheery manner. It put Kenneth at ease.

 

But as Bridgette stood holding her son's hand in the twilight, she watched as a flock of crows dispersed from bare tree tops, she knew this was usually a sign of danger but said nothing, it just left her with an uneasy feeling.

 

To be continued...