Eloise (22 page)

I went to bed straight away. Downstairs, I knew Sam would be calling Chris. Of course he would. Despite his heroic efforts to support me, he was only a boy, worried sick about his mentally ill mum.

I took one of the sleeping pills Chris had left in the bathroom cabinet and I fell asleep in minutes, dreading that I would meet Eloise.

I didn’t. But I did meet a man. Someone I felt I knew, even though I’d never seen him before.

This man was on horseback, and he was riding on
Bodmin Moor. He was about my age, tall and blond. He couldn’t see me, but in my dream I followed him, down the ghostly lanes, through the night where swirling scarves of mist were draped around gaunt tree branches twisted by the wind.

He was riding purposefully, as if he had a specific destination in mind. When he finally pulled in his reins and dismounted, I knew at once where we were.

The Stone Quoit of Trevetheyan. The five and a half thousand year old burial chamber of Cornish Kings and Princes, the ancient haunted monument to which Jack had brought a frightened thirteen-year-old Eloise, all those years ago.

When I woke, I knew exactly who the man in my dream was. And Eloise had surely sent him to me, as a message, a sign, a map. I had to find Jack. He must be the key to my quest to save Ellie’s children.

But I had no idea where to start. Was he still in Australia? Arthur could tell me for sure. And of course Juliana, who had written to Jack after Eloise died. Although I didn’t relish talking to Juliana again after last night, I owed it to Ellie to face this unpleasant prospect.

Suddenly I realised that my feelings towards my friend had turned full circle. Until last night I had begun to hate her for
causing me such anguish, for destroying my relationship with Chris. That was why I had wanted the priest to exorcise her. But after she came through to me at the end of Father Pete’s prayers, I no longer doubted her. I believed her. She needed me. If I didn’t help, her children would die. I knew that absolutely; it was a moment of total clarity and conviction.

I felt different, energised. It was as if the swirling mist in my dream had been blown away, removed from inside my head. For the first time in weeks, I thought I was seeing straight. Ellie’s ghost was real. She existed in a terrified limbo, tortured by her fears for her kids. It was my duty and responsibility to respond to her, and I wouldn’t doubt her again.

It was with an almost joyful heart that I went downstairs, to find Sam eating Frosties in the kitchen. He looked up as I joined him at the table, obviously wary.

‘Morning, Mum,’ he said tentatively. ‘How are you feeling?’

I smiled at him. ‘Better than I have for a long while, thank you, darling.’

He looked startled. ‘I thought that, after last night, you’d be upset.’

‘Nope, I feel fine. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you last night, darling. I suppose it was all a bit ridiculous, but believe it or not, it did me the world of good. I feel completely different this morning.’

‘Brilliant. So you’ve decided to let the whole Eloise thing go?’

Of course I had decided to do nothing of the sort, but I wasn’t going to worry my son any more.

‘Yes, darling, I’m fine now. I just want to enjoy this lovely weather.’

And through the windows the sun smiled down. The grass and flowers in the garden seemed impossibly bright. I couldn’t wait to get outside.

The look of relief on Sam’s face would have been comical if I hadn’t felt guilty at deceiving him. My determination to help Eloise was absolute, but from now on I was keeping it to myself.

‘Er, Mum.’ Sam looked shifty. ‘The thing is, I called Dad last night.’

‘Of course you did, darling. I wouldn’t have expected anything else.’

‘You don’t mind?’

‘I don’t mind at all. What did you tell him?’

‘Well, obviously I told him you’d fainted, and then got very … er, upset and confused.’

‘Oh yes? And what did he say?’

‘Well … ’ Sam looked uncomfortable. ‘He said he wants to come down and see you.’

‘Oh, really? When?’

‘Today.’

I kept my face calm for my son, but inside I was horrified. I knew Chris would be very angry with me, and I’d hoped for a bit more time before I saw him again. There would be a massive row, a confrontation I’d find deeply upsetting.

‘OK,’ I said, trying to sound cheerful. ‘Did he say what time he’d arrive?’

‘No. He just said he’d get away from the hospital as soon as he could.’

‘Perhaps you could call him and let him know we don’t need him now. Tell him I’m perfectly fine.’

Sam looked alarmed. ‘ I don’t think he’d take any notice of me if I did. He’s pretty cross. With me, I mean,’ he added hastily.

‘I doubt that, Sam. If he’s cross with anyone, it’s me.’

‘He blames me for … for encouraging you to let Father Pete do his thing here last night. Said I was completely irresponsible.’

I sighed. ‘Look, Sam. You have been nothing other than a wonderfully supportive son. And I’m sorry I got you into hot water with your dad. It’s really not your battle. If Chris is coming down here today, then I’ll explain that I was misguided last night, but now I’ve come to my senses. And that you’ve been a huge help.’ I stood up, walked around the table, and kissed the top of his head.

‘There is one thing, Sam. Would you mind driving me over to Roseland today?’

‘Mum, is that really a good idea? I mean, Juliana was pretty miffed with you last night.’

‘I know,’ I said smoothly. ‘That’s why I want to see her as soon as I can. To apologise for upsetting her, and to tell her this whole saga is at an end.’

‘That’s probably a good idea. When do you want me to take you?’

‘No time like the present.’

And within minutes, we were off.

It was a beautiful day. The hedgerows were brilliant with roses and honeysuckle, and as we drove across to Roseland, the sea gave us glad golden winks from the horizon. It was business as usual for Kernow. Cornwall was in holiday mode again. Paradise had revealed its glorious green, blue and gold landscape one more wonderful time.

I was in an intensely happy mood. Even the thought of returning to a stern, accusing Chris didn’t alter my suddenly sunny disposition. And even the memory of Juliana’s furious face as she left the cottage last night couldn’t dampen my skittish thoughts.

Because, as we bowled down to Bodinnick, crossed over to Fowey, past Daphne du Maurier’s gorgeous house at the
side of the Ferry boarding point, I was bursting with joy. I felt as if Cornwall had opened its heart to me again, had shown me why I belonged here and what I had to do. I was at last totally in tune with my heart; completely at one with what I now saw as the biggest task of my life: to rescue Eloise’s children, and to save my friend’s soul.

But when we arrived at Roseland, I quailed momentarily. The front door was firmly shut, something I had hardly ever seen before. It was as if Juliana was warning me to keep out. I wondered if I should have phoned instead. But no, she would never have talked to me on the phone; she would have rung off straight away. At least this way she would have to see me face-to-face.

Sam was more than happy to stay in the car. I think he dreaded seeing Eloise’s mother again. I walked up the gravel path, squared my shoulders, and knocked. There was a long pause. Could she be out? But I’d seen her car parked just inside the gate. More likely she’d seen our approach, and was refusing to open the door.

‘Juliana? Juliana, please let me in. I want to tell you how sorry I am, how stupid I’ve been about Eloise. I’m devastated that I’ve caused you so much grief. Please let me talk to you.’

Another pause, and then the massive wooden door swung open. Juliana stood motionless on the flagged stone inside the hall. She looked thunderously angry. I walked up to her
and put my arms round her. I kissed her cheek gently. For a moment she froze. Then she dissolved in my arms, and rested her head on my shoulder, crying quietly. Slowly I guided her through the hall and into the sitting room. I sat her down on the sofa, and settled next to her, stroking her lovely silver hair.

Annie was standing in the corner, her face a mixture of fury and distress. She moved towards her mistress, but Juliana motioned her away. She took a deep breath, took a tissue from a box on a side table, and blew her nose. Then she said, quite calmly, ‘I’m quite all right, Annie. Please, would you make us some tea?’

Annie threw a poisonous glance at me and stalked off. Juliana looked me full in the face.

‘Cathy, I should tell you that I was very angry last night. I still am. It was so shocking that someone Ellie loved so much could betray her as you did.’

‘You’re right, Juliana. I did betray her. I can only say I am desperately sorry. I don’t know what came over me.’ I was choosing my words very carefully. Although I was genuinely contrite that I had made her so upset, I needed her help to find Jack. And that meant I had to reassure her that her daughter was at peace, that I’d been wrong about her desperation. I’d have to keep the truth to myself.

Juliana looked at me. ‘You know, although I wish I hadn’t
been so rude to you last night, I still think you need some help. You’ve told me yourself how ill you’ve been. Surely you should let Chris look after you?’

I gritted my teeth. Time to pretend I agreed with her. ‘He’s coming back today, actually. I’m sure we can sort things out.’

‘Good.’ She looked relieved. ‘The thing is, Cathy, Ellie was so fond of you. She always said she could trust you with her darkest secrets.’

Then why didn’t she? I screamed silently. Why wait until you’re dead, Ellie? Why put me through all this angst, when nothing I can do can possibly bring you back to life? But I held my tongue. No point in going through all that again, even with myself.
Especially
with myself.

Annie brought tea, obviously still very cross with me. Juliana smiled at her. ‘It’s fine, Annie. Cathy’s explained everything to me.’

‘And has she apologised to you, madam?’ she growled.

‘Yes, very much so. It was all a terrible misunderstanding, brought on by our shared grief about Eloise. And of course Cathy has been ill herself. It’s all water under the bridge now. Isn’t it, dear?’

I nodded. ‘I hope so. Thank you for forgiving me, Juliana. I’m not sure I deserve it, but I promise you I’ll make up for it.’ I looked at Annie. ‘And I’d like to say sorry to you too,
Annie. You’ve been so kind to me, and I know it hurts you when your mistress is upset.’

Annie seemed mollified. ‘Well, thank you, miss. That was a handsome apology.’

‘But am I forgiven?’

‘Yes of course, miss. Now I’ll have to get on with lunch. Excuse me, madam.’

And off she went. I was feeling bit sick. I knew I’d made a big mistake with the exorcism, that I’d betrayed Eloise by believing that she was possessing me, by trying to banish her, but that was all I regretted. There was still a huge and dangerous problem out there, a direct threat to Ellie’s daughters. But I had to be nice as pie to Juliana. I needed to know how to contact Jack, Ellie’s childhood sweetheart.

I turned the conversation to Arthur. I mentioned how charming he was. Juliana was gratified, and giggled. ‘He is, isn’t he? But I’ll tell you who he’s really charmed by. I do believe he’s a bit sweet on your daughter.’

‘I think the feeling’s mutual. How long is he staying over here?’

‘Quite a while, I think. He’s thinking of enrolling in sixth-form college here, and maybe even going to university here. Eloise left him quite a bit of money, so he has the freedom to do what he wants.’

‘So he knows she’s his grandmother, then?’

‘Yes, but he’s finding it hard to get used to. Isabella, his mother, took it all rather badly when she found out Eloise was her birth mother. She had no idea she was adopted, and was very close to the woman who brought her up: Jack’s mother, who died a year ago. So obviously the solicitor’s letter telling Arthur he stood to inherit was a shock. Isabella asked her father about it, and he told her that she was adopted at birth in Cornwall, and then brought out to Australia. Obviously Isabella was very upset when her father told her about Eloise. She said she felt betrayed, that she’d been living a lie.’

‘When you say Isabella asked her father about Ellie, do you mean Jack?’

‘Oh, good heavens, no! She asked the man she believed to be her real father, her mother’s husband, the man who brought her up.’

‘So did he tell her that Jack is her father?’

‘Not at first. He thought that she had had enough of a shock knowing her birth mother was a complete stranger. He couldn’t bear to tell her that the big brother she’d grown up with was in fact her daddy. But then he talked to Jack, and Jack decided to tell Isabella the whole story. He thought that she’d feel better knowing that her adoptive parents were actually her grandparents, so they did share a direct bloodline. And of course Jack was her father, so she wasn’t an orphan after all.’

‘How did Isabella take it?’

‘She was horrified at first. Imagine finding out that your big brother is in fact your father? But Jack was very gentle with her, and they’d always had a very close relationship. She hero-worshipped him, really. So she gradually accepted everything. And Jack was right. She was very relieved that the couple who brought her up were not complete strangers but her own grandparents. So she had always been surrounded by her own blood relatives.’

‘Does Arthur know Jack is his grandfather?’

‘No. He still thinks Jack’s his beloved uncle.’ Juliana sighed. ‘ “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” eh? But I think it’s for the best. Isabella has had a terrific shock, and at the moment she doesn’t want Arthur to know the full truth. She thinks she’s protecting him, a natural mother’s instinct, but Jack thinks she’ll come round in time.’

‘What about Isabella? Has she inherited anything?’

‘Oh yes, of course. Quite a lot. But at the moment she’s very confused. She doesn’t know if she wants the money or not.’

‘But she was happy for Arthur to come all the way to Cornwall on his own?’

‘No, she wasn’t. But Jack told her she couldn’t stand in Arthur’s way, and so she reluctantly let him come. They speak a lot on the telephone.’