The Twizel Manor Chronicles

Kazimir

Ears pricked upright Esfir sat upon the uppermost bough, claws gripping the bark she was at one with the tree, breathing in harmony with the rhythm of the wood hidden by the shadows of dusk. All her thought focussed on the cluster of voices in the grand confluence below, the space between the multiple branches of the ancient oak. A sacred place for all of the Iaru it had become the meeting place of the Aiga. Through the flickering flaming leaves of early autumn Esfir could just make out two grey smudges deep in discussion with a third, larger figure which appeared to her as a silent swarm of flies, full of restless disquieting purpose.

“You must push harder into the Northern Territories. Our scouts report an abundance of food and vast forests in which our young can flourish. It is to these territories that we must move the next generation of kittens for our numbers are growing ever greater. The current larders will not sustain us much beyond the next four cycles, five at most if our numbers continue to rise as they have these last few years.” The voice which carried on the gentle evening breeze was low and guttural yet carried an irresistible power.

“We have already made great progress this year, Lord Commander, to the west and north. This year’s pups have completed their training and are ready to move as soon as the sap begins to rise again. There are ninety Scurries in total, six to each Scurry, four pups to a boar and a sow.” There was a short pause as if something were being weighed in the thoughts of the speaker. “You are of course correct, my Lord Commander, the reports from the north do convey a land of enormous opportunity where food and space are plentiful, however it would seem the Tears of Deptis are many. They are strong in number and control the food supply. We lost five of our scouts during the long heat.”

“This is not an issue, Ukiah. The stain of the red tears will be washed away in the north. They are weak. Their time is nearly at an end for there is nothing which can withstand the sweep of the silver scythe. Thanks be to the Secret Mark of Mikhu we have prevailed in the east and the south and all of the west is almost ours. Only the north remains, and ours it must be. I have every confidence we will hold dominance in the northern territories before the sap rises. Do you not agree Takoda?”

“Most assuredly, Lord Kazimir. There is nothing which can withstand the sweep of the silver scythe. We will cut them all down. It will be as if the Tears of Deptis never were. I understand the caution of Ukiah as custodian of our progeny but the Boundless Disbursement will succeed and prove to be your everlasting legacy. We will send Tadi north whilst the sap sleeps. Our trusted servant, Tadi will prepare the way,” announced Takoda.

“Then it is done,” affirmed Kazimir. “Let the northern campaign begin. Let the last of the Tears of Deptis be wiped away.”

A breath of air caressed Esfirs tail. Her claws gripped the bough a little harder, muscles tensed. Her eyes followed Ukiah and Takoda as they departed the sacred hollow. They flowed into the depths of the forest beyond like to two mercurial harbingers of doom. Kazimir remained, thick tail wrapped about his haunches, breathing in the evening. An ebony statue at the heart of the oak, sombre and brooding. An energy exuded from him, stifling and heavy. Suddenly his head snapped upwards. Black eyes piercing the canopy above his head like poison darts.

“Show yourself, Esfir.” His words were borne on the rustle of every leaf as an instruction, not an invitation.

Esfir gasped. Hesitant and afraid. She had been warned against this venture, but the Aiga, the Grey Council, fretted about Kazimir. His ambition dwarfed all things. They feared where it would lead. And there were rumours. Fierce whispers about The Kindred. Questions to be answered about what happens after. Once the Boundless Disbursement was complete?

“Esfir, if you value that beautiful tail you will present yourself. Otherwise you may consider it forfeit,” Kazimir raised his voice a little. Firmer. Irritated. Impatient.

Gathering all her courage Esfir leapt nimbly, limb to limb within the canopy coming to rest prostrate before the imposing figure of the Lord Commander, her body quivered with fear.

“Beautiful indeed,” whispered Kazimir rising at last to lean over her. He circled, entranced by the glorious purity of her long soft tail and thick fur the colour of a deep frost. He came to a rest behind her, silent, absorbed completely by the luminescence of her coat. “Yefim has served me well to discover one such as you,” he whispered at last. Saliva dripped from his jaw as he eased closer, gently intertwining his tail with hers. His breathing became heavier. “You are the shining star against my midnight sky,“ he declared his mouth suddenly close to her ear. “Yet I am as the eclipse when all light is lost, all light fails and only the dark prevails.”

Esfir caught her breath. Every fibre of her being felt diminished, as if she were being slowly crushed by an overwhelming force. Shadows lengthened, deepening until Kazimir and the darkness seemed as one. Hope began to stir as the minutes dragged. She started to wonder if her imagination had misled her. Could it be she was alone after all? That Kazimir had meant only to scare her and he had slipped away amid her terror.

She began to breathe, to relax her body. It was then that he fell upon her. The weight of him pinned Esfir to the bole, terror reborn flooded her veins. She went limp, submitting herself completely to his strength, not even able to whimper. Then came the pain. Blinding searing pain scoured her head, blurring her vision. Something wet and sticky trailed down her cheek staining the sacred meeting place of the Aiga in crimson.

As fast it had begun the attack was over. The pressure upon her back eased then was released completely. Esfir lay in a petrified daze.

From somewhere to her left Kazimir spat ruby coloured fur and foam from his mouth. “Now everyone will know who you serve. You serve the Kindred. Above all you serve me. If you wish to live, if you wish those you love and care for to live, you will serve the cause without question or all will die. Do you understand?” He paused only briefly. Not seeming to care to hear an answer. “You are made into a precious diamond this night and through you the Tears of Deptis will be blinded and wholly vanquished. It is not Tadi who will prepare the way. It is you.”

* * * * *

Solvi

Autumn arrived exceptionally early. The seasons were becoming increasingly unsettled. All of the Boughery agreed. It was decidedly concerning. And the wind! It felt like the wind never rested. A sign perhaps that the world was no longer in balance and change was coming. News from the south trickled through, peppered with talk of grey clad cousins who harboured voracious appetites. There was talk of them spreading like a disease across the land in search of new larders to plunder but nothing had been seen, so surely it was all just talk. Idle gossip to scare some of the more audacious pups and keep them in line.

Yet, curled up tight and cosy within their drey Bac and Solvi had never felt more safe and secure, isolated and unconnected to the ravages of the world beyond. The history of the Boughery taught them that weather patterns were constantly in a state of flux, ever evolving and through it all the Boughery endured. They were confident in the knowledge the sap would rise and fall with each turn of the year, that there would always be a harvest with food enough to support them all, and yes, kittens of course.

Solvi stroked her belly. She knew they would come any day now. The long heat had come to sudden end in an icy blast from the east and it had never recovered. The residents of the Boughery had taken it as a sign to harvest early and fill their larders as quickly as they could. The long cold was going to be much longer this year.

It was not usual for Solvi to bear kittens twice in the one year. Her first three had been born in the light of the first flower moon, already independent pups establishing their own dreys. She had not intended there to be any more but she had fallen somewhat broody during the long heat and fallen to Bacs charms. “We still have the last of the larders to fill, my love,” he was saying to her as he nestled his nose into fur behind her ears. He savoured her sweet scent of wild heather and forest fern. His nostrils tantalised.

“I know, I know. Just a little longer,” she pleaded. “It is so lovely lying here with you listening to the Song of Vidara play outside” She brushed her tail across his cheek.

“Do you ever wonder what Vidar would think if she were around today? What she would make of the Big-Skins in their stone dreys or the scare mongering about our southern grey cousins?” He stretched out a hind leg then lay his head on her thigh.

“Vidara is ever gracious. The first squirrel of Cran Bethadh. She values all life and maintains balance within the Eternal Tree. Vidara is always with us. We do not need to ask what she would make of matters. We can see. She finds a way for us all to co-exist in harmony.” Solvi pushed herself upright in order to look him in the eyes. “But do not be fooled, she is never afraid to make hard choices. She is a fighter. She is the protector, the provider and the pruner. The Song of Vidara is everlasting. It is sung for us, my sweet Bac, although I must confess there are times when I think we do not always take the time to listen. We may hear, but not truly listen. When this happens, then I believe we are in danger of becoming lost and that will be the time when Big-Skins and Grey Cousins will become something to worry about.” Bac looked at her with profound adoration as she continued. “So, listen with me,” she invited, “There! Do you hear her? She is signing to the forest, to us, and I am comforted. Here we are safe. Safe from Big-Skins and Greys. Why, look! Even the old stone drey you talk of which lies beyond the trees, beyond the Old Jarl, our most ancient of Oaks, even that has not changed in generations of the Boughery. The Song of Vidar keeps us safe and ever will.” She placed a loving paw against his tufted ear.

“You are right, as ever, of course. I worry too much sometimes,” he replied lowering his eyes from hers.

“Indeed, your imagination can run away with you! You worry far too much. And now,” she said springing past him to the entrance to the drey, “even though I am carrying our kittens I will still beat you to the Old Jarl and fill the larder first!” With a giggle and flash of autumnal fire she was gone.

“Why you….,” Bac called to her in surprise, then dashed after her laughing, but she was already far ahead.

* * * * *

Charlie

They were at it again. Arguing! Always yelling at each other about something or other. Their harsh voices carried through the vast still spaces of Twizel Manor, disrupting Charlie’s quiet contemplation of the garden beyond her first floor bedroom window.

“What is it with adults?” She pondered briefly. “And they call me a ‘child’!”

She squinted hard, trying to pierce the shadows beneath the treeline on the far side of the impeccably kept south lawn. Old Mr Dack took great pride in the gardens for which he cared, making sure all three lawns and even the meadow along the rivers edge always resembled a verdant zebra crossing. The grandfather clock chimed, momentarily cancelling out the adults. Four o’clock. She’d perched upon her window seat for what felt like an age without a single glimpse of her three little red devils, though she never tired of the waiting. It only enhanced her anticipation and oh, the thrill when they finally appeared. She just loved to watch the squirrels at play, tracking the flashes of fire amongst the boughs as they scampered between tree trunks and performed aerial acrobatics.

Their energy and pure freedom inspired her. Often imagining herself being amongst them, feeling the texture of the bark beneath her fingertips as she climbed upward into the iridescent canopy and applauded for her efforts by the fluttering of the leaves. Higher and higher she would climb, away from the cloying attentions of adults who always assured her they knew what was best.

“They’ll just have to go!” Her aunts shrill voice brought her back to reality. “Petula says it will not work any other way, Daniel, but you can choose to ignore Petula if you wish. At your own peril, mind.” Charlie could envision her wagging a finger at her stepfather.

She glanced over at her bedroom door, wistfully wishing Aggie had closed it after her earlier on. The thought of manoeuvring herself back into her wheelchair in order to close it was quickly dismissed as far too much effort. The distant voices slowly subsided to a low murmur and Charlie returned to pondering

A spark of rust red flared in the corner of her eye. She turned sharply, her breath caught in her throat as her hand went to the windowpane. There, flitting between leaf and bark she spied two diminutive squirrels, resplendent as living flames moved as if transmitting a message in Morse code before coming to rest at the base of the ‘Old General’, rumoured to be the most ancient of all the trees within the county. As two tiny statues they rested upon their haunches, tails bright, ears pricked nibbling in synchronicity at whatever they held in the paws.

Charlie was transfixed. She knew these two now by sight, even from afar, having kept a journal of her encounters with them. This was Bea and T.T. There was a third, Conk, who she felt was most likely the youngest, but today Conk was nowhere to be seen.

The visit proved to be a short. Suddenly they were racing up and around the great trunk of the ancient oak, making short sharp leaps from bough to bough before quickly vanishing into the shimmering canopy. Charlie pressed her nose against the cool glass, squinting intently for just one more brief glimpse.

“Is that you looking out for those tree rats again Miss?” Aggie queried with a smile as she elbowed her way through the door carrying a large supper try laden with buttered toast, hard boiled eggs, an orange - for the vitamin C you understand, a glass of iced blackcurrant juice, which clinked as she popped the tray down on a table, and a large slice of double chocolate fudge cake. A girl always needed treats!

“Technically they are rodents, so I’ll let you off,” said Charlie returning the smile. “But they are special rodents, not like those awful greys,” she grimaced. “I’ve just seen Bea and T.T. Could you pass my journal over please? It’s there on the bedside table. I need to make an entry,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“I swear I do not know how you tell the difference, Miss. They all look the same to me. Small, red and furry, “Aggie replied with consternation as she passed over the journal.

“Oh, well. I’ve been watching them for months. Ever since I came home from hospital. It’s quite easy to tell the difference really, Charlie responded with confidence. “Bea, I named after Beatrix Potter. She - I think it’s a she - is a bit smaller than T.T. She has a longer tail and not so much white on her tummy. T.T. of the other hand is bigger with a much fluffier tail big leaf shaped patch of white on his front. You know I often wonder if they ever look at us whilst they’re eating and think we all look the same?” She glanced enquiringly at Aggie as she finished writing her entry.

“Now, that is an interesting thought!” Aggie answered. “And why T.T? But before you answer that,” she intercepted sharply, holding up her hand even as Charlie drew breath. “Can we please move you over to the supper table otherwise these eggs will be getting cold!”

Charlie rolled her eyes. “If I must,” she said resignedly and held up her arms. A few grunts later and she rolled herself across to the table, picked up the teaspoon and began to vigorously attack the top of one egg.

“And what has the poor egg ever done to you?” Aggie cried out in surprise, “except come to feed you…”

“Sorry, sorry. I just detest this stupid chair. I think of that day, you know, every time I have to sit in it. It makes me so angry,” she looked up at Aggie, a tear in her eye. “And I miss her so much. I can’t explain…”

“It’s alright Miss, really. It’s only right and natural you should miss your mother and if every now and again it helps to bash an egg to tiny pieces that’s OK. You just let me know and I’ll boil as many eggs as you need,” answered Aggie giving her tender squeeze of her shoulder.

Charlie smiled at the thought of Aggie boiling hundreds of eggs for her and recovered herself. “I’d prefer that they were chocolate eggs, I think. I wouldn’t mind so much eating them all up once I’d smashed them to pieces!”

“I’ll bet you would,” said Aggie, “but I’d not be letting you do that on your own. Now how about you eat those two as they are and tell me why you call one of those tree rats, what did you say, T P?”

“They’re squirrels,” retorted Charlie indignantly, “not tree rats, but I know you’re only saying that to distract me. TT is what I said. It’s short for Tommy Tucker. Father told me about it once, oh ages ago. It was the name of some squirrel character in the 1940’s his mother used to follow in America. Who would ever have thought there had been a real live celebrity squirrel touring America. Heaven knows we could do with one now to give the Kardashians a run for their money. They’d be more entertaining and hey, maybe they’d get invited into the Jungle. They’d at least be useful!!!” and at that they began to laugh. “Anyway, from what father says TT was probably a grey squirrel given they’re native to America but I just liked the name and shortened it to TT. After all it’s just for me.”

“Most interesting. I never knew there was such a thing as a celebrity squirrel. And good for you, we all need a little something for ourselves now and then. Now, will be all right for a while if I pop downstairs and tidy up in the drawing room? I think your Aunt and Uncle looked like they were getting ready to leave and the sooner I can get in the quicker I can get going. I have an appointment this evening and I don’t want to be late.” Aggie tried hiding a coy smile as she turned down the bed.

“Yes, of course. I’ll be fine. Who are you going to meet? Do you have a new boyfriend?” Charlie asked with excitement. “Oh, you do! I can tell by that smile…”

“Cheeky!” Aggie replied as she folded some clothes. “That’s for me to know and you to wonder. If you behave yourself then maybe I’ll tell you on Friday.” She paused to look around the room, checking for anything out of place. Satisfied with what she saw she continued, “Right, that’s you. Don’t forget you have that new nurse coming by this evening so play nice and do not be giving her a hard time. She’ll be here about seven-ish.”

“Hmmm, fine” sighed Charlie. “father has already given me my instructions. Especially after the last one. Is he alright, by the way? None of them have been to see me this afternoon and I heard them all arguing again earlier.”

Aggie pressed her lips tightly together and raised her eyebrows. “Not for me to say Miss, but I’m sure he will tell you himself if there is anything to tell and he wants you to know. I heard them too, the raised voices, but I am sure it will all come out in the washing as you English say. Oh, by the way, before I forget, this came for you in today’s post,” and she pulled out a slim white envelope and laid it on the bedside table. “Now, I am off. I will see you on Friday.”

“Oh, righto. Thanks,” replied Charlie her thoughts already returned to her squirrels and wondering where Conk had got too. As she polished off her boiled eggs and toast, alone once more, she began to contemplate what it would be like as a squirrel. How marvelous it would be to climb trees, leaping from limb to limb, feel the full embrace of the woods, of nature every day. She ignored the orange but eyed the chocolate fudge cake with great anticipation.

* * * * *

In the drawing room Aggie bustled about collecting the afternoon tea dishes and plumping the cushions. She loved this room with its inglenook fireplace, high arched windows and gothic feel. She could almost breathe the history of the whole house within this one room. The French doors into the garden stood open, a light fragrance drifting through. Her employer, Daniel Tempest-Harrington, could be seen brooding out on the patio cradling a crystal tumbler in his hand whilst staring across the lawn to edge of the woods.

Cautiously she ventured towards him. “Sorry to intrude, Sir, but that’s me. Will there be anything else? Miss Charlie has her supper and is expecting the new nurse at seven, Sir.”

Without turning he replied. “Thank-you Aggie, but no. That’s everything for today. We’ll see you again on Friday? Is that right?”

“That’s correct, Sir. Friday it is. Good night then, Sir,” and with that she withdrew, leaving him to his thoughts. As she walked back through the drawing room she brushed past the antique bureau on which lay a set of architects plans. She paused briefly to steal a look, turned on the nearby lamp collected the dishes now assembled on a tray and stopped off in the kitchen to complete the last of her chores before departing, all the while thinking about what she had just seen.

* * * * *

“Well? How did you get on with the new nurse?” Asked Aggie as she steadily brushed Charlies brunette curls. Charlie wrinkled her nose, then pursed her lips, all the while watching her intently in the dressing table mirror and maintaining her balance on the cushioned stool. “Ahh,” responded Aggie after a few moments, “not so good then, eh?”

“That’s an epic understatement,” said Charlie in a very matter of fact manner. “I’m probably more qualified than they are. You know, they mixed up my meds, clearly haven’t their manual handling training and neglected to fill in the book before they left.” She shrugged. “Incompetent on a whole new level, but I can work with it, I think.” She smiled slyly, “It’ll be to my advantage in the long term if this one stays for a bit…”

Aggie shook her head in amused dismay. “Have you told your father? He’ll want to know.”

“Not yet. After the lecture about how I didn’t get on with the last one I thought I’d best sleep on it. Maybe give this Narinda another go.” She sighed wistfully. “Why did Liam have to go? I really liked him. He made laugh. Flipping Narinda could barely even raise a smile. No idea who found her or where from. Do you know? Was it Aunt Carmel? I bet it was! She’s always been a cold sort. She’s never hugged me, you know, Not once, not even after mother passed away,” Charlie declared, suddenly feeling enormously irritated. “Not even at the hospital when she came with father to visit me,” She looked sharply at Aggie who had stopped brushing her hair to listen. “Odd way to carry on, don’t you think? For an Aunt.”

“Well, we are not all made the same, Miss. Some people find it very hard to express their emotions, others far too easily. Maybe your Aunt is still grieving the loss of your mother, have you considered that? Were they not close at one time? Did she not introduce her to your father? It is possible that you remind her of your mothers loss every time she sees you. That maybe it is difficult for her.” Aggie rested a consoling hand on Charlies shoulder.

Charlies expression was incredulous as she attempted to twist around in her seat and look Aggie squarely in the face. “Are you kidding? Actually kidding me? I know you like to see the best in everyone, but Aunt Carmel? I remember being eight years old. It must have been around Easter time as there was a lot of chocolate about. I remember my mother and Aunt Carmel being in the kitchen having the biggest argument ever, something to do with Pappy but I can’t be sure. Mother wouldn’t have her in the house after that. So no, Aggie, I don’t believe she is grieving one jot for my mother. She’d need to have a heart to have any emotions and she I’ve never yet seen any evidence of one. She probably sleeps in coffin. It’s amazing she can get about in daylight..,”

“Miss Charlie!” cried Aggie in shock.

“OK, I’m sorry. But whatever it is. I still say she’s a cold fish,” answered Charlie proceeding to open and close her mouth in imitation.

“Perhaps you are right, but whatever the truth of it she is back in the house now and your father seems to rely on her and your Uncle very much. They appear to be here most days discussing something or other so she must have some good in her.” She gave Charlies hair a couple of more runs through with the brush then announced, “That’s you all set for the day and looking beautiful, I must say. You just need to decide what you want to wear.”

“If my mother had cause not to like her then I will have to reserve judgment. I honestly don’t know what they find to talk about or should I say shout about. I did mention I heard them arguing the other day, didn’t I?” Charlie glanced over at her wardrobe and pointed. I think we’ll go with that one, the blue with the long sleeves, please.”

“Good choice, Miss,” answered Aggie crossing the room. “It’s a bit cooler today and judging by those clouds we’re in for a drop of rain later.” She deftly removed the dress from its hanger and returned to Charlie in her wheelchair. “Arms up,” and slipped it over her head. As she fussed around Charlie helping her adjust into a comfortable position she continued. “Yes, you did mention the arguing. It could have been something to do with those plans I saw the other day when I was clearing the drawing room. I suppose you know they’re thinking of creating some kind of holiday park type thing here in the grounds of Twizel. Leastways I think that’s what it is. Mr Dack, your gardener mentioned it too, just last week although I didn’t pay it any attention at the time. He’s getting on and we both know he can get the wrong end of a stick at times. Anyway, he doesn’t seem very impressed.”

“What! No, no. No, I didn’t know. No one has said a thing, nothing. A holiday park? Here? At Twizel! That’s ridiculous. Why would you? What about the tress? The Squirrels?” A look panic flooded her face. “Why haven’t you said something before? This can’t happen. I need to speak to father. I need to know what’s happening. Quickly Aggie, take me. Take me to see him, now.”

I’m sorry, Miss. I thought you would have known already. So little seems to escape your notice these days. I certainly did not mean to upset you,” and with strong arms she eased Charlie into her wheelchair. For Charlie it seemed as the minutes stretched out yet Aggie had her in the lift and down to the breakfast room within mere moments.

Her father, for she had come to regard him as such in the absence of her real father, was drinking an espresso. The autumn sunlight low and piercing through the windows created an illusion of a golden aura about him and dazzled her eyes. He looked up as the entered, smiling thinly, still caught up in his own reflections.

“Father, what on earth do you think you are doing?” Charlie demanded before they had barely crossed the threshold.

He squinted quizzically, jarred from his thoughts to be in the present. “Having breakfast, I believe,” he answered flatly.

“I am so sorry Sir,” interjected Aggie. “I fear Miss Charlie is a little out of sorts this morning over something I said earlier.” She looked awkwardly at the floor. “I thought she knew, you see, about the holiday park plans. Mr Dack knew, so I thought Miss Charlie would too. I am so sorry Sir, so sorry.”

“Please Aggie, don’t apologise. I should have known. I should have been told,” Chalie stared hard at her father. “Well?”

Daniel waived the question away. “It’s fine Aggie. Please do not concern yourself. You were not to know. I am sure half the county has heard some version of what we are exploring. As soon as Mr Dack heard it was going to be as good as placing an article in the local paper. It’s one of the reasons I believe he has decided to retire. I’ve had to start looking for his replacement and it’s not going to be an easy thing to do.” He held up his hand as he saw Charlie begin to draw breath once more. “Tell Aggie what you would like for breakfast first and then pull up and I promise I will explain. Yes, I should have mentioned it to you before now, but as nothing has been settled there really is not much to tell.”

An hour later Charlie could not decide if she was appeased or even more concerned. Her father had confirmed there were indeed some plans for a holiday park. He had even offered to show them to her, however they were at draft stage only. Nothing was finalised and it appeared to be only one of several options being explored, including the sale of the Twizel estate. Without question such options horrified Charlie. She took a small crumb of comfort from his acknowledgement of the red squirrels and that their habitat had to be preserved.

He’d promised to raise it as a factor with Carmen and her husband, Uncle Marvyn. And no, he would make no decisions about a sale without discussing the matter with her first. Daniel had then left for work and Charlie was left to her home studies with Geraint. She could hear Aggie moving about the house periodically, but she maintained a diplomatic distance, and silence, until dinner.

As soon as Aggie entered her room Charlie apologise. “I’m sorry, Aggie. I didn’t mean to put you in a difficult position,” she offered in earnest.

“That’s OK, Miss. There was no real harm done in the end. I felt so awkward though, I must confess. I did not know what to expect from your father. He can be so difficult to read. Lasagne this evening. I hope that’s OK. I know it’s one of your favourites.” She smiled as she placed the tray on the table and flicked a wisp of hair back from her forehead. “I learned a lesson, is all. It is not for me to discuss the matters of the household, and that’s something I will keep with me for the future.” She patted Charlies hand.

“Err, I think you can forget that. You will discuss household matters. With me at least, anyway. I just need to learn how to deal with it without getting you, or anyone else into trouble.” Charlie looked at her solemnly. “You are my dearest Aggie. I would be lost without you. You are my eyes and ears in this house in places I cannot freely go because of this cursed chair and my legs. You are my only friend. I see no one but you besides Geraint and father.” Her eyes pleaded and Aggie’s heart melted.

“Very well, Miss. But we must agree. Just between us and us alone or I will say no more,” Aggie replied firmly. “Now eat up, before it goes cold.”

Charlie nodded. “Oh yes, absolutely. There is one more thing though. I forgot to ask you this morning, what with all the talk of plans and so on,” said Charlie with a mischievous twinkle, “how did it go with your new boyfriend? What’s his name? C’mon, tell me all about it..”

Aggie chuckled. “You are a naughty one, Miss, and no mistake. All of that is my business,” she smiled warmly. “I will tell you this. He was a perfect gentleman and we plan to meet again this weekend. I’ll say no for now as I have now wish to jinx it, but it looks promising. Well more promising than other others so far!”

“Oh, how exciting,” enthused Charlie. “I’m so pleased for you. Will you come back later for the supper tray? I know you have things to finish. I’ll just write up my journal and then watch some TV. There was a programme I wanted to see with David Attenborough.”

“Of course, Miss. I’ll pop back later and help you into bed before I leave,” and with that Aggie withdrew quietly humming to herself.

As Charlie wrote in her journal later that evening her thoughts were drawn to her Aunt and the argument with her mother. Why had they argued she wondered. What could have been so awful as to cause her mother to prohibit her Aunt from ever setting foot across the threshold of Twizel again. Vague memories slipped through her mind. Shadows of angry faces, something being shouted about her Pappy, Augustine, and the sound of breaking glass. She shook her head, confused. Something to be explored on another day, she thought, tapping the nib of her pen to paper.