CHAPTER NINE
Beth imagined everyone in the hospital was looking at her. She was bursting to tell someone what had happened. She couldn’t. It was their secret, hers and Hyacinth’s. She kept thinking of what it would be like to have sex with a woman. Not just any woman, Hyacinth.
She didn’t feel any guilt, just excitement, and carried on working with a secret smile on her face all the while visualising their weekend in London. After the interrupted shower experience she knew that trip was going to be some learning curve.
Thoughts of Hyacinth continuously danced through her mind, which was exactly what Hyacinth had planned. Checking patient’s records, in a ‘Hyacinth’ daydream, Beth almost missed the apology from Countess Dracula, the Night Nursing Officer.
‘Beth . . . like I said, I’m sorry I caused such a commotion the night you were attending Mr. Green.’ Daphne hesitated briefly wanting to be sure she had Beth’s full attention. ‘He should be settled back home now, shouldn’t he?’
Beth turned, ‘Sorry Daphne. I was miles away. What were you saying?’
Blushing, Daphne continued. ‘I wondered if I could buy you a drink, by way of an apology?’
The invitation seemed genuine and friendly.
‘Thanks Daphne, that is kind, but there’s really no need. I think the student could have used a shot of brandy at the time though. Don’t you?’ Beth laughed.
In daylight Daphne had a look of Amanda Burton. As she persisted with her invitation Beth felt it would be churlish to refuse and arrangements were made for the following Tuesday night when Daphne was off duty.
Then Beth remembered Hyacinth. Would she mind? Why should she? It’s only a drink with a work colleague and, more to the point, was it any of Hyacinth’s business?
Beth purposely dressed down for her night out with Daphne. Comfortable cowboy boots, denim jeans and a matching denim shirt were all she felt able to aspire to. Her luxurious, long, dark hair was pulled back, caught up in a beautiful diamond butterfly comb. Of course she wore her diamond studs. She didn’t feel dressed without them.
She pulled up outside Daphne’s neat little semi, situated in a residential area popular with a lot of hospital staff because of its close proximity to St. Gregory’s. When her old Audi Coupe rattled into the cul-de-sac, she noticed with amusement how several sets of curtains twitched. She really must do something about buying a new car, and soon.
Before she could turn off the engine, Daphne hurried out and jumped into the passenger seat.
Always polite and attempting to break the ice, Beth said, ‘Oh that’s a nice skirt, Daphne.’
Daphne beamed, ‘Thank you. I’m glad you like it.’ She really had made an effort tonight, and was pleased her long flowered skirt had turned out to be a good choice. She suggested they go to a country pub she knew near Morpeth.
Despite it being June, the evening was cool and they were grateful for the roaring log fire in the pub lounge. Settling into easy chairs with a bottle of red wine on the table between them, Daphne started drinking fast while she talked non-stop about the hospital.
The words blurred as Beth fought to keep her tired eyes open.
Half an hour later, Davinia and Julie walked in. Thankful to learn they were friends of Daphne’s, Beth invited the pair to join them, hoping she could soon beat a hasty retreat.
Davinia was in a ‘sit down and pay attention’ mood whereas Julie was in a silly mood. ‘Daphne, did I ever tell you about the time I took Davinia sailing?’
‘I don’t think so.’
‘Oh not that old chestnut,’ Davinia moaned.
‘Davinia is not what you would call a natural sailor.’
‘Understatement,’ Davinia emphasized.
‘It’s always safety first.’ Julie paused to ensure she had their full attention. ‘So the first thing I did was to make sure that we were both fitted with life jackets.’
‘Quite right,’ Daphne said.
‘And every good sailor,’ Julie lifted her glass of wine,‘should have a good supply of booze.’
‘Yes.’ Both Daphne and Beth agreed eagerly.
‘It was rum, Julie. You took rum,’ Davinia butted in.
‘Yes, sweetheart. I did. I took it to make sure you felt confident.’
‘Confident?’ Davinia looked at her enquiringly.
‘Well anyway. There we were on the water and Davinia was having a ball. Singing at the top of her voice, and drinking the rum like there was no tomorrow.’ Julie laughed loudly, remembering. ‘The next thing I know is — she,’ pointing at Davinia, ‘tells me that she’s going to climb the mast. And she did. The boat almost capsized. We were so far over it’s a wonder she didn’t cause us to both fall overboard.’
They all laughed loudly. Davinia’s laugher the loudest of all. Lucky she was wearing a life jacket, Beth thought, although Davinia’s underwear would have given her good buoyancy.
In the lull that followed Julie said to Beth. ‘It’s Davinia’s birthday soon. We’re having a party at the Manor. Please say you’ll come. We’d love to have you with us. It’s all women, of course,’ she winked lewdly.
Beth accepted prettily, ‘How kind. Thank you. I’d love to come along, providing I’m not on duty, that is.’ She’d never been to an all-women party before. She wondered who else would be on the guest list. Would this be the kind of party Hyacinth had talked about?
It turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable evening. During the drive back to Newcastle, Daphne described the Manor to Beth, it seemed as though she was a regular visitor. Beth was impressed. It sounded baronial and grand. She loved old property and couldn’t wait to see it. While they were driving along an unlit road in the middle of nowhere Daphne asked Beth to pull over. Thinking she must be feeling ill, Beth immediately stopped the car. She could feel Daphne looking at her.
‘What’s wrong Daphne — are you ill?’
‘No. I’ve been waiting to do this since the day I met you.’ Daphne leaned over. Taking Beth’s face between her hands, she kissed her.
Beth didn’t respond. Alarm bells began ringing in her head. She didn’t want to do this with Daphne, not at all. Not in any way, shape or form.
It wasn’t the same as being kissed by Hyacinth. Fleetingly Beth thought how confusing life could be. Suddenly women were making advances towards her. Why now? Why not when she’d been sixteen and her hormones were raging and sex was sex without questions or analysis. Or better still at university where they had a Lesbian Group. Beth’s sexuality needed looking at and here were two women wanting to do just that!
Disliking Daphne’s taste, Beth removed her hands from her face. Holding onto them to stop Daphne touching her again, she politely said, ‘I’m sorry Daphne, I can’t do this.’
‘Oh Beth, please don’t be sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed. But you are so damned beautiful that I couldn’t resist you. Let’s just forget it ever happened. Please?’
‘Well I can, if you can.’
‘We can still go to Davinia’s birthday party together?’
‘Yes.’ Reluctantly Beth agreed, totally without enthusiasm. ‘I suppose so.’
‘Oh thank you. I’ll look forward to our date.’
‘It’s not a date Daphne.’
CHAPTER TEN
H deliberately stayed away from Beth. Instead she sent out warm, sexy thoughts to her using her powerful telepathic skills. She would sit for hours, and imagine Beth standing naked in front of her. She would savour the sensation of running her fingertips over Beth’s silky skin, cupping her breasts, kissing her.
Beth struggled to keep her mind on her work. She felt out of control. All she could think about was Hyacinth, and wanting to be with her. She felt as if H had invaded her head — as if their thoughts were constantly merging.
Subtly, sweetly, H moved her plan forward. Knowing Beth was scheduled for a long weekend off, she planned to take her to Scotland before their trip to London. They could celebrate the Summer Solstice together with some of her coven members.
‘Hello, darling. How are you?’ H purred down the telephone when Beth answered.
Beth’s body stiffened. ‘H. Hello. I’m fine, and you?’ She tried to sound casual.
‘Oh you know, darling. Tired . . . in need of a break, which is why I’m calling. How would you like to spend a few days in Scotland with me? I have a little place in the Highlands I’m dying to show to you.’
‘That sounds good, but when did you have in mind? Duty rota and all of that.’ Beth tried to sound cool, but her pulse was racing.
‘I know it’s short notice, but how are you fixed for this weekend, darling? I thought we could leave Thursday evening. What do you say?’
‘Why that’s perfect timing. Sounds too good to resist. Would you believe this is my long weekend off?’
‘Is it?’ Hyacinth was so convincing. ‘How bizarre. It’s obviously meant to be. Pick you up at six then. Bye darling, see you later.’ Smugly she sipped her gin and tonic while her mind continued its invasion of Beth’s.
It was almost midnight, yet daylight still lingered across the Cairngorm Mountains. Well, Saturday is Midsummer Day, thought Beth, loving the ethereal light.‘Are we nearly there?’ she asked as they passed a sign saying Aviemore six miles.
‘Almost, darling,’ H said. ‘We turn off the A9 shortly, and then we’re nearly home.’
‘Home? I thought home for you was in Jesmond?’
‘Well, that’s an understandable assumption.’ H flicked the indicator lever. ‘We turn off here.’ The Mercedes left the main road and bumped along a well-maintained track. ‘If you look through the trees there is such a lovely bright moon tonight you should be able to see the turrets.’
‘Turrets! How very romantic.’ When H had mentioned her little place, Beth had envisaged a small country cottage.
The car approached the security gates.
‘Good. The gates are open,’ H said, ‘Angela must be here. She will have everything ready for us.’
They drove along a tree-lined drive and parked in front of a large baronial style mansion.
H turned off the ignition. ‘Welcome, to my little place, Beth. I can see you and me spending many happy times here.’
‘This is your little place?’ Beth climbed out of the car and gazed at The Old Manse in disbelief. It looked more suited to a Bavarian fairy tale as the almost full moon cast gentle light down onto its slate roof causing ghostly shadows to drift across the dark curtained windows of the front of the house. The turrets had a peculiar beauty of their own.‘Hyacinth, it’s magical. What a wonderful place to live.’
‘So . . . you like it, darling?’
‘I love it.’ Beth’s eyes shone as she turned to face Hyacinth and reach for her hands. ‘It’s absolutely fabulous. No wonder you want to be here.’
‘It’s one of my favourite places in the world . . . and it is mine, not George’s. He doesn’t come here.’ Her matter of fact tone held no malice. ‘And there’s more. There’s land, and a loch for us to explore tomorrow.’ Hyacinth put her arm around Beth’s shoulders and hugged her tight. ‘Come on. Angela will have some food ready for us.’
At that the front door opened and a stunning brunette stepped out, ‘H darling. You’re safely here at last.’
The women embraced each other warmly then Hyacinth took Beth’s hand.
‘Angela, I want you to meet someone very special. This is Beth.’
‘Beth, so good to meet you. H has told me all about you.’
Has she? Beth thought, reaching out to shake Angela’s outstretched hand. What is it with Hyacinth’s friends? They are all beautiful and Angela was no exception: slim, elegant, with shiny shoulder length hair. Simply, yet stylishly dressed in green cords, cream shirt and a plaid needlecord jacket, she wore no jewellery except a shimmering diamond solitaire that reflected the moonlight as she moved her hands. Beth liked her instantly. It was going to be a good weekend.
Despite its imposing architecture the house was warm, welcoming, and traditionally furnished. Green tartan carpet in the hall extended up the wide staircase spreading out along several landings. Warm shades of apricot covered the walls that were hung with some of the biggest mirrors Beth had ever seen. H liked to see herself whenever possible.
‘The fire’s on in the snug. Why don’t you go in and make yourselves comfortable and I’ll bring the food through,’ Angela said.
‘Thank you, darling. You will join us?’
After eating they relaxed for a while in the comfortable snug, chatting and drinking the local malt whisky before going up to bed.
Leading the way upstairs H opened the door to a large airy bedroom. This is it, Beth thought, at last! Since receiving the invitation she had been excited, anticipating sleeping with Hyacinth. She knew that was what H wanted — the reason why she had been inside of her head.
‘This is your room darling. Mine is at the end of the hallway. Sleep well.’
Beth struggled to hide her disappointment. ‘I will. Thank you.’
Noting the expression on her face, H was delighted. She kissed her briefly on the cheek. ‘Goodnight, Beth.’ She closed the bedroom door and hurried to her own room before her resolve crumbled.
Waking late the following morning Beth rejoiced in the peacefulness. No traffic noises; only birdsong and the occasional bleating sheep could be heard. She stretched out under the duvet curling and uncurling her toes. Despite her disappointment at sleeping alone she had slept soundly. This was the most comfortable bed, and the whisky had probably helped.
Wrapping herself in a thick robe, she headed down to the kitchen where Angela and H were already eating breakfast.
Angela made a great fuss of scrambling eggs for her. ‘It’s lovely to be able to do this, you know. Our housekeeper hates me being in the kitchen and I do love to cook.’
‘Thanks, Angela, this looks delicious.’ Beth tucked into her breakfast while H and Angela discussed plans for the evening get together on Saturday night.
‘It’s the Summer Solstice, darling. I know you’ll want to be part of our celebration.’ H smiled encouragingly at Beth.
‘Of course.’ She managed to reply without spitting out a mouthful of food, imagining a small, sophisticated gathering with canapés and champagne.
‘Right then, Angela, I will leave all of the arrangements to you so Beth and I can just enjoy our day.’ H lit a cigarette.
They spent a fun day exploring Hyacinth’s twenty acres on quad bikes then a lazy evening eating out at an intimate bistro in Aviemore before returning to The Old Manse to sit outside in the warm night air and drink brandy. It must be tonight, thought Beth, she must sleep with me tonight. An hour later, both women were again in separate bedrooms.
Beth sat in the window seat watching the moon, looking for an answer. Perhaps she had totally misread the entire situation. Despite her inexperience she was sure she hadn’t. On their first meeting H had alluded to knowing her secret, but she had never mentioned it again. And Beth couldn’t talk about her visions. Her newest trick was beyond conversation. She was aware that she was pulling H into her head, into her mind. Yet she had no idea how she was doing it. When she thought about H she was able to read her thoughts, and even though H’s mind was a labyrinth of confusion, she had discovered H wanted to make love to her.
So what was stopping her? What was wrong?
Sighing, Beth concluded it must be her fault, she must have done something wrong.
If Beth could have seen H pacing the floor her doubts would have vanished. Hyacinth was in a terrible state, almost overcome with desire and wanting. The effort of forcing herself to hold back was proving too much. She pulled on some old clothes, slipped downstairs and out of the kitchen door, heading for the Loch.
Twenty minutes later she was sitting by the water watching the moonlight reflecting on the surface. She had to be one hundred and ten per cent sure. There was so much at stake. Not just the sex, but with Beth it wouldn’t stop at sex. She already had feelings for her. It was the business side of things that really held the sway. Don’t be so bloody soft, she told herself, she’s probably only a passing fancy; business must come first.
Midsummer day dawned. Beth stirred in her bed, disturbed, the dream vivid in her mind. It wasn’t a bad dream; it was the clarity of it that disturbed her. She could still feel the heat from the burning fire, see the naked bodies reflected in the flames.
After a shower she headed to the kitchen to find H already waiting for her.
‘I didn’t want to disturb you, darling. You were so peaceful when I looked in.’
Beth’s stomach plummeted. So H hadn’t wanted to climb in beside her. Accepting a cup of tea, she looked at H’s long fingers, imagining them touching her, invading her intimate places. God, I must stop this.
‘I thought we could have an easy day, darling. Perhaps go for a walk by the loch?’ H said while going moist at the thought she had just picked up from Beth.
‘Okay.’ Beth answered casually, consciously suppressing images of her dream.
They spent an idyllic day together, walking round the loch, and then picnicking until H suggested it was time to return to The Old Manse and prepare for the midnight celebrations.
After enjoying a luxurious soak in the bath she still couldn’t decide what to wear. She had no idea what would be considered appropriate.
She needn’t have worried, for laid out on her bed was a white silk Grecian style gown with a note:
Darling Beth,
For you to wear tonight.
H
Beth was enchanted. Trust Hyacinth to think of everything. She pulled on the gown. It hugged under her breasts, emphasizing her shape, it was split down both sides almost from top to bottom, and would reveal everything if she turned too quickly.
Five pairs of eyes assessed her as she walked down the stairs into the hall.
‘Darling! I just knew you would look sensational.’ H paused while the other women all murmured and nodded in agreement. ‘Come, join us.’ She moved to the bottom step to take Beth’s hand.
The women stepped forward, each kissing Beth on the mouth. Beth was surprised at their familiarity, but too polite to say so. She thought it quaint that the women wore the same Grecian gowns.
Then it was everyone to the kitchen to collect the trays of food Angela had spent the day preparing. Leading the way, Hyacinth carried the first tray followed by Beth and then the others. They walked in single file through the warm night air along a narrow pathway to a sheltered spot where a large circle of candles burned. In the centre of the circle a huge fire crackled spitting embers high into the night air, casting dancing shadows over the piles of cushions set around the circle.
Beth shivered. This was in my dream.
Glasses, bottles of wine and mead were already placed beside the cushions.
Angela has been busy. I wonder what we do next.
The trays of food were carefully placed on the ground around the fire. Hyacinth opened a bottle of wine, filled six glasses and handed one to each woman, leaving Beth till last, before making a ceremonial toast.
‘To the Moon Goddess.’ Hyacinth raised her glass.
Forming a circle around the fire they all stood and raised their glasses, ‘To the Moon Goddess.’
Then they settled into the cushions to enjoy the banquet.
Beth was touched by the energy of the group. It was beautiful. She had never been involved in anything like this before; had not known what to expect and laughed at her expectation of drinks and canapés in Hyacinth’s drawing room. It was much nicer to sit outside under the stars like this.
After they had eaten, two of the women started to dance, slow movements set to raise the energy of the group. Then the other two women joined in, and finally Hyacinth and Beth. It was approaching midnight when they all joined hands around the fire.
Hyacinth, as their High Priestess, took the lead. ‘Ladies . . . it is time to write down your dreams and desires to be delivered to The Goddess.’
‘H, what am I supposed to do?’ Beth whispered.
‘Write down your heart’s desire, your deepest wishes . . . but be careful what you ask for as wishes have a way of coming true.’
‘Why do we do this? What do we do with our letters?’
‘We burn them, darling. It’s part of our celebration. Now hurry, it’s almost midnight.’
Beth wrote quickly, the first thing that came into her head, and then turned to Hyacinth. ‘I’ve done it.’
At midnight, with the moon riding high in the sky above them, they stood in silence around the fire ready to throw their letters into the flames. Hyacinth passed a wooden bowl filled with vervain and dill for each woman to take a handful. On her command they threw the herbs and their letters into the fire.
‘Now, my darlings, you have sent your deepest desires to the Universe. Forget about them and leave things in the hand of destiny.’ She handed out glasses of mead poured in readiness, raised her glass to the full moon and spoke. ‘We stand before you, Moon Goddess, in our nakedness, ready to do your bidding.’
On her words, the women released the shoulder clasps that held their gowns in place. Beth stood still, uncertain, until Hyacinth reached across and unhooked her gown.
Naked they all held hands and circled the fire, feeling the rise in energy, the fire warming their naked bodies. Eventually they turned to wish each other peace and happiness. While holding Hyacinth’s hand, a vision of a much younger Hyacinth handing a gorgeous cherub of a baby to a nurse shot through Beth’s mind so fast she was unable to anchor it. The vision instantly faded when Hyacinth released her grip.
Beth was enchanted by the celebration, the gentleness and camaraderie reached into her soul.
Alone in her bed in the early hours of the morning Beth tried to analyse what she had been part of; how her previous night’s visions had been of the clearing with the bright fire and magic circle, and how it happened in real life. As usual she had no answers, only questions. She had no doubt she had taken part in a coven’s ritual.
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