Blackmore Farms, The Witches Curse by Augustine Nash

Author:Augustine Nash
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Augustine Nash
Published: 2015-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

It was towards the end of June and the air was filled with the scent of May blossom when the cart rumbled up to the church carrying Aunty Elsie’s body.

This is the fourth time I have done this; perhaps it will be my turn next, Jeremiah thought. The Reverend John Franklin presided over the service looking ill at ease. There were only four others in attendance, Victoria having refused to come; maintaining that in her state people would stare.

Sometimes Jeremiah wanted to be rid of his wife, but then he remembered his marriage vows, he would just have to put up with this loveless union, at least there would be a child to take an interest in. The vicar said a few words about Aunty Elsie May, and then a last hymn was sung, ‘Fight the good fight.’ Not very fitting, Jeremiah thought.

As he was following the coffin out of the church Jeremiah saw Thomas Ratchet standing in the shadows with a smile on his face. He felt a terrible anger. Why would this man go to great lengths to get the farm, formally a witch’s coven? Then they were moving across the grass to where his whole family were buried and he felt a sudden sense of losing the battle.

There would be four in a row, but in truth it was only three as Moses’ coffin was empty. Could it have been Meredith who had whisked him away to goodness knows where?

At last it was over and as usual he stood waiting for the gravedigger to come and finish the job. It was coming true, Thomas Ratchet’s curse. He was in half a mind to sell him the farm and be done with the evil place, but a deep stubborn streak would not let him.

The gravedigger came panting up, “Here we are again, Jeremiah, your family is keeping me mighty busy. Mind it is not you next.”

When he arrived back at the farm he heard the cows bellowing. Time to get them in, at least they were thriving.

Two weeks later the midwife arrived to take charge of everything. She was a stern looking woman who had a soft side and soon she and Jennifer became friends. Victoria only asked Sylvia Moss one question; how experienced was she and didn’t she think a doctor should be called to attend the birth?

Mrs Moss was used to nervous mothers, answering, “Why bless me, I have delivered more babies than you have had hot dinners! If I think you are in need of the doctor he will come. Now try and relax, it will be all the easier when the time comes.”

Three days later Jeremiah was stirred from sleep by a loud scream. Sitting up he looked at his alarm clock, twenty past two. He padded down the landing to his wife’s room, tapped then went in. The midwife and Jennifer were already in attendance. “Do you want me to do anything?” he asked, feeling nervous.

“Get out of here; I don’t want you near me!” Victoria screamed.

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