House of Fear by Phyllis Mallett

Author:Phyllis Mallett [Mallett, Phyllis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: 2015-08-17T00:00:00+00:00

6.

Jill enjoyed her day more than she expected to. Sarah was great company, and after they visited the local surgery, where Jill found out that her ankle was no more than a bad sprain, Sarah whisked her off on a tour, showing her the well-known landmarks and giving her some history at the same time.

Jill forgot about the tensions at Crag House, and by the time Sarah drove to the farm where she and Robert lived, a close friendship seemed to be forging itself between them.

Jill was looking forward to seeing Robert again. She knew he’d made quite an impression on her.

Reaching the farm, a large, grey-stone building with many tall windows, Sarah parked in front of the entrance and helped Jill up to the house. Robert opened the door as they reached it, almost as if he had been awaiting their arrival, and his warm welcome filled Jill with pleasure.

‘How are you feeling this morning?’ he asked, offering her an arm, which Jill grasped firmly as she favoured her injured foot.

‘We’ve seen Dr Galloway and he says it’s no worse than a bad sprain,’ Sarah said. ‘Is lunch ready, Robert? I could eat a horse!’

‘I’m afraid it’s only a casserole,’ Robert countered with a smile, and Jill laughed happily, enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

It wasn’t something she’d experienced with Owen and George around. Robert was very helpful, prepared to fetch and carry for her, and when she protested that she had to do things for herself and not pretend she was an invalid, he remonstrated firmly, the ghost of a smile on his lips.

‘But I feel responsible for your injury. My dog caused the accident, and the least I can do is give you a hand while you’re in my house.’

‘Don’t argue with him, Jill,’ Sarah said with a smile. ‘You’ll never win. Just accept the attention, and enjoy it while you can.’

Jill gave in, basking in the attention showered upon her. After lunch, Robert had to leave to carry on with his work, but he paused at the door of the dining-room and looked back at Jill, his face serious.

‘If you have any problems at Crag House then don’t forget that we’re here to help you in any way,’ he said.

‘Problems?’ Jill asked.

‘We’ve dealt with Owen and George before,’ Sarah said smoothly. ‘And you’re new to this way of life. What Robert means is that if you should need a couple of friends in a hurry then we’re always here.’

‘Thanks!’ Jill smiled, but felt a shiver travel up her spine as she remembered the sinister noises in the night. ‘But I’m not completely alone, you know. My father may come up from London at the week-end.’

‘I’d like to meet him.’ Robert spoke with hesitation. ‘He’s a famous author now, isn’t he?’

‘How do you know he’s a writer?’

‘Everyone round here knows about your parents!’ Sarah answered. ‘It’s a story that could have come straight from the pages of a book.’

‘It still doesn’t seem real to me,’ Jill admitted. ‘My poor

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