The Witch's Tree by Elena Collins

Author:Elena Collins [Collins, Elena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

Selena sat in the warmth of the kitchen of Laura’s cottage, sharing a cup of tea: the walk back from the school had been chilly and the sky was overcast. Rob was upstairs in his room, having a nap and Laura was glad of the company. Her eyes shone behind the glasses. ‘You were great with the kids today, Selena. Really calm and confident.’

Selena shook her head. ‘I was rattled by the questions a couple of times.’

‘When the boy asked about painting nudes? I thought you handled that brilliantly.’

Selena shook her head. ‘It was the question about the ghost that threw me.’

‘Why?’ Laura leaned forward. ‘Do you think Sloe Cottage is haunted?’

‘Almost certainly,’ Selena replied and Laura caught her breath, taken aback. ‘Do you know the painting I did, the one that I showed you, Joely and Matty…’

‘The one of Wychanger Lane?’ Laura said. ‘Even though you’ve never been there? I thought that was a bit odd…’

Selena’s voice was low and confidential. ‘I was sure someone whispered it in my ear as I slept. When I woke up, I put it down on the canvas, just as I remembered it in the dream.’

Laura looked doubtful. ‘It’s probably a coincidence – are you absolutely sure you haven’t been past there and not remembered?’

‘There are other things though…’ Selena pressed her lips together. ‘More than just an atmosphere – I’ve heard noises on the landing.’

‘Oh, this old house creaks too,’ Laura waved a hand, then she saw Selena’s serious expression and paused. ‘Are you sure you’re all right living there alone, Selena?’

‘I’m fine, most of the time,’ Selena said. ‘There’s something about the solitude I actually like. And it’s really working for me, being there and painting, but, you know, I often have the sensation that someone is watching me or standing behind me…’

Laura was staring at her, her eyes shining behind the glasses. ‘If I lived somewhere like that, I just couldn’t stay there by myself…’

‘I’ve had a few moments where I’ve felt really shaken, but…’ Selena forced a smile. ‘I’m okay. I just work all the time, and I have great visitors like you and Joely, and Claire is coming down to stay next week. I’m not really too worried.’ Laura’s expression was still horrified, so Selena continued. ‘It doesn’t feel like an evil presence, just… a bit unsettling.’

‘I’ll have nightmares tonight now.’ Laura glanced at the wall clock and frowned. ‘Right, Selena – I’ll run you home.’ She placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘Now, are you sure you’ll be all right?’

‘Absolutely, yes,’ Selena said, in an attempt to convince herself. ‘And thanks for the cuppa. I’m shattered after just one hour of being in the school today. I think I’ll go back and have a shower and get an early night.’

Laura reached for her car keys and shrugged on a jacket. ‘Okay, let’s get you back.’

Selena protested. ‘I can walk, it’s not far…’

‘The wind has picked up outside – it looks like it might rain,’ Laura suggested.

Laura drove down the narrow lane to Chitterwell and they paused in the drive to Sloe Cottage.

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