Helen Speaks

Olive Framley Entry 2, 23rd April.

Dear Talia,

I’m happy to report that I’m settling into Barkmouth well. The residents seem excited to have a witch here – even though I’m the second one, and not the first, like you claimed. But I don’t think that’s a problem. I’ve even had people say that they’re glad to have a proper witch in Barkmouth again.

I’m glad my fortune-telling at the coffee shop is going well – not only am I raising money, but it gives me a chance to talk to people. I had a mad moment the other day when I even missed school. I remembered going to the housemother with a problem, or those two-faced girls who shunned me until they realised that my uncle has a seat in the House of Lords. Oh, but it was one of their brothers who tried to kiss me at a party and I received a future-flash of him falling on his face! The next week, they were laughing about his broken nose. Such an unpleasant family. I hope I don’t forget all my good breeding, but I am happy to be somewhere so far away from them.

And yet it is lonely, Talia. I suppose that’s the nature of being a witch. I always admired your independence – and I know I shall craft the same life for myself. But at times it is trying, being out by myself and having to rely solely on my own resources.

Coming back from Coastal Coffee the other night after a fortune-telling session, I ended up getting turned around. I must have taken a turning too soon and what I thought was the path back to Crag Cottage took me through some woods and then there was nothing but a big old house overlooking the sea.

It was pretty dark by this point and I realised I had no idea how to get home – all I could think was that I could turn around and perhaps try to head back into town and out again. I heard the scrabblings of an animal – a dog I hoped – and then a figure appeared out of the doorway.

I thought whoever owned the house would tell me off for trespassing on their land or maybe set their dog on me, so I pulled my coat around me… and then a lady, about 50 or 60 maybe, appeared and looked me up and down. “Oh, hello,” she said. “It’s Olive, isn’t it? Are you hear to see someone?”

She looked nice enough, Talia. Frumpy cardigans, very much like most of the women who come to me for palm readings.

“No, I’m afraid I’m…” When I realised she knew who I was, I decided not to tell her I was lost! “I’m investigating a mystical spirit that darted this way, but it seems to have gone for now. Have you seen anything strange?”

She smiled indulgently. “Oh, there are plenty of strange goings-on in Barkmouth. I’m sure you’ll find it eventually. But it’s a cold night, why don’t you come in?”

I looked over at her door and I had a feeling. “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly,” I said. “Do you happen to know the way to The Crags from here?”

“Oh yes dear, it’s very simple.” And she sent me down three or four paths which meant I was home in ten minutes!

When I got in, Hatty was there. She’s the local girl that Mummy and Daddy have employed to be my housekeeper, and when I got home, she flew out the sitting room as I opened the door. “Oh Miss Framley, I was so worried! You were gone so long and…”

She went on a bit and I sent her away with reassurances, but afterwards I was sure I saw that a drawer in the kitchen had been left open. What was Hatty up to?

And the mysterious owner of Dune House, who was she? And why didn’t my coat hide me from her?

There are mysteries afoot, Talia!

Yours sincerely,

Olive.