Fury's Ghost

by Sue Perkins

  “Thank you, Mrs Peel. That’s exactly what I needed to know.” Fury smiled at the woman genuinely grateful.

  “Glad to have been of help. Now would you girls like a snack?”

  As sounds of agreement echoed through the room, Mrs Peel headed for the kitchen.

  “Okay, Fury, don’t forget. No trying the combination without us. We want to be there when you unearth Ellen’s diaries.”

  Fury nodded reluctantly as Samantha words were accompanied by a stern look. She wanted to rush straight home and try the number, but knew this would be unfair to her friends.

  Fury had to restrain herself until the weekend. Every morning when she arrived at school Samantha asked if she’d given in to temptation.

  “Don’t you trust me, Samantha?”

  “Yes I do, but I know I’d find it difficult to wait. I still can’t believe you’ve got a ghost in your house, but Cora and I want to be involved too.”

  *****

  On Saturday Fury waited on the veranda until Samantha’s mother dropped her two friends off. Mrs Peel wanted to say hello to Fury’s mother and the girls waited impatiently while the two women exchanged news. At last she returned to her car and drove away.

  “I want to show Samantha and Cora the library so is it okay if we get some drinks and nibbles to take with us?” Fury asked.

  “Help yourselves, girls. Fury, I’m going into town to a meeting and Jonah’s got football so he’s already gone. Your dad’s in his office so try not to disturb him.”

  “Your dad spends a lot of time in his office, doesn’t he,” Cora commented, as they carried their snacks through the house.

  “I think it’s because Mum always finds him something to do if he’s not hiding in there. Plus he works hard so he has a nap in there where no one will disturb him. Here we are.” Fury opened the door to the library.

  “Oh wow!” Samantha moved into the room and turned slowly round. “This is like a real library.”

  “It is a real library.” Fury laughed.

  “I mean it looks like it should be in a film.”

  Cora wandered across to the nearest bookshelves and examined the titles. Samantha went to look at the ladder.

  “Do you think this is safe? Does it work?”

  “I’ve been up and down it several times without any problem,” Fury replied. “It moves quite easily.”

  Samantha gently pushed the ladder and it slid along the bookshelves without a sound.

  “I thought we were going to try the combination.” Fury had resisted the temptation to try on her own, but now her friends were here she longed to see if the date they’d found worked.

  Cora turned toward her then gasped when she saw the panels. “What wonderful carvings.”

  “Apparently Heléne’s father did them at Edward Mune’s request. Heléne loved to sit in this room and he wanted her to have something beautiful to look at.”

  “Maybe that’s where you get your creativity from.” Samantha grinned at her. “He must be your several times removed grandfather.”

  “Do you know I never made the connection.” Fury felt pride at being related to a man who could make such powerful carvings.

  “Where’s the rabbit?” Cora asked, and Fury led them over to the corner where the carved rabbit peeped out of its warren.

  She bent and pulled the carving until the door opened to reveal the safe behind it, then pulled the folded-up paper with Heléne’s birth date from her pocket.

  “Here goes. Which way do you think the dial should turn first?”

  “Clockwise, then anti clockwise.” Samantha sounded so sure of herself that the other two looked at her in surprise. “Well that’s the way they do it in the movies.”

  “Three – one – zero – one – seven – seven – five.” After each number Fury turned the dial the other way. When she’d finished she pushed the handle beneath the dial. “Nothing. Let’s try it the other way.”

  Starting in an anti-clockwise direction, she put the dial through its paces again. “Still nothing. Maybe Ellen got it wrong.”

  “Could they have used only seven - five without the one - seven in front of it?” Cora asked.

  Once again Fury turned the dial first starting with clockwise and when that didn’t work, she tried the anti-clockwise. Still nothing happened.

  “I don’t know what else to try.” Fury’s frustration showed in her voice. “There is no other combination of these numbers.”

  “Yes, there is.” Cora’s quiet comment made them look at her with astonishment. “Put another zero in it. Before the three. If that doesn’t work try putting the date before the month.”

  Placing another zero at the front of the numbers didn’t work, so Fury tried switching the date and month around. This time they were rewarded with a click when Fury tried the handle.

  “It worked. Well done, Cora. Now let’s see if the diaries are in here.”

  All three girls held their breath as the safe door swung open.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  A pile of papers sat inside the safe and Fury carefully removed them, revealing two books covered in soft blue velvet. She handed the papers to Cora and reached for the books, treating them with reverence. At the back of the safe lay a huge ornate key.

  The others followed Fury as she carried the books to the table in the middle of the library. She held her breath and lifted the cover to read the inscription on the first page.

  “This is the private diary of Ellen Mune.” Fury looked at her friends. “I would have written ‘Keep Out on pain of death’ but I guess they didn’t do things like that in Ellen’s time.”

  “Something’s been bothering me.” Cora tilted her head to one side as she looked at the diary. “If she put the diaries in the safe, why didn’t Ellen know the combination? I assume she put them there so that means she knew how to get into the safe.”

  “Good point.” Samantha leaned over the diary. “We’ll ask her next time we talk to her. For now let’s see what the diaries have to say. Where shall we start?”

  “I think we should read the newest one from front to back.” Cora turned the first page over to reveal cramped handwriting covering the pages. “One of us could read it out loud then pass it on after a few pages.”

  They all decided this was a good idea and agreed Fury should start reading.

  Grandfather gave me these journals a long time ago. He said to write down any thoughts I have and say what I have done each day. I’m afraid I hardly used the first one as shortly afterwards my beloved grandfather died, but now I’m sixteen I quite like the idea of putting my thoughts on paper.

  “Oh good. I thought we’d have to wade through tons of every day events of childhood but starting at sixteen should make it more interesting.” Fury looked at Samantha. “Do you want to take over?”

  “Sure.”

  Despite my good intentions, I haven’t written in this journal for months but this is going to change. The older Margaret gets, the more Father spoils her. Father insists she looks like Mother. I find it annoying when I’ve done a particularly good painting and Margaret has splattered blobs onto a canvas. Father praises her effort and tells me mine is ‘nice’.

  “Ellen sounds a bit jealous.” Cora commented. “So far there’s nothing she’s done to force her to stay here. Shall I carry on?”

  Samantha passed Cora the journal and she began to read.

  I have decided at sixteen Margaret is old enough to ignore. I will go my own way, no matter what Father says. I won’t look after her when we go to dances. How am I going to make friends if my little sister is always tagging along behind? Besides, if I’m honest, Margaret’s prettier than me and all the men are attracted to her. I know this makes me sound like a jealous woman, but it’s the truth. We don’t get out much as Father will only let us go to dances if he can escort us there and back. Picnics are not permissible as he doesn’t trust us to behave ourselves around men. Lack of trust is a peculiar trait of Father’s. I don’t know why
as Grandfather said he adored Mother and I don’t believe she had much chance to be other than a loving wife.

  They took it in turns to read entries in the journal, but nothing could be seen as a possible reason for keeping Ellen from passing over. The years passed as quickly as the pages were turned until they arrived at the point when Ellen had reached her twenty-first birthday.

  It’s my birthday next week and I’m so excited. I’ll officially be an adult while Margaret will be considered a child for another two years. Father is giving me a dance at the assembly rooms and I can invite my friends. Miles Foreman is my first choice. He’s such a gentleman and is always very attentive. I think I may have fallen in love. I’m going to describe him so I can come back and read this in future years.

  “This is more like it.” Samantha looked up from the journal. “Here, Cora, your turn.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t. I’d feel like I was prying into her innermost thoughts.”

  “I’ll read it.” Fury moved the book across the desk until it sat in front of her.

  Miles has thick black hair and tanned skin due to his job. He’s an estate manager and often has to ride around the countryside. His eyes are brilliant blue and they sparkle when he looks at me. He’s always so nicely dressed. Immaculate riding clothes and boots during the day, and when he attends dances and soirees he wears a black suit with brilliant white shirt and cravat. This makes his skin look even more tanned.

  “Mr Dreamboat, I presume.” Fury laughed. “He sounds too good to be true. Wonder what happened to him? Ellen never married so it can’t have worked out.”

  Samantha took over the reading.

  Tonight is the night of my dance. I have a beautiful new dress. It almost matches the blue of Miles’ eyes. The bodice sweeps round from the neckline leaving my shoulders bare. It’s quite risqué and I’m surprised Father allowed me to have such a daring creation. If it was Margaret he would have said no, but he doesn’t seem to care what I wear. I’m sure Miles is going to ask for lots of dances with me, hopefully Father won’t get all protective and say I have to restrict him to two. Everyone will be so envious when they see me in this wonderful dress receiving the attention of the handsomest man in the room.

  “Sounds as if Ellen’s heading for a disappointment.” Samantha handed the book back to Fury. “If Miles is pleasant to her it doesn’t mean he’s fallen in love with her.”

  “More likely fallen in love with Edward Mune’s money.” Fury found the correct place in the diary and continued the reading.

  I hate Margaret.

  “Wow that’s a bit strong. Must have been something little sister did at the dance.” Samantha leaned forward eagerly. “Carry on.”

  My sister is a conniving, thieving wretch and she’s ruined my coming of age dance and my life. I was so happy. I’d had two dances with Miles and looked forward to several more throughout the evening. Immediately before supper Father called everyone’s attention and said he had an announcement to make. I thought he meant to give me my birthday present. A small, secret little part of me hoped Miles had offered for my hand, but a voice inside told me he would want to get to know me better before he proposed. Everyone fell silent and father cleared his throat. In a loud voice he told everyone Miles had asked for Margaret’s hand in marriage and he had given them his blessing.

  Margaret! The hussy had been seeing Miles behind my back.

  “Oh dear. Poor Ellen.” Cora looked quite upset by the revelation the adonis had betrayed Ellen’s trust. “What happened next?”

  Fury continued to read, as eager as the other two to discover what happened after the disastrous announcement.

  Everyone crowded round and congratulated them. I gritted my teeth and hugged Margaret. No one would discover how much the announcement upset me. After supper I threw myself into dancing with anyone who asked, but my heart wasn’t in it. In the corner I could see Margaret, Miles and Father sitting, talking and laughing together. I’d never felt so isolated from my family.

  The entries of the next few months showed Ellen’s rage turned to a coldness toward her sister and Miles. Margaret asked her to be the chief bridesmaid at the wedding, but Ellen refused, saying as she was the older sister it wouldn’t be seemly.

  I wanted to tell Margaret most young girls weren’t allowed to marry until the older sister had walked down the aisle. I didn’t say anything as I knew I would never marry. If I couldn’t have Miles I didn’t want anyone.

  The diary explained how, after their marriage, Margaret and Miles had set up home together and Ellen stayed to keep her father company. She gave up going to parties and dances and concentrated on drawing and painting.

  Several years passed and the young couple had four children. Edward ignored them. He had no time for grandchildren, especially babies. A few days before Ellen’s twenty-eighth birthday Edward called her to the library.

  I couldn’t believe my ears. Father’s arranged a marriage for me. That in itself isn’t too bad, but the groom is the same age as Father. I politely told my parent I had no intention of getting married, then I left the room before his temper could erupt. He tried for several days to persuade me to accept the proposal but I refused each time.

  Father has at last given up trying to marry me off. Apparently the proposed bridegroom has married some other poor young woman. Father is refusing to speak to me.

  Father’s age has begun to show. His hair has turned grey and he walks with a stick. I’d always thought of him as immortal, a fixture who would remain in my life forever, but this was not to be.

  A few mornings ago the maid went into the library to dust and found my father sitting in what had always been referred to as my mother’s chair. He had fallen asleep and never woke up. To my surprise he has left the house to me, but the rest of his vast fortune he divided between myself and Margaret.

  Fury noted they had almost reached the end of the journal, and decided to call a halt.

  “My mother will be home soon and she’ll wonder why we stayed in here so long. Let’s go to my bedroom and finish it there.”

  “I don’t know why we didn’t think of that in the first place. It would have been more comfortable. Better shut the safe first though.” Samantha moved across to the carved wall but stopped when she reached the other documents they’d found. “Shall we take these with us too?”

  “I suppose so. We might find something interesting in there. Leave the key in the safe though. We don’t know what it opens.”

  They reached Fury’s bedroom and heard the sound of the front door closing and her mother’s voice drifted up the stairs.

  “Girls, I’ve brought home lunch. Come and get it before it gets cold.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Samantha grinned. Fury hid the book and papers under the bedcovers, then led the way downstairs.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Fury’s mother had brought home pizza for lunch and the girls tucked in.

  “Anybody would think you’d been doing hard manual labour the way you’re eating. Slow down, girls, there’s plenty for everyone.”

  Fury grinned as her mother placed a jug of iced water on the table.

  “Thanks, Mum. This is lovely.”

  “I’ll just take a slice in to your father.”

  “So, what do we know so far?” Samantha queried. “Ellen was jealous of her sister. She loved the man who married Margaret and argued with her father. None of this is bad enough to keep her from passing over.”

  “How do we know that?” Cora interrupted. “Any of those things could keep her here. The problem is not so much what, but how to resolve the what.”

  “There might be something in the last part of the diary.” Fury offered the last pieces of pizza to her friends, then took a sip of water. “If not, we can talk to Ellen about it and also ask her how the diaries got into the safe. It might be the explanation for why she’s still here.”

  “Or it might be none of those things.” Samantha sighed. “I don’t think we’re any nearer to
finding the answer.”

  Fury heard her mother returning. She took the empty plates and glasses and piled them into the sink.

  “Thanks, Mum. We’ve just got a few things to work on in my room so we’ll see you later.”

  Samantha and Cora murmured their thanks and the girls disappeared up the stairs to Fury’s bedroom.

  Cora took over the reading this time, but at first nothing startling happened after Ellen found out she’d inherited the house. Samantha took over, then Fury.

  How dare they! I am so glad I didn’t marry Miles. He’s convinced Margaret she should have inherited half of the house and land. If he had his way he would sell the lot and make me homeless. I’ve consulted my lawyer who assures me there’s nothing they can do. Father left it to me and was of sound mind when he made his will. Apparently he wrote the will when I refused to marry the old man. He must have realised I meant what I said when I told him I had no intention of marrying anyone. Perhaps he did love me after all. I know one thing. I’ll make sure Margaret and Miles never get their hands on this house. I’ll leave it in trust to their children with instructions it’s never to be sold. My lawyer will have to draw up an ironclad will so they can’t go against my wishes.

  “Do you think this might be it?” Cora asked. “She cut her sister out of her will and now has to make amends.”

  “Don’t see how she can do that.” Samantha frowned. “Everyone involved is dead. Even if she wanted to do anything about it, Ellen is in limbo and can’t change what’s happened.”

  “There’s only one page left after the last bit.” Fury scanned the words and began to read.