The Fortune of Lashire Bluff

by Bella Benz

  “That would be good.” I shuddered at the thought of the massive windows in my new bedroom suddenly giving way.

  ***

  Matthew looked round the conservatory and whistled at the mess.

  “Pretty impressive,” he said. “And you say you were in here when this happened?”

  “That’s right,” I nodded. “I had the fright of my life.”

  “I can imagine. You’re lucky you weren’t badly hurt.” He reached out and lightly rubbed his hand up and down my arm to reassure me. I closed my eyes, loving the feel of his touch. There was something about Matthew which made me feel safe and, in that moment, I wanted nothing more than to throw myself at him, feel his lips against mine...

  “You okay?”

  The concern in Matthew’s voice brought me back down to earth.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” I told him. “I just zoned out for a minute.”

  “You definitely need to get out for a bit,” he said. “Go on. Get. The craft fayre’s in the town hall. I think you’ll love it. Gregory always used to spend loads of money there supporting local artisans. I swear he didn’t even want half the things he bought, but he said it was his duty to support the town.”

  “I’ll make sure to take my purse,” I promised.

  ***

  My uncle’s garage was heaven for any car afficionado. I wasn’t massively into cars, but even I recognized a Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Tesla... But when I found my dream car tucked away at the back, I knew exactly what I wanted to drive, and now I was heading into town behind the wheel of a bright yellow classic Volkswagen Beetle. It ran as smoothly as a brand-new vehicle and I couldn’t stop grinning.

  The town hall was signposted from the bridge, and it wasn’t long before I was pulling into a crowded car park, taking one of the final few spaces. It certainly looked like the craft fayre was as popular as Matthew told me.

  As I walked in, I was greeted by a woman sitting behind a table taking entry fees.

  “Oh my!” she exclaimed. “You must be Libby Fortune. You’re the spitting image of your dear uncle. Has anyone ever told you that?”

  I started to shake my head, but she didn’t give me a chance to answer, coming out from her seat to give me a big hug.

  “It’s so good to see you here. We were all ever so worried you weren’t going to come to the town. Time was starting to run out. The mountains were complaining.”

  “Oookay...” I took out my purse to pay the fee, but the woman waved me off.

  “Don’t be silly. Your money’s no good here. You go on in and have fun. Oh, and my name’s Beth. I run the haberdashery in town and do a little dressmaking on the side. You come see me next time you want a new outfit. I’ll whip you up something on the house.”

  “I will,” I lied. Like I was going to be seen dead wearing a handmade collection of rags. I planned on heading into the city for regular shopping sprees as an antidote to the boredom of Lashire Bluff.

  As I went into the main hall, one of the first people I saw was Rose sitting behind a stall with a number of empty cake stands. When I caught her eye, she smiled and waved at me.

  “Looks like your cakes are as popular as Matthew told me,” I said. “I don’t know how you find the time, what with your work at the restaurant and up at the mansion.”

  “It’s nothing.” Rose waved my words away. “When you love what you do, it’s easy to get it all done. I was hoping you’d come down to the fayre, so I’ve been saving my best cake for you. Here.”

  She reached under the table and brought out a huge cake box. She flipped up the lid to reveal a frosted carrot cake.

  “It was your uncle’s favourite,” she explained. “He always said he could never get enough of it. But if you can’t eat it all in one go, it’s very easy to freeze it down.” She winked at me.

  She closed the box and handed it to me.

  “How much?” I asked.

  “Pfft!” Rose shook her head. “Nobody’s going to charge you today. We’re all just so happy to have the town’s Fortune back.”

  “Yeah, Beth offered to make me an outfit for free,” I said.

  “Really? You’re lucky! Beth’s won awards for her work. She used to be a successful fashion designer before she retired to the town. She was meant to be taking it easy, but Beth’s not the kind of person to sit around and do nothing all day, so she opened her shop and makes the occasional outfit for people she likes. Anything she makes for you will fit like a glove and flatter you in all the right places. I know Matthew would love seeing you in one of Beth’s creations.”

  I blushed at the sound of his name.

  “I knew it!” Rose squealed excitedly. “I knew you had a thing for him! Well if it helps, I know he feels the same way. He’s always talking about you, saying how much he enjoys spending time with you. It’s like the pair of you were destined to be together.”

  “Mmmm.” I smiled noncommittally, feeling uncomfortable at the direction the conversation was going.

  “Anyway, you should go and have a look at the rest of the stalls,” Rose told me. “I think you’ll be very impressed at the level of talent we have here.”

  As I wandered round, I had to agree with Rose. There were a lot of beautiful things for sale and I saw plenty of things I wanted to buy. But, just like Rose and Beth, nobody would take any money from me, so I ended up loaded down with bags filled with hand crafted jewellery, printed silk scarves, and pretty ornaments. Any time I mentioned I liked something, the stall owner would insist on giving it to me, and when I stopped commenting, people picked out something to give to me. At last, I had to give in and accept that today I was like the Queen, enjoying my second birthday of the year.

  When I’d worked my way round the main hall, I went out into a side room, which was just as crammed with artists and craftsmen. While this might not be my usual type of shopping spree, I discovered I was actually having fun.

  The town hall was bigger than it looked on the outside, and I lost track of time browsing the stalls. But then I went through a door which took me away from the hustle and bustle of the fayre. In the middle of the room was a glass cabinet and, walking towards it, I realized I’d stumbled upon the town museum. In the middle of the cabinet was a book opened at random. Reading the note next to it, I learned it was a diary dating back to the 15th century written by another Fortune. The words were faded with age, but according to the description, it detailed the traditions surrounding the winter fayre.

  “Fascinating, isn’t it?”

  I jumped at the sound of a voice next to me.

  “Sorry to have startled you, Ms. Fortune.” The man talking to me was shorter than me, plump and balding with a striking resemblance to Danny DeVito. He extended a hand for me to shake and I had to put my shopping bags down to take it. “I’m Mayor Peck, but you can call me Christian.”

  “Nice to meet you, Christian. And please, call me Libby.”

  “So, you’re doing a little research into the history of our town?”

  “Sure.” I didn’t want to tell him I’d found this room by accident.

  “It really is an incredible place. I’m guessing your uncle’s already told you about our history, but there’s nothing like seeing it for yourself, is there?”

  “Actually, I didn’t even know I had an uncle until recently,” I said. “I don’t know anything about Lashire Bluff apart from the fact people think my house is haunted when really it was just my uncle playing tricks on them.”

  “Is that so?” Christian nodded slowly, pondering what I’d just said. “That’s interesting because we have plenty of documented cases of people experiencing strange occurrences in your new home. In fact, if you walk this way, you’ll see our little collection of unexplained photographs all taken in the mansion.”

  I followed him over to another display cabinet, where a number of photos were laid out. Looking at them, I saw the usual array of out-of-focus shots and alleged globes which were nothing but the light reflecting off insects.


  “Wow,” I deadpanned. “Impressive.”

  “Isn’t it just?” Clearly, Christian didn’t understand sarcasm because he seemed delighted by my response. “And if you’ll follow me over here, you’ll see our display of the disasters which have befallen the town when a Fortune turned their back on their duty. Luckily, it hasn’t happened very often. The last time was during the First World War when the owner of the Fortune mansion was called into the army. The local doctor was willing to give him a medical exemption, but he decided that he needed to fight for his country. As soon as he left to sign up, a terrible avalanche devastated the town and not long after he was killed in action. It was a terrible tragedy.”

  “That’s awful!” I gasped.

  “And completely avoidable,” sighed Christian.

  “What do you mean? Nobody could have predicted an avalanche.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Look over here.” Christian led me to another display, this time featuring a parchment with delicate lettering. Even without reading the description, I could tell it was ancient.

  “This parchment is the oldest existing evidence of a tradition which dates back to when people first settled in the area. According to local legend, one of your ancestors performed a powerful ritual which summoned the spirits of the mountains. He made an agreement with them that his family would always be rich beyond reckoning as long as the head of the family never strayed beyond the town’s boundaries. If they did, the spirits would rise up and show their wrath.”

  “With an avalanche?” I couldn’t keep the scepticism out of my voice.

  “With an avalanche,” confirmed Christian. “When the old Fortune dies, the heir must move into the mansion within a month or the mountains will get angry. This is why we hold the winter and summer fayres – to give thanks to the spirits of the mountains for watching over us.”

  “You can’t be serious?” I laughed nervously, knowing that Christian believed every word of the crazy story he was telling me.

  “Deadly,” Christian said. “But your father felt the same as you. When your uncle told him that he was naming him as heir, they had a huge argument. Your father said he refused to spend his life here, that he would never come back. He kept his word and it broke your uncle’s heart. Of course, he couldn’t leave Lashire Bluff to go and make peace with his brother, so all he could do was watch over you from afar. He tried to send your father money, but every letter was returned unopened. Your father was a stubborn man. Then, of course, he died, so your uncle changed his will. As the last Fortune, we all prayed you would accept your legacy and fulfil your obligation to the town. You have no idea how happy we all are you’re here to stay.”

  “Whoa.” I shook my head. “I haven’t decided anything of the sort. And if you’re saying I can never leave this town, then I’m afraid you’re in for some mighty big avalanches. There’s no way I’m staying here for the rest of my life.”

  Christian’s face paled. “You can’t mean that.”

  “Watch me.”

  Picking up my bags, I turned and left.

  ***

  “Matthew?” I called, as I walked through the front door. “Are you still here?”

  “In the library.” I followed the sound of Matthew’s voice and found him right where he said he was.

  “How was the fayre?” he asked.

  “Interesting.” I lifted up all my bags. “I got a whole heap of cool stuff, but then I met the mayor. He’s officially insane, right?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, he told me this incredible story about how I have to stay in this place for the rest of my life or imaginary mountain fairies will have a hissy fit and throw rocks at the town.”

  As I said that, there was a loud crash as a whole heap of books fell from a shelf, as if someone had run their arm along it and swept them all off.

  “Careful now,” Matthew warned. “You’ll make the house angry.”

  “Not you as well,” I sighed. “Is there something in the water that makes you all nuts? I told you my uncle set up practical jokes about the place. Go check the shelf. You’ll find that it’s uneven or there’s another string which pulled the books off.”

  NO!

  From somewhere in the depths of the house came an anguished scream.

  “Quit it, Uncle Gregory!” I yelled in frustration. “There’s no such thing as ghosts! It’s just a recording.”

  “Libby...” Matthew shook his head. “All the stories you’ve heard are true. You can’t leave. Not without dooming the entire town to destruction. The spirits in the house are your ancestors. They’ve been trying to help you, but you’re just not listening.”

  “Not you too.” Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I really thought I’d met someone special. There was no way I could date a man who believed this nonsense.

  “Please, Libby.” Matthew stepped towards me, but I shrugged him off. “I know it sounds like a fairy story, but it’s all true. I promise. You have to stay. Lashire Bluff depends on you.”

  “I don’t care.” My mind was made up. “I know I said I’d give it a couple of months, but I’ve seen everything I need. I’m out of here. I’m taking my £500 and the Beetle. I’m gonna pretend I’ve never heard of Lashire Bluff.”

  “Libby! Don’t go!”

  I wasn’t sure whether it was Matthew who was speaking or another one of Uncle Gregory’s fake ghosts, but it didn’t matter. I was out of there.

  Books started flying off the shelves, throwing themselves at me as I fled the library. The assault didn’t end there. As I ran through the corridors and towards the front door, vases tossed themselves at me, plinths falling in front of me to block my way. I got a nasty bump on the head when a statue fell on me, but it only made me even more determined to get out of the place.

  At last, I reached the front door.

  “Libby!” Matthew cried out for me as I reached for the handle. “Please. I’m begging you. Don’t leave! I don’t want to lose you.”

  “You never had me,” I reminded him as I yanked the door open and ran out to the car.

  Thunder rumbled overhead as I jumped into the Beetle. I could have my things shipped to wherever I ended up. Right now, all I wanted was to get as far away as possible.

  As I fired up the engine, I saw Matthew running out of the house towards me. I slammed my foot down to the floor, the spinning wheels sending gravel shooting up behind me before the tyres gripped and sent the car shooting forward.

  The thunder grew louder, the sound menacing and low as I sped away from the mansion. I could see Matthew’s anguished face in my rear-view mirror and for a moment, I felt sorry for him. He really believed the crazy story he was spouting.

  But that wasn’t my problem anymore. I was outta here.

  Lightning forked overhead, and as the next thunderclap hit, electricity arced down, burying into the side of the mountain, sending rocks flying down towards me. I had to swerve quickly, sharply tugging the steering wheel to the side to avoid driving into a boulder.

  “Mountain spirits aren’t real!” I screamed, as more and more rocks tumbled down the slopes, each and every one of them heading straight for me. It took all my strength to manoeuvre round them. I was getting out of there if it killed me.

  And then I got my wish. The biggest boulder I’d ever seen rolled down the mountain, slamming straight into the side of my car, pushing me off the road and further down the slope...

  ***

  Roughly eight months later

  “Ready for today?”

  I opened my eyes to see my sexy boyfriend carrying a tray laid out with fruit and pastries with a single red rose on the side.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be to participate in an ancient ritual to appease the mountain gods,” I smiled, pulling myself up. “I’m really looking forward to the summer fayre. I’ll even ride a goat if I have to!”

  “That’s the spirit.” Matthew leaned forward to kiss my forehead before placing the tray in my lap.
“I’ll see you in town later. I’ve got to go and help with the final preparations.”

  “No problem. See you later, gorgeous.”

  As I picked up one of the pastries, I caught sight of the crescent moon shaped scar on my wrist, a reminder of my fall down a mountain when I tried to escape my destiny. Dr. Carrington, the town’s doctor, said that if I wasn’t the last of my line, I would have died. As it was, the mountain spirits saved me, just this once, to give me the chance to fulfil the agreement my ancestors made so many centuries ago.

  I didn’t think it was such a crazy story anymore.

  After I finished my breakfast, I put on the dress Beth had made especially for the summer fayre. She was every bit as talented as Rose said she was, and I loved how the dress complemented my figure without being too revealing. It was a pretty floral pattern, perfect for a midsummer festival.

  Going downstairs, I heard the sound of someone picking out Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely? on the piano.

  “Thanks, guys,” I smiled. Now that I’d gotten to know the ghosts in the house, I’d discovered they were really rather friendly.

  Stepping outside into the sunshine, I closed my eyes and gave thanks for my new life. Matthew was the best boyfriend a girl could want, and who knew? Maybe one day we’d fill the mansion with little Fortunes, guaranteeing the future safety of the town.

  But for now, I was happy with being the Fortune of Lashire Bluff.

  From the author

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