The Secret Kiss of Darkness

by Christina Courtenay

  He wasn’t able to have children.

  When his first wife failed to produce any offspring he had blamed it on her and been relieved when she died of a fever. However, as the years passed and Eliza didn’t become pregnant either, he started to suspect that the fault lay with him. None of his mistresses had ever come to him asking him to support any children, and he’d heard enough such tales from his friends to know this was common practice. What a fool he’d been. He should have taken what Eliza had offered him, and had his revenge later by depriving her of her son. It would have been just as satisfying. After all, he’d seen the way she was gazing at her child. But it was too late now. All too late.

  The cliff edge came ever closer until finally he was so near he could have touched it with his foot. The two men released him and he turned to face his judge and jury.

  ‘Have you brought me here to scare me into confessing?’ He still didn’t want to believe they’d go through with this, despite what they’d made him write earlier.

  Jago laughed, that cold mirthless laughter which so grated on John’s ears. ‘No, brother, we already know you’re guilty. Now it’s time to pay for your crime. It’s your turn to die. As we can’t trust the local judge to sentence you correctly we’ve decided to do it ourselves. Besides, dying the same way as your victim is much more fitting than a hangman’s noose, don’t you think? I’d call it poetic justice but what do I know? I’m but a poor innkeeper.’

  The leering faces of the other men came closer and John began to shiver violently.

  ‘Enough! You’ve had your fun and games, now let me go. I had nothing to do with Eliza’s death. She was unhinged after the birthing and must have run out and thrown herself off the cliff.’ John’s teeth were chattering, but he managed what he hoped was a look of defiance.

  Jago smiled. ‘And how do you know that’s the way she died? No one has found her body yet, have they? In fact, how do you even know she’s dead? I saw no body lying in state up at the Hall. Didn’t you claim she was upstairs, safe in her bed?’

  John gulped for air. It was true. He had waited all day for news of his wife’s death to reach the household, but there had been no word. Only the wet nurse had asked about Lady Marcombe’s whereabouts, and John had fobbed her off with some lie about the lady resting. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound emerged. He’d been caught out.

  ‘Go on John, over the cliff, and all the way down to the beach. Just like Eliza. Only this time, no one is going to do any pushing. And I doubt if you’ll end up in the same place afterwards. Your remains won’t even lie in the churchyard with your ancestors – suicides aren’t allowed that privilege.’ More chuckles and some outright laughter greeted this sally.

  Swivelling around frantically to find a way of escape, John nevertheless stood rooted to the spot. His legs wouldn’t obey him.

  ‘So what do you think men? Is he guilty?’ Jago shouted.

  ‘Guilty!’ yelled the impromptu jury and the circle of men suddenly advanced on John with an almighty roar of rage. He took an involuntary step backwards out of sheer fright and his foot encountered nothing but air. In the next moment he was hurtling down towards the beach, down towards eternity, down towards what he knew was his rightful punishment … then darkness claimed him.

  ‘We’ve got Gypsies camped in the top field,’ Annie told Kayla the next morning, looking very cheerful about it. ‘They have permission to be there, so it’s nothing to worry about. Just thought I’d let you know in case you come across them, like. Wouldn’t want you to be scared.’

  ‘Right, thanks.’ Kayla remembered the will she had found which had stated that the Travellers had the right to stay on Marcombe land whenever they wished. Naturally, she couldn’t tell Annie she already knew about it, so she pretended as if it was news to her. ‘Do they come every year, then?’

  ‘Yes, sometimes more than once. It’s not always the same group. There are several families who use that field.’

  ‘I see.’

  ‘You should go and see them. The women usually tell fortunes.’ Annie laughed. ‘Told me I’d win on the lottery, but it hasn’t happened so far. I reckon that’ll be in another life. And as for meeting someone tall, dark and handsome – fat chance. I think I’ll just stick to my husband, thank you very much.’

  ‘Actually I’d rather not know what the future will bring, especially not if it’s something bad. I’m a bit superstitious that way.’

  ‘Oh, it’s all a load of rubbish and it’s just a bit of fun really.’

  Kayla wasn’t as sure as she would have been a few months ago. Now that she knew there were such things as ghosts, or whatever one might call Jago, she couldn’t see any reason why second sight shouldn’t exist. Perhaps she should have her fortune told after all? It might help her to decide what to do with her life.

  Wes kept her busy all morning and she forgot about the Gypsies for a while. The fact that Wes acted as if the previous evening’s kiss had never happened exercised her mind to a far greater extent than the Travellers. She was typing on automatic, while her brain endlessly replayed the scene. He stroked her cheek, he told her she had a dimple when she smiled, he kissed her … and then he pulled back. She went over it again and again, her mind running around in circles. Where had she gone wrong? Should she have leaned forward more, thrown her arms around his neck and kissed him back with abandon, or said something? Was it just that he didn’t find her attractive enough? Why didn’t he find her attractive?

  ‘Annoying man,’ she muttered finally, trying to banish all thoughts of him for the moment. She was obviously wasting her time.

  While she was having her lunch her thoughts returned to the Gypsies and she made up her mind to go and see them. What harm could it do after all? Annie was right, it was probably just a bit of fun and she could do with some cheering up, that was for sure.

  Wes had gone out to a meeting, so Kayla made her way towards the collection of camper vans as soon as she’d finished eating. As she approached the site she heard the shrieks of children playing and voices raised in laughter. One of the Gypsies caught sight of her and the conversations stopped abruptly. After saying something to the others, the woman walked towards Kayla.

  ‘Hello, can I help you?’ She was young and pretty in a sultry way with long, black hair hanging over one shoulder. Her colourful clothes became her well and she moved with confidence and grace. Kayla felt awkward by contrast.

  ‘Uhm, yes, I was told you tell fortunes and I wondered if by any chance you would have the time to do mine?’

  ‘Of course, follow me.’

  Kayla trailed behind the woman, who led her over to an older lady seated at a table under a parasol. There was a second, empty chair and the women indicated that Kayla should take a seat.

  ‘You have come for some answers, am I right?’ the old lady said. She had eyes as dark as sloe berries, buried deeply among the tanned wrinkles. Kayla got the feeling those eyes had seen a lot and they blazed with intelligence and amusement.

  ‘Well, yes, I suppose I have. Although you could say it was just curiosity that brought me. Annie told me you wouldn’t mind.’ She shrugged. ‘How much do you charge?’

  The woman smiled, a broad almost toothless grin. ‘Friends of Jago don’t have to pay. It’ll be my pleasure to tell you what you want to know.’

  Kayla gasped and felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. ‘You, you … what? How do you know about Jago?’ she stammered. She hadn’t actually believed these people possessed the second sight until that moment, but how else could the old lady know such things? Kayla hadn’t told a soul other than Maddie.

  A cackling laugh greeted her words and the woman just tapped the side of her nose and nodded. ‘Never you mind. That’s my business. Now, what is it you wish?’

  Kayla took a deep breath to steady herself. This wasn’t turning out at all the way she’d expected. The light-hearted palm reading or gazing into a crystal ball she had imagined was far from the truth. The uncom
fortable truth. Kayla almost changed her mind and had to force herself to stay seated. She took another steadying breath.

  ‘Well, the thing is, recently I should have been … that is to say, I was going to get married but I broke off the engagement,’ she said. ‘I need to know – did I do the right thing or did I make a huge mistake? My family all seemed to think so, but it didn’t feel like it to me, so I’m just confused. And, and … what do I do now?’

  ‘Give me your hand.’ The old lady grabbed Kayla’s hand and turned it palm upwards before the latter had a chance to comply of her own accord. The Gypsy muttered something unintelligible, before saying, ‘yes’ emphatically.

  ‘Yes?’ Kayla tried to keep her hand steady, although she longed to snatch it away.

  ‘You did right. He wasn’t for you, the blond one. You were wise to back away. There would have been only heartbreak with that one.’ The woman traced some of the lines on her hand with one finger. ‘I see a dark man. He occupies your mind. You can’t rid yourself of him until it’s over.’

  ‘Until what is over?’

  The old one ignored her question and continued, ‘There is danger here, you must beware. Dark places, enclosed spaces. Yes, darkness, keep away from the darkness and stairs.’ She had her eyes closed now and her eyelids flickered slightly as she spoke as if she was seeing images.

  ‘What do you mean? What sort of darkness?’

  ‘Take care of the little one, she needs you. I see water and pain, a red stain spreading over white …’ She was silent for a moment, then added, ‘Jago will make it all right.’ Then she opened her eyes and let go of Kayla’s hand. ‘That’s all,’ she said. ‘I can’t tell you any more.’

  ‘But what …?’

  ‘There’s no point asking questions, I can’t explain. It will all become clear eventually. Just follow your instincts and you’ll be all right.’

  ‘You think so?’ Kayla gave a shaky laugh. ‘But all that stuff about darkness and danger. I thought you were meant to tell me I’d be rich and famous and would marry a handsome stranger.’

  The old lady gave her a shrewd look. ‘You wouldn’t be fooled by that, not like some. I told you the truth. I owe it to Jago.’

  ‘I, I see. Well, thank you very much. Are you sure I can’t pay you?’

  ‘No. Friends of his are friends of mine. No payment necessary.’

  Back in the office, Kayla sat and stared blankly at her computer screen for quite some time before she managed to get any work done. She still felt a bit shaky and wondered if she’d done the right thing in going to see the Gypsies. She was none the wiser after the woman’s cryptic utterances, but at least she’d found out one thing – she’d been right not to marry Mike. But then she didn’t need a Gypsy to tell her that. Deep down she had already known.

  ‘Katerina, good to see you again! Are you well?’

  Wes settled himself under the old Gypsy’s parasol and smiled at her. They were old friends, since she and her fellow Travellers came every year. In fact, she was almost like an honorary grandmother to him, his own having died young. Katerina always made time for him and his brother when they were children, treating them as family, and a strong bond had formed between them. When he’d spotted the caravans on the way home from his meeting, he’d decided to make a detour.

  ‘Never better, especially now I’m here again.’ Katerina beamed back. ‘And yourself?’

  ‘Fine, fine.’ Wes replied automatically, but something about the way Katerina looked at him made him take a deep breath and amend his answer. ‘Well, a few problems, but nothing I can’t handle. I think.’

  She nodded and held out her hand. ‘Want me to take a look?’

  Reluctantly he placed his hand on hers, palm up. He’d never hesitated before, but this time, for some reason, he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what she had to say. Her pronouncements weren’t always clear, but sooner or later they made sense and she was never wrong. That in itself was terrifying.

  She was quiet for a while, then muttered something to herself before piercing him with her dark gaze. ‘You have to be careful for a while, very careful, my boy.’

  Wes pulled his hand back when she let go and drew in a shaky breath. He hadn’t realised he’d been holding it. ‘In what way?’

  ‘In every way except one – love. Give that freely and you’ll be happy.’

  ‘Give it freely? I already do. I mean, I never stint when it comes to Nell. I try to show her how much she’s loved in every way.’

  Katerina shook her head. ‘Not just the child. There are others who need your love too. And you’re holding back.’

  ‘Others, as in more than one?’ Wes felt confused. If she’d said something along the lines of ‘a petite, gorgeous blonde is waiting for you to make a move’, he’d have understood. ‘Not just a woman?’

  The old lady cackled. ‘No, not just that. Why, did you have someone in mind? Only I got the impression you weren’t ready to settle down with anyone yet. Mind you, there was this lovely young woman who came to see me earlier and I told her a tall, dark and handsome man was in her future. Could be you, maybe? It was what she wanted to hear. They all do.’

  ‘Now you’re teasing me. You know I don’t want to be trapped again. I told you all about it last time you came.’

  Katerina wagged a finger at him. ‘Ah, but there are ways of being trapped that don’t feel so restrictive. Bonds you’d gladly be ensnared in. Allow yourself to experience this and all will be well.’

  Wes smiled. ‘Enough with the mumbo-jumbo, this is me you’re talking to. I know you can see things, but there’s no need for you to be so mysterious. If you’re saying I should try falling in love, been there done that. It’s highly over-rated.’

  ‘I was being serious, but as always, it’s up to you to decide if you want to listen. After all, I’m just an old woman, what do I know?’ Katerina’s smile was back to teasing, but Wes refused to play games.

  ‘Don’t give me that, you’re a mere spring chicken. But if it makes you happy, I’ll think about what you said, okay?’

  ‘You do that and we’ll see who’s right, eh?’

  We will indeed, Wes thought, but the gleam in Katerina’s eyes made him wonder even so.

  ‘Finally!’ Kayla exclaimed when she came down to the entrance hall two days later to find that the postman had brought her a thick brown envelope from London. Despite several phone calls to Maddie, she’d been unable to make her friend reveal any further information.

  ‘It’s revenge for leaving me behind while you’re enjoying the good life at the manor house with his lordship,’ Maddie had said and laughed.

  ‘I am not doing anything with his lordship. If only!’ Kayla hissed back, afraid of being overheard, but Maddie had hung up, still laughing. ‘Annoying woman.’

  Now she ran up the stairs two at a time and along the corridor to her room. Impatiently she tore open the envelope. Several large sheets of paper spilled onto her bed and she picked up the first one and began to read.

  ‘A Calendar of the Prisoners in the County Gaol of Exeter for Trial at the Exeter Sessions, April 15, 1782 …’

  Kayla scanned the list and there he was, ‘Kerswell, Jago, age 28’. On the bottom of the next page it said:

  ‘FELONY… Jago Kerswell. Brought in March 25, 1782, and committed by Thomas Paige, Esq, charged with having caused the death of Sir John Marcombe, Bt, late of Marcombe Hall …’

  Kayla began to read the Assize records and lost herself in the past.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Jago stood impassive, gazing round the courtroom from time to time, but mostly staring straight ahead lost in thought. Although he knew the charges against him were serious, he honestly didn’t care what the outcome of the trial would be. Without Eliza, life wasn’t worth living in any case, and he knew he’d as good as committed murder, however justified. If he was sentenced to hang, so be it.

  ‘Jago Kerswell, you are accused of the murder of Sir John Marcombe of Marcombe
Hall. How do you plead?’

  ‘Not guilty.’ Jago said the words automatically. Whether they were true or not, he reasoned there wouldn’t be any point in having a trial if he said he was guilty. Let the man at least work for his verdict.

  ‘Very well, let’s proceed.’

  He heard the judge say Jago had been brought to the Assizes because of the suspicions of the local magistrate. Sir John’s body had been found on the beach and his valet, Thomas Binks, had run to the magistrate claiming his master had been pushed off the cliffs on the night of the twenty-fourth of March.

  ‘And why would you suppose the defendant was the man who pushed your master, Mr Binks?’ the judge asked.

  ‘Well, there were these rumours goin’ round, sir.’

  ‘Rumours? About what?’

  ‘Mr Kerswell bein’ related to his lordship, on the wrong side o’ the blanket, as it were, and them not gettin’ on well.’

  ‘I’ve already been told that this is true. That doesn’t make Mr Kerswell a murderer. Was there a falling out between them? Did you actually see anything happen, Mr Binks?’ The judge looked irritated.

  ‘Well, no, sir,’ the valet stammered, ‘but why else would Sir John end up at the bottom of the cliff? He’d just become a father, to a son and heir no less. It don’t make sense for a man like that to jump, now does it?’

  ‘We’re not dealing in suppositions here,’ the judge told Mr Binks with a stern look. ‘Only facts. Next witness, please.’

  To Jago’s surprise several people stepped forward, one after the other in quick succession, giving testimony in his favour. He listened with increasing amazement as they perjured themselves on his behalf, all sounding truthful and convincing. He hadn’t realised he had so many allies and it went some way towards thawing his frozen insides. Many of them relied on him to lead the smuggling operations, to be sure, but quite a few seemed to be helping him simply because they held him in high regard. It wasn’t something he’d expected.