Witch from the Sea

We were sampling the sucking-pig when Colum Casvellyn entered the dining-room. I kept my eyes averted and my mother and I talked of the journey we had had as though he were not there.

He was not the sort to allow himself to be ignored.

He demanded the host’s attention; he would have the prime cut of the beef and the largest of the pies. Nessie waited on him, ignoring everyone else to obey his command immediately.

“It has been a fine day,” he said, addressing me.

“It has,” I agreed.

“You have come far?”

“A day’s ride.”

“How long is that?”

“It would depend on the riders, I doubt not.”

“I was referring to these riders.” He nodded towards my mother and me.

“We left Plymouth two days since.”

“Plymouth. But of course. Captain Jake Pennlyon! One of the nation’s heroes.”

“I doubt not you were at sea with the fleet, sir.”

“Aye,” he said. “And gave a good account of myself.”

“I doubt not that either,” I said. “Mother, have you finished?”

She said she had.

“Then,” I said, “let us go to see how this room in which we are to spend the night compares with the one this gentleman has taken from us.”

He laughed loudly.

We rose but unfortunately we had to pass close to him on our way out and as we did so, he caught at my gown so that I was pulled up short.

I looked down with disgust at his fingers which held my skirt but had no alternative but to meet his gaze. He was looking straight up at me; with mischief in his bright dark eyes—and more. He disturbed me; I tried to tweak my dress out of his fingers but he held on firmly.

“Sir?” I said with fury and indignation.

My mother was pulling at my arm, not aware that he was holding me.

I said: “You will take your hands from my gown.”

“I but wish to be civil,” he said.

“Civil! I do not understand your manner,” I retorted.

My mother was getting very angry. “How dare you lay hands on my daughter,” she said. “If you do not …”

He waited for her to go on, his brow slightly cocked, the insolent smile on his lips. He wanted to hear what she would do, knowing full well it could amount to nothing. He was the master here. The landlord lived in terror of him. What could two helpless females do against such a man?

He said: “I was about to say, Madam, that I have no wish that you should think hardly of me. Therefore I shall tell the landlord that I shall occupy the inferior room for I shall give up the Oak Room to you ladies.”

We were silent, completely taken off our guard.

My mother recovered herself first. She said coldly: “There is no need. We are quite prepared to take the other room.”

He was vehement. He had released my skirt and rapped his fist on the table. “You shall have the Oak Room. I will sleep happily in the inferior one. Nessie, call your father. At once, girl. Don’t stand there gaping.”

As we were about to leave the room the landlord appeared. “These ladies are to have the Oak Room,” roared Colum Casvellyn. “Take their baggage and put it back. I relinquish it. Now, Nessie, fill my goblet.”

My mother said to the landlord, “This is a ridiculous matter and I would see an end of it. We will not go back to the Oak Room. We shall leave it for that … that … ill-mannered oaf …”

The landlord shook his head, beginning to tremble. “He has said it shall be, my lady, and so it must.”

He looked so terrified that my mother shrugged her shoulders. Our bags were brought back to the Oak Room, Jennet unpacked and we decided we would settle down for the night.

My mother locked the door. With such people in the inn one could never be sure, she said.

It was a long time before I could sleep although the bed was comfortable. I kept thinking of Colum Casvellyn and imagining his being in this bed with Nessie, for I was sure the girl was spending the night with him. I felt excited in a rather unpleasant way; something had been aroused in me of which until this time I had been unaware.

My mother was wide awake too. We talked a little and then were silent and finally she did sleep. Jennet on her pallet was asleep, breathing with the deepness of complete and undisturbed repose. I tried not to toss and turn for fear of disturbing my mother and lay rather stiffly and uncomfortably.

As I lay there I heard a faint thud on the window pane. At first I thought I had imagined it and lay still, listening. It came again. Swiftly and silently I got out of bed and went to the window. I pushed it open and looked out. The half moon threw a white light on the trees and hedges. It was beautiful out there and the air was mild and sweet-smelling. Then I saw the shadow emerge from among the trees and he was standing there, legs apart, looking up at the window.

I drew back; I heard him laugh. He put his hand to his lips, kissed it and threw the hand towards me. I was so astonished that for a few seconds I just stood there looking at him. He threw out his arms as though inviting me to come down.