Page 10 of Spellbinding Spirit

“There is something else,” I say, leaning back in my chair.

Sebastian looks up from his own plate with his fork halfway to his mouth. “You mean on the tape? Because I’m still processing that.”

“No,” I reply, shaking my head. “Before I came here. When I was digging into Sally’s past.”

He sets his fork down, curiosity piqued. “What did you find?”

“I didn’t want to bring it up until I was sure we’d found something in the attic,” I say, twisting my fingers nervously. “But now that we’ve heard that voice... I found Sally’s family.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Her family? As in living relatives?”

I nod as a little thrill of excitement tingles through me. “She had a sister called Lillian. After Sally died Lillian’s family stayed in Fellside. One of her descendants is still here… a Mrs Harris. She’s in her seventies now and she lives on the edge of the village.”

Sebastian leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “And you’ve talked to her?”

“Not yet.”

His lips quirk into a sceptical smile. “And you didn’t think to mention this before?”

“I wanted to wait until we had more to go on,” I admit, spreading my hands. “. I didn’t want to show up at the poor woman’s house with nothing but theories.”

He shakes his head, half amused. “You’re something else, you know that?”

“And yet here you are tagging along.” I grin. “I thought I could call her and see if she’s willing to meet with us this morning.”

“Do it,” Sebastian holds out my phone to me, his eyes full of curiosity.

Mrs Harris’s lives in a picture-perfect cottage on the outskirts of Fellside, its stone walls draped with ivy. Even on this drizzly day in February it looks welcoming. Despite the charming surroundings, I can feel my nerves buzzing in anticipation as Sebastian pulls his car into the gravel drive.

After I blurted out the whole story on the phone Mrs Harris just giggled and asked me to come over for tea. She was surprised when I called but willing to meet us. She said she remembers stories about Sally… stories her grandmother told her. The thought of being able to get background stories on what Sally was like makes me feel giddy. There is plenty of research available on the lives of the upper classes back then but information on the intimate details of the lives of the working classes are not easy to get hold of.

Sebastian glances at me as he parks, his expression softening. “Relax Cat. You’re just meeting a sweet old lady. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I know. But what if she thinks I’m crazy? It wouldn’t be the first time,” I mutter.

“She won’t,” Sebastian assures me, getting out of the car.Let's hope he is right.

The door opens before we even reach it and a spry woman with bright eyes and silver hair greets us with a warm smile. “You must be Cat,” she says, her voice brisk and friendly. “And Sebastian. I’ve heard of you.”

He flashes his most charming smile. “All good things, I hope.”

She laughs. “Mostly. Please come in. I’ve put the kettle on.”

The cottage is cosy and cluttered in the most endearing way, full of books, photos, and knickknacks that speak to a life well-lived. A tall, broad-shouldered man in his early forties is working on the banister on the stairs leading to the upper floor.

“This is my grandson Alex,” Mrs Harris introduces us. “Alex, these are the people I was telling you about. Cat and Sebastian.”

Alex turns and I see a flicker of recognition pass between him and Sebastian.

“Sebastian,” Alex says, extending a hand. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Alex,” Sebastian replies with a grin. “Still saving lives up in the fells?”

“Someone has to,” Alex chuckles.

“Cat, Alex is a member of the Fellside Mountain Rescuers,” Sebastian introduces me. Of course they know each other; welcome to village life!

Alex nods to me. “Nice to meet you.”

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