Amanda Cadabra and The Strange Case of Lucy Penlowr by Holly Bell (best english novels for beginners .txt) 📕

The fire was on, and the room was comfortably lit. She was feeling decidedly drowsy.

‘Good lunch?’ Mike asked cheerily.

‘Amazing,’ Amanda replied emphatically. ‘But I think I could do with some coffee!’

‘I have some fresh mint in the garden. Good for an infusion,’ he offered.

‘Thank you, that does sound refreshing.’

Thomas got up. ‘I’ll give you a hand.’

‘Oh yes, my old back, bending down,’ jested Hogarth in a croaking voice.

Once in the garden, having navigated around the old stair carpet, Trelawney asked urgently,

‘Look, Mike, can you tell me exactly what you’re planning?’

‘All right, lad. The truth is that the story I am telling you both is incomplete. We believe Amanda could give us at least some of the missing pieces. At this stage, her dreams —’

‘Nightmares,’ interjected Trelawney with concern.

‘Yes, her nightmares — are our best lead. I need her to sleep, and go back to the scene of the crime.’

‘Where she was the victim? In the Cardiubarn crypt?’

‘Precisely.’

Trelawney looked appalled. ‘It seems so ... so drastic. Is it really vital?’

‘I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t know what we’re dealing with. If arcane weapons are in the hands of any surviving members of the witch-clans, that is bad news. As long as there are unanswered questions, unknown quantities, yes, it is vital we get hold of any information we can. Amanda has only to decline, though.’

‘Hm. Oh, I’m sure she’ll be all eager beaver about it,’ Thomas replied acerbically. ‘Give her something hazardous to do and she can’t get ready fast enough!’

Hogarth suppressed a grin, as he bent to pluck some choice leaves from the alpine mint bush beside him.

‘And that’s an undesirable trait?’ he asked.

‘In someone I’m supposed to attempt to protect, it’s rather an unhelpful one,’ Trelawney pointed out. Hogarth chuckled. ‘But if she is willing …’

‘Then let the unfolding of the story run its course.’

‘It will be Miss Cadabra’s decision, after all,’ Thomas responded resignedly. ‘I can only support her in whatever that is.’

‘Good man. Want to carry these sprigs in for me? Not sure if my aged bones will make it to the kitchen with all that extra weight.’ That drew a laugh from Trelawney, and they went back inside.

In the sitting-room, Hogarth led the conversation from the pub and lunch to the case so far.

‘So, we know about the Flamgoynes’ presence: which of them was there,’ he summarized.

‘Yes,’ agreed Amanda, ‘but what about which Cardiubarns?’

‘Quite.’

‘Is that why you wanted the photos? Did they arrive?’

‘At dead of night. Just as I’d finished the dining-room walls.’

‘Can I see them?’

‘Of course. But not quite yet, if you don't mind, Amanda.’

Chapter 41

Into the Past

Amanda looked at Hogarth in surprise.

‘You don’t want me to look at the photos yet? Er, ok ... all right.’

‘You see,’ he began to explain, ‘the one link we have between the Dowrkampyers and the Cardiubarns is the grimoire. We know it was with the Cardiubarns when you were three. What we need to know is which Cardiubarns were there, that one time you saw it.’

‘You need me to remember? But I never see the faces clearly when I dream or flashback, and even then I don’t remember them.’

‘But if you could?’

The light of excitement glowed in Amanda’s eyes.

‘Then we’d know who was probably involved in taking it?’

‘It would be a step in the right direction,’ Hogarth responded gently. ‘When you remember or dream about the scene in the crypt, do you look at the faces?’

‘No ... I .... It’s not something I naturally look at, at any time.’

‘Do you think you could?’ he asked quietly.

‘I ... Yes, but I don’t see ....’

‘If you have a nap right now and if —’

‘— I dreamt about them and remembered to look carefully …?' asked Amanda.

‘And then looked at the photos as soon as you awoke ....’

‘Yes … yes, that would be my best chance. Is that why you wanted me to have a sleepy lunch?’

‘Yes, mainly, but I also wanted you both to enjoy some reward for your endeavours.’

She smiled. ‘I understand. But how can I be sure I will dream about my time in the family crypt?’

‘Will you allow me to help?’ offered Hogarth.

‘Like hypnosis?’ Amanda suggested.

‘A little.’

‘All right,’ she replied readily. ‘I trust you. Uncle Mike.’

‘Thank you, my dear. Are you sure? You must be sure you are willing to do this. I have some idea of how disturbing such a trip into the past can be.’

‘If it’s our only way forward, of course. You’ll stay nearby?’

‘Yes, Thomas and I will be right here.’

Mrrwwoaow.

‘And Tempest too, naturally,’ he added mock-hastily.

‘Of course. I want to help. What do we do?’

‘Do you know what popply root is?’

Amanda did.

‘Yes, it induces … Granny very rarely used it. She said it was extremely dangerous and, if you didn’t get the mix right with dorchet grass, it could put you into a sleep you wouldn’t wake up from on this plane of existence.’

‘And she was right,' Hogarth agreed. 'I've made some, very carefully, I promise. The root is pretty ancient and has lost most of its potency, but on top of lunch and wine, it should just tip the balance into sleep.’

Amanda nodded keenly.

‘Bring it on, Uncle Mike.’

‘Will you draw the curtains, Thomas, and light the candles? Amanda, make yourself comfortable on the sofa.’ She lay down on her side so she could feel the warmth from the logs burning in the hearth. Hogarth went to the kitchen. They heard the gas being lit on the hob.

Trelawney still had his doubts.

‘Are you sure about this, Miss Cadabra?’

‘Yes, Inspector. It's all right.