Ravens Deep (one) by Jane Jordan Read Free Book Online Page B

a while. . .” I paused, “up at Ravens Deep.” The man did not seem to give any indication that he recognized the name, so I continued. “It is about four miles from here.”  He gave a nod of acknowledgement.
                  “Is that a holiday place?” he asked, breaking the silence. I smiled warmly at him.
                  “No, it’s just an old house, belonging to a friend.”  I felt that this was not much of an explanation, so I continued.  “It is quite hidden and remote, off the beaten track a bit, but the views from up there are beautiful.” 
                  The ducks, realizing we had nothing more to offer, had gone back to the pond. After a few moments, I turned to him.  I sensed he was local and he might be a useful person to tell me more about the area.
                  “How long have you lived here?” I asked.  The man seemed to think for a bit.              
                  “About sixty two . . . three years,” he laughed.  “Too long . . . I should have left long ago.”  I smiled in return, but thought that it was a bit of a strange comment, and after a few minutes my own curiosity got the better of me.
                  “Don’t you like living here?”  I asked, hoping he didn’t think I was prying into his personal affairs, especially when he seemed to think about the question in detail before he answered.
                  “I have always loved the countryside, but it can get very lonely and sometimes beautiful can get boring,” he concluded with a knowing look. I saw a look of sorrow lurking in his eyes as he continued.  “I was going to leave, just never got around to it.”  He fell silent for several more moments and I thought perhaps I had been too forward and I should not push him any further.  But it was he who spoke next.
                  “Have you been up to Selman Point yet?” his train of thought and mood had changed completely. 
                  “No, I haven’t heard of that what is it?”  I replied with interest.
                  “It is the highest point on this coast, you can look down to the sea and across the moors for miles, there is a signpost on the other side of the village. You can‘t miss it.”
                  “I will certainly drive up there, thank you.  I’m Madeline by the way, Madeline Shaw.”  My companion turned to me and extended his hand.
                  “Samuel Dunklin,” he replied.  We shook hands, then sat quietly just enjoying the
    peaceful afternoon.  As reluctant as I was to leave, I knew I should get back to Ravens Deep, so I stood up.
                  “It was nice to meet you Samuel.”
                  “Likewise, Madeline, I hope you have a nice stay in . . . what did you call it?” Samuel brow furrowed trying to recall my earlier words.
                  “Ravens Deep.”               
                  “Ah yes.  .  .  I cannot ever remember hearing that name before though.”
                  “It belongs to Mr. Chambers, I believe the family has owned the house for years,” I said patiently, in an effort to jog his memory.
                  “Chambers?” He looked at me sharply. “There was a family, I don’t think that was their name though, they owned everything around here.” He seemed thoughtful as if he were trying to recall a memory. I was interested to hear that fact and sat down again, shifting my position on the bench to face him.
                  “Does the family still live close by?” Samuel paused for a moment.
                  “They were an old family and it’s just an old story,” he said a little dismissively, but he caught my inquiring look and obvious interest.  “It happened a very long time ago, before my time.”