The Moon Spun Round by Elenor Gill Read Free Book Online

introduce you to a few people.’
    ‘They won’t think I’m strange, a widow living on her own in an isolated cottage?’
    ‘Look, don’t worry about what people think. They’re bound to be curious at first. But that’s all it is, curiosity, and it’ll soon pass.’ Abbie picks the last crumbs from her plate and rummages in her pocket for a tissue with which to wipe her hands. ‘Besides, this village has always been a place for women.’
    ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘I’m not sure how to explain it. It’s the women who are its strength. Or maybe it’s a place where women are able to grow strong. It seems to have a sort of healing quality, something in the atmosphere, or—’
    The conversation is halted by the sound of a vehicle engine. Through the window they see a blue van drawing up at the gate.
    ‘Ah, my worldly goods have arrived.’ Sally opens the door and waves, letting the driver know he has the right place.
    ‘Looks like you’re going to be busy’ Abbie swallows the last of her tea. ‘Do you need a hand or would I be more help getting out of your way?’
    ‘Oh, no, that’s fine, I’ll manage. It’s mainly clothes and books and a few pictures. The cottage came fully equipped, but I thought I’d like my own kitchen stuff and linens, that sort of thing. It’s mostly a matter of deciding where to put it all.’
    ‘OK. Then I’d better make myself scarce. Look, anything you need: just ring. And you won’t forget Sunday, will you? But don’t expect a full roast dinner. It’ll be nothing special—party leftovers probably’ She parks her mug on the draining board and heads for the door. ‘Come over early, about eleven, and then I can give you the full tour. In fact, come over any time if you feel like a chat. Bye.’ Abbie backs her four-wheel-drive out of the way as the deliveryman opens his rear door and heaves down a trolley.
    Cat takes one look at what’s going on, then heads off down the garden.

    ‘Ah, there you are! Well, are you coming in? He’s gone now, it’s perfectly safe.’ A dark shadow emerges from the bushes and slinks along the wall. Sally has been calling from the back door, and growing concerned. Only five o’clock, but already it’s dark and the bitter wind is threatening to bring rain in its wake. No doubt Cat is used to roughing it, but even so Sally hates the thought of her staying out all night. ‘Oh, come on, hurry up. Then I can close the door.’
    Cat moves warily, sniffing her way around the unfamiliar cartons. Sally’s precious chinaware is already stowed in the glass-fronted cupboards, but piles of cookery books and cooking utensils litter the kitchen table. Each item is carefully scrutinized, then Cat inspects the rest of the house, following the trail of debris created by the unpacking. Satisfied that Sally’s CD player poses no immediate threat, she rubs it with the side of her mouth, marking it with her own scent and giving it permission to stay.
    ‘I’m glad everything meets with your approval. Look, I know you seem to make your own arrangement about getting in and out, but I think I’ll get someone in to fit a cat-door. It would save me worrying. And how about a nice cosy cat basket?’
    Cat chirrups and jumps up onto the most comfortable-looking armchair, curls around and settles down to wash.
    ‘Yeah, right, who needs a cat basket? I’ll take the sofa, then.’ Sally flops down onto the cushions, slipping off her shoes and drawing her legs up onto the footstool.
    ‘Well, Cat, I guess we’re home.’

Four
    Evening of Saturday, 4 November
    T HE PYROTECHNICS START even before it gets dark. Of course that had been going on since the boxes of fireworks started to appear in the shops—the occasional volley of explosions, kids on their way home from school. But this is Saturday and most bonfire parties will happen tonight. As Sally draws the curtains, a few early rockets whiz skyward, exploding over the new housing development in showers of