The Sins of Springfields

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Bobby and Elisha had been living on the Mason farm for five years; today was their wedding anniversary. They had invited the family to dinner to celebrate with them. The first to arrive was Marjory and Brian, with Douglas running off to find Hope. Douglas was a very quiet boy, not into the usual rough and tumble things boys like; nothing like Marjory and Brian. Growing up they had both been into all sorts of things they shouldn’t. Next to arrive was Thomas and Sylvia, - Thomas was Richard’s father and Sylvia was Amelia’s mother - followed by Kathleen and Donald – Bobby’s parents. There was only Amelia and Bobby to arrive, the dinner was ready, and Elisha was getting anxious. She asked one of the farmhands if he had seen Bobby “Sorry miss, haven’t seen him all day.”

“Ah well, perhaps we had better start without them.” As she said it, Bobby and Amelia came in the front door.

“Hi everyone, look who we found on the road into town,” said Bobby, summoning everyone to the hall. Kathleen was the first out the door “Oh my god, Harry!” She ran to him and hugged him tight. Harry – Bobby’s brother - had left Springfields about the time Elisha was r***d. He had hoped Elisha would tire of Bobby and marry him, he knew now it would never happen.

“Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?” said Kathleen.

“I wanted it to be a surprise for Bobby and Elisha on their anniversary, but I met Bobby on the road from the city.”

About this time Elisha had moved forward to see what was going on and overheard what Harry had said.

“Bobby, what were you doing in the city?” Bobby moved over to his wife and put his arms around her “Getting you an anniversary present. I took Amelia along with me to help me choose the right one,” said Bobby, beaming. Elisha started to tease him “I see, conspiring against me, my own Mammy and husband!” Everyone laughed. “Come on, dinner is ready, let’s eat,” said Elisha, trying to usher everyone into the dining room. “I better put in another place. I do hope you will be staying for dinner Harry?” Elisha looked at Harry he had changed and for the better, gone was the aggression and in its place Elisha was not sure.

“I would be delighted, but I would like to introduce you to my wife.” Everyone stopped and looked, and there from behind Harry came this lovely little young woman, looking very fragile.

Elisha spoke first. “Well Harry, you are full of surprises, congratulations, well it looks like this is going to be a double celebration.”

Harry made the introduction. Abigail was very quietly spoken, a gentle soul, the complete opposite to Harry.

The evening went really well all the family together at last, with new additions. Bobby had bought Elisha a beautiful eternity ring with an inscription, “Yours forever, my love” inscribed on the inside of the ring. It was beautiful. Elisha looked at the inscription and tears welled up, she was so happy, remembering a time when she felt this would never be possible.

Elisha was in the kitchen putting the last of the dishes away when she felt someone come in behind her. Before she could turn, around a voice said, “You are still very beautiful, Elisha.”

Elisha froze, she may not have heard that voice for some time, but she knew who it was. By the time she had the courage to turn around he was gone. Amelia walked into the kitchen to help; she rushed over

to Elisha, “What’s wrong Elisha? You look like you have seen a ghost.” Elisha looked at her mother and through quivering lips said, “He’s here, Mammy”

“Who dear, who are you talking about?”

“The man who, the man who…” Elisha could not say the word, and in that second Amelia knew who she was talking about. Amelia held Elisha close as she silently cried. Once Elisha stopped crying, Amelia said, “Did you see who it was?”

“No, I just heard those words again, there was no mistaking it was him, Mammy.” Elisha was shaking. “Perhaps we had better get you up to your bedroom?”

“No Mammy I’m fine, I’ll not allow this man to ruin this day, whoever he is. Come help me with the dessert?” Elisha and Amelia walked into the dining room pushing the trolley with four different desserts on them.

“Oh Elisha, now you’re going to expect me to choose that’s not fair,” said Marjory laughing.

Brian looked at her. “Well you can do what you always do, and have one of each.” Brian laughed.

“Don’t fib, Brian.” Marjory was embarrassed; she had put on some weight since having Douglas and hadn’t done anything about losing it. Brian saw her embarrassment. “Darling I’ll love you no matter what, as long as you are happy that’s what counts.” Brian leaned over and kissed Marjory on the lips and winked at her. They were all sitting down eating their dessert and Amelia couldn’t help looking round the table at the men wondering who sitting at this table had violated her daughter and why after all this time has he come forward again.

Bobby had insisted Harry and Abigail stay with them. Bobby was so happy to have his brother back.

The following day, they were sitting on the veranda and Bobby had lots of questions and didn’t know where to start; they were sitting at the back of the house looking out on the farm.

“How long are you staying Harry? Are you going to be moving back here?”

“I haven’t decided yet; that’s another reason we have come back. I wanted Abigail to see what life is like in Springfields, to see if she likes it here, and also to see if it’s possible for me to bring my business here.”

“Your business?”

“Yes, I make small parts for the shipping industry. All came about quite by mistake, actually. I came up with an idea, and Abigail’s father came up with the money. We’ve never looked back.” Harry was proud of his accomplishment and it showed.

“Well done Harry, you were always a hard worker and I’m sure you deserve it.” Bobby always looked up to Harry. He had always been clever, whereas Bobby was a doer.

“You have certainly fallen on your feet. This is a lovely farm,” said Harry indicating the area in front of them.

“It’s hard work, but I love it. I feel I’ve found my niche in life and I’m very grateful to Thomas. I do hope you stay,” said Bobby.

Elisha looked at the brothers chatting away and was glad Bobby had Harry back; she knew deep down Bobby missed him.

Elisha and Abigail were sitting in the kitchen; Hope was playing in the garden. “How did you and Harry meet, Abigail?” Abigail was a very quiet person and not easy to have a conversation with.

“A function at his work, I had gone along with a friend. Harry and I were sitting at the same table, and the rest is history. Do you like living in Springfields, I have heard the village chooses who lives here and who doesn’t - sounds rather scary.”

“That’s an old wives tales to ward off those who don’t fit, thought up by people who lived here a long time ago.” Elisha was amazed anybody still told the tale. Hope came running in from the garden and hid behind her mother, “What is it, little one?”

“Nanny and Granddad Devlin are here,” said Hope, looking round at her mother.

“Why are you hiding then?”

“I don’t really know Mammy, but I’m scared.” Hope looked up at her mother, and Elisha could see the fear in her eyes.

“Don’t worry my dear, I’m here, nobody will harm you.” Elisha picked Hope up and kissed her on the cheek. Kathleen and Donald walked in the kitchen door

“Hello Elisha, is Harry here?” asked Kathleen, not even acknowledging Abigail.

“He’s talking to Bobby on the veranda - you remember Abigail, Harry’s wife?”

“I’m so sorry, Abigail, haven’t got used to the idea yet, please forgive me.” Kathleen walked over to Abigail and hugged her, but there was no true feeling in the hug; even Elisha could see it.

Kathleen and Donald walked out to the veranda. Elisha couldn’t believe what she had just seen - how rude! Elisha looked at Hope and noticed they had never even acknowledged her either.

Elisha was sitting in her bedroom getting ready for bed. Bobby came out of the bathroom rubbing his wet hair. “What a lovely day; it has been so great speaking to Harry again. I was worried at one point I’d never see him again, and Mum and Dad are so pleased to see him.” Bobby looked over at Elisha “Did you hear what I said, Elisha?” It was obvious to Bobby Elisha was miles away.

“Sorry dear. I want to ask you something. Did your Mam and Da speak to you today?” Elisha hadn’t looked at Bobby.

“Yes of course they......” Bobby’s voice trailed off.

“They didn’t, did they?” Elisha turned and looked at Bobby.

“Now you mention it, no they didn’t. They walked out on the veranda went straight up to Harry and started talking about Harry going to them for dinner tonight.” Bobby sat on the bed deep in thought.

“We have been married for five years and I can’t remember a time when your Mam or Da have ever asked us for dinner or paid any attention to Hope. I don’t know why I haven’t noticed this before.” Elisha told Bobby what happened earlier with Hope.

“They never even said hello to Abigail. I had to remind Kathleen who she was.”

“Perhaps it’s because they are so excited to see Harry?”

“Yes, maybe” Elisha wasn’t convinced, she started to remember other times, one in particular when Bobby had offered Hope to his father to hold and Hope had screamed until Bobby had taken her back. For some reason Elisha was scared.

The following morning Elisha asked Abigail if she would like to come with her to visit Amelia. Abigail jumped at the chance, which surprised Elisha. It was a beautiful day, Hope wanted to walk so they were not making good time as Hope always wanted to explore. “How was your dinner at the Devlin’s last night Abigail?”

“It was okay,” Abigail couldn’t look at Elisha.

“What’s wrong Abigail; don’t you like the Devlin’s?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, but quite honestly, Elisha, I might as well have been invisible.” Abigail sighed.

“Did you say anything to Harry?” Elisha was interested to see what had been going on.

“He says it’s my imagination, I need to give them time to get used to the idea of us being married, but I’m not sure. Can I be honest with you, Elisha?”

“Of course Abigail”

“I caught Mr Devlin looking at me in a rather odd manner, and even when he realised I’d caught him he grinned at me; fair gave me the creeps.” Abigail shudders.

“Now that’s interesting,” said Elisha.

“Can we talk about something else, Elisha?” Elisha could see Abigail was upset about the whole affair.

“Of course,” said Elisha smiling.

“Tell me is it true you, your mother and grandmother are really gypsies?” Abigail sounded very excited.

Elisha laughed, “Why, yes, who told you?”

“Mrs Devlin, do you get on with the Devlin’s?” asked Abigail.

“Well, it’s something I’d not thought of until now; they have never said they don’t approve of me, why?” Elisha raised and lowered her shoulders not knowing what else to say.

“I’m not sure, after the incident with Hope yesterday and then dinner last night, I was just wondering.” Abigail couldn’t look at Elisha. Elisha stopped and looked at Abigail.

“What are you trying to say Abigail?” asked Elisha.

“It’s probably nothing, just a feeling that’s all.” They continued their walk to Amelia’s in silence.

Once they were on the path to Amelia’s cottage, Hope ran as fast as she could down the path into the cottage “Granny, granny, it’s me Hope!” Amelia came from the kitchen all ready to tease. “Who’s there?”

“It’s me Granny, Hope.”

“Do I know a Hope?” Amelia looked at Hope.

“Of course you do, Granny, don’t be silly.” Hope ran to Amelia, who scooped her up and hugged her until she squealed.

“What’s all the squealing?” asked Elisha, knowing full well what it was.

“It’s Granny, she’s tickling me.” Amelia put Hope down and looked up at Elisha. She sensed something was wrong. “I’ve brought Abigail with me, I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not; welcome, Abigail.” Amelia walked over to Abigail and hugged her, turned to give Elisha a hug as Abigail burst into tears.

“What’s the matter Abigail, did I hurt you?” Amelia realised this girl was small, but…

“No, no, we have been here for a couple of days now and you and Elisha are the only people who have made me feel welcome; even Harry seems different here. I’ve spoken to him about it, he says it’s my imagination, but I know it’s not.” Abigail put her head in her hands and the tears just flowed.

“Come sit down my dear, I’m sure there is a perfectly good explanation for this,” said Amelia guiding Abigail to a chair. Elisha had gone to the kitchen to get her a glass of water.

“What’s the matter with Auntie Abigail, Mammy?” Hope didn’t understand, when she was at her Granny Mason’s there was always laughter.

Back at the house Elisha was going over the events of the day. She was sure something was said at the Devlins’ last night, but Abigail wouldn’t say and she didn’t want to bother Bobby with it, as he was so happy to have Harry home. At dinner Harry dropped a bombshell on them all.

“I have some news, folk. We’ll not be bothering you for much longer.” Abigail looked at Harry.

“Abigail, I’ve found us somewhere to rent for the next six months, and if we like it we can put in an offer to buy.” Harry was beaming. Abigail looked at him, she was speechless, and the smile had gone off her face.

“Really dear, don’t you think it would be prudent to let me look at the property before you assume I’d like to stay?” Elisha was sure she heard an undertone from Abigail. Harry looked at Bobby and her, “I thought you would be pleased to have a house of your own for the time we are here, Abigail?” Harry was taken aback with the way Abigail has spoken to him - it was so unlike her.

“Bobby would you help me clear the table, please?” Elisha stood and started collecting the dishes.

“Of course, would anyone like any more to eat?” Bobby looked at Harry and Abigail. They both declined. Bobby followed Elisha out to the kitchen “What’s going on Elisha?”

“I’m not sure Bobby. We can talk about it later.”

Whilst back in the dining room, “What’s the matter Abby, this isn’t like you?” Harry had a worried look on his face.

“Harry you know I love you dearly, and would do anything to make you happy.”

“Yes I know, there sounds like there is a ‘but’ coming.” Harry sighed.

“I’m sorry, Harry, but I don’t wish to stay any longer in Springfields. I’d like to go home.” Abigail slowly walked away from the table. “I’m tired I’m going to bed.” Abigail kissed Harry on the head.

“I’ll be up shortly, dear.” Harry was worried; he had thought Abigail would like it here and they would settle down and start a family. Springfields was a perfect place for that.

When Elisha came downstairs the following morning there was a suitcase in the hall. She took Hope into the kitchen for breakfast, and there sitting at the table was Abigail. “Is that your case in the hall, Abigail?”

“Yes, I spoke with Harry last night, he knows how I feel. I’ll be going home today and Harry will follow later. There is some business he has to finish before he comes home.” Abigail actually looked better than she had.

“If you’re sure it’s what you want, you know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want Abigail, we are happy to have you.” Elisha said.

“Thank you Elisha. You and Bobby have made me most welcome and I appreciate that, but I feel living here isn’t for me. Mr and Mrs Devlin have made it quite obvious they won’t accept me, so better I go home.”

“What happened with Kathleen and Donald?” Elisha had to find out.

“I saw Mrs Devlin in the village yesterday. I waved and started to walk toward her and she ignored me and walked the other way. What did I ever do to them? They don’t even know me!” Abigail started to look sad again.

Elisha shook her head. “I don’t know what to say, but after what happened here I started to think about different things and you’re right. In the five years Bobby and I have been married, we have never been invited over to dinner. I always thought it was because they didn’t have a very big house and it was easier for us all to come here, but now I’m beginning to wonder. Also, you saw how Hope was when they came; there was a time when Bobby passed Hope over to Donald to hold and she screamed the place down; she wasn’t quiet until Bobby took her back. Something very strange is going on here.” Elisha looked at Abigail

“Is it because she doesn’t like men?” asked Abigail.

“Why would you think that?”

“Well, she is very reluctant to go to Harry.”

“That’s because she doesn’t know him; she’ll be fine now she has met him.” But Elisha wasn’t sure.

“After what happened to you?” said Abigail?

“What do you mean, Abigail?”

“I was told children pick up on the parent’s thoughts and energies transferred from mother to baby.” Abigail had realised she had spoken out of turn and tried to cover it up. “I’m not suggesting anything at all, Elisha.”

“Who told you, Abigail?” Elisha looked at Abigail and she swallowed hard.

“When we were at the Devlins’ for dinner they were telling Harry about it. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

“Why would they be telling Harry? It’s in the past.” Elisha was shocked.

“Come to think of it, it was when Kathleen was talking about it; I noticed the way Mr Devlin was looking at me.” Abigail shuddered.

“Did Harry say anything?” Elisha wasn’t sure why she had asked the question.

“No not at first then he said, ‘poor Elisha’ it was then I also realised Harry had more than just sisterly feelings for you, Elisha.” Abigail was sad.

“Don’t be silly Abigail, it’s very obvious Harry loves you very much; if you had met Harry back then, well let’s just say he was a totally different person. His love for you and your love for him has made him the man he is today and believe me, he is a much better man.” Elisha was holding Abigail’s hand.

“Do you really think that Elisha? And there has never been anything between you two?” Abigail looked at Elisha with a very sad and pleading look.

“No of course not, Bobby is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had and I’ve never wanted anyone else.” Elisha smiled at Abigail and hugged her.

“I find it unbelievable someone as beautiful as you has only ever had one boyfriend!” said Abigail. Elisha took Abigail by the arm and they walked into the garden both laughing. At dinner, Harry announced they would be staying after all and they had rented the old Headley place.

Elisha just stared at them both: she had a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach..........