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Bairns Island.This story may contain adult content. |
| Written by Richard Davies | |
| Wednesday, 12 September 2007 | |
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Share it:       England. Autumn.
“This is a brilliant idea!” Jessica remarked from her forward seat on the cabin cruiser. “'Do you know how long its been since we took a holiday?” “About three hundred years?” Robert replied, as he navigated the craft along the River Yare. “It's been that long I had quite forgotten how gorgeous the countryside is around here.” On the banks of the river, trees had begun to shed their summer leaves, and the water glistened with fiery amber and gold. “I've never been on the broads?” She stumbled to keep her footing on the rolling boat. Robert laughed. “Well, at least you have a week to find your sea legs.”
The Norfolk broads as this area is known, consist of several intertwining rivers and their tributaries that wind lazily across the countryside from the eastern coast of England. The broads are larger bodies of water, shallow lakes, connected by these inland waterways. “Want to stop for lunch?” Robert asked. “According to my map, the Drowning Man Inn is just around that bend ahead. Hope that's not an omen?”
They docked the motor cruiser alongside the tavern, one of the many riverside pubs to be found in this region. It had been built in the seventeenth century, and was typical of the local architecture. The walls were stone with wood beams and pillars throughout, and the roof thatched. In those days the inn was a stopping off point for the many river travelers along this route. It was a far more relaxing way to journey to and from sea-side towns; the alternative was uncomfortable and often cramped horse drawn carriages. The landlord maintained available rooms, and served a hearty breakfast and dinner. The inn was named in memory of the very first owner who apparently drank most of the profits, and one night plunged to his death into the River Yare. Nowadays, only the landlord and his family occupied the tavern, but they still served a fine meal.
Later that afternoon, Jessica, now more confident with a full stomach and a couple of ale's, took over the wheel while Robert with cigar and whiskey in hand, relaxed by her side. It was now late in the season and they were all but alone on the river. In the summer months the broads are full of motor cruisers and yachts, mostly rentals from the many boatyards in the area. Robert badly needed the vacation. For the last ten years, he had done nothing else but work and more work. They were both relieved to be away from the noise, people and constant traffic of London. “Wake up. I think we're lost.” “I wasn't sleeping.” He lied. “Just resting my eyes. Anyway, we can't be lost. You probably left the main waterway, that's all. I'll have a look at the map.” “Is this a broad?” She asked. “ Yes. Bairn's broad. See, we are about here. I'll guide us back to the river.” Robert turned the cruiser about until they faced a small tree covered island in the middle of the broad. Look, there's a place to dock. Fancy stretching your legs?” “Should we?” Jessica asked. “I mean, it could be private property.” “No. I don't see any signs posted, besides, most of this area is National parkland.”
He secured the boat and they walked hand in hand along a narrow path leading inland. In a clearing ahead, hidden from the river, stood an old house. It was surrounded by thick undergrowth and a stone pathway led to the front door. “That's unbelievable!” Jessica exclaimed. “ It's a picture postcard!” “There's a for sale sign. Let's go exploring.”
It seemed to them that the house was three or four centuries old and in surprisingly good condition. There were two stories, built of stone and wood with ivy growing up the outside walls. On one side stood a barn that housed a power generator. “I think someone's home.” Jessica pointed towards a second floor window. “Did you see that curtain move?” But Robert was already knocking on the front door. “This place is ideal. Can you imagine spending weekends here?.. Hello? Anyone home?” “Maybe they don't want to be disturbed?” He knocked harder on the door , and it slowly creaked open... “Good afternoon. Sorry to trouble you. We were wondering...There's no one in here. Come on Jess.” And he entered. The living room was low raftered with oak beams throughout, and the furniture archaic. A large brick fireplace ran almost the length of one wall, with logs stacked on either side. “I bet it's a rental.” Jessica hesitantly joined him. “We should leave.” “Nonsense. It's empty. Stay where you are and I'll make sure.” He climbed the staircase. “Hello, anybody?”...
Jessica waited in anticipation. There were no other sounds, except his footsteps above. After a time, Robert reappeared at the top of the handsomely carved staircase. “What did I tell you? We're alone. Come on up and look at this kiddies bedroom. It's great! Just the place to raise a family.” Jessica reluctantly followed him. “Does that mean you still want to try for children?” “Yes..I suppose it does, but it's rather up to you my love.” He held her in his arms. “You went through quite an ordeal the last time...I wonder how much they're asking for this place?” “I don't know, but we shouldn't make any hasty decisions. There's a lot to consider.” She added. “You're absolutely right. Let's go back to the Drowning Man. The landlord is certain to know who owns this property, and we can get all the info from him.”
Jessica felt a strange sense of relief when Robert shut the door of the house behind them. A thick sea-mist quickly enveloped the island, isolating the couple from the mainland.
They had wanted to have a child so badly, but fate seemed against them. Jessica has suffered form Epilepsy since birth, and while her medication successfully controlled any seizures there were inevitable side effects. She had become pregnant three times over the years but each time the baby was lost after a few months.
“That's just great!” Robert said, irritably. The engine failed to start. He checked the motor, the gas line and anything else he could locate. After many attempts to start the boat he finally gave up. “I can't fix it...Call Ian Marsh. It's his boat. Looks like he rented me an old tub.” Robert smiled. Jessica used her cell phone to contact the boat yard's emergency service. “There's no signal. Must be the mist. Did you notice if there was a telephone in that house?” Evening was quickly drawing in. Rain began to fall heavily, and gusts of wind rocked the boat. Thunder rumbled in the distance. “I think we would be safer on dry land.” Robert suggested. They hastily packed food, blankets and extra clothing and made for the house.
It was difficult to negotiate the wet pathway carrying luggage and torches, but eventually it stood before them. “You go in, and I'll see about starting that generator, hopefully it will power some lights. Leave the luggage under the porch. I'll be back in a jiffy!” It was now pitch-black inside the cottage. Jessica did not want to go in, but forced herself. She opened the front door and shone the flashlight around the room. She immediately saw the fireplace and decided to prepare a fire in the hearth. As Jessica picked up a log the front door slammed shut.
“Mummy, is that you?”... Jessica froze with fear as she heard a child's voice. “Mummy, is that you?”... A ceiling light suddenly flickered on and off. Jessica dropped her torch...“Who are you?”... “Mummy, is that you?... The ceiling light came on again, and then other lights in the house lit up. Jessica looked about the room...She was alone. Suddenly the ceiling creaked. Jessica was startled, but also riled. “This is not funny!” She picked up the flashlight, and climbed the staircase. The door to the children's bedroom was closed. With torch raised in defense Jessica entered the room... There was no one. She searched all the rooms until convinced they was no child or any hidden jokester.
When Robert returned he was greeted by Jessica holding a bottle of wine and two full glasses. “Here, drink this it will warm you up, and then change those wet clothes before you catch your death.” She quickly emptied her glass. “Sorry about that, Jess. It took longer than I thought.” He drank. “Mm, that's good. That generator is as old as the hills, I hope it will last until morning.”
Later that night, they lay in front of the crackling fire, on their third bottle of burgundy. “You know, it's very cozy in here. What's on the tel- e?” Robert was quite content. “It will do us good to spend time away from tv's and telephones.” Jessica replied, slightly intoxicated... “I heard a child's voice. A boy. At least, I think it was.” “When?” “Earlier on, while you were starting that generator thing-ie.” “You sure it wasn't the storm? It's bloody raining cats and dogs out there. I could hardly hear myself think.” “Yes, you're probably right. It's this house, it gives me the creeps...You know, I think we should try again. I was so close this last time, and to loose the poor little thing at the last minute. He was alive. I felt him...” A tear ran down her cheek. Robert re-filled her drink. “It is up to you, I mean that. I want a child, but I don't want to loose you to have one.” He kissed her. “We could adopt.” “I've thought about that, and there are so many homeless children.” “That way, we could pick one that looks like you and not have to worry that it might take after me, cheers!” “Cheers! You are silly.” The rain beat down hard on the wooden roof. Thunder and lightning shook the very foundations of the cottage. “I'm scared.” Jessica shivered. “ Come here. There's nothing to be frightened of, just lousy weather. Maybe it's not such a good idea purchasing this place after all.” He held her tightly in his arms. “ I knew it was too good to be true. Drink up.” After a time, they fell into a deep sleep...
“Mummy, that is you.”...
Two weeks later.
“There she is”, the boatman said to his partner. “I'd better contact the gov'nor... ... Mr Marsh, we've found 'er.” They pulled alongside the cabin cruiser. ...“Are Robert and Jessica all right?” Ian Marsh asked, from his office at the boatyard. “I don't see them. Jack is goin' on board to look around.” “Where are you?” “She's moored at Bairn's island, Mr Marsh.” “What on earth is she doing there, Joe?” “Beats me. Thar's nothin 'ere, Mr Marsh...Jack says thar's no one below.” “How does she look?” Ian Marsh was perplexed. “She's fine. Everythin' is where it should be... Thar clothes and stuff are 'ere, too.” “I don't like the look of this, Joe. What do you think could of happened?” “Well, I don't rightly know? But you know these townies Mr Marsh. They're apt to do anythin'. I'll take a look see on th' island.” “Call me back as soon as you can.” “Will do, gov'nor.”
Ian Marsh had not been unduly worried when Robert and Jessica did not return at the end of their week; He concluded that they took a few extra days, and was happy for them. Ian knew too well how much they both deserved a break from the daily grind of city life, but by the end of the second week he was concerned and sent his boatmen to find them. “Mr Marsh, there's no sign of them on th' island.” “Did you look in the ruins of the old house?” “I did. There's nothin' but a few stones...Hold on, let's try somethin'. May be th' motor broke down or ran out of petrol. Jack, see if she will start.” “Joe, I'm going to call the police.” “You better 'ad Mr Marsh. Thar's nothin' wrong with 'er, the engine sounds fine.”...
Copyright 2008 Richard Davies |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 20 June 2008 ) |
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