Lord of the Far Island, Victoria Holt [world of reading TXT] 📗

dance—a welcome to the summer—which the gentry danced at midday—the children at ten-thirty and the servants later in the day; then there were the hurling matches, which were almost as popular as the wrestling. But Midsummer was the greatest feast of all. "It is the worship of the sun," said Michael Hydrock. "It has come down to us from pre-Christian days. You should see the people dancing round the fires. It's supposed to be a precaution against witchcraft. In the old pagan days they used to throw a living thing into the fire as a talisman against the evil eye. In some places now they throw in floral hoops and herbs, flowers of all kinds. Some of the old superstitions still prevail.

And of course there are the midnight bonfires. You should see them springing up all over the moors."

It was all very interesting but finally it occurred to me that I was staying too long. So I thanked him for the hospitality and said I must be on my way. It had been such an enjoyable afternoon and I was glad I had been lost in the wood.

The pony trap had arrived and I was helped into it. Michael Hydrock took the reins and I sat beside him. His clean-cut profile was turned towards me and I thought what a pleasant face his was—not exactly distinguished but kindly. Here was a man whom it would be easy to understand: I felt he could be relied on to act in a predictable manner.

He said: "I fancy the wind is softening a little. It may well be that the sea will be calm enough for you to go out to the Island tomorrow morning."

"I had no idea that I should be delayed so long."

"It's the geographical location of the Island actually. It's not so far from the land—only three miles—but this coast has its idiosyncrasies. It's a treacherous coast at the best of times and it's unwise to go out with anyone but an experienced boatman. There's a mass of rock just below the sea which has to be carefully skirted and there are quicksands about a mile or so east of Polcrag beach. It has been said that was why the Island was called the Far Isle. You see, it's not that it is so very far from the mainland, just that conditions so often put it out of reach."

"Is there more than one island?"

"There's the main one, which is moderately large as islands go. It's about ten miles by five; then there is a small one very close. There is only one house on that one. There is another, too, which is not inhabited at all and which is a sort of bird sanctuary."

We were almost in the town and I could see the beginning of the Polcrag street. I was sorry, for I wanted to go on riding with Michael Hydrock and hearing about the life of the neighborhood. I thought I might perhaps glean a little more information about my family.

"It was kind of you to take such care of me after I'd trespassed," I told him.

"I felt guilty because you'd tripped in my woods."

"Where I had no right to be! But I'm afraid I can't say I'm sorry. It's been such a delightful afternoon."

"One thing, it has shown you a little of our countryside. We shall meet again as you won't be far off."

"I do hope so. Do you often come to the Island?"

"Occasionally. And you must come to Hydrock Manor when you are on the mainland."

"I must pick a fair day if I don't want to get stranded."

"I think it may be possible for you to cross tomorrow. In fact the signs indicate that it almost certainly will be."

I felt excited at the prospect.

Now we were right in the town. One or two people looked after the pony trap and I guessed they must be wondering who the stranger was with Michael Hydrock.

As we entered the inn yard Mrs. Pengelly, who happened to be there, looked at us in blank amazement.

Michael Hydrock smiled at her. "It's all right, Mrs. Pengelly. Miss Kellaway hurt her ankle in the woods and I've brought her back."

"My dear life!" she exclaimed.

Michael had leaped down and was helping me out.

"How is it?" he asked as I stood on my feet.

"Quite all right, I think. I can scarcely feel anything."

"Well sir," said Mrs. Pengelly, "would you come in and drink a tankard of ale or a goblet of wine or should I make a nice brew of tea?"

"Thank you but no, Mrs. Pengelly. I must be off now."

He took my hand and smiled at me gently.

"Be careful of the ankle," he said. "And when you come to the mainland ... or if you feel at any time you need . . . and you would like to, do call. I should be delighted."

"You have been most good to me," I said earnestly.

"It was nothing and has been a pleasure."

Then he was back in the trap and, smiling, turned the horse, who trotted out of the courtyard.

Mrs. Pengelly and I stood together watching him.

Then I went into the inn and up to my room, where I lay on the bed, my foot stretched out before me. I had not been there five minutes when there was a tap on the door and Mrs. Pengelly came in. Her eyes were alight with curiosity. I could see that she thought it very odd that I should have been brought back by Michael Hydrock.

She said: "I wondered if there was anything I could get you, Miss Kellaway?"

I assured her there was nothing I wanted but she lingered and I could see she wanted to talk and I must admit that I was eager that she should do so, for since she had known my mother and actually lived on the Island there was obviously a great deal she could tell me.

"It was strange that you should meet Sir Michael," she said.

"I had no idea that he