“We’ve had several mediums in the inn, and they tell a similar story. She was a chambermaid called Katherine. She’s very gentle and wishes to mother people. Katherine has moved glasses and filled empties, and she’s even been observed moving dirty plates,” Maggie said.
“From what we’ve experienced, Katherine hates bad manners and is quick to correct with a slap to the back of the head,” Lucian added, rubbing the back of his head.
A few chuckles came from the audience.
“So yes, the Jekyll and Hyde is haunted, but not by Lucian Norton or Margery Cross,” Maggie finished.
“So you be callin’ those of us who’ve seen them liars, then?” a belligerent man said.
“Oh no. You saw them. Katherine conceived them to keep you away. For someone reason, she’s deathly frightened of the locals. A medium picked up on the inn, nearly catching fire and people trying to break in. Katherine grew afraid as rumours began after the disappearance of Lucian Norton and Margery Cross. The innkeeper at the time went stark raving crazy, and Katherine was terrified. So, she created their images to keep everyone away so she could haunt in peace,” Maggie said, letting sadness enter her face.
“Such a lonely existence, wanting someone to look after but not being able to trust the guests won’t hurt you. I guess even ghosts can be afraid,” Lucian added.
“And the light show the other night? Half the village saw that, Miss,” the belligerent man yelled.
“That was our fault. We had brought in a medium who frightened Katherine, so she started her usual tricks, only upped them greatly,” Lucian said.
A woman climbed to her feet.
“Know what I think? This is a load of codswallop,” she declared bluntly. Maggie felt her heart sink. “I believe we all witnessed the battle between him and Margery Cross. We saw her there,” she pointed at Maggie, “free those poor trapped children. And then we witnessed God come for those kiddies. And somehow, Lord Norton returned to life. Now it ain’t for me to cross God’s Will.
“I reckon a good man spent centuries keeping this area safe and sound, got his just rewards. That’s between him and his God. I can’t prove diddly squat, Miss Maggie. But a chap walking around in seventeenth-century clothing is making a statement. I’m thinking the staff possibly need costumes the same, if you get my meaning.
“You mayhap have a ghost lady, but she wasn’t behind the evil in that inn. But Margery Cross is gone, and no thanks to her dunderheaded descendent. I’ll be coming for a lookie-loo when you open in two weeks,” Mrs Crane stated.
“Mrs Crane!” someone exclaimed.
“Ah, shut up, you superstitious fools. Anyone can see Lord Norton is alive. We can’t prove anything. But we can suspect. And watch. First sign of evil returning, we’ve got people in place to warn us. You idiots thinking of going on witch hunts, be warned, I’ll be keeping a sharp eye on you, and so will the knitting circle!” Mrs Crane threatened.
Men across the hall blanched.
“Knitting circle?” Maggie asked Lucian.
“It’s made of the women who really run the village. Maybe a good idea if you join, dearest one. Then again, I think you have too much power already!” Lucian chuckled.
“Sounds like fun to me,” Maggie laughed as Lucian dropped a kiss on her head. Several old ladies in the crowd melted at the look of adoration Lucian presented Maggie with.
“Now, lassie, I hope you’re not going to be serving fancy foo-foo food. Good old-fashioned cooking is what the Jekyll and Hyde needs,” Mrs Crane said.
“We may be late opening. No one has applied for the jobs we put out,” Maggie replied.
“Got a list, girl? Here, give it to me. We’ll drum up people for you. My grandson, for one, just finished four years at college for cookery skills. Knows how to cook the old-fashioned way too, lots of good rib-sticking food. Mrs Lake, chase those two granddaughters of yours down. There are waitress jobs going. Mrs Henderson, speak to Duffy, that lad can busboy. Now he’s a little slow, but he works hard and cares about his standards. Be patient with him, and that boy will be a star for you,” Mrs Crane declared, reaching up and grasping the list.
“Here, I’ll photocopy that, Nan. Do you have application forms?” a young woman asked.
“At the inn, yes,” Lucian said, bemused.
“I’ll come by and collect them. We have some decent local people around who can fill these jobs. And what about suppliers? Are you sticking local?” the woman inquired.
Mrs Crane sat back with a smug look.
“We were trying to place local orders, but we’ve had to shop in supermarkets for now,” Maggie admitted.
“I can speak to the locals and kick some asses into gear,” the woman replied, frowning at the list.
“My granddaughter, Natalie, she’s just finished college for hospitality and catering and how to run a business,” Mrs Crane prodded.
Maggie began laughing.