Mrs. Braithwaite, Part III free porn video

Mrs. Braithwaite, Part III. by Geneva After meeting an old friend and surviving an attack, a witch reevaluates her way of life and her place in her coven. This is a following story to "Mrs. Braithwaite, part II". Although it will stand on its own, it might be advisable to read "Mrs. Braithwaite, part II" for background. While this story has a transgender component, it is only one of the themes. Brian Errol drove carefully away from the scene, keeping below the speed limits and being careful with his signals. It would not do to get the attention of the police. Still, he had left the woman tied up and it should be hours before the alarm was raised. Being a salesman, had good reasons for travelling that way anyway, and all the time he was with the woman he had worn a mask. There was no way he could be recognised. He had been careful too not to get any blood on him. He began whistling. Now was the intriguing challenging part, selecting another victim. That would take the same amount of careful planning. ...................... It was Sue, looking out of the kitchen window, who noticed it first, a small dark green sports car coming up the path from the main road. "Martha," she called, "Visitors!" Martha put down her papers and looked out of the window at the view over the valley. She sighed. It was a fine summer afternoon and the air was clear. "Bother," she muttered. She had been concentrating on an analysis of a company for her investments and now the thread of her thought was broken. Actually, she really did not appreciate visitors at any time. She, Sue and Dora were self- sufficient and preferred visitors, if at all, to have made arrangements well in advance. Being witches, and their way of life, they were careful to avoid any possible risks. It was vital to keep the coven and its activities secret. She squinted into the sun from the front door as the car, a small MG, drove into the yard and stopped in front of the door. The driver's face was in shadow at first, but then as a young woman got out of the car, Martha's heart leaped with recognition. She flung open the door and hurried to her visitor. There was a moment's hesitation then both women embraced. "Simone," Martha cried, "What a surprise! Oh, it's so nice to see you." She stood back to look at her visitor. The girl was a real beauty, with a classic oval shaped face, high cheek bones, a pert nose and a clear brow . The girl's figure was slim, but nicely curved. The breeze caught her long dark gleaming hair, and blue eyes sparkled under fine arched brows and long lashes. Her lips were full and appealing. Martha studied her visitor, approving of what she saw. The girl had a stunning appearance, enhanced with good grooming and a light makeup. "Well, Mrs. Braithwaite, how are you?' Simone laughed. "I should say Martha." "Let me see you." Martha looked at Simone's clothing with approval. She was not elaborately dressed, just a light coat, open over a pale blue jumper and a grey knee length skirt, tan stockings and medium heeled black shoes. The material of her clothes looked as if it was good quality. She carried herself well, her head up and her shoulders back. "Oh, you look so good. It's such a long time since we saw you. How are things with you and I see you have a car?" Simone laughed. "Oh, not really. The car is actually my boyfriend's. I borrowed it for the day, but yes, I'm well and getting on fine." "A boyfriend! He must like you well to loan you his car. You must tell me more about him, but first, how have you been? How are your studies? It was science, wasn't it?" "Yes, botany actually. I'm getting on well and enjoying it." "But do come along inside. Ah look, here's Sue." Sue's face also lit up at the visitor. She smoothed the front of her apron and hesitated. "Dear me, Simone, you surprised me. I was just getting stuff ready for tonight's tea, and here I am in my apron." "Never mind that, Sue. It's so nice to see you again," and Simone embraced her too. "Eh, ye do look well, Simone, but it's been too long since we've seen ye, lass." "Yes, I'm sorry, I've been so busy. I intended to come back to see you after my first year at university, but I had to rush off to a summer job, then the next year of university was on me, and then I began to imagine you'd be offended that I hadn't contacted you, and so on. Last year I met this boy and well, we've been seeing a lot of each other. But I made up my mind, now that I am going into my finishing year to come to see you. Sorry, I should have written to you to warn you or telephoned you." "However, " Simone bit her lip, "I was wondering too if you would want to see me, in case it reminded you of some things better forgotten." She gave a slight grimace, then a faint, almost apologetic smile. A slight chill passed through Martha's heart, but, "come along into the conservatory," she said, and ushered Simone through the hallway into the room at the back. Simone went to stand at the window looking out over the valley. " I always loved this view. You can see so far on a day like this. The moors are so lovely in the sunshine. I always remember the day when you offered to let me stay with you here. I was just a....lad." Simone had hesitated at the last word." It was here in this room." "I'll get something to drink," said Sue. "Tea or coffee, Simone?" "Coffee, please," said Simone, "with milk only." "Black for me," said Martha. "I'll just have tea for meself," said Sue." I can never understand how you can drink the likes of that stuff!" Martha indulged her with a faint smile. "Where's Dora?" asked Simone. "Off doing some errands, I'm not sure how long she will be. Now, Simone, you must tell me what has been happening with you. You know, I am awfully glad you came back to see us. I wondered if you had decided to break contact with us after what happened." "Well, after I left here to start university, I had to work pretty hard. And it took some adjustment too, over months, being with girls my own age. After all, I didn't have the same lot of memories growing up female as they all had. Then there were the boys. You had warned me that my looks would attract men and I did. Also, I liked them. I had to do some fairly fast learning how to behave with men and I nearly got burned." "I knew I was pretty and with my looks I would never have been short of dates. I was luckier than most girls. I could afford to be very selective about who I went out with, but when it started to interfere with my studies I got much more selective." She grinned. "I'm sorry, Martha, that sounds very conceited, but some I just didn't trust." "Eventually I met this boy, well man. He's called Alan Bain. He is a science student too, in geology, and just starting a Ph.D. We have been seeing each other for a few months." Sue had returned with coffee and a tray of biscuits, and offered them to the others. "Thank you, Sue," said Martha. Simone?" she hesitated, "I have to ask you, It has been on my mind for a long time, and first I must apologize once yet again. Our coven put you through some terrible trauma. Do you forgive us?" Simone looked directly at Martha, and thought for a few seconds. Then she reached out to embrace Martha. At last Simone pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her nose. She spoke slowly, finding the words. "When that head witch of your coven, Dierde, punished me-I was just a lad really-castrated me, then used that spell on me and changed me from Simon, a young man into that horrible ugly female, I was bewildered and overwhelmed. It was if I had no bearings left." "It was so unfair, to be mutilated, humiliated and given an ugly female body, just for a boy's idle curiosity. Yes, I know I spied on you in your coven meeting, but that fiend Dierdre was truly evil. Those first days I thought of killing myself, then I remember consoling myself by trying to plan a terrible revenge on you, her, and all of the coven, but I felt so helpless. The coven seemed so all-powerful, so that I could only endure. Since then I must have put much of the torment into the recesses of my mind so that it almost seems like a bad dream. I do remember a few words of Sue's in the depth of my torment that gave me hope that it would not last forever." " I also had the small hope that if I worked to get the favour of the coven I might be restored. Later, as time went on, I took a small satisfaction in enduring Dierdre's scorn and impositions, seeing how angry I made her." "Then, when Dierdre was killed, and you used that second spell to transform me to as I am now, I was so pleased, as if a spell, well, it actually was a spell, had been lifted. But then you later admitted how you had deliberately used me in your scheming to overthrow Dierdre and replace her with ... What was her name?" " Our coven's new head is Persea," said Martha. Simone continued. " I felt betrayed, but it seemed to matter less as you had all become so kind to me again. You helped me to find my way again, encouraged me and that is what I remember most. I found the new female body that you gave me, the one I have now, so pleasant to be in. I feel graceful, elegant and lucky. You gave me beauty. I know too I feel and think as a girl does, so the transformation was effective. I have no wish at all to become again the young man I was. I am glad to have a boyfriend to love me. I can hardly imagine being a man now." "Sorry, Martha, I am rambling on a bit, but to answer your question, yes, I forgive you. But there is one thing that puzzles me. The first spell that Dierdre put on me, to make me into that hag, obviously affected only me. Yet the spell that you later used on me to make me beautiful, which you told me could make a man into a beautiful woman, and even make a born woman more beautiful, that one affected everybody who heard it. Why is that?" "I don't know," said Martha. "The spells have some sounds that are similar, which makes me think they came from the same ancient language, but there are obviously some other sounds that lead to different effects. I never told you, but I used the spell once on a young German lad who had been mutilated in the war. He, or rather now she, is a beautiful woman too. I did hear she is now married and a mother." Simone blushed slightly. "Then you will also be interested to know as well, in my first year at university, I started to have periods. Now they come regularly, monthly, so, despite my ... castration and the two transformations, I seem to be a normal woman. Maybe I can have a family in the future." Martha felt an enormous load had been lifted from her." Oh, I am so relieved, Simone. I wondered if that would be possible after you were mutilated, if you would ever get ovaries forming. The magic of the spell must be powerful. I had always felt guilty that you might possibly never have any children." Something undefined crossed her mind, but she shook it off. "So, what of the future, Simone?" "Well, finish my degree, and if my marks allow it I wouldn't mind doing a further degree like boyfriend. Alan, is a Ph.D, student, going into his first year. He is studying geology, actually looking at the stratigraphy, that's what he calls the rock layers, up on the moor close to here. I like him very much and I think he likes me. We'll see how things go." "You're fond of him?" Martha saw it was so. The young woman's eyes were shining. "I see a question in your eyes, Martha. I should say that I like it when I am close to him. I like it when we kiss and hold each other. I like it when he holds and caresses me, but I can tell you, I am still a virgin. I want to finish university so I have to be careful." Martha flushed. "I did not intend to ask, and it is none of my business, but thank you for letting me know." "Is Alan from these parts?" asked Sue. "Yes and no. Actually he was born in Scotland but when he was about sixteen his family moved here." Martha's mouth involuntarily curled in distaste. She had had bad experiences of Scots. She remembered that a supervisor of Albert, her former husband, had been a Scot. A small, argumentative, stubborn man, he had made Albert's life a misery until he had been transferred to another section. One of her early investment councillors, also a Scot, had been so brusque she had soon dropped him. "Now, Simone, What about tonight? Would you like to stay here?" "No, actually I had better be on my way soon. I have to be back in town tonight." "You're not going out of here, me lass, without a bite to eat, "said Sue. "All right, Sue, I remember how good your cooking tasted." "I must say ye're looking very smart, Simone," said Sue. Simone smiled and looked at Martha. "Well, a lot of it's due to Martha. I tried to copy you in my style of dress. You always looked so elegant and smart." Martha gave a small bow. "Glad to have been of service." "Tell me," asked Simone, "or maybe I shouldn't ask, are you all still involved with the coven?" Martha was interupted by the sound of the door opening and Dora bustled down the hall. "Whose is the car? It's blocking the bloody way." Then as Dora peered at the visitor, and recognition dawned, she bellowed, "Simone, well I'll be .." and the women embraced. "Oh, you do look well, let me see you. Oh so smart!" " Nice to see you again, Dora," said Simone. Martha nodded her head slowly "Yes, Simone, to answer you, all of us here are still in the coven. You know that after Dierdre was killed, Persea became the head, and I became her deputy. It's still the same. Yes we still meet every month, right here. We have a few new members, and some of the older ones have died, so there are about the same number. We are doing quite well. We help each other and with the upturn in the economy we are comfortable. That old ice cream shop, where I discovered the book with the spell that changed you from that hag into the pretty girl that you are now, I sold to a development company for quite a profit." "Any idea yet how the spell book came to be there?" "No, I have made some enquiries, and it was owned by an Italian family. I found that one was interned in the war, but I have not been able to trace any of the others. The explanations of the spells were in German, but I have no idea what the language of the actual spells is, even if it was a language at all. I'd need a language expert, but even showing the spells to one might be dangerous for him, or her." A thought struck Martha. "You haven't divulged our secrets have you?" "No," said Simone hastily. "Never. You warned me not to, or I might be returned to that horrible body." "And that still holds," said Martha. "I like you, Simone, and I still have a lot to make up to you, but I am serious. I would not endanger the coven." "How did you find being with girls your own age?" asked Dora. " You were a bit isolated here, and before Martha's spell you would have only known about boys' things. I'm not counting the time you were under that spell of Dierdre's. That was not typical, by any means. " "Yes, I had a bit to learn, but I watched and copied some of the things the other girls did and spoke about. Evenso, they made a bit of fun of me at first as I often said something inappropriate, but I learned fast. My clothes were a bit different too. I tended to copy your styles, Martha, but they were a bit more formal and conservative than younger women's-Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply you are that much older than me." Martha gave a faint smile. "I know what you mean." "But anyway, as I got more confidence I saw that you also had good taste. Your outfits were, and still are, " Simone looked at Martha, "smart and fashionable, but not faddy, and you taught me to buy quality, so it shows." Simone blushed slightly. "Remember when, after you used your spell, you took me to get some clothes, and first you took me to that underwear shop. I think it was called Charlotte's, to get some girdles. Anyway, I still wear them. I still buy my underwear there. Some of the other girls in my digs made fun of me at first, but I got my own back when they began asking my advice about them." "Didn't you resent it, becoming a woman and then having to wear things like girdles?" Simone shrugged. "Not really. I just accepted it as part of the package of being female. That warm spell last year was a bit uncomfortable, but if I had been still a man I would have been wearing long trousers and maybe a woollen jacket. Being a woman, I was able to wear a light summer dress and I felt comfortable, even with a girdle and stockings. A bra too. I have a firm bust so I suppose I don't really need to wear one yet, but I like the supported feeling and after all it's just a part of women's dress. My rite of passage, you might say." Simone looked at Martha. "But that is a strange question. You are a woman. Do you ever resent the clothing you wear?" "No, but I was born female. I grew up as a girl, and being treated as one." Simone grinned. "Then I suppose it shows how much I am a woman mentally as well as physically. By the way, along with that spell you gave me to make me as I am, you gave me another. You said it would temper my enthusiasm for men. I think there was a flaw in it. In fact I like men very much." Martha laughed. "Oh no, there was nothing wrong with the spell. That was just how women feel naturally. How else would the human race carry on? If women didn't, there would be few children conceived." Just then again, a hint of something flickered through Martha's mind. Over tea the women reminisced about past times, pleasant and unpleasant, and it was over an hour later when Simone stood up, "It's been great seeing you all again, but I really must go now. Alan will be thinking I have run off with his car." "Lovely to see you again," said Martha. "Promise you will come back soon?" "Certainly, it's been lovely seeing you all again." The women all embraced again. ............. Brian had his eyes on her for some weeks now. He first noticed her graceful figure and pretty face outside a student cafeteria near his work. He liked the way she moved, the sway of her young hips, the pertness of her breasts. The next day she was there again for lunch and he studied her more. She was the type he liked. He watched her chatting animatedly with other students. He even found out her name, Simone, when she and group of female students were laughing together. Once he tried to get her in conversation but she rebuffed him, the snooty bitch. Still, that meant his revenge would be sweeter. Who did she think she was? Yet she was deliberately leading him on. He knew it by the way she walked and moved her hips in a what must be a deliberate tease. How dare she! She stared coldly at him when he tried to speak to her again. So he would make her sorry. Or maybe she was really asking for it. One day he followed her after she got out of a class, getting on the same bus, sitting some seats behind her, the better to study her and find out where she lived. To keep from arousing her suspicions, he got off the bus a stop after hers, but hurried back to see her going up a residential street. Carefully he followed her, keeping about a couple of hundred yards behind. She turned into house and he surmised she must be live there as a student boarder. He walked past the house, not too slowly, just enough to take in the lie of the land. It was a villa style, and he supposed the girl would have an upstairs room. He gritted her teeth. No doubt she was already thinking of new ways to tease men. But he'd see about that. Damn! That was her peering out from a window. She had seen him! After that, it appeared as if she was not around. She no longer frequented the cafeteria or any of the usual student places where she had been. At last, some months later, he had a stroke of luck. He saw her with a man, obviously a student too, judging by the university scarf. Jealously he saw him give her a kiss, then she got in a small green MG. The young man waved as she drove off. At the time he was in his own car , a Morris Minor, and a hunch he followed her. Who knows, she might stop by the road somewheres in a lay-by. That would be a possible time to take her. The traffic was not too heavy and she was heading out of the city. The road soon began climbing up to the moor. Just up into the moors the car turned off into a small road leading up to what seemed to be a farmhouse. He watched as it disappeared behind a building. Now that looked interesting. A farmhouse, and isolated. Would there be women there? Maybe.... ............. It's nice of you to come for a visit again, Simone," said Martha. "It must be the best part of a year since you were here last. How are your studies going this year?" She and Simone were sitting in the conservatory. Simone had phoned Martha that she had some news. "Oh, have you had your exams yet?" Simone gave a large smile. "Yes, and I came to tell you that I passed, with second class honours. I think I just missed a first, but I'm happy enough. The graduation ceremony is in three weeks and I'm going to start on a Ph.D in the autumn. " "Wonderful. I'm so proud of you." cried Martha, "Anyway, one of my reasons for being here, I was wondering if you, Martha, and Sue and Dora would like to come to the ceremony. You are the closest thing I have to relatives." "We would be delighted," said Martha. "That is very thoughtful of you. I have never been to a graduation before. " "And anyway, I have something else to tell you, my main piece of news," said Simone. "See!" She held up her left hand. A ring sparkled on her third finger. Martha squealed this time and hugged Simone again. "Let me see your ring. Oh, it is so pretty." The ring was a ruby, flanked by two diamonds. "Alan will be a lucky man. So, Simone, have you made any wedding plans yet?" "In about three months, just before I start the Ph.D work. That's when my grant money starts. Yes, I know it's fairly short notice, but it will be a small wedding. Alan has a few relatives, but I have none. You, Sue and Dora are the closest I have to relatives. So, would like to come to my wedding? Of course," she added hastily, "we'll send you proper invitations." "I'd be honoured to come, Simone," Martha said. She looked at Sue, who nodded her head vigourously. "Simone, you'll make a lovely bride, I'm sure. A sudden thought struck Martha. "What kind of wedding will it be?" She had a sudden premonition that something was going to greatly affect her. "It will be a church wedding. Actually," Simone reddened slightly, "Alan's grandfather is a Presbyterian minister in Glasgow. He wants to perform the ceremony." Martha took another shiver. She did not like the sound at all of a religious ceremony. "Is the wedding in Glasgow, then?" She was already thinking about how she could gracefully decline the invitation. "No, actually," Simone said, "He's arranged to use a church in the city here. So now you will hardly have to travel much." "Actually, Simone, It's very kind of you to invite us, but, as you know, I am..." she hesitated, "a witch. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be in a church. Thank you, but I must decline your invitation." "Oh, please, Martha," said Simone, "I know you used me in the past, but you have been like a mother to me, in some ways. It's right that you should be at my wedding." "Oh, come on now, Martha, " said Sue. " You rarely go out. You see the same people all the time. It doesn't matter if we don't hold with religion. I'm going." "So am I," said Dora. Martha shut her eyes, trying to clarify make her visions, and feelings, thoughts swirling in her mind. They were strong, but they did not feel threatening. "All right, all right, I will go. Thank you for the invitation, Simone. Well then, I suppose we'd better start thinking about what we, " she looked at Dora and Sue, "are going to wear. Maybe, Simone, we can see you then when we are back in town doing some shopping. I'll let you know and we can have coffee or something." "How long will this Ph.D. take you, Simone," asked Dora. "And do you think you will start a family soon?" Simone laughed. "First things first. Yes, someday I would like to have children, but I like doing science too. And I want to continue working, so I think a family will have to wait." She shrugged ruefully. "I suppose I'll have the usual female problems of balancing work and a family." "Well, don't wait too long," warned Martha. "A family would be a precious thing." Then she caught herself and almost bit her lip. That was exactly what she had done, given up a happy marriage and the chance of children for joining a witches coven. Now she was living with two other women, up on the isolation of Highfield farm, however comfortable she had made it, so that she could better play her part in the coven and look after her investments. She had felt guilty about Simone perhaps not being able to have children through her own machinations, yet here she was, denying herself a family. "So, now you have an engagement ring it should warn other men off," she laughed. Simone bit her lip. "Some months ago an older man tried to get me to go out with him but I thought he was a bit strange and I discouraged him. I was interested in Alan only. Once I saw the man following me home so I changed digs and changed where I ate and so on and lay as low as I could. I wore my frumpiest clothes and deliberately let my hair grow straggly. Alan didn't like it but I suppose it did my studies good." ................... Down in the road below Brian was getting impatient. Then he noticed a farm vehicle coming up the road and quickly he drove past it down the hill, averting his face as they passed. ................... Martha felt a pang pass through her and then a small shiver, of the kind when she felt when she had an inkling of the future. She knew that somehow the events of that day could affect her future. She shook her head but the feeling remained. There was also a slight tinge of menace in the air. "You all right, Martha ?" asked Sue. "Ye -es, " So Sue had felt a slight premonition too. "No, Martha, something is up," said Sue. Simone too looked at her in concern, But Martha just shook her head. "Anyhow, I must get back to town," said Simone." so we'll meet for tea or coffee sometime." "I think we have a bit of shopping to do," observed Martha, after Simone had left. "New outfits for all of us. Yes, I'm paying. No objections! But also, we'll need to see about a wedding present. Any suggestions?" Later, in bed that night, Martha's troubled thoughts surfaced. "I told Simone about desiring men, but here I am. I denied myself for years, just so I could be part of a coven. And where will that lead me in twenty years? An old crone alone here up on the moor, leaving nothing of myself behind?" ............. Brian had become familiar with the girl's schedule now, and watched as she went into the cafe, and took a seat at one of the tables. He followed her in, about five minutes later and watched her from behind a newspaper. She ordered coffee when a waitress approached her. She looked slightly preoccuppied. But then she stood up with a smile on her face when an older woman made her way to her. They embraced as if they were old friends. Now this was interesting! He watched as the women chatted for quite a while. They even ordered small pieces of cake to eat with their coffee and he had to spin out his own order too while they talked. He especially studied the older woman. She was older than the girl but still a looker. A pretty face, and she had kept her figure. Nice legs too, in their tan stockings, set off by her high heels. Her clothes looked conservative, but he could see the quality and style. Obviously she was well off. At last the women were finished. The older one paid for their order, despite the younger one's protests, and they walked slowly out into the street as if in a discussion. He followed quietly at a good distance. At last they stopped at a car, a Rover, and the older one pulled out car keys from her handbag. He just had the feeling she would be worth following. He had noticed she wore neither engagement nor wedding ring, so she wouldn't have a man around. Now, she might be worth following. He wondered if he would have enough time, and hurried back to his own car, arriving back just in time to see the girl walking away, and the Rover driving off. He followed the car through the city, keeping about a hundred yards behind, then as the city thinned out and the traffic slackened he kept further back, just enough to keep her in view. "Ah, he exclaimed. "I think I know where you're going." The car was headed up into the moors, and eventually he saw it turn into the long road that led up to the old farmhouse. He drove past slowly. It was too far to see and he'd need to get closer. ................ Dora was driving. "Martha," she said as they turned in to Highfield, "I think we had someone following us. I don't know if the driver is lost or what, but he seemed to be looking at this place as we came in. " "Oh, maybe just a sightseer," said Martha, but she had that prickly feeling again. .................. He cruised down the hill back to the village. Down at the bottom of the hill there was a small village with one small shop. Above the door it said, SYKES, GROCERY. "Now, I wonder?"he thought. A small bell tinkled above the door as he pushed it open. "Yes, sir, can I help you," asked a portly man as he looked up from some papers. "Yes, I was out for a drive, and got thirsty," he said in his most affable voice. " What soft drinks do you have.?" "We have bottles of lemonade or orange crush?. Would you like any of these, sir?" "Yes, the lemonade, and while I'm at it, some biscuits." He handed over a ten shilling note and waited for change. "Nice day for a drive, is't it, sir?" "Yes, it is, " and taking his cue, "It's pretty scenery here, so different from down in the valleys." "Yes, and the air's cleaner here too. Not from these parts are you, sir?" "No I was just out for a drive. Tell me, I was driving up the hill and I saw a pretty farm house tucked at the end of a road. It looked well looked after. Whose house is that?" "Oh, that would be Mrs. Braithwaite's place. Yes, she's been there some years now. Keeps to herself, but drops in occasionally. There was a woman had this shop before me. She died and Mrs. Braithwaite took in her son. He was orphaned, you see. You know, I haven't seen Simon for ages. I wonder how he's getting on." "Did you say Simon?" "Yes, but there were nothing simple about him. Clever young chap. Wonder what he's doing now." "Oh well, I'll be on my way. Thanks." "Simon, Simone? He knew that the girl's name was Simone. Was there a connection? .............. The day of the graduation, Martha Sue and Dora were up early and out of the farmhouse door by nine. It was a pleasant drive down to the city. Dora was driving and Martha sat in the front with her, Sue in the back seat making comments on the scenery. At the graduation hall , the women presented their tickets and were directed to a balcony. None had ever been at a graduation before and even Martha had a sense of awe at the crowd and the surroundings. "Can you see Simone?" whispered Sue. Martha studied her programme and looked down. "It's all a sea of coloured gowns and hoods. They all look much the same from up here. But, oh look. See that third pillar on the left? Then ten in from that. I am sure that is Simone." Indeed it was and they all clapped enthusiastically as Simone's name was called and she approached the podium. Martha felt a surge of vicarious pride in the the bright and beautiful young woman's success. The ceremony over, they rushed outside. "Just fancy," said Sue, tutting happily as they walked back into the sunlight, "Our Simone! What a day!" "Look, I think that is her over there." Dora pointed. Simone came to meet them a big smile on her face. "Simone, oh congratulations," and the three women hugged her. Just then a young man approached, his head slightly tilted as he studied the four of them. "Congratulations Simone." Then he kissed her on her mouth. "Alan," said Simone, "these are the three special ladies I want you to meet. These are the ones I lived with for some years. This is Mrs. Braithwaite." "Call me Martha," she said. "How are you, Alan? We are so thrilled for Simone. She took his hand but "No, that's not enough," she said, and embraced him. "Sorry Alan, I know we've just met, but that was a wonderful surprise about the engagement. Thank you for the wedding invitation." "How do you do, Martha. I have heard a lot about you." Alan dutifully shook hands with the two other women when introduced. Martha felt more pride at the love in the young couple. She studied the young man. Yes, he was good looking and carried himself well. He was neatly dressed in a dark suit, a white shirt and a university tie. She noted that his shoes were well polished. However she thought grimly that Alan had not heard the half of Simone's history. She also winced inwardly at Alan's accent. It reminded her of Albert's former boss. Still, he seemed like a pleasant young man. "So what are you doing now, Simone?" asked Martha. "Uh, I don't know. Alan and I were going to have dinner this evening. He has a meeting this afternoon." "Well, I tell you Simone, and Alan, would you mind if I took you out? For lunch, the five of us, or," she suddenly wondered if Simone and Alan wanted to be alone. "Oh, or do you have other plans? Please, I don't want to affect other arrangements." Simone shook her head. "We had nothing planned. Oh, that is very generous, Martha, but it is an imposition." Alan took charge. "Martha, I have heard so much about you and Sue and Dora. Simone and I would be very pleased to accept your invitation." The lunch was a great success. Martha watched the young couple as they interacted. Yes, he was a nice lad. Too bad about the accent, but.... He looked like he was sensible too, and obviously very fond of Simone. "Thank you for lunch, Martha," said Simone. .............. He had spent an hour surveying the farmhouse from the road, but there did not appear to be anyone around. He started down the hill. In doing so he passed a Rover with a female driver. Damn, he did not want to be seen. Maybe he could spy on them another way. ............... "Now, I wonder who that was," said Dora. "I'm sure that was the car that was around just a few weeks back. It's not a local person. There's only farms on the road above us and it wasn't any of them." Martha had been studying the financial paper in the back. She shrugged, "Oh, probably someone out for a drive. It's a nice day." And yet, she felt a prickle of apprehension. She did not like coincidences. She had better start thinking about precautions. She turned to look through the back window but the other car was out of sight. Later that summer, in August, Martha and Dora entered the church, Martha at least, with some trepidation. All of these years back she herself had been married in a Church of England in her village in Cornwall, but as she began to be aware of her powers her attendance had dropped off, and after she had joined the coven it had ceased entirely. She would have preferred to sit at the back of the church unnoticed, but the usher took her, Dora and Sue almost to the very front. Sue at least did not notice the discrepancy and lustily sang at the hymns. Martha merely mouthed the words, feeling very uncomfortable, but she watched happily as the couple made their vows and exchanged rings. She felt a lump in her throat and Sue was sniffling at her side. She hoped they would not wait too long to have a family. She was all too relieved when the ceremony was over and they followed the newly-weds outside. Martha watched affectionately as the couple kissed and photographs were taken. However, she managed to avoid being in the group picture of the guests. She watched and listened to the other guests. Judging by the accents, it seemed as if there were quite a number of Scots. The wedding reception was actually a sit down dinner. From a conversation with their table companion it appeared that Alan's father, a businessman, was paying for the wedding reception. After dinner and the toasts, Martha was amused to see the floor cleared for dancing, and no sooner had the couple done their obligatory waltz than the band started dance music. Then after a few dances, the beat suddenly changed, and she vaguely recognised it as Scottish music. Many of Alan's relatives immediately got up to dance, even the elderly minister. Martha watched the dancers with amusement. It seemed so vigorous and uninhibited, yet with a formalism too. The music was toetapping and she found herself enjoying the spectacle.Then the dancers finished and bowed to each other. Now the style of the music changed back to the more usual dances, tunes and rhythms of the popular dance bands. She began tapping her foot to the music again. She thought back to the days when she and Albert had been married. "Would you like to dance?" She looked up to see a tall thin man looking at her. "I beg your pardon? I'm sorry. What did you say? " she asked, coming out of her reverie. "I asked if you would like to dance. It looks like you know this music. You wouldn't be so familiar with the previous stuff. That's something we Scots keep to ourselves. We don't want to let out our secrets to the rest of the world." Martha laughed at the statement and almost automatically rose. With a pang she remembered that she had not danced for years although she had liked dancing. "Dash it," she thought. "Can I remember how to dance?" She smiled inwardly too. The naked gyrations of her witch's dance were hardly in the same category. " You seem amused by something," he said. Martha shook her head and deliberately cleared her mind. "No, just that it's a long time since I danced." "Then let's see if I can remedy that. By the way, I'm James Bain," the man said, taking her hand before she could protest and leading her to the dance floor. She had intended to decline his invitation but she had been slightly flustered. "I saw you sitting, looking lonely, and as I was too, I thought we should get aquainted. Oh yes, I'm an uncle of the groom. His father is my oldest brother." James had a Scottish accent too, and sounded quite educated. He put his right hand round her waist, took her right hand in his left and expertly joined the dancers on the floor. Soon she found her rhythm and began to relax. "First, James, I was not lonely, but anyway, I'm Martha Braithwaite," she replied. "Simone, the bride, lived with me for some years after her mother died." "Yes, I had heard she had been orphaned. So you live in Yorkshire. Yet your accent isn't quite right for Yorkshire." "I'm from Cornwall originally. My ex-husband was from Yorkshire and I moved there when we married. He had a job in Leeds." The music swirled on. Her partner was a good dancer and she felt comfortable in his arms. Nevertheless, the feeling was unsettling too. It had been years since she had been so close to a man. There was a mannish smell about him, not in the least unpleasant, but still different from the feminine smells she had been used to for years. "And what do you do, James?" she asked. "I'm a doctor, in rural Peeblesshire. I used to work in Glasgow but after my wife died I wanted a change." " How long has she been dead?" " Janet died almost five years ago. Breast cancer." " I'm sorry. Do you have any children?" " No, we wanted to wait a bit, and then when she was diagnosed, well, it was unwise to have children." They danced silently for a minute. "Quite a difference from Glasgow to the Peebleshire countryside. Isn't it a bit isolated?" asked Martha. "Depends where you are. I live just outside Peebles itself and it has almost everything I need," he protested. "It's a small town, but it's close to Edinburgh if I want a change. It hasn't been unpleasant. There are beautiful areas and no traffic to speak of, well, not nearly as much as Glasgow anyway. I heard you live up on the moors out of Leeds. Don't you find that isolated?" "Again, it's a pretty area and I prefer being away from the city. It suits my way of life." "What do you do, Martha?" She thought, "Well James, I am a witch. I cast spells and meet in a coven and dance naked around a magic stone every full moon." But she only said, "I'm a kind of investor, speculator, if you wish." His hand felt strong, dry and warm. Her own hand felt small in it. His right arm was tight round her waist and occasionally lifted to the small of her back as he guided her. She knew he would be feeling her bra through the thin fabric of her dress. Too, occasionally her hips and thighs brushed against his, adding to the unsettling tingling feeling. She found him easy to talk to, and began to enjoy herself. She knew she had been away from the company of men too long. She had met few men regularly, except in the course of her business transactions, Her solicitor was a dry old stick and her broker was small, round and fat. When the music stopped they clapped and James walked with her back to her table. "Thank you Martha, I enjoyed that. Now, unfortunately I have some duties to do. I had better go and ask my sisters and sister's-in- law to dance or I'll never hear the end of it. Thank you again." She smiled her thanks and turned to face Sue and Dora. Sue was looking at her in amusement, but Dora looked more worried. "Martha," Dora said slowly, "maybe you should be careful." "About what, "she said, pretending innocence. "You know that men are not compatible with our way of life." "She shrugged nonchalantly, "It was just a man. He asked me to dance and I did. It means nothing." But she kept her hands clenched to keep them from shaking. She had a touch of that slightly tingling feeling indicating that somehow that the events of the day would affect her life. Sue was also looking at her levelly, but saying nothing. Martha experienced a strange mixture of relief and disappointment when James seemed caught up in dutiful dances with his, so it appeared, numerous female relatives. Then at the end, after Simone and Alan had departed for a brief honeymoon, the guests all sang "Auld Lang Syne" and Martha, Dora and Sue joined in, she caught sight of James looking at her across the circle. He smiled back to her. Two weeks later the telephone rang and Martha answered. "Hello, is that Martha Braithwaite? It's James Bain. I met you at Simone and Alan's wedding. I'm in Derby at a meeting and as I'll be starting to drive back home tomorrow evening, I thought of you. Would you like to have dinner with me, in Leeds ?" She knew she should refuse, but she had felt unsettled since the wedding. "James, it's nice to hear from you again. Yes, dinner would be lovely. Thank you very much, but what time would be suitable?" "Perhaps seven? Can I pick you up?" "Damn it,"she thought. "I haven't played this game for years. Am I being too available?" But she gathered her thoughts. "Oh James, you don't know where I live, and it would be too complicated give directions. Suppose I meet you at the restaurant? Which one is it?" "Actually, Martha, I hoped you would suggest one. I don't know Leeds very well. I tell you, how about that one just across from the church where Simone and Alan were married?" "You know how to get there?" "Yes, then I'll see you there tomorrow evening? I'll phone to get a reservation." Off the phone, Martha shut her eyes tightly. "I should not have done that," she muttered. How would she explain to Sue and Dora? She seemed to be flustered around this James Bain. She sighed. She really should have declined, but the die was now cast. The next day she set off, to cautious looks from Dora and Sue as she checked her appearance one last time in the mirror. She had thought of lying to them, but they would have known. That was the trouble with all being witches. They knew each other too well. ................ He had not seen the girl for weeks. It was as if she had dropped off the face of the Earth, so he decided to make other plans. Maybe he would investigate that farmhouse up on the moor. That older woman looked as if she could offer something. To be absolutely sure, he took another road around the other side of the moor. By the map it looked as if it was about three miles across to Highfield. The road was deserted as he pulled on his boots and an anorak. In his pack were the binoculars and a flask of tea and some sandwiches, in his pocket a compass and a map. The going was tough at first. He was barely over the stone wall at the side of the road when he was in marsh until he reached the higher ground, and there were the patches of bracken and heather to negotiate. It was over two hours before he breasted the hill above the valley and saw Highfield to the right. His directions had been slightly out. Lying in the bracken, he watched through his binoculars. He noted the additions to the back, not visible from the road, a large room with clerestory windows and, on one side with a view over the valley, a conservatory. He focussed the binoculars and studied it. There were occasional faint flickers of movement behind the glass in the conservatory and at one time a woman stepped out into the yard. She looked older. He saw the Rover leave with one woman in it, the one who seemed to be the owner, but all through that day there was no further action, other than the oldish woman coming out briefly into the garden. It looked like she was cutting some flowers and vegetables. Towards evening the car had not returned and then, until dusk and the lights were turned off, there was nothing. No other cars arrived and he decided that what he had seen before was some special meeting. There had been no sign of a dog either. He could plan his move. ............ James was waiting outside the restaurant as Martha arrived. His face lit up. He took her hand and lightly kissed her cheek. "It's nice to see you again. How have you been, Martha?" Her cheek felt tingling. "Very well, James and you.? How is work in the wilds of Scotland?" "Can't complain. It's the usual quota of births, deaths and accidents, and the scenery makes it worthwhile. Now, shall we go in? I'm hungry." It was years since she had been taken to dinner by a man. Her ex- husband Albert had rarely been able to afford it. Since her divorce she had eaten out occasionally, but only with Dora in the days before the coven's meetings were fixed at Highfield and they had traveled to other parts. More and more, as they made their way through starters, entree and dessert, she found she was enjoying herself, as she had not done for a long time. James was an attentive and amusing companion, but did not monopolize the conversation and she found herself in friendly banter with him. She even found herself talking easily of at least some parts of her life. He had some questions about Highfield, but he obviously did not suspect anything out of the ordinary. Then, at one point he put his hand over hers to make point and she felt a thrill. She shook her feeling off, and the conversation continued easily until James looked at his watch. "Well, that was very nice. Shall we go?" "Where are you staying, James?" "At that hotel, just over the way there. There's a bar downstairs. Uh, would you like a drink, Martha?" She hesitated."Yes please. But I will only have a small sherry. I have to drive home. It's less than an hour home, but I don't want to be too late." As they left he took her hand, and self consciously she accompanied him out the door. As it turned out, she had two sherries. She was attracted to this man, and wanted more of him. She reached a decision, excused herself briefly, and made a telephone call to home. He was looking at his watch when she returned. "Well, Martha, thank you for a lovely evening, but I shouldn't detain you longer. It's now almost ten and it will be dark soon. I'm sorry I kept you so long. It's been delightful but I know you will want to get home." He hesitated. "Do you think I could see you again sometime when I am down?" Martha had a frisson and swallowed. The critical point was on her. "James," she took his hand and squeezed it. "Show me your room." He tried to take her hand again but instead she hooked her arm round his, like a long married couple, and without speaking, they left the bar. He looked at her as they climbed the stair and gave her a smile. She looked at him too and returned a faint smile, trying to quell her thumping heart and tense stomach. They had barely closed the door in his room when he bent to kiss her. She kissed back tentatively, then strongly and finally agressively. She gasped as he embraced her. "Just a minute," said Martha. "Let me take off my jacket." James removed his too, but quicker than she, and as she laid hers on a chair he embraced her from the rear, circling his arms round her waist and nuzzling the nape of her neck. Then his hands were cupping her breasts. She put one hand on his to caress him, then lifted her other up behind her to hold his head. One of his hands slid to her waist, and ran down to press her belly. Then both hands were behind her and she felt the zipper of her dress being pulled all the way down. Soon her dress was being slid off her shoulders, sliding to her waist ,and falling to the floor at her feet. Now in her white lacy slip, she turned to face him. She raised her lips to kiss him, her hands sliding down his tie then unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off him. He ran his fingers under the straps of her slip, then slid them off her shoulders. "Uh-uh," she whispered. "It pulls over my head," and he obliged her. Then it too fell to the floor beside her. She shook her hair free from its bun. She had a sudden feeling of embarassment. "My God, what am I doing," she thought. "What will he think of me wearing a girdle?" but she was reassured by the tender look in his eyes. She let her body act on its own and she undid his belt and slid his trousers down. "You are very beautiful, Martha," he whispered, easing her bra straps off her shoulders and kissing the tops of her breasts. Deftly he lifted her and laid her on the bed. His hands slid to her thighs and she felt him lightly stroke the bare strips of skin between her stocking tops and the edge of her girdle, then his fingers were under her suspenders, back then front, and she felt the slight release of tension as he unhooked her stockings and slid the fine fabric down her legs. She felt goose pimples as his hands stroked her thighs. She lifted slightly to allow him to unhook the back closure on her bra, and then the straps were sliding down her arms, the cups were off her and she was exposed to him. Her nipples hardened as he kissed each in turn. Exquisite feelings ran up and down her spine. At last he slid down the zipper on her girdle and with a gentle tug pulled it from her hips. "Sorry about the girdle," she whispered, but he held his finger to her lips. "What's to be sorry for? You look very feminine and elegant, and I am flattered you dressed up for me. You have great taste." He kissed her again, but she raised herself to a sitting position and tugged down his underclothing. In the dim light she saw the shadowy shape of his erection and she knew she was moist and ready for him. "Be easy with me at first, James. It's been a long time for me. " She parted her legs and allowed him to slowly push into her, gasping at first with the pressure, then in relief as he began to thrust into her. "God, how long has it been? How could I have rejected this?" she thought as she squirmed and rotated her hips the better to allow him to move into her. She dug her fingers into his back and pulled him as he moved rhythmically in her. She felt her tension rising, building inside her until all of her feeling were centered on that one spot. Time had stopped for her. Nothing else existed, then she cried out as he burst inside her. She was only vaguely aware of him withdrawing, in a delicious half asleep, half conscious state, then she passed into a dreamless sleep. She awoke with a small feeling of disorientation until she realised where she was. But she felt cozy and warm and satisfied, as she had not felt for years. Then she was aware of him, cool now in the slight chill of the morning air, slipping into bed again beside her. His hand was round her breast again and she felt herself gently pulled until she was nestled again into the curves and angles of his body. In a minute she was asleep once more. Some time later she became aware that he was awake. It was the bright light of a summer morning through the sides of the curtains. She turned to face him. "James, thank you. That was wonderful," she whispered. "Thank you, Martha." He took her face in his hands and kissed her. His face was bristly, even more than the night before, but she did not mind. It was years since she had felt a man's stubble on her face. "Oh dear," she said, " you'll have to be on your way soon. What is the time?" "It's about seven thirty. Time yet." "Time for what?" but she knew the answer. He kissed her nipples then worked down her body. She chuckled happily. "Enough foreplay. Get on with it!" and she pulled him into her again. Later, she hummed a little tune as she drove home. She felt a slight ache, but pleasantly so. They had made love again, then washed and taken a pleasant relaxed breakfast in the small hotel dining room. Martha kept her hands out of sight when the waitress served them coffee to hide her bare third finger. He had seen her to her car, kissed her again and waved as she drove off. "Can I see you again," he had asked, and she had smiled and nodded, but now she would have to go home to face Dora and Sue. She wondered if they were worrying about her. She let herself into her house. Dora and Sue were in the kitchen, and looked at her expectantly. She knew they would want an explanation, but she was her own person, wasn't she? Yet they were all friends, had lived together for years, and were all members of the coven, and had endured much together. "Hello Martha," said Sue. "Did you have a nice time?" "Yes, and I spent the night with him, " she snapped. "Oh, I'm sorry. You are my best friends, I shouldn't talk that way, and I know you are concerned." Sue and Dora looked at each other, then back at her. "Are you hungry?" asked Sue. "No thank you. We ate breakfast together." "Martha?"asked Dora. "I know you don't owe us an explanation, yet we've known each other for years. What is going on?" " I don't really know," said Martha. "I feel dissatisfied somehow. It's not about you. I think it's that I don't know now where I am going. I like living here. You are not only my employees, you are my friends, my coven sisters. I don't want to let you down, but I.... " She could not explain. "And what of the future?" "I don't know. I feel changes coming, but whatever happens I hope, no, I will make sure I will not hurt any of you." "So how was it?' asked Sue, her eyes twinkling. "You know, Martha, I loved being married and having a man about the house. My Fred and me may not have had much money, but we were happy. When he died the bottom fell out of my life, but I had my son to look after so life went on. Then when my son left and I started to get these feelings and then you contacted me, it was a new life, but I still miss being in a man's arms. Ye're still a young woman. Ye look young anyway. It's normal you should want a man in your life. If it was me wouldn't hesitate." "Thank you, Sue," and they embraced. Dora too embraced her. "All the best to you, Martha." A week or two later Martha awoke, as she usually did, about seven. She stretched and yawned. She squinted at the blinds and opened them to see low clouds over the valley. "Oh well, another rainy day," she grumbled. She'd wanted to do some gardening, but there were investment figures to be gone over as well. She frowned. Something was not quite right. She felt slightly uncomfortable. She wondered if she had picked up some infection. Maybe a nice long bath was what she needed. She ran the water, adding some of her best scent, and laid gently in it. After soaking for a few minutes she began to wash herself. Then with a shock she laid back in the bath, frozen. Her nipples were tender! A thought had just struck her. She had just realized her period was overdue. What if? "Oh no, not another complication! No, it could not be. It shouldn't be! " She shook her head to dismiss the thought. Yet as more days went on, the symptoms increased and when she missed yet another period she knew that she was pregnant. How could she tell Dora and Sue? Should she tell James? "Martha, is something wrong," asked Sue at tea . She felt like bursting into tears. "Damn it, " she thought. She was more emotional too. " Sue, maybe it's wrong, maybe it's right. You see, I think I'm pregnant." Dora dropped her knife. It clattered on her plate. Her mouth hung open but Sue gave a slow smile. "Congratulations?" Martha shook her head. "I don't know if I am pleased or not." "It were James, weren't it ?" asked Sue. "It has to be. I was with no other man." "Now what?" asked Dora. "Sue, Dora, you are my dear friends. I think I will tell James, but not just now. But, maybe this is a trigger for it, I think it's time I reevaluated my life. I have been thinking that I would give up Highfield. and, if it is permitted, my place in the coven. I am well off, and I will go away somewhere and have my child and raise it." She looked at her friends' open mouths. "Yes, I know. What about you both? If you want, you can come with me, or you can stay here. I will give Highfield to the coven. Logically, Persea should stay here. We have a coven meeting in two weeks and I can tell her then." "Well, lots to think about, but first thing, Martha," said Sue, "You should go to a doctor for an examination. You're nearly forty." So Martha made an appointment with a doctor. Dora and Sue accompanied her. When she came out she was shaking her head in disbelief. "He says it might be twins." "Oh my," said Sue, She grinned at Martha. "In for a penny, in for a pound." The next coven meeting was at the coming full moon and Martha reluctantly decided to bite the bullet. "Did I understand correctly?" said Persea. You want to leave our coven?" Martha felt herself quail beneath the older woman's scrutiny, but she took a deep breath. "Yes, I do." Persea stared at her in disbelief. "We have been friends for a long time, but perhaps," she said slowly, "as this is serious, I should be more formal. I will call you Sister Martha. What is the reason for this?" "Sister Persea, it is because there are many things, some ill defined, just a feeling that I have let my life go in the wrong path. Yes, I know, I have benefitted from the coven, but I have also contributed much to the progress of the coven, even endured humiliation. I have been honoured to be your deputy, but I think my life now must go in a different direction." "But what of Highfield? We have used it now for our meeting for many years. What of Sisters Susan and Dora? Do they know about this?" "As you know, we can sometimes view the future, and the closer and more of us together the stronger is the power. I think Sue, I mean Sister Susan, who is very perceptive, has an idea of what is in my mind. As for Highfield, I am prepared to sign it over to the coven. Sisters Susan and Dora could stay here as long as they wish, or they could go with me if they wish, and if you permit. I am now quite well off. The loss of Highfield would only slightly affect me." Persea shook her head. "I am totally bewildered. I have no idea of what to do. In the past, any suspicion of a coven member, and her death would have resulted, I am sure. But I could not wish that on an old friend. Where would you go? Have you any idea what you would do?" Martha gave a rueful smile. "As I said, I would be secure financially, but part of my future is no longer really in my own hands. It has been decided by my own biology. You see, I am pregnant, with twins. They will be born in about seven months." "What !" Persea shouted, jumping to her feet. "How did this happen?" "In the usual way, by a man. Honestly, I did not intend it, but I was careless." "Did he seduce you? We could punish him. We could take terrible revenge." "No, it was no seduction. It was completely mutual." Persea shook her head and went to stare out the window. She shook her head. "What a mess. You know, you could have an abortion." Martha thought briefly to her book. It had a spell for abortions, but she shook her head. "Yes, I could, but I will not. Recently I met an old acquaintance again, one that had in fact suffered at our hands. You remember Simone? She was originally the boy Simon who I took in after his mother died and who spied on our meeting. In revenge Dierdre castrated him and transformed him into a hag we called Simone, but after Dierdre's death I remedied the spell and made her into a beautiful woman. Well, I have recently seen Simone. She has gone to university and graduated. Now she is married and hopes eventually to have a family. Thinking of her made me reevaluate my own life. If I stay in the coven," she said firmly, "nothing of me will live on after I die. So I will have these children and part of me will live on." Persea frowned. "I will have to think about this. Perhaps it should be discussed before the whole coven. This is very serious." Martha shook her head. "I would prefer not to have the coven involved. Some of them were greatly under Dierdre's influence. They know I had a part in manoeuvring against her and may be still seeking revenge." "I agree. Do you intend to have further contact with the father of of your children to be? Do you think he will have a further part in your life? Do you think you would marry him?" "I don't know. He doesn't know he is to be a father and I'm not sure if I will tell him. I like him as a person." She blushed slightly. "Yes, I know we made love and I must have liked him then, but I mean on a longer term basis. I feel he could be a loving and responsible husband, but I have misgivings about myself and my ability to be a wife. I have been my own mistress for years. No man has influenced my life for years. It would be different to share my life now with a man and give up my independence." Persea shook her head. " I do not like it, but I think your mind is made up, Martha. I will recommend to the coven that you be let go. That you offered Highfield to it will be a major point in your favour. You are my deputy. Who do you suggest for a replacement?" "I think Sister Selena. She is young , energetic, has good ideas and is level headed. There is something else you should be aware of, Persea, apart from my affair. I should have mentioned it earlier," said Martha. "You may have read about it in the papers. They found a woman up on the moor, about ten miles north of here, a streetwalker. Fortunately she was still alive, but any longer and she would have died. She was staked out, spreadeagled, and her body was mutilated." "In what way? How does this concern us?" Martha looked grim. "Her nipples had been cut off, and a pentagram carved on her belly. The rag papers got a hold of the story and suggested either demonic rituals, or witchcraft, a satanic cult, you name it. It's nonsense of course, but we should be careful. Maybe even we should have the next coven meetings away from here." "They haven't caught the culprit, obviously." "No. Actually there have been other mutilations of women before. This is the worst. Somebody who hates women. Unfortunately there seem to be no clues as to cul