A
Ghost's Craving
by
Jenna Warren
Mark and Julia had been married for
thirty summers, and each one of these thirty summers had included
a holiday in the countryside. They particularly enjoyed visiting
stately homes, especially the kind that served cream teas in their
cafés. It was the promise of a cream tea that brought them
to Bluefield Hall for the first time.
Bluefield Hall was an attractive building dating from the late eighteenth
century. It boasted a sunny little courtyard where visitors could
enjoy refreshments in the open air.
After a brief tour of the house, Mark and Julia went into the tiny
café to order their creamy indulgence.
‘Two cream teas, please,’ said Julia.
The young man behind the counter looked at them anxiously. ‘Are
you sure you wouldn’t like to try today’s special? It’s
chocolate fudge cake with vanilla ice cream…’
‘No, thank you,’ said Julia.
‘But it’s very good...’
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‘We’ll stick with
the cream teas,’ said Mark.
‘Oh,’ said the man. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Quite sure,’ said Julia.
Without another word, the young man retreated into the kitchen.
‘Funny lad,’ said Mark.
They went into the courtyard and sat down at a table.
A short time later the young man reappeared, carrying a tray in
his trembling hands. He served the cream teas without meeting the
eyes of his customers, and then returned to the café as quickly
as possible.
The couple barely noticed his odd behaviour this time. They were
too busy staring at the scones. They were the biggest they had ever
seen, and looked absolutely delicious.
‘Much better than chocolate fudge cake,’ chuckled Julia.
A light wind found its way into the courtyard and blew a napkin
from Julia’s plate. Mark bent to retrieve it.
‘Shame about that wind,’ Julia said. She cut into her
scone and smeared both halves with jam and cream. Mark did the same.
There was a low groaning sound from somewhere close by.
‘What was that?’ said Mark.
They looked around. An old man had entered the courtyard and sat
down at a table in the corner, but he did not look capable of making
such a noise. It had not exactly sounded human.
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