Page 86 of Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay
‘Yes, I know; but have you seen the writing desk she’s standing in front of?’
Arthur shakes his head. ‘No, I don’t think I have – why?’
‘Ah, no reason,’ I say, trying to hide my disappointment. ‘I just thought it was pretty, that’s all, and I might like it to sit and write at if it wasn’t being used in any of the public rooms.’
Arthur looks again. ‘No, I’m sure I haven’t. But what you must remember is there was a lot of artistic licence that often went on in these paintings. It’s quite possible that when Clara sat for this portrait she wasn’t sitting in front of that desk at all, but something completely different.’
‘Yes, I’d already thought of that. I mean, look at the size of that key on the desk – there’s no way that would fit a desk such as this, would it?’
‘No, it looks like the ceremonial key to me,’ Arthur says, handing me back my phone.
‘The what?’
‘The ceremonial key. It’s a key that’s passed on to each new owner of Chesterford Castle. It’s a centuries-old castle tradition.’
‘But I haven’t been given a key?’
‘No, I was waiting for an appropriate time to give it to you. Traditionally the key is presented at the first formal gathering the new owner hosts. So far you’ve only hosted the courtyard sale, and I didn’t think that was entirely appropriate.’
‘No, you’re probably right.’
‘But I was thinking of having a small presentation when the stables are complete and the new tea room and gift shop are officially opened. It seemed a more apt occasion.’
I’m pleased that Arthur is finally acknowledging our new venture. He’s always been very reticent to talk about it before with his extreme dislike of any sort of change. ‘That’s a lovely idea, Arthur, thank you.’
Arthur nods.
‘So what does this key open, then?’ I ask. ‘The main gate or something?’
‘I’m not sure it opens anything, really – like I said, it’s ceremonial. An official moment to mark the passing of one Earl and the handing of the title on to a new Chesterford.’
‘But I don’t have the title, do I?’ I tell him. ‘The title should be Charlie’s. You’re not thinking of involving him in this, are you? You know how I feel about that.’
Arthur shakes his head. ‘No, I wasn’t going to involve young Charlie. I feel in thisspecialinstance that the ceremony should be more about the passing of theownershipof the castle from one Chesterford to another, rather than the title.’
‘Thank you, Arthur, I appreciate that. So where is this key, then? I haven’t seen it around. Do you have it on display?’
‘No, the key is kept – funnily enough – under lock and key. It’s an incredibly important artefact in the castle’s history. It’s said to date right back to Norman times when the castle was originally built here as a simple motte-and-bailey construction.’
‘So it is more than likely it really doesn’t open anything?’
‘I highly doubt it. Now, if there’s nothing else, I must get back to the cottage. Dorothy is hosting her sewing circle this evening and I promised I’d wash down the garden furniture so they can sit outside if it stays warm and dry.’
‘Sure, Arthur, you go. Thanks for your help.’
‘Any time, miss. Any time.’
I watch Arthur walk along the path that leads to his and Dorothy’s small cottage. I couldn’t imagine living and working at the same place like they had for so many years, although if you were going to do it, then Chesterford Castle was as good a place as any. They really had given their lives to this castle, and I for one was very grateful to have them here.
I think about my conversation with Arthur as I begin to walk back towards the office.I wonder if this ceremonial key has anything to do with the key that the ghosts said I was to look out for?
I shake my head. I never thought living in a castle was going to be easy, but I didn’t think my main troubles would be caused by a bunch of ghosts, an old diary, a key and very some persistent woodworm!
Thirty-one
‘How much!’ I ask, not even attempting to keep my voice down as I stand with Bill in the stables the next afternoon.
‘It’s worse than I suspected,’ Bill says, looking apologetic. ‘The beams – especially these two here – are riddled, apparently. Vic says we can try and exterminate the woodworm and their larvae, but he very much doubts it will be enough to clear them completely.’
