Death at Kimbal

Chapter 1

Effie ran out of the sitting room and down the hall, ignoring her mother calling after her. She burst through the front door, not caring how many people saw her. All she wanted was to get away from all the confusion and anger. The tears were pouring down her pale face and running into her long, ginger hair. She ran down the steps and out into the estate gardens, heading for the coast on the Kimbal borders.

Effie didn't stop running until she had reached the cliff above the sea. The Sun was bright and glistened beautifully off the surface of the water. She collapsed on the grass in front of the drop and tried desperately to calm her heavy breathing. When she felt sure that she had regained her nerve she walked to the edge of the cliff and sat with her legs dangling over the side. She waited a couple of seconds before swinging her body over the edge and dropping.

She fell about fifteen feet before landing heavily on a small ledge that jutted out of the face of the cliff. One foot slipped and she stumbled a bit before grabbing onto a small branch to steady herself. There was still a good eighty foot drop below her so she kept close to the face of the white, chalky rock. Effie edged her way along the ledge until she reached a gap cut into the rock itself. She swung herself into it and relaxed a little, feeling a bit safer. Inside the rock there was a large space with a single bench in the middle of it. Her and her mother had found it when she was only eight, they had decorated it, made it their own. Blue mosaics framed the walls and floor, making the place calming and serene.

Effie sat on the bench and stared at the rippling bluey/ greeny waves. Tears still fell thick and fast down her face but her breathing was still controlled and steady. She sat still, her eyes blank and her bottom lip trembling. All she felt was a pain that couldn't be described, a crushing and consuming grief.

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She sat in silence for so long that by the time she started to move the Sun was sinking slowly below the horizon, casting long shadows all around her. When the sky became darker Effie at last stood up. She wiped away the drying tears and walked slowly to the cliff edge. With only a moments hesitation she leapt off, long dress flying behind her. The sky flashed past her before she at last hit the water with an almighty splash. Waves swirled around her as she plunged deep below the surface. Effie kicked herself up as quickly as she could, breathing deeply as the oxygen rushed into her bursting lungs. She pushed towards the cliff and caught hold of it limply. Within seconds she'd managed to pull herself completely clear of the freezing water and onto the chalky face. Effie shivered as she wrapped her thin jacket around her, clinging to the rock with her shaking knees.

She started to climb, using her hands and feet with years of practice and skill. Effie had been climbing the wall since she was eight, five years and knew every inch of it. When she reached the top she pulled herself right over and instantly got to her feet and started running. Effie didn't stop the whole way home, taking the shortcut through the wheat field on the estate, skimming her hands on the tops of them.

The Sun was far below the horizon by the time Effie was back to the house. As she approached the front door it swung open and let her inside.

"Effie," Miriam gasped, relaxing as she saw her daughter walk in. She had obviously been pacing the hallway, "Where have you been?"

"Sea," Effie said bluntly, knowing that she would be understood. She and her mother were the only people who knew of the cave in the rock, it was their place of safety and serenity.

"Go, have a wash and get changed." Miriam sighed, "I need you to meet someone special."

"Of course." Effie agreed, starting to walk to the stairs, "I shall make sure that I look presentable for them."

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When she reached her room Effie removed all of her soaking wet clothes and walked into her bathroom. She showered quickly, washing her hair and body thoroughly before trying to choose suitable clothes to wear. She decided eventually to wear a pale chiffon cocktail dress that fell to just below her knees. Effie walked downstairs to find her mother deep in conversation with a man she didn't recognise.

"Effie," Miriam, called out to her, "Come here sweetie." She led her and the man into the sitting room where lots of other people were standing around talking. The man was tall, handsome and had a kind and welcoming voice.

"Hello." Effie said to him and he smiled back at her warmly, "A pleasure to meet you."

"And you Effie." He grinned and shook her hand tightly, "Your mother has told me a lot about you." He laughed deeply as Effie looked rather taken aback, "My name is Lucian Allington, a friend of your mother's." Effie smiled uncomfortably,

"Well, nice to meet you." She said and then went to find her mother. At last she found her, talking to a couple of men by the bar.

"Hello darling," Miriam said as Effie approached her, "Have you met Lucian yet?"

"Yes," Effie replied, "I met him just now. He is rather strange is he not?" She added thoughtfully and scowled as her mother laughed, "He is."

"Do you like him though?" Miriam asked her seriously, "Do you think he is a good man?"

"He isn't bad." Effie said uncertainly, "I do suppose that I could grow to like him."

"Good." Miriam said happily, "Well, me and him are to be wed."

"What?" Effie gasped, "How long have you known him?"

"We've been engaged for over twelve years," Miriam smiled, "But now that me and your father are no longer lovers, it may become public."

"That is amazing news Mama." Effie said, not wanting to hurt her mother's feelings. It was the happiest she'd seen her in ages, "Does Ed know?" She asked her quickly.

"Not yet." Miriam said, "He is asleep now so I will tell him tomorrow."

"I agree." Effie said absentmindedly, "I think I will head to bed now. It is getting late and I am tired."

"Yes darling," Her mother agreed and hugged her tightly before letting her leave.

Effie ran up the stairs and rushed to her room. She closed the door quietly behind and laid down on her bed.

"Help me." She whispered into her pillow before drifting into a deep sleep.