Betwixt

By Evie Gaughan

An atmospheric short story by bestselling author, Evie Gaughan.
'When Catherine revisits Hollowbrook cottage on a stormy October night, she crosses paths with a mysterious stranger who is not all that he seems. On a night when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, all that is real and unreal meet in a nowhere place, at a nowhere time.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evie Gaughan
• Release date: Aug 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310908521

Evie Gaughan

Evie Gaughan is the bestselling author of The Story Collector, The Heirloom and The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris.Living on the West Coast of Ireland, which is not renowned for its sunny climate, Evie escapes from the inclement weather into a converted attic to write stories and dream about underfloor heating.Inspired by her love of historical fiction, gothic mysteries and romantic comedies, Evie has crafted her own unique style of writing that is warm, engaging and full of humour. She is currently working on her third novel.

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Betwixt

a short story

by Evie Gaughan

Copyright © Evie Gaughan 2015

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

The moral right of the author has been asserted. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material herein is prohibited. Please respect the hard work of this author.

Find out more about the author and her books online at www.eviegaughan.wordpress.com

One

We don't get many visitors up here this time of year, the old woman sniffed, pulling a hand-knitted cardigan tightly around herself. She looked like the kind of person who had never felt warmth in her life. Her brusque manner made it clear from the outset that she did not appreciate having to deal with guests this late in the season, or at this time of night. The old farmhouse stood at the end of a long and winding driveway, half concealed by immense pine trees and the darkening clouds that rushed across the mountains. It was late October and the rugged landscape had wrapped itself in a wild and inhospitable cloak of withering trees and faded grasses; not at all how she remembered it.

The elderly woman's curiosity got the better of her in the end.

So what brings you to Hollowbrook? she asked, sticking her rather bulbous nose where it didn't belong.

I stayed here a few years ago, the younger woman said curtly, hurriedly signing her name and handing back the pen.

Looking at the guest book, Mrs. Donnelly saw the name and a sense of recognition slowly dawned upon her.

Oh yes, now I remember you, you came with your husband didn't you? she smirked, very pleased with her own powers of recollection. I never forget a name, she added with pride. Oh a fine figure of a man he was, now that I remember him. She leaned comfortably against the doorjamb, folding her arms