The Borgia Mirror and Other Stories

By Bill Doig

A selection of short stories, some set in Scotland, with elements of fantasy, mystery, and the supernatural

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9780244066888

Book preview

The Borgia Mirror and Other Stories

Ardshian House

The woman stopped at the entrance to the drive, hesitating before going on.

She looked at the large stone posts and could see that the name Ardshian was still legible despite the passage of fifty years. Her young granddaughter, Elsie tugged on her hand wondering why they were here. It had been an impulse as the morning had started as usual; she had arrived at her daughter’s house just after eight thirty to spend the day with Elsie whilst her daughter was out at work. She had not made any plans but the fine weather had made her take the train down to Helensburgh to give the girl a day out at the coast. From the station they had walked down to the pier where the fairground was trying to part people with their money.

After spending what seemed like a small fortune on the rides, she had bought ice creams and they had walked along the promenade. It was then that she saw the local bus for Coulport and her thoughts went back to the time she had left home for the first time to start work as a housemaid in Ardshian House in Cove. The bus was picking up a few passengers so she joined the queue and they were soon on their way around the Gareloch. After Roseneath, the bus entered the village of Cove and they left the bus to find their way up to the house.

She walked up the driveway and saw that there was nothing to see of the house, save for an outline of where the foundations caused ripples in the grass and weeds. The lawn was completely overgrown but she could just make out where the flower borders once graced the large garden.

She turned around to where the door used to stand under an imposing granite arch and her thoughts retraced her short time at the house….

The door had a huge bell pull that seemed to produce no audible sound and after the third attempt she was ready to knock but the door opened suddenly.

A tall stern woman stood at the open door; she appeared to be in her sixties with a dour face, no trace of make-up and her hair arranged in a bun. 

She looked down at the young girl standing there and said

Who are you?

Betty Jenkins – I was told to be here at 1pm. I start work here today – are you Mrs McDougall?

Yes, come in, you are 30 minutes late

Sorry- I was not sure where the house was and it is the first time I’ve been to Cove and the train from Glasgow was late and…

Never mind – the other girls are here. Your room is in the attic.  Follow me.

They walked up a large broad stairway and she had a chance to see the size of the house; it was like a palace as she lived in a room and kitchen in Airdrie with her mother, sisters and brothers. At the top of the stairway, Mrs McDougall opened a door that led to a narrow stairwell. They walked up a steep set of twelve steps and finally arrived in the attic room where two girls were unpacking suitcases.

This is Betty who will be working with you

Hi I’m Sadie and this is my pal May

Mrs McDougall turned to leave, Be downstairs in twenty minutes and I will show you where you will be working

After she left, Sadie pulled a face do you think her knickers are too tight?

It’s going to be hard work with her breathing down our necks said May.

They quickly got each other’s life story as Betty unpacked her case and put away her clothes. Each girl had a