Petra’s friends thought she’d lost her marbles, taking a job at Tilligan House. It was a creepy old place on a hill, like something from a Gothic horror movie. The warnings from her pals came thick and fast...
‘That place must have a curse on it. Rumour has it that other girls who’ve worked there left within days. Worse, no one’s ever said what happened. Your best bet is to turn the job down.’
But Petra shook her head, with no intention of heeding the warnings. This was the kind of job she’d wanted for ages – private housekeeper for a couple of eccentric old toffs in a remote location. She would be a modern version of a housemaid – dusting, mopping, arranging flowers, polishing the brass, and chasing mice out of the scullery with a broom. Although it was unlikely there would be any mice that needed chasing, the toffs were offering a generous salary.
‘Don’t be so silly,’ she told her friends, and within a few days of handing in her notice at her current job, she was on her way…
Nearing the gates of Tilligan House in the gathering dusk, the old place certainly looked spooky. And when the door slowly creaked open in answer to Petra’s knock, she half expected a Dracula-like figure to be standing there.
In fact, it was a normal-looking, middle-aged woman wearing jeans.
‘Petra, how lovely to meet you. We’ve been let down so many times recently, we’d almost given up hope. Come in – I’ll show you to your room and then you can meet Robert.’
This story is from the July 20, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 20, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Breathe EASY
Do you need an air purifier at home? We find out
Stress-free ENTERTAINING
Enjoy a seasonal prep-ahead spread with friends or family
Bonded FOR LIFE
As a new mother faced the most agonising of challenges, her best friend stepped in to hel
The easy way TO EXERCISE AND HEALTH
You don't need a gym to get fit, just mini bursts of activity throughout the day to get you in shape. Here's how
TESTED BY US!
Dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes - and lifts roots and boosts volume. Here are our favourites
'Coronation Street changed my life'
Actor Georgia Taylor on finding fun and lasting friendships on the cobbles
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY