This story begins with The Invitation.
Being a little devilish myself, The Invitation is now free to read but the rest of the serial is only available to paid subscribers.
Isabella and Veronica have introduced Mary to something dark and sinister with a ravenous sexual appetite that is lurking in a 1920s English village. Now, they intend to absorb some of its power and wreak a little havoc.
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The shop in the village smelled of mature cheese, cured hams, overlaid with the enticing sweet smells from the jars behind the counter.
“I wouldn’t serve her, she’s a slut, a devotee of Sappho,” a voice muttered behind Mary. She turned to see Mrs Merchant pointing her finger at her.
“I beg your pardon,” Mary said, struggling to keep her tone calm.
“And worse, you consort with the devil.”
Mary stared at her and took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “Since the Devil is a man, I hardly think both are true,” she said calmly. “You may also be aware that my husband is a wealthy man; he would not hesitate to take the appropriate legal action against anyone who slandered his wife.”
Mrs Merchant looked at her tight-lipped and then turned and stomped out of the shop, followed by her small, limp husband.
Mary turned back to the shopkeeper. He smiled. “I’m sorry about that. She and Jane Harvey are as thick as thieves and come up with all sorts of rumours about everyone in the village. Don’t worry, no one believes them.”
“Thank you,” Mary said.