Remember Miranda
Stage 1

Beach House


The children and their father remember Miranda, of course, and they talk about her sometimes.
Miranda's sister often visits us, and she always tell the children a story about their mother. Nick
remembers Miranda; I know he does. And in the hospital, Grandma remembers, too. They all
remember Miranda.
I never met Miranda, but every day I look at her photograph, next to the telephone in the
kitchen, the picture of her with her children. Every day I look at her beautiful dark eyes and her
long dark hair.
I First saw Miranda's photograph two years ago. It was a cold October day, and I left London for
my new job with a family in Norfolk. I drove north, past Norwich, and it began to rain. It was
dark and there was a strong wind so I drove slowly and carefully. I wanted to see the Harvey
children before they went to bed. But because of the weather, it was eight o'clock before I
arrived in Cromer. I drove through the town, along the sea road.
Suddenly, I stopped. There was a tree across the road. I got out of my car. It was a big tree, and I
couldn't move it. Just then, a car drove up behind me and a man got out.
 What's the matter? Oh  a tree across the road.' He was a tall man, about thirty years old.
 Where are you going?' he asked.
 Not far,' I said.  It's a house along this road, near the sea. It's called Beach House.'
 Oh, I know Beach House,' the man said.  It's the last house along this road. But you can't drive
there tonight, with this tree across the road.' He stopped for a minute.  I'm Nick Watson, and I
live at the farm along the road. We can go back to my house, and then walk across the Fields to
Beach House. Are you visiting for the weekend?'
 No, no. I'm going to work in the house and look after Mr Harvey's children. Their mother died
two years ago, and their grandmother has arthritis in her legs and can't walk much now. So I'm
going to look after the children and the house,' I told him.  I met old Mrs Harvey in London, six
weeks ago, and she gave me the job. Do you know the Harveys?'
The man laughed. His laugh was warm and friendly.  Oh, yes, I know them,' he said.
We drove back down the road and into the farm. Then we walked across the Fields. It was dark
and windy and cold. After ten minutes we arrived at a big white house. The lights were on
downstairs, and the house looked friendly. I had no home because my mother and father died a
long time ago, and I had no brothers or sisters. This was my First job and I wanted to be happy
in this house.
A man opened the door. He looked tired and there was no smile on his face.
 Hello, I'm Cathy Wilson,' I began.  I'm very late, I know. It's because the weather's so bad.'
 There's a tree down across the road,' Nick said.  So Cathy left her car at the farm and we
walked here.'
Duncan Harvey looked at Nick.  You always want to help,' he said coldly.  And you're always
there at the right time, ready to help.' His face was angry and I didn't understand why.
 The wind's very strong . . .' I began.
 It doesn't matter,' Nick said. He smiled at me and his eyes were very blue.  Goodbye, Cathy.
Come and get your car tomorrow.'
Duncan said nothing. I went into the house and he took me through into the kitchen.
 Mother, here's Cathy,' he said.
Old Mrs Harvey sat near the window.  Hello, my dear,' she said warmly.  What a wind! Come
and have something to eat.' She stood up and walked slowly across the room. Her hair was
white, and she had a stick because of her bad legs.
I sat down and began to eat.
 Duncan is angry because he doesn't like Nick,' Mrs Harvey told me quietly.  He's not angry with
you.'
Why didn't Duncan like Nick? I thought. I didn't understand, but I didn't like to ask Mrs Harvey.
The next morning I met the children. Tim was Five years old. He ran up and down the garden with
a football. Susan was seven years old, a quiet little girl with big brown eyes. She watched me
carefully but she didn't smile.
The weather changed and the sun was warm. In the afternoon I walked with the children by the sea.
The sky was blue and the sea was beautiful. I cooked dinner and we all ate in the kitchen.
After dinner Juliet arrived.
 I left my car at Nick's,' she said.  There's a tree across the road.' Juliet had long black hair and
dark eyes. She was Miranda's sister.
 Miranda was wonderful,' she told me.  Wonderful and beautiful.'
 Yes, I know,' I said quietly.  I saw the photograph of her, next to the telephone, with Tim and
Susan.'
 Miranda is our mummy,' Susan said.  She died a long time ago.'
 Let's go to the cinema,' Juliet said suddenly.  I want to take Susan and Tim. Cathy, you come with
us.'
Tim began to shout.  Let's go to the cinema! Let's go to the cinema!'
 Be quiet, Tim!' Duncan said. He looked angry.  No, Juliet. It's school tomorrow, and the children
must go to bed early.'
Tim began to cry.  I want to go with Juliet,' he said.
 No, Tim,' Duncan said.
 We can go to the cinema next weekend,' I said quickly.  Let's play with your little cars now.' And
soon Tim stopped crying.

The days went quickly. Duncan went to stay in London for three weeks for his work. He had a job
with a big London company. He often worked on his computer at home, but he went away a lot,
too. I liked the children and I liked old Mrs Harvey, but I had no friends.
One day, I came out of a shop in Cromer, and there was Juliet!
 Hello!' she said.  It's good to see you! Let's go and have a coffee, and we can talk.'
And we did. Juliet told me about her teaching job, and she talked about Susan and Tim, and she
talked about her sister.
 I often visited Miranda at Beach House because she wasn't happy there,' Juliet said quietly.
 Duncan is a difficult man; you can see that. He loved her, of course, but he was often away in
London. She loved the children, and Grandma, but she was very lonely.'
I was lonely, too, at Beach House.
Juliet stood up and smiled warmly.  I must go now. Let's go to the cinema this weekend with the
children. Ask Grandma tonight, and ring me.'
And so I found a friend.


2
The First secret


The weather changed, and that autumn was warm and beautiful. Nearly every day I walked with the
children along the beach. The sea was blue and friendly, and the trees, with their red and yellow
autumn colours, looked beautiful in the sunlight. One afternoon we walked across the Field and
down the hill to the beach. Susan ran in front of Tim. They sang and laughed because they liked
playing on the beach.
 Hello, Cathy. How are you?' someone said behind me.
I stopped. It was Nick, the tall farmer with the blue eyes.  I'm well, thank you.'
 You look lonely,' he said,  and smiled.  You need some friends. Shall we meet in Cromer one day
and have dinner?'
And so the next evening I drove to Nick's farm and we went into Cromer for dinner, and then we
walked through the town to the gardens near the beach. I liked Nick. He was friendly and
interesting. We didn't talk about the Harvey family all evening.
But before we said goodnight, Nick asked about Duncan.  Are you going to tell Duncan about this
evening?'
 No,' I said quickly. Then I stopped.  Duncan is in London this month,' I went on slowly.  Mrs
Harvey told me  you and Duncan . . .'
Nick laughed quietly.  So you have a secret now,' he said.  Be careful, Cathy, at Beach House.'
 I don't understand,' I said.  Why don't you like Duncan?'
 I can't talk about it,' Nick said.
I didn't tell Mrs Harvey about Nick, and perhaps that was wrong. But I did tell Juliet.
 I like Nick very much,' I told her.  I want to see him again.' But Juliet was quiet and didn't talk
much that afternoon.
That evening I put the children to bed and read them a story. Then I went slowly downstairs. I
thought about Nick. I wanted to see him again.
Mrs Harvey sat quietly in her big chair in the kitchen.  Cathy, I must talk to you, my dear,' she said.
 Come and sit down here.'
I sat down near her. I didn't want to talk  I wanted to Finish my work in the kitchen and go upstairs
to watch TV in my room.
 You're a good girl,' Mrs Harvey began kindly.  Susan and Tim like you, and I'm very happy with
your work in the house.'
I smiled, and waited for the  but'. It arrived immediately.
 But I must talk to you about Nick Watson. Perhaps you are lonely here, with the children and me.
Duncan is very quiet, I know that, and he's in London much of the time. But Nick doesn't like
Duncan, and Duncan hates Nick. It's a long story and I don't want to talk about it. I'm not going to
tell Duncan about your evening with Nick, but I don't want you to see Nick again.'
My face felt hot and my hands felt cold. Mrs Harvey knew about my dinner with Nick! Who told
her? And why? I felt angry with Mrs Harvey because I wanted to see Nick again. But I didn't want
to lose my job.
 I don't understand,' I began quietly.
Mrs Harvey stood up.  Why must you understand?' she asked angrily.  Don't see Nick Watson
again! Do you hear me?'
 Grandma!'
We looked up, and saw Susan and Tim on the stairs.  Children! What are you doing!' Mrs Harvey
said. She took her stick and began to walk slowly across the room.
 Tim was afraid,' Susan said.  He couldn't sleep, and so we came to call Cathy.'
 I wasn't afraid  you were afraid, because of Nick,' Tim said, and he pushed Susan.
 No, Tim!' Mrs Harvey shouted. Her face went white.  Don't do that! Cathy, please go upstairs and
put them back to bed.'
I ran upstairs and took the children back to their room. Tim put his little hands on my face and
kissed me.  Goodnight, Cathy,' he said.  I like you.'
I smiled.  I like you, too,' I said.
I said goodnight to Susan.  I don't want Grandma to be angry with you,' she said quietly.
 Why are you afraid of Nick?' I asked.
 I don't know,' Susan said.  Daddy hates him, but I don't know why.'
 He's a bad man,' Tim said.  Grandma told me.'
And so I didn't see Nick again for a long time.


3
A terrible accident


Duncan came back and worked at home again. Why did he hate Nick? I wanted to understand, but I
couldn't ask because I was a little afraid of Duncan. He didn't talk much and he worked for hours in
his room.
Old Mrs Harvey liked to cook, but because of her arthritis she couldn't cook much and she couldn't
look after the children and the house. She often felt upset because of this. But she was much
happier with Duncan at home. She smiled more and she cooked breakfast for him nearly every day.
Sometimes she made bread. Duncan was kind to his mother and he played with the children every
day. He drove them to school every morning and I drove them home in the afternoons.
One Friday afternoon I drove away from Beach House past Nick's farm. Just then, I saw Nick's
Landrover on the farm road.  He's driving very fast,' I thought.  Oh no! He's not going to stop '
And he didn't. He drove out of the farm road and very nearly hit my car. I couldn't stop, so I drove
off the road and the Landrover went past, only centimetres away.
The Landrover stopped. Nick got out, ran back to my car, and opened the door.  Cathy! Are you all
right?'
Then I saw a girl in the Landrover. It was Juliet. She got out and came up to us.
 You must drive more carefully, Nick!' she said angrily.  You nearly hit Cathy then.' She wore a
beautiful red coat and black trousers. Her dark eyes were angry, but they looked at Nick and not at
me.
 Cathy's all right,' he said to her. He put his hand on her arm. His blue eyes were kind, but they
looked at Juliet and not at me.
 We don't want more accidents,' Juliet said quietly.  Remember Miranda.'
 Please move your Landrover,' I said coldly.  I must get to school for the children. I'm going to be
late.'
 Don't be angry.' Nick smiled at me.  I'm very sorry.' He got back into the Landrover and moved it.
Juliet stood by my car.
 So you and Nick are friends,' I said to her.  You didn't tell me about that.'
Juliet said nothing for a minute.  You don't understand,' she said in the end.  It's very difficult.'
I drove back on to the road. I nearly cried, and I felt very angry. Juliet was my friend. I had coffee
with her and went to the cinema with her, but she said nothing about Nick. Why not? I had dinner
with Nick and we talked all evening, but he said nothing about Juliet. Why not? I felt angry with
Juliet and with Nick.
That evening Mrs Harvey's arthritis was bad and she went to bed early. Duncan cooked dinner and I
ate with him and the children. Duncan talked and laughed with the children and I felt happy to be
with them. Once, I felt Duncan's eyes on me, and suddenly my face felt hot. I didn't want to think
about Juliet and Nick.
But later, in my room, I remembered Juliet's angry face and eyes. We don't want more accidents.
Remember Miranda. Then I remembered old Mrs Harvey in London. The children's mother died
two years ago. She told me that, but she didn't tell me about an accident. Perhaps it was a car
accident? Perhaps Nick killed Miranda with his Landrover? Duncan hates Nick. Mrs Harvey told
me that, too. Did Duncan hate Nick because Nick killed Miranda?
I slept in the end, but I didn't sleep well. The next day was Saturday and I was free in the morning.
Duncan went to the shops with the children and I went to the library in Cromer. Miranda died on
30th September, two years ago. I knew that. Perhaps the town's newspaper wrote about her after
she died. I must Find something about her because I wanted to understand the Harvey family.
I found the old newspapers and began to read. The newspaper of 1st October told me everything.

YOUNG MOTHER DIES IN TERRIBLE ACCIDENT
Miranda Harvey, aged 26, fell down the stairs at her home and died later in hospital. Miranda lived
with her husband and two children not far from Cromer. Duncan Harvey's mother lives with them.
 This is a terrible day for the Harvey family,' she said.  We all loved Miranda very much, and now
her two little children are without a mother.'
Juliet, aged 24, Miranda's sister, is a teacher at one of the schools in Cromer.  My sister was a
wonderful mother,' she said,  and a loving sister to me.'

I sat with my head in my hands. I could not move. We don't want more accidents. Remember
Miranda. It wasn't a car accident; Miranda, that wonderful mother, fell down the stairs at Beach
House  and I ran up and down those stairs six or seven times a day.
Then I looked at some of the later newspapers.

POLICE QUESTION DUNCAN HARVEY
Harvey, aged 34, was at home on the day of his wife's accident. He was upstairs with her before she
fell. Then he went downstairs to the kitchen. How did the accident happen? Harvey does not know.
He heard nothing, he says.

The police questioned Duncan for two days, I read, but in the end he went home to his children. It
wasn't Nick, in his Landrover. Miranda died at home, and the police questioned Duncan. My hands
were cold, my legs were cold, and I felt afraid.
Things were different at Beach House after my visit to the library. The house was a house with a
secret, and the Harveys were a family with a secret. I thought about Miranda and the accident every
day. I wanted to talk to someone about it, but I was afraid. Why did the police question Duncan? Be
careful at Beach House. Why did Nick say that to me? Was it because of Miranda's accident? There
were more questions in my head now. And the biggest question was this: did Miranda fall  or did
someone push her?


4
Not one of the family


Winter came. The weather was cold and windy, but sometimes when the weather was a little better I
walked on the beach with the children. Two or three times I saw Nick and he smiled and we talked
a little. I liked Nick, but I was angry with him because of Juliet, and he didn't ask me to dinner
again.
School Finished for Christmas, and I drove the children to a farm near Cromer to buy a Christmas
tree. After my mother and father died, Christmas was a bad time for me because I was lonely.  But
this year,' I thought,  I'm going to be with the Harvey family. Perhaps I can forget about Miranda's
accident and feel happy at Christmas.'
 Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!' the children sang. They were very happy about
Christmas.
We walked through the farm and looked at the Christmas trees. Tim ran up and down.  I want this
tree, Cathy!' he called. Then he ran up and down again.  I want this tree, Cathy!' he called again.
Suddenly he ran into a tree and then fell over. When he fell, his head hit a second tree. He began to
cry.
I ran to him. There was a long cut on his head and a lot of blood.
 Don't cry, Tim. You're going to be all right,' I said quietly.  Let's go to the hospital and see the
doctor.'
 Oh no!' cried Susan.  The hospital! Is Tim going to die?'
 No, no. Tim's going to be all right. But the doctor must look at this cut on his head,' I said. I
carried Tim to the car and drove quickly to the hospital. After we saw the doctor, I phoned Duncan
and he came to the hospital.
Susan ran to him.  Daddy, there was an accident, and there was a lot of blood. Is he going to die?'
Duncan sat down. His face was white, but he smiled at Susan and Tim.  Tim's going to be OK.
Look at him! He's feeling much better now.'
Duncan put his arm around me.  Thank you, Cathy,' he said.  You're very good with the children.
Beach House is a happier home now, with you there.' Slowly we walked out of the hospital.  Please
come home in the car with us,' Duncan said.  We can come back later for your car. Please.'
I liked Duncan then, and I wanted to go with him and the children. But I was afraid, too, because of
Miranda's accident. I didn't want to talk to him, and so I went home in my car.
The next day Juliet came to see Tim. She played with the children and then she stayed for dinner.
After the children went to bed, she came to see me in my room.
 I'm sorry, Cathy,' she began.  I wanted to see you, but I was afraid because you're angry with me.'
 Yes, I am angry,' I said slowly.  You were my friend. I went to dinner with Nick and I told you
everything, but you didn't tell me about you and Nick. Why not?'
Juliet looked at me but said nothing.
 Why didn't Nick tell me about you? Did he tell you about our dinner?'
 Yes. I was upset, but Nick likes to talk to women. He likes you and he wanted to take you to
dinner. But he loves me and nothing is going to change that.' She stopped.  I told Grandma about
your dinner with Nick, because I didn't want you to be friends with Nick.'
 You don't want her to know about you and Nick, but you told her about my dinner with Nick!
Why? I don't understand!'
 I'm sorry. I love him very much; he's everything to me. But our love is a secret. Duncan hates
Nick, and I don't want him to know about our love.'
 There are a lot of secrets in this family,' I said.  Secrets about you and Nick. Secrets about
Miranda. Why didn't you tell me about Miranda's accident?'
 How do you know about that?' Juliet asked.
 I went to the library and read about it in the newspapers.'
Juliet stood up.  Nobody talks about Miranda's accident,' she said.  Nobody saw her when she fell
down the stairs.'
I wanted to ask about Duncan. I wanted to ask:  Why did the police question Duncan?' but I was
afraid of the answer.  Well, I don't like living with all these secrets,' I said.  Every time I go
downstairs I remember Miranda.'
Juliet laughed then, and it was a cold laugh.  We all live with that, Cathy. You're not one of the
family; you're not going to fall downstairs.'
* * *
Tim felt better the next day, and in the afternoon Duncan took the children back to the farm to buy
the Christmas tree. And then I phoned Nick.
 I want to talk to you,' I said quietly.  I need to talk to someone.'
 Mmm,' said Nick.  Let's meet on the beach. At three o'clock.'
I waited in my room and listened to the sea and the wind. Perhaps Juliet was with Nick. I didn't
know, but I needed to talk to someone about the Harvey family. I walked slowly across the Field
and down the hill to the beach. It was a cold afternoon and there was a strong wind. The sea was
dark. Nick wasn't there; perhaps he didn't want to talk to me. But in the end he arrived.
 What's the matter?' he asked.
 I talked to Juliet last night,' I began.  About Miranda. I don't know why, but I feel afraid. What do
you know about Miranda's accident?'
 The police questioned Duncan,' Nick said. His blue eyes looked past me. Suddenly his face
changed.  Duncan's here. Did you tell him to come?'
 No, I didn't. He left the house before I called you.'
Duncan ran down the hill.  Cathy!' he called.
 What are you doing here?' Nick said angrily.  Cathy wants to talk to me.'
 Cathy, come home,' Duncan said quietly.
 She's not going back with you. She's afraid of you.'
 Afraid of me? Why?'
I said nothing. Duncan's face was angry.
 Why don't you tell us about Miranda?' Nick asked. His face was angry, too.  I want to ask you
something. The police questioned you, Duncan. What did you tell them about that night?'
 So you're asking me about Miranda,' Duncan shouted.  You remember Miranda, then? Well, I
remember, too. I remember her every day.' Duncan looked at me, and then back at Nick.  You think
I killed Miranda? Go to the police, then, and tell them that. Yes, I hated her, and I hated you, too,
Nick. She wanted to leave me and the children because of you. She loved you. She told me that. But
did you love her, Nick?'
 Of course I didn't,' Nick said. His face was red.  I liked Miranda. We went to dinner four or Five
times, that's all. She was lonely.' He looked at me. His eyes were very blue, but suddenly I didn't
like his eyes and I didn't like his face.
 She wanted to leave me and her children, but you didn't love her,' Duncan said.  You loved her
sister. I know that. But Miranda didn't know about you and Juliet. Why didn't you tell her?'
I didn't want to listen. I felt ill and very cold, and I began to walk back up the hill. I wanted to go
home, but where was my home? I didn't have one.


5
Home


 Cathy! Wait for me!' It was Duncan. He ran up behind me.  I want to talk to you, Cathy. Listen  all
women like Nick. I know that. But he's not a good friend for you to have. You heard him on the
beach. He likes to have lots of women friends. How can you be happy with a man like that?'
 You're wrong,' I said slowly.  I stopped liking Nick weeks ago.' Nick wasn't important to me
now, I knew that. But Duncan was important to me  and I couldn't tell him. For a minute or two I
said nothing, but the questions were still there. In the end I said:  Why didn't you tell me about
Miranda's accident? Why was it a secret? I feel very upset about all this.'
 I wanted to forget all about it,' Duncan said slowly.  It was a very difficult time. Miranda and
Juliet loved Nick. Juliet hated Miranda. She was afraid because Miranda wanted to live with Nick.
Juliet told me about Miranda and Nick because she wanted me to stop Miranda.'
 Juliet told me about her love for Nick. It was a secret, she said.'
 A secret?' Duncan laughed angrily.  Well, Miranda never knew about it, it's true. Juliet's very
careful  she never talks about Nick. But it wasn't difficult to see. I saw her car at his farm, and I
often see it there now.'
The sky was darker now.  Was Juliet here, the night Miranda died?' I asked. Perhaps Juliet killed
her sister, I thought.
 No, no. Juliet wasn't here, Nick wasn't here,' Duncan said.  I was upstairs, and the children were
in bed. Then Miranda called me into our bedroom and said:  I'm going to leave you, Duncan. I'm
going to live with Nick.' I was very angry and upset, but I ran downstairs into the kitchen before she
fell. Cathy, nobody killed Miranda. It was an accident, a terrible accident.' Duncan put his hand on
my arm.  Can't you forget about Miranda now? Can't we begin again?'
But I couldn't answer then.
We arrived at Beach House. There was a light downstairs in the kitchen, and a light in the sitting
room.
 The children are watching television,' Duncan said. We went into the house and Duncan opened
the sitting room door.  We're home now,' he told the children.  We're going to the kitchen to make
dinner.'
The kitchen was warm and quiet. Old Mrs Harvey sat in her chair. Suddenly, I felt afraid again.
There was something terrible about old Mrs Harvey's face. I stood by the kitchen door; I couldn't
go into the room.
 We're back, Mother,' Duncan said.  Cathy's with me; everything's all right.'
Mrs Harvey's eyes were dark in her white face.  I was afraid, Duncan! I was afraid! The children
love Cathy, and you love Cathy. I can see that. But Cathy loves Nick. She's going to leave you and
the children. Remember Miranda! It's all happening again. I can see that.'
 Mother! It's not true! Don't talk like this!'
 Remember Miranda!' Mrs Harvey said again.  Don't be upset, Duncan. I'm always here, you know
that. I can't look after you because of my arthritis, but I love you most, you know that, and I'm
going to help you again.'
Suddenly I understood it all.  Tell us about Miranda,' I said quietly.  What did you do that night?'
Mrs Harvey looked at me then.  I don't want you to leave, Cathy. I want you to stay with the
children and be happy with Duncan. Let me tell you about that night,' she said,  and then you must
stay here with us.'
The room was very quiet. Duncan held my hand, and his hand was warm and strong.
 Miranda wanted to leave Duncan. I was upstairs in my room, and I heard her. Duncan ran
downstairs and I came out of my room and talked to Miranda. She hated Duncan, and she didn't
want to think about her children.' Mrs Harvey began to cry.  I pushed her. She was on the stairs,
and I pushed her with my stick. She fell down the stairs, and I went back into my room. I didn't
want to kill her, I wanted to break her legs. I wanted her to stay at home with Duncan. But she died,
and in the end I was happy because she didn't go and live with Nick . . .'
Mrs Harvey talked and talked, and in the end we stopped listening to her.
 Cathy, this is all going to be very difficult,' Duncan said, tiredly.  I must call the police and tell
them about mother. Then I must talk to the children. It's going to be difficult for you, too. Are you
going to leave Beach House?'
I smiled. There were no more questions in my head. I knew everything now about the Harvey
family: there was nothing more to be afraid of.  No, Duncan, I'm not going to leave.'
 The children need you,' he said.  You know that. But I need you too. I want you to be with me. But
can we be happy after all this?'
 Of course we can,' I told him.  Things are going to get better now, for all of us.'
He put his arms around me. He kissed me then, and I found my home in his arms.