Spindle

by Shonna Slayton

  “They’re always giving me the worst jobs—not this one. Goodness, I don’t want you thinking that watching you and the children is on the same level as tracking Isodora. No, no. This”—she looked around the room with a contented smile—“is a privilege.” She sighed, and a hint of wistfulness escaped. “This I would like to keep doing, for your sakes and mine. I knew children were fun, but my, oh my.” She giggled. “You wouldn’t believe what the boys did to Mrs. Clover. She came by for tea and they tried to hide under the table to listen to the grownups talking. We let on like we didn’t know they were there—who knew she was such a sport?—but with them knocking our knees and the whispering, it was like a barrel of squirrels had infiltrated the house.”

  Fanny appeared to get lost in her thoughts and Briar prompted her with a whimper.

  “Sorry, dearie. How is that tea?” She looked into Briar’s almost empty cup. “Drink it all. Now, where was I? Oh, yes. My history with Isodora. Well, while I was dreaming up my gift for Aurora, Isodora arrived in the great hall. Late and angry. Past angry. There was no reasoning with her. Personally, I think she was just looking for a reason to be mean. There was no need for her to curse the princess with death. Nor to have her parents live every day in fear of when it would happen.

  “The whole family was at the party, pleased as anything a princess had been born. The family is prone to boys, you know, so she was special, even for a princess. There were platters of fruit and quail and currant cake. It was a party like the kingdom had never seen before. You know the story, yes? Isodora was left off the invitation to the christening—serves her right for staying away for so long. We’d all forgotten about her, though even if we remembered, we still wouldn’t have wanted her. She’s impulsive and spiteful and ruins everything. Her pride is so easily offended. Before I was able to give my blessing to the child, Isodora cursed her, then left in a huff.

  “That’s when I had my great idea. I couldn’t change the curse, but I could soften it. Aurora didn’t have to die; she would just sleep for as long a life as she would have had, and then wake up and lead a new life. Clever, wasn’t it? Not everyone agreed with me. Some of the others thought if they had the chance they would have come up with something better, but I doubt it. You’ll find that a lot of the fairies are too proud for their own good.”

  Fanny took the empty cup from Briar. “Good girl. It won’t make you feel better, but you won’t get worse for a while yet. I’m good at delaying things. Your Nanny is good at tracking things. I suppose that’s what I started to tell you. When Isodora got away from me, I came straight to Prudence. Now you can understand why she had to leave so suddenly.”

  “What do you mean ‘got away from you’?” The words sounded dry to Briar’s ears.

  “Well, when Aurora—the silly girl—even after we told her and told her, still pricked her finger, she fell asleep instead of dying. As you may already know, she slept for almost one hundred years. She awoke after a brave and handsome prince—through my prompting, by the way—found her and kissed her. Everything would have been fine after that except for one small problem.” Fanny suddenly looked deeply interested in the china pattern on the cup.

  “What?”

  “I didn’t realize that by stopping Isodora’s curse, I was tying up her magic in the spindle. It took her a while to figure out why she could only do little bits of magic, but was so limited when it came to the big things. Poor thing couldn’t kill anyone, what was she to do? But after she figured it out, oh was she livid. And, unfortunately for me, because it was my blessing that stopped her curse, well, we have an unusual connection. I always know where she is. At least, I did until she got away from me.

  “She has always been very good at hiding. That’s why we all forgot about her that one time. If a person doesn’t want to be found, she shouldn’t be so upset when she doesn’t get invited to a party, don’t you think?” Fanny shook her head, clearly irritated by Isodora’s lack of manners.

  “How do you keep track of her?”

  “Until a few weeks ago she and I could sense each other. I could tell it irritated her, but one day—nothing. I came to Prudence.”

  “And how is Prudence to find her?”

  “Our fairy magic has a scent. Isodora’s is quite strong, especially since she likes the stronger magic. And there is a faint color given off. Again, more so when the magic is big. You probably haven’t noticed mine as it matches the smell and color of the primrose. Isodora’s magic usually leaves behind a nasty sour apple smell.” Fanny wrinkled her nose.

  “What if Isodora can change the scent the way she changes her look?”

  Fanny frowned and snapped her fingers. “That would be just like her to figure out something like that. Prudence wouldn’t know what to track if it was different.”

  Briar’s head hurt with trying to think about it. The pulsing behind her ear was like the pounding of the looms located above the spinning room. Relentless.

  “I don’t know why Prudence was the one who ended up with you children,” Fanny said. “I was surprised to find her here in a house filled with young ones. Not her usual activity, if you know what I mean. She’s not a bit motherly. It should have been someone else.” She felt Briar’s forehead.

  “Poor dearie. These cloths are as fevered as you are. Let me cool them off with fresh water from the well. I’ll be right back.”

  Fanny flittered out the door, leaving Briar fading in and out of consciousness. What was dream and what was reality? Fairies. Sleeping Beauty. Curses. Spindles. Tired, so tired. Rest. It was time to rest.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Briar began to stir back to consciousness again. A warm light. A new smell, one of fresh air and freshly cut wood. She blinked her eyes open and felt like she was still dreaming. There was a handsome stranger leaning over her. He had tanned skin and rich brown eyes framed in shaggy hair falling against his cheeks. She blinked again in time to see the boy grin.

  A recognizable grin.

  “Henry Prince, is that you?” Her mouth was dry and she didn’t know if the words were formed correctly. At least her throat wasn’t on fire today. She struggled to make her limbs obey and push herself up, but she hadn’t the strength.

  “Sorry, I knocked on the cottage door, but no one answered,” he said. He stood tall, blocking the bright light streaming in from the front door. The curtains dividing the room had been held back and Briar could see the entire cottage from her bed.

  “I let myself in to surprise you all, and here you are surprising me. What are you doing sleeping in the middle of the day?”

  Briar smiled, or at least tried to. She couldn’t tell if her body was obeying her commands or not. Henry Prince was home. There was so much to tell him. He was obviously freshly returned and hadn’t heard what had gone on in town.

  “Well, get up and welcome your old chum.” He held his arms out as if waiting for a hug. “I would have been here sooner, but with the railroad strike, it took some doing. Can you tell where I’ve been, lass?” He emphasized the word “lass” like it was a clue.

  “She can’t get out of bed,” Pansy said, standing in the doorway. Her arms were loaded with a basket of fresh pickings from the garden. “She can’t hardly move at all.” Pansy set down her basket, and then poured a cup of tea.

  A look of concern marred Henry’s tan and rosy face. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s got the sleeping sickness.” Pansy brought the tea to Briar and helped her sip.

  The sweet liquid took away some of the dryness in Briar’s throat. “Polio,” Briar said, quick to explain. “A bunch of us mill girls came down with it. I’m the worst. They’re all starting to recover, but I’m…not.”

  “Are you sure it’s polio? How long have you been like this?”

  Briar glanced at Pansy. “The doctor hasn’t confirmed my case, but he’s examined the others,” Briar said. “Mine came on yesterday.”

  “What about Fanny? Does she think it’s polio?”

&nbs
p; “Fanny’s not the doctor,” Pansy said. “Do you have any sore places, Briar? I could heat up more warm cloths for you.”

  “I’m fine. You can go play with the boys. Henry can get you if I need anything.”

  “Don’t tell them I’m back yet. I’d like to talk to Briar first,” he said.

  Pansy nodded then reluctantly went back outside.

  “Pansy has been a wonderful nursemaid for me,” Briar said. “I think she feels she can save me. She’s scared I’ll die like Mam and Da.”

  Henry pulled up a chair and held Briar’s hand. “You’re not going to die. Don’t even think it.”

  “I feel it moving up my body,” Briar said, and she couldn’t hide the tremble in her voice. She’d not told the others because she didn’t want them to worry, but she knew Henry could be strong for her. He always had been. “When it gets to my lungs I won’t be able to breathe. There’s nothing else to be done but wait.” She swallowed. “It’s so good to see you, Henry. I never thought I’d lay eyes on you again.”

  “Don’t talk like that.”

  “What about the letter? Were you able to find my aunt?”

  Henry shook his head. “I tried. I found someone who knew your family. An old farmer who thought they’d all left at the same time, but then his wife corrected him. Said your aunt and her husband left a few weeks after your mama did. They were going for work in the factories in England.”

  “That must be why they lost touch. Neither had a home, so their letters couldn’t find each other.”

  She took another sip of tea. Her throat burned, but she needed to talk more. “I got your gifts. The acorn, the heart-shaped pebble, Solomon’s Seal.”

  He grinned. “How did you know they were from me?”

  “I don’t know how you did it, but only you would have given me those things. Tokens from the valley you love. Plus they were left in that spot you always tap on my frame when you’re leaving.”

  He looked pleased that she noticed. “I didn’t want you to forget about me, so I found an accomplice.”

  Briar started to cough, which hurt her lungs and made her wince.

  Henry stood. “Are you all right?”

  She held up a hand. “I’m okay now. Was Fanny your accomplice?”

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “Something she said.” That’s why she told me she was a fairy. She knew what I’d done with the spindle because she was there leaving me a gift from Henry and saw what I did.

  Henry began pacing between the bed and the door. “When did everyone start getting sick?”

  “A few weeks ago, but never mind that. You’re back. I want to hear all about the big adventurous world out there. Come sit and tell me.” She looked around him to the pack he’d left by the door. It was much fuller than when he left. “What did you bring home?”

  He looked back at the bag. “I have a gift for you.” He took a step toward her. “But, I’ll save it for later when you’re feeling better.”

  “There might not be a later.”

  “Well, I’m not going to show you now. I believe you’re stubborn enough to get better if only to look inside that bag.”

  Briar struggled for a breath. “Maybe.”

  Henry continued pacing. “I was all set to tell you of my adventures, but it doesn’t seem appropriate now, with you so ill. How can I help? Where is Fanny?” He paced over to the door and scanned the valley.

  “I’m sure Fanny will be along soon. Meanwhile, your tales of adventure are exactly how you can help.”

  He nodded. “All right.” He poured himself a glass from the water jug and pulled up a chair from the table. “After I left you at the train station, I traveled to the east coast where I boarded a strong sailing vessel. You should see New York, Bri. I’ve never seen so many people meeting in one place before. The captain told me there were more than a million and a half people living there, and I believe him.

  “The ship was sturdy, but I wasn’t. I’m no sailor, that’s for sure. I’ve never been so happy to see land in my life. When the ground is taken away from you, you sure miss it.”

  Briar closed her eyes. Henry didn’t know how right he was.

  “A huge storm picked up halfway through the trip and even the seasoned sailors were praying for deliverance. They made all passengers go below decks as wave after wave crashed over top. It was as if the sea were trying to spit up everything in it, and take us down at the same time.”

  “How terrible,” Briar whispered.

  “After we made it across the Atlantic and landed in Southampton, I stepped off that ship with a skip in my step and my burdens all gone. My parents had letters they wanted me to deliver to our family near the Black Forest in Germany, so I made my way there.” He stroked her arm. “Are you sure you’re up to this? Would you rather rest?”

  “Keep going.” She opened her eyes. She could hardly believe Henry was back. He was the same boy who left months ago, but not. He was taller, shoulders broader, his face thinner, more determined-looking than it used to be. This felt right, him sitting here with her. She never wanted him to leave again. He was home.

  She worked to keep a look of peace about her as her mind fought her body for control. Breathe. Breathe. Her lungs rebelled, wanting instead to stiffen and not allow air through.

  Henry continued to describe his trip through Europe, and Briar closed her eyes, focusing on his voice and her next breath. How had she lived when he was gone? She’d noticed the hole he’d left right away, but now that he was back, she was hit with how much better life was with him in it. Not only was he a part of the valley, he was a part of her. They may not share the same heritage but they shared so many other things—most importantly, the same heart.

  When she felt herself drifting off to sleep, Henry grabbed her hand again and she squeezed it. Thank you.

  There was a rustling at the door and in walked Fanny, her hair a bit ruffled. “Oh. You’re back,” Fanny said. She worried the apron in her hands.

  Pansy ran in after, out of breath. “Where were you, Miss Fanny? I was looking everywhere for you.”

  Fanny glanced at the girl, then back at Henry, looking like she wanted to say more. “How was your trip?”

  “Successful. I thought,” Henry said hesitantly, returning eye contact with Briar.

  “Run along outside, now, Pansy. I think it’s time to feed the chicken.” Fanny gave Pansy a little push.

  Pansy frowned and looked to Briar with pleading in her eyes. She knew she was being sent out so they could talk about things they didn’t want her to know.

  Briar nodded. Yes, sweet Pansy, you need to go.

  Reluctantly, Pansy walked out as slowly as she could.

  Fanny followed behind and shut the door.

  “What is Briar really sick with?” Henry asked. “Is it polio like the doctor thinks?”

  Fanny shook her head. “No, dearie.” Her voice was sad, almost defeated. So unlike the bubbly Fanny they had grown used to.

  “How bad is it?”

  Fanny held his gaze. “Quite.”

  Henry’s face paled and he ran a hand through his hair. “No. It couldn’t be.” He stood. “I did just what you said. I filled the box with rocks and locked it.”

  He dug under the collar of his homespun shirt and pulled out a fancy scroll key on a chain. “I waited until we were crossing the deepest part of the ocean and threw it in. I watched it sink, and waited a full day, two days, three days. Nothing. I thought it worked. How could it end up back here? If anything, it should have found me. I was the closest. How does that blasted thing keep ending up here?” He gripped the back of his neck, staring up at the ceiling.

  “What are you talking about?” Briar asked. He didn’t mention any of this in his accounting to her, and what did it have to do with her illness?

  “I hoped it would work this time, too,” Fanny said.

  “This is worse than not working out.” Henry pounded the table. “Now she’s being punished.” He pointed
at Briar. “She’s innocent. It should be me lying there.”

  Fanny pushed her hands down in a calming motion. “You had a good plan. We were right about one thing, the curse is weak. Since my connection with Isodora has thinned I thought it was time to try, too. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I think it was a trick. She found some way to get around our connection.” She slapped his shoulder. “It’s time we forge ahead,” Fanny said. “I’ve come from the mill. The spindle is set firm into Briar’s spinning frame and I can’t get it out. Isodora gave it to her, so she’s still here somewhere.”

  Realization forced its way through Briar’s muddled brain. Henry knew. Henry Prince knew everything.

  He let out a deep breath filled with anger and frustration. Then he turned to her, his eyes sad. Before Briar could register his motives, Henry leaned down and kissed her, full on the lips. The sensation was cold from the water he’d been drinking but soft with tenderness. He pulled away, his eyes searching hers.

  “Well?” he asked. His hand still cupped the back of her head where he had grabbed her to lift her lips to his, and his face hovered inches from hers. “Do you feel anything?”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Briar lay stunned, staring back into Henry’s deep gaze. The kiss happened so quickly she didn’t know what to think or feel. She certainly didn’t have time to feel any fluttering in her stomach or the warmth of a kiss inside, or even a quickening of her pulse.

  “Wh-what kind of non-romantic question is that?” Briar said. If a boy was to kiss a girl for the first time, he should try harder to make it meaningful.