Helen Speaks

Introduction to Olive: https://helenspeaks.wordpress.com/2025/04/07/olive-framleys-magical-year/

Auntie Ermingarde: https://helenspeaks.com/2025/04/26/olive-framley-entry-6-26th-april/

Dear Talia,

Hatty has come back from seeing her elderly relative, who is apparently doing a lot better, and she had such a spring in her step. She approved of my tidying, in fact seemed quite impressed.

I’m embarrassed to say, Talia, that I realised she has been thinking of me as a helpless baby who cannot pick up after herself. And she wouldn’t be entirely wrong in that assumption.

She had even brought me a present. I hope my parents are paying her enough – she brought me an old fashioned picnic hamper, which she said looked like it could store all sorts of potions or herbs.

“Or you could have a nice picnic with it,” she said, smiling, and then went to sweep up.

There is definitely something peculiar about her, but it was a very nice basket, I had to admit!

I’ve never really had a proper picnic, Talia, one like in children’s stories! There was an old fashioned blanket inside… and I thought maybe this would be the best opportunity to properly make peace with Aunty Ermingarde.

There is a good delicatessen in Barkmouth and I went and bought some supplies. The day was sunny and bright… and suddenly I realised I was nervous. I didn’t know how I’d take it if she turned me down. I actually do want Aunty E to like me.

She didn’t look delighted to see me, but I showed her the hamper. “I hoped… maybe we could get to know each other better. Without spells,” I said, as she just looked at me with a slight frown.

“And what, you’ve brought me truth serum tea, or some sort of loose talking quiche?”

I blushed. “I didn’t actually bring tea.”

She smiled slightly at that. “Oh you’re so young. That’s a lovely hamper – where did you get it?”

“My maid gave it to me.”

She chuckled. “Of course you have a maid. And she’s giving you presents?”

“I think she might be more than she seems. But I’m not going to do any spells on her, I promise!”

She beckoned me in and made a flask of tea. Strained all the tea leaves, which was a shame, but I’m still not sure that tea leaf reading is a real thing!

She came out with me, though. She didn’t sit on the blanket, but found a park bench down by the coast, and told me stories about my mother and grandmother as children.

It was lovely, Talia. I hugged her before I went home. Maybe I’m finding a new path.

The hamper was so heavy, though! I’m wondering if I can use a spell or power to lighten it.

Yours sincerely,

Olive.

Question: Do you like picnics? Why/why not?

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Next entry (Lucy’s next letter): https://helenspeaks.com/2025/05/25/lucy-skylark-entry-17-25th-may/

Olive’s next letter: https://helenspeaks.com/2025/05/27/olive-framley-entry-12-27th-may/