Helen Speaks

Olive Framley Entry 8, 4th June.

Dear Talia,

What does an unemployed witch do with her time? I decided to tidy up the shed. It’s a little stone building and might be good for storing potions, if I decide to try my hand at potions. You’ll remember my messy little potions as a teenager. They weren’t really for anything, though, Talia, just scaring the other girls at school!

Hatty, my housekeeper, was away this week, apparently seeing an elderly relative, who she says is 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. That seemed like an almost suspiciously thoughtful gift, Talia. She knows more than she lets on.

“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. Even though I disenchanted her at last, I’m not sure she has properly forgiven me for the truth spell yet.

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.