Fates of Women. Annabel
Oh, Annabel, Im begging you, take my little Andrew into your care, Martha was nearly wailing. I have a bad feeling in my heart, something dreadful could happen. Id much rather be parted from him for a while than lose my boy forever.
Annabel turned her head to look at the skinny Andrew, sat swinging his legs on the bench near the range, his heels not quite touching the flagstones.
The two sisters hadnt always lived apart. They grew up together in Yorkshire, but as the years went on, the eldest, Martha, married Nicholas and moved with him to his familys farm, far out in the Dales. Annabel, being the younger, stayed behind to care for their ailing mother, who passed shortly after. Their father had died from tuberculosis years before Marthas marriage. Their mother had raised them wellkind, hardworking, and always ready to help when trouble came calling. Even though Martha was the eldest, Annabel had always been the headstrong one, quietly steering the family with her stubborn will. Martha, sweet and soft as butter, was someone you could talk into anything, and thats what Nicholas found so endearing when he married her. They were a proper pair, those two; Nicholas couldnt praise his wife enough.
But Annabel, nowshe was a different breed. Try to cross her, and youd soon regret it; she didnt suffer fools and wasnt shy about saying so. Strict, proud, and, to be fair, gorgeous in that sharp, striking way. Some of the most eligible lads from neighbouring villages had come calling, but shed sent every single one packing.
Back when their mum was alive, she would fret out loud, Oh, my dear girl, youve certainly inherited your great-grandmothers spiritmind you dont follow her fate as well. Youll end up a lonely old maid, and wholl want you then? Annabel would just smile. She never argued, always respected her mothers old ways, but deep down she had her own thoughts on the matter.
Annabels great-grandmother had been no ordinary soul. Shed lived her life without a husband but raised a child on her own and by all accounts was quite content. A bit of a healer, she was, mending folks up with herbs and prayers. She never touched anything dark, nor forced herself on anyone. Some people in the village kept a wary distance, but it was respect mixed with a smidge of fearshe had that kind of presence.
That stubborn streak ran right through Annabel, and more besides. Shed learned the healers craft, knew her plants inside and out, and wasnt afraid of helping anyone, even if they whispered behind her back about the old ways. She walked the village with her head held high, aware of her worth. She never refused anyone, especially the children, and folks held her in both fear and fondness.
I dont understand you, Martha, Annabel said, glancing again at Andrew, Look at him, a picture of health, yet you talk as if deaths already knocking at the door.
Im just frightened, Annabel, Martha replied. Havent you heard whats happening in Sefton lately?
No, said Annabel.
The children are dying like flies. They start out with just a fever, then waste away. No house has been spareda child lost in every one. Martha crossed herself as she spoke.
And you think its the Lords doing? Annabels brow rose.
I dont know, my dear. But its been going on for years. Its as if something dreadful has settled over the village. Id ask why you havent been called for, but, well, Seftons a fair distance, and weve our own healer in the village.
Oh, you do, do you? How long have you had her? Annabel shot back, raising her eyebrows.
Since before I moved in with Nicholas. She was there then.
And why didnt you mention her to me earlier?
Whats there to say? An old woman, does her bestheals the odd calf as well as people, but she hasnt had any luck with the little ones. No amount of herbs or muttered charms have worked. Didnt seem worth mentioning before, but now Im desperate. Will you let Andrew stay for a bit?
Why wouldnt I? Annabel grinned, ruffling the boys raggedy blond hair. Course Ill have him, the little scamp can stay as long as he likes. Martha kissed her son and left, crossing herself at the door.
Right then, Andrew, Annabel said, smiling down at him, Come with me to the orchardIll show you the little nest the redstart made in the log pile. The boy grinned, showing his crooked teeth, and took her hand.
***
Companys here! called Martha, bustling into her sisters cottage.
Mums come! Andrew squealed with delight, throwing himself at her.
It had been six months since Martha left her son with Annabel. The late autumn clouds hung heavy over the village, the skies a dull, endless grey. Martha came to visit often, sometimes two or three times a month, and every visit ended in tears and laughter.
My precious boy, Martha sobbed, hugging Andrew tight. Ive missed you so much, darling! Your father keeps asking when youll come home.
Annabel came in, wiping flour from her hands on her apron, and gave Martha a warm hug.
How have you been keeping, my dears? Martha asked, hardly able to look away from her son.
Alls well, Mum. Aunt Annabel gave me a kitten, want to see? Andrew beamed, and dashed out without waiting for an answer.
Its all fine, Martha, Annabel said quietly. But its time, isnt it? Andrews been with me so long hell start calling me mum instead of you! she laughed. Nicholas has been on at me to bring his son home.
So, youre taking him back then? And how is the village now?
Touch wood, things seem better. Not a single childs died while Andrews been here. At that moment, Andrew raced in, clutching his kitten.
Mum, his names Whiskers. Hes my best friend now! The boys eyes sparkled.
Well, theres plenty of mice in the barn for him to chase, Martha smiled. Well bring him back with us, shall we? Go and start packing your things.
As Andrew stuffed his belongings into a bag, the sisters caught up on village gossip. Martha couldnt help herself, asking once again when Annabel was ever going to settle down and start her own family.
Oh, Martha, not you as wellyou sound just like Mum now! Annabel protested, but with a laugh. My time will come. Ive got my golden nephew for company, dont I, Andrew? Remember, you mustnt forget your old auntiecome for a visit whenever you want, Ill always be glad to see you.
In truth, over those six months, Annabel had come to cherish the boys company. She had grown attached to his laughter and mischief.
Take good care of that cat, Marthadont let anything happen to him. Hes my gift to Andrew.
As if Id ever treat a creature badly! Martha scowled, offended. All Gods creatures get a bowl of milk in my kitchen.
There there, dont take it to heart. I just wanted to be sure, Annabel replied, giving her a hug. Whiskers can ride in the basket in the hallway. Its a long walk home and you best get there before it gets dark.
The sisters kissed goodbye, Annabel hugged her nephew, crossing him for luck, and sent them on their way. Life carried on, and as winter nipped at autumns heels, the days grew short and the nights long.
Deep drifts soon blocked the roads. That year it snowed so heavily Annabel struggled to open her gate some mornings. Village life slowed to a crawl, but there was always work for Annabel: whether it was a sick baby or someone whose old joints hurt after years of work. Spring slowly returned, snow melted, kids chattered out in the streets, and soon it was time to throw open the doors and let the sunshine in.
One early spring day, Annabel was working in her veg patch when she suddenly heard a faint meow. Turning around, there was Whiskers, tail high.
How did you get here? she exclaimed. Has something happened to Andrew? The cat rubbed its head against her legs, purring loudly. Annabel didnt waste a second; she packed a few things, told old Mrs. Gash next door to mind her chickens, and set out towards Marthas.
The walk along the edge of the woods smelled of spring, birds singing, but a heavy feeling pressed on her chest. She hurried faster. As soon as the rooftops appeared, Annabel ran the rest of the way, burst into her sisters house, out of breath.
Oh Annabel! Martha cried, catching sight of her. Its terriblejust terrible! She threw her arms around Annabel and pulled her into the back room.
There lay little Andrew, deathly pale, barely breathing. His lips had a bluish tint, and his skin was almost translucent. Through Marthas sobbing Annabel learned that after Christmas, Andrew hadnt been himself. He was still up and about, just much weaker. A week ago, hed taken to bed and not gotten up since.
Why didnt you fetch me sooner? Annabel snapped as she laid a gentle hand on Andrews brow.
I I dont know, Martha wailed, It was as if something was stopping me every time I tried. Every time I got as far as the door, something happened. We thought hed just got a chill from sledging with the others. Then I caught it myself and was laid up for a week. When Andrew was really bad, I tried to get to you, but the snow and storms made the roads impassable. I even tried Mrs. Pearce, our village healer. She brought herbs and muttered over Andrew. If anything, he got worse. I meant to come to you as soon as the snow clearedonly you showed up first! And to top it off, Whiskers here disappeared without a trace. Andrew asked for him, called for his kitten, but nothing. Please, Annabel, help us! I swear, if Andrew dies, Ill lay myself down beside him.
Dont fret about the cathes the reason Im here, cleverer than you, Id say, Annabel replied sharply. Martha stared at her, tears drying in surprise.
What do you mean, the cat brought you?
Thats what happened, Annabel said, deep in thought. And you say it felt as if the way to me was blocked?
Every time I tried to leave, Andrew would worsen, or something stood in my way.
Now, tell medid Andrew eat or take anything from strangers?
Of course he did! All the children went from house to house at Christmassinging for treats.
All the houses? Annabel pressed.
Every single one! He kept on about how delicious Mrs. Pearces pasties were.
Annabel regarded her pale-faced nephew, then said, Martha, run and fetch Mrs. Pearce. Dont tell her Im here. Ask her to come and try one more time with AndrewI want to see what she does.
Martha didnt argue, simply wrapped up and hurried away. Annabel set about preparing, taking two large darning needles from her kit, and hid herself in the kitchen. Soon, Martha returned with Mrs. Pearce.
Oh Martha, I wish I could help you, but it seems the Lord has turned his face from me. I try and try for the little ones, yet nothing comes of it, the old woman cooed in her syrupy way, before disappearing into Andrews room.
Quietly, Annabel crept from the kitchen and stuck the two needles crosswise in the door frame above the bedroom, then hid again. When Mrs. Pearce finished inside, she gathered her things, stepped to the doorway, and froze. Again and again, she tried to leave, always stopping at the threshold, sweating and agitated, feigning excuses and muttering to herself.
Martha, flummoxed, offered her water. While the old woman sat, Annabel whispered to Martha to lure her back into the bedroom. Once Mrs. Pearce had left the doorway, Annabel slipped up, pulled the needles out, and hurried back to hiding.
The instant the spell was broken, Mrs. Pearce bolted from the house like the devil was after her. Martha followed after, only to return with a forgotten shawl.
Inside, Annabel sat beside Andrews bed, muttering to herself, braiding three candles together and placing them at the head. Terrified, Martha asked, What are you doing?
Shes the one behind all the children dying! Annabel replied firmly. Shes been draining the little ones life away to lengthen her own years. Children are bursting with life. Hers is nearly spent, so she steals a bit here and there.
Martha stood open-mouthed, hand clapped to her lips.
Right, Marthago about your business. Dont come in this room until evening, and then help me to bed. Im going to give Andrew my own strength to pull him back from the brink.
Tears ran down Marthas cheeks as she slipped out. Annabel lit the candles, whispered a quiet prayer, and tucked Andrew under her arms, enfolding him like a mother bird protecting her chick. She lost all track of timethe only thing she remembered was Martha gently rousing her as dusk fell.
Martha helped her to the spare bed, covered her with a feather quilt. The warm glow of the lamp flickered across the room, a hush settling through the house. Annabel drifted off at last, sure her nephew would survive the night. The next morning, sunlight poured in, the smell of fresh bread wafted through the cottage. Martha bustled about, singing. Annabel looked in on Andrewhe was asleep, rosy colour already returning to his cheeks.
Ill stay with you a few days, Annabel said firmly, figure out a way to expose Mrs. Pearce for what she is.
***
Annabel visited Mrs. Pearce herself, acting the part of a lovelorn rival, desperate for help.
Oh, nan, Im just sick with jealousy and bitternessI cant bear to see that hussy laying claim to my darling man. Annabel let the words pour out, feigning desperation.
My girl, I only help the good folk. I dont dabble in anything wickedthats a sin, Mrs. Pearce professed, all innocence. But perhaps, if youre truly in need, Ill see what can be done. If you keep your mouth shut, Ill only ask a small favour. Ill bake some loavesbring them to your village and hand them out to the children.
But why? Annabel pressed.
No need for you to trouble about it, the old woman replied shiftily. Just focus on your little problem. Theres one trick I know: well send your rival the spirit of the dead.
Hows that, then? Annabel played dumb.
Ill give you funeral loaves, each one prepared with a spirit. I have a pactthey get young souls to feed on, and I get to keep living.
Annabel played along, took the bread, and went straight back to Martha.
See here, this is what your precious healers been giving to the children!
But its only breadis that wrong? Martha gasped.
Theres nothing wrong with ordinary bread, Annabel explained. But these are funeral loaves, spelled to bring the dead in with every bite.
Martha covered her mouth, horrified.
Well need to get rid of these so the spirits shes been fattening come for her instead. But dont worry, Ive got a plan.
Annabel crumbled the bread and fed it to the chickens, then waited.
By the next morning, Martha came from the well with news.
AnnabelMrs. Lindsay said she saw Mrs. Pearce this morninglooked dreadful, her face all grey and shrivelled, like shed aged twenty years overnight. When Mrs. Lindsay tried to say hello, she got snapped at.
Just as I suspected, Annabel laughed. Seems the spirits couldnt find any young ones and turned on their mistress instead. Martha hurriedly made the sign of the cross.
Oh, Annabel, your talk makes me all a-twitter. She is still alive, though.
Youre just like our mum, Martha! Youd pity the devil himself if he stubbed his toe. Martha blushed, but Annabel just gave her a wink.
Anyway, I need to finish what I started. Stay here, MarthaIm going to hers.
Annabel drew the curtains in Mrs. Pearces kitchen, lit two candles, and pulled out an old rusty padlock. She muttered quietly over it:
If you speak, youll fade.
If you act, youll turn to dust.
On this lock I seal your powers
That once were in your hands.
She crossed the lock and, that evening, hung it on Mrs. Pearces front door. Then she marched right in.
Mrs. Pearce, are you in? Silence.
A weak voice called from the back. What do you want, child?
Annabel strode in. Feeling a bit under the weather, are we? Feeding devils is hungry work.
The old womans eyes bulged. You viper! Youre the onethey plagued me all night long.
Oh come off it, Annabel said with a bright, dangerous smile. You never had a soul to lose, you spider! Wanted eternal life, did you? Now youll get it in Hell!
She spun around and left, Mrs. Pearce hot on her heels, screaming her curses.
Annabel pointed at the padlock on the door. Think only you can cast spells? Touch that lock, and your power is gone for good. Try another trick, meddle with dark things, and those fiends you fed will tear you to bits! With that, she walked away, not even glancing back as she heard Mrs. Pearces howling fade behind her.
***
Two months passed, and Andrew was soon healthy as ever.
A month later, word came that Mrs. Pearce had died painfully. Without more children to sustain her, her pact with the spirits collapsed, and they dragged her away, screaming into the night. After that, Annabel became the only healer for miles around. She carried her responsibility with pride. Though she had the power to do otherwise, she never took a step down the dark pathshe healed folks and animals alike, never using her gifts for ill.
As for marriage, she never found the right man. Didnt bother her mucha woman like her is a rare breed, and only a rare man could match her.
Oh, Annabel, Martha would sigh, Why not settle down, be a bit more yielding? Youd have a husband and children of your own by now.
Without a strong will, Id have never seen off those dark things, Martha! Annabel laughed, hugging her nephew. I may not have children of my own, but Ive you, Andrew, dont I?
And that boynow hed run off to Annabels cottage three times a month, reckoning there was nowhere better on Earth than his clever old aunts kitchenshowering her, as ever, with all the childs love she could ever want.
