Women’s Fates. Louisa
Oh, Louisa, for heavens sake, take my little Andrew with you, cried Dorothy, wringing her hands. I feel it deep down in my heartsomething terrible might happen. Better hes far from me for a time, than for my boy to die.
Louisa turned her head, her gaze settling on frail little Andrew, sitting on the bench by the range, swinging his skinny legs like a child.
Once, the sisters had shared a home, but the years went by, and Dorothy, the elder, married Nicholas, moving with him to a distant village. Louisa, the younger, stayed behind with their ailing mother, who passed soon after. Their father had died of consumption long before Dorothys wedding. Their mother had raised the sisters wellkind, hard-working, always ready to help others in trouble. Dorothy, though the elder, was soft and pliable; you could shape her as you wished, which, no doubt, is what Nicholas loved about her. They made a fine pairhe never tired of singing her praises.
Louisa, in stark contrast, was nobodys fool; try to cross her and shed bite your whole hand off. Proud, strict, but beautiful beyond words, she turned away every suitor from miles around. The choicest young men from neighbouring villages came courting, but she sent them all packing.
As long as their mother lived, shed fuss: Oh, my girl, youve inherited our great-grandmothers temperamentjust mind you dont take after her fate too! Youll remain a spinster, my dear, unwanted in your old age.
Louisa only smiled, never arguing with their mothershe respected her age but kept her own counsel on the matter.
Louisas great-grandmother was no ordinary woman. She lived a full life, husbandless, raising a child alone, but happy. She was a healerusing herbs and prayers to ease the villagers ailments. She never dabbled in black magic, nor meddled where she wasnt wanted. People respected her yet kept a wary distance; her temper was well known.
Louisa inherited more than just her stubbornnessshe, too, knew her way around herbs, could utter the odd charm, and was rumoured to call for help from powers unknown. Folk said all sorts, but Louisa never arguedlet them think what they liked. She walked proudly through the village, sure of her worth. She never turned away anyone in need, nor any sick child. As much as the locals feared her, they respected her equally.
I truly dont understand you, Dorothy, Louisa said as she glanced at Andrew, whats all this worrying? Look, hes perfectly healthy, yet you speak as if hes already in his grave.
Oh, I am frightened, Lou. Havent you heard whats happening in our Winford lately? asked Dorothy.
No, I havent, Louisa replied.
The children are dying like flies. They fall ill and just waste away. When the Lord calls, off they go.
Is it the Lord, though? Louisa raised an eyebrow.
I dont know, love. But these last years its like a blights settled on the village. Youd be hard pressed to find a household that hasnt lost a child, Dorothy whispered, making the sign of the cross.
But why are they dying, and why didnt anyone come to me?
Who knows? The children seem healthy, then one day grow weak, lie in bed, wasting away until they pass on. And as for youwell, youre far off here, and we have our own healer in the village, Dorothy answered honestly.
How longs she been there? Louisa asked, arching an eyebrow.
She was already there when I moved in with Nicholas.
And why didnt you mention her before? Louisa pushed.
What is there to say? Shes just an old womantreats people with herbs, never does any wrong, can even cure sickly livestock. But the childrenshes powerless. No herb nor prayer helps. And you never asked, but now its come up. Well, will you take Andrew to stay with you?
Of course Ill take him, Louisa smiled at her nephew. Let this imp stay a while, she said, tousling his straw-coloured hair.
Dorothy kissed her son on the crown and, after crossing him, left for home.
Come along, Louisa turned to Andrew, lets go to the garden. Ill show you where a redstart has nested in the log pile. Andrews face split in a crooked-toothed grin as he eagerly took his aunts hand.
***
Visitors, incoming! Dorothy called cheerfully, stepping into her sisters home.
Mums here! Andrew shrieked, bounding over for a hug.
Six months had passed since Dorothy had left her son with Louisa. The dull skies of late autumn pressed on the little cottage. Dorothy visited several times a month, each reunion full of tears and laughter.
My darling boy, how Ive missed you! she sobbed, hugging and kissing him. Your fathers dreadfully restless, always asking when youll be back.
Louisa entered, wiping her hands on her apron, and exchanged warm greetings with her sister.
How have you both been? Dorothy asked, eyes never leaving Andrew.
All is well, Mum. Aunt Louisa gave me a kittenwant to see? Andrew exclaimed, rushing outside before she could reply.
Alls just fine, sister, Louisa answered calmly. What brings you?
Its time, Louisa. Andrews been with you for agessoon hell start calling you Mum instead of me, and Nicholas keeps asking when his son will come home, Dorothy smiled.
So, you mean to take him back? Louisa asked. And how are things in the village?
Touch wood, all has been well. Not a single child has died since Andrews been here.
Andrew burst through the door, cradling a kitten in his arms. Ive named him Sam. Hes my friend now, he declared, his eyes bright with joy.
Therell be plenty for him to do catching mice in the barn, Dorothy replied. Well take him with us. On you go, Andrew, pack your things. Time for home.
While Andrew bundled his things, Louisa and Dorothy talked about everything under the sun. Dorothy, as always, fretted and fussed, asking when Louisa intended to marry.
Oh, enough, Dor, Louisa protested, half-laughing, you sound just like Mum! Theres time yet. I dont need a man for now. Ive got my golden nephew to keep me busy. You hear that, Andrew? Dont forget your old auntcome visit whenever you like, Ill always welcome you.
Though Louisa released her nephew with reluctance, it was clear shed grown very fond of himtheir laughter and his mischief had brightened her days.
You mind that cat, Dorothy, and dont be harsh with him. Hes Andrews presentlet them stay together.
When have I ever mistreated an animal? Dorothy huffed. Gods creatures always get a bowl of milk from me.
No need to be offended, Louisa said. I was only saying. Theres a basket in the hallput Sam in there, its a long journey back. Youll want to reach the village before dark.
The sisters kissed, Louisa hugged her nephew tightly, and after crossing them both, she sent them on their way. Life returned to its routines, winter chasing hard at autumns heels. The days were growing short; nights seemed colder and longer than ever.
Deep snowdrifts blocked the roads, piling almost to the gates some mornings. Life in winter went slowly, but Louisa always had work. Sometimes folk brought sick children, sometimes asked for herbs for aging parentseveryones hands ached from toil. Days passed quietly like this.
Before long, the sun peaked out more often, the thaws came, brooks chattered through the melting fields, birds sang. And soon, spring knocked at the doors and warmth was welcomed in.
One day, Louisa was in her vegetable patch, readying the earth for planting, when she heard a plaintive Meow. She turnedthere was Sam.
How on earth did you get here? Louisa exclaimed. Is something wrong with Andrew?
Sam meowed again and rubbed his broad head against her legs. Louisa wasted no time; she gathered her things, visited the elderly neighbour to ask her to mind the hens (in case she couldnt return quickly), and set out towards Dorothys village.
She walked beside the woodsbirds in full voice, the scent of spring in the airyet her heart felt uneasy. Her pace quickened of its own accord and, before she knew it, rooftops appeared on the horizon. She rushed ahead, bursting into Dorothys cottage, unable to catch her breath.
Louisa! Dorothy shrieked, spotting her sister. Its terribleoh, its terrible! Sobbing, she pulled Louisa into a tight embrace and hurried her into the bedchamber.
Louisa gasped at the sightAndrew lay upon the bed, looking like death; lips blue, skin near translucent, struggling to breathe.
Through Dorothys sobs, Louisa learnt that, just after Christmas, Andrew had grown weak, even after running and playing earlier. For the past week, he hadnt left his bed.
Why didnt you come to me? Louisa snapped, laying her hand on her nephews brow.
I tried, oh I tried! Dorothy wailed. Every time I tried to leave, something happenedAndrew would worsen, covered in cold sweat, shaking, so I had to run back. At first we thought hed just caught a chillhed been sledging in the snowbanks with the children. Then I fell ill too, was bedridden myself. We treated it with raspberry tea and broths, and Andrew seemed a little better. But when he worsened, I tried to come for you, but youve seen what this winters been like. Blizzards and driftsI couldnt get through the woods!
I even went to Margaret, the healer. She gave me herbs, came to pray over Andrew, but nothing worked. I was going to fetch you as soon as the snow let up, truly I wasand then you arrived. The worst part, LouisaSam disappeared! Andrew asks for him whenever hes lucid, but we cant find the cat anywhere. You must help us! If Andrew dies, Ill not survive it myself!
Dorothy sank to the floor, rocking and wailing, hands clutching at her hair.
Dont fret about the cat, he came to fetch me. Hes proved wiser than you, my dim-witted sister, Louisa barked. Dorothys eyes widened, her tears momentarily drying in shock.
How did he bring you? Dorothy asked.
He simply did, Louisa replied thoughtfully. Tell me, did Andrew eat or take anything from someone elses house?
How could he not? They went house to house carolling for Christmastraditional, you know! Dorothy replied.
All the houses?
All of them! He especially loved old Margarets buns, Dorothy confirmed.
Louisas expression darkened as she considered her nephew, narrowing her eyes. Dorothy, go fetch Margaret, have her pray over Andrew again. Dont tell her Im hereI want to see what shell do to help.
Dorothy put on her coat and dashed out obediently. Louisa, meanwhile, untied her bundle, taking out two large needles, and hid in the kitchen. Dorothy soon returned with Margaret.
Oh, Dorothy, I want to help, but you see I cannotperhaps the Lord means to teach me something, since I cant save the children, crooned the old healer sweetly. She took off her coat and disappeared into the bedroom.
Louisa emerged, quietly stuck the two needles crosswise just above the doorway, then retreated to the kitchen.
Time passed, and finally Margaret prepared to leave. As she approached the door, she seemed rooted to the spot. She turned back, feigning another prayer over Andrew, left for the bedroom, and tried again. But each trip to the door, she couldnt exither brow broke out in a sweat.
Whats the matter, Margaret? Dorothy asked.
I feel unwell, Dorothy, Margaret replied weakly.
Let me walk you home, then.
Nosome water, please, Margaret said, and as Dorothy went to fetch it, Louisa whispered for her to lead the old woman back to the bedroom.
Dorothy did as she was told, and once Margaret left the hall, Louisa retrieved the needles and hid once more. Margaret drank her water, sat a moment, and finally, able to cross the threshold, fled from the house. Dorothy followed long enough to return her forgotten shawl.
Back inside, Dorothy found Louisa sitting at Andrews bedside, her bundle beside her.
That old spider! Louisa muttered under her breath. Thought she could prey on children! Ill show her, that witch! She twisted three candles together, setting them at Andrews head.
What are you doing, Louisa? I dont understand, Dorothy asked shakily.
Your healer is behind the deaths of the village children! Shes leeching the little ones life to extend her own! Old age pressing, and shed rather steal the childrens strength than face her end. Dorothy, covering her mouth with trembling fingers, stared in horror.
Heres what you must do: leave me. Tend to your husband, do your chores. In the evening, come help me to bed. Ill give Andrew the strength Margaret tried to take. Ill think on how to deal with the old bat once Ive recovered.
Dorothy, overcome, left the room in silence.
Louisa lit the candles, whispered a prayer, then pulled Andrew close, covering him with her body like a bird shielding its chicks. She had no idea how long she had lain there until she was recalled by a gentle touch.
Dorothy stood by the bed, helping her weary sister to her feet and settling her under a feather quilt. The house was quiet in the deepening night; only the lamp flickered softly, filling the room with warmth. Louisa drifted into a deep sleep, confident she’d rescued her nephew.
When she awoke, sunlight streamed through the windows and the smell of fresh bread filled the house. Faint singing could be heard; Dorothy bustled about in the kitchen.
Hows Andrew doing? Louisa asked. Dorothy swept her up in a tearful embrace.
Thank you, Louisa! You brought my son back to life. He woke hungry and asked for breakfast. Louisa peeked in on the sleeping boy; the faint bloom of pink cheeks proved life was once again taking root.
Ill stay here a few days, Dorothy, said Louisa, and work out what to do about your Margaret.
***
Oh, Granny, I feel so ill, Louisa sighed, sitting in Margarets cottage. A horrid jealousy is eating me up; cant stand seeing that woman fawn over my man, she lied, making up a story as she went. Shed come not for help, but to learn how Margaret drained strength from the village children.
I dont hold with wickedness, dear. Thats not my wayI only try to help! Margaret protested, feigning innocence.
Help me, then. Ive suffered years with him. Now she wants to steal him away. Ill pay handsomely, and Ill never say a word. I hate her and will spare no expense.
Well, seeing as youre so desperate, Margaret finally conceded. But you must tell no one. All Ill want in return is thistake some bread home and hand it out to the children in your village.
Why? Louisa asked.
No need for you to know that, Margaret said. Lets focus on your rivalwhy not give her the touch of the dead?
How would that work? Louisa feigned ignorance.
Ill give you funeral breadeach piece tied to a restless soul. I have an arrangementthey feed on the living, give me their service and more years.
Louisa pretended to agree, collected the bread, and departed, leaving Margaret content she had found another accomplice. But Louisa returned straight to Dorothy, dumped the loaves on the table.
See what your precious healers been feeding the children!
Its just bread, isnt it? Is that so wrong? Dorothy asked.
Not ordinary breadfuneral bread, enchanted to draw in the dead! Dorothy cried out in horror.
But why would she sacrifice them? Dorothy whispered.
Because pure souls and a love of life are powerful things, Louisa explained.
We need to be rid of these loavesand make sure those vengeful spirits are sent back to her, Louisa continued with a sly squint. She crumbled the bread to pieces, fed it to the chickens, and waited.
By next morning, when Dorothy went for water and met the local gossips at the well, she returned with news. Antonia said she saw Margaret this morningshes black as pitch, aged overnight, more than human, more than herself. She barked at Antonia not to show pity when she tried to help.
Thats as it should be, Louisa laughed, the spirits have turned on their mistress. No more children to feed upon, they devoured her instead.
Dorothy quickly crossed herself. Louisa, my heart can barely take these things you say. Margaret may have done wrong, but shes still a living soul.
Oh Dorothy, just like Mum, youll always pity even the devil if he begged for it, Louisa sighed, rolling her eyes.
Well, lets set things right. Dont go into Margarets house for now, said Louisa, disappearing through the door.
She drew the curtains, lit two candles, retrieved an old rusty lock from her bundle, and sat at the table, murmuring softly,
If you speak, youll vanish.
If you act, youll turn to dust.
I seal now with this lock
All that gave you wicked strength.
Her spell barely louder than a whisper, Louisa finishedthen, as evening fell, she took the lock to Margarets door.
Granny Margaret, are you home? Louisa called. Silence.
She creaked open the door and stepped in; the floorboards groaned.
Come in, then, if you must, rasped a voice from within.
Why so bitter, Gran? Louisa appeared before the old woman.
Oh, its you. What do you want? Im no use to you nowIm unwell, Margaret sighed.
Feeding demons is hard work, Louisa retorted coldly.
Margaret shot her a furious look. So it was you, you serpent! Because of you, I was tormented all night, nearly lost my soul!
Your soul? Louisa laughed. Do you really think you have one? How many children have you doomed, you cursed spider? Did you think you could live forever? If you do, itll be in hell! She spun on her heel and headed for the door.
The old woman staggered from her bed, chasing after Louisa, spitting and shouting,
Ill curse you! A thousand demons will haunt you!
Do you think youre the only one who knows how to lay a spell? Louisa sneered. Look at whats hanging from your door! The old woman turned to see a lock, fastened tight.
With a howl, Margaret clawed at her hair, knowing shed been undone.
Did you plan on your evil lasting forever? This curse will make sure if you try anything again, youll crumble to ashes before your time. The devils you once courted will soon feast on you! Louisa left, ignoring the witchs feeble, howling rage.
***
Two months passed. Andrew quickly regained his health.
Margaret died within a monthbreaking her pact, her demons turned on her at last. She suffered a long, frightful death. Louisa, now the only healer for miles, worked dutifully, never dabbling in darkness nor harming a soulcuring folk and livestock with skill alone.
She got on well enough, though she could never find a husband worthy of her spirit. She didnt mind; strong tempers are rare matches.
Oh Louisa, Dorothy often sighed, if only youd settle down and soften a bit, youd find someone. And children would follow.
But Dorothywithout a strong will youd never be rid of devils, would you? Louisa would laugh. As for childrenI have my darling nephew, and thats more than enough for me. Shed kiss Andrew on the head.
Since his illness, Andrew visited Louisa often, sometimes staying for weeks, showering his aunt with all the love a child can give.
