Fates of Women. Lucy
Oh, Lucy, for the love of all thats holy, take my little Andrew in with you, wailed Dorothy, wringing her hands. I have a terrible feeling, love. Rather a painful parting than to lose my boy altogether.
Lucy shifted on her heel and regarded scrawny, pigeon-toed Andrew, dangling his thin legs off the hearth bench. He was every bit the picture of trouble about to happen.
Once, the sisters lived under the same roof in their Somerset cottage, but as the years trickled on, elder Dorothy married Nicholas and set off to a remote village on the moors. Lucy stayed with their ailing mother, who didnt last too long afterwards. Their father had succumbed to consumption young, long before Dorothys nuptials. But oh, their mother had raised them wellkind, tireless, always quick to lend a hand. Still, though Dorothy was the senior, it was Lucy who ruled the roost. Dorothy was as soft and pliable as chewed fudgeeasy to shape, which suited Nicholas just fine. They made a lovely couple, husband positively doted on wife.
Lucy, on the other handdont even think about putting your finger in her mouth, shed snap your whole arm off! Stern, proud, sharp as a box of new needles, andlets not mince wordsdevastatingly pretty. Young men from every village for miles around came to court her, but Lucy had a way of sending each one packing.
While their mum lived, she was forever sighing, Oh, my darling girl, youre as stubborn as great-gran was. Mind you dont end up with her lotan old spinster, no one to want you once youre grey and hunched!
Lucy would only smile at these laments, never contradicting her mumafter all, she respected old age and kept her own counsel.
Great-granny was no run-of-the-mill matron. Never married, had a child in her apron, and lived a perfectly happy life. She doctored folk with herbs and prayers, and though people feared her tough temper, she never meddled in dark affairs or stuck her nose where it wasnt wanted.
Lucy had inherited that same legendary gritand not just grit! She had a knack for folk remedies, knew her chamomile from her fennel, and dabbled in the odd charm. If she called on anything else for help well, that was nobodys business but her own. Folks gossiped, but Lucy let them blather. She strode the lanes with her chin held high, respected as much as she was avoided. No one in a pinch was ever turned away, and she was the first to take on sick childreneven if she unnerved half the village.
I dont get you, Dorothy, Lucy said, giving Andrew a sidelong glance. Look at himfit as a cricketyet youd have him in the grave before hes out of short trousers.
Im just frightened, love, fretted Dorothy. Havent you heard whats been happening in Sutton-on-Avon lately?
No, cant say I have, replied Lucy.
The childrendropping like flies! Pilfering the churchyard of occupants! Theyre healthy one day, then wasting away the next, and nothing to be done but cross yourself and pray for mercy.
Lucy raised an eyebrow. Is it the Lords doings, you think?
Dont know, Dorothy replied, crossing herself as if warding off evil. For a good few years now its been as if some pestilence has got its teeth in the village. Youd be lucky to find a household that hasnt lost a child.
So why are they dying? Why has no one come to me?
How would I know? The little ones run about just finethen out of blue, they simply fade. Strength seeps out, and thats that. Its a right trek to come to you, and besides, weve a new healer in the village these days.
How long has she been about? Lucys eyes narrowed.
Since before I moved in with Nicholas.
And why didnt you ever mention her? Lucy pressed.
Whats to mention? Just an old dear, nurses people best she can, even brings the odd cow back from the brink. But childrenno luck. Herbs, whispersnothing works. You never asked, and now, well, here we are. So? Can Andrew stay?
Of course, said Lucy, tousling her nephews hay-blonde mop. Hes a curious little lamb, let him stay a while.
Dorothy kissed her sons crown and made off for home, feeling only slightly lighter.
Well then, Lucy said to the boy, lets have a look in the garden. Ill show you where the redstarts built her nest in the woodpile. Andrew grinned his snaggle-toothed grin, grabbed her hand, and off they went.
***
Guests coming in! bellowed Dorothy, marching into her sisters house half a year later.
Mum! squealed Andrew, bowling into her arms for a hug.
Six months had ticked by since Dorothy left Andrew with Lucy. Now late autumn sulked above, the skies sulky and slate-dark. Dorothy visited several times a month, and every time there were tears, hugs, and the threat of crumpled handkerchiefs.
Oh, my precious duck, how Ive missed you! she crooned, peppering his cheeks with kisses. Your fathers worn a groove in the floor, asking when his boy will come home.
Lucy wiped her hands on her pinny and entered. The sisters embraced with warmthjust, naturally, a little less soggy than with the lad.
So, hows life treating you both? Dorothy asked, not letting Andrew out of her sight for a second.
All fine, Mum. Auntie Lucy gave me a kitten, want to meet him? chirped Andrew, dashing outside before she could reply.
Alls well, sis, Lucy reported, all calm practicality. What brings you here?
Well, its getting on, isnt it? Andrews been with you so long hell be calling you Mum soon. Nicholas is breathing down my neckhed like his son back.
Ready to take him, then? Lucy asked. And how are things in the village?
Touch wood, alls grand now. Not a single fatality since Andrew came to you. At that, Andrew barreled in, kitten in arms.
Mum, Ive called him Oscar! Hes my new best mate.
Dorothy ruffled the kittens ears. Plenty of mice in the barn, Oscar will have his paws full. Well take him with us. Pack your things, sweetheart, were going home.
As Andrew stuffed his treasures into a sack, Lucy and Dorothy caught up. Dorothy repeatedly nudged her sister about finding a husband.
Oh, do give it a rest, Dot, Lucy huffed. You sound just like Mum! The time will come, or it wont. For now, Ive a sparkling nephew to fuss overthats plenty for me. Hear that, Andrew? Dont forget me! Whenever you fancy a break from Mum and Dad, youre always welcome here.
Lucys grip on the boy as she hugged him goodbye had a hint of reluctanceshed grown used to his laughter and mischief.
Listen, Dorothy, she added, handing the kitten over, mind you treat that cat well. Hes a gift for Andrew.
As if Id ever mistreat Gods creatures! Dorothy replied, feigning indignation. Theres always a saucer of milk in this house for every furry soul.
Dont sulk, it had to be said. The baskets in the hallpop Oscar in there. Its a long slog home, best set off before dark.
Farewells all round, Lucy blessed her nephew for the journey, and off they trundled, Dorothy with a kitten and a son in tow, while autumn rolled into winter. The cold months settled in sharp and deep, heaps of snow against doors, the village all but hushed.
But Lucy could never sit idle. Babies needing cures, old folks aching, someone always at her door with a tale of woe and a hope she had the right plant for it. The days crept by, the sun grew bolder, the streams gurgled, and birds trilled. Before you knew it, spring was throwing open the gates.
One day, while prepping the veg patch, Lucy heard a meow. She turnedOscar. Stood there bold as brass.
How did you get here? she exclaimed. Has something happened to Andrew?
Oscar rubbed against her legs. Without a moments doubt, Lucy rushed indoors, packed her bag, popped next door to ask Mrs. Glass to keep an eye on the hens (If Im not back tomorrow, pop round, will you, love?), got the nod, and set off for her sisters.
Birdsong in the woods, the tang of new grass in the air, but Lucys heart thumped uneasily. She strode out so quickly rooftops flashed into view in no time. Rushing up to Dorothys door, she burst in, breathless.
Lucy! Dorothy shrieked at the sight of her. Its terrible, Lucy, terrible! Dorothy dragged her by the wrist to the back room.
On the bed lay Andrewpale as paper, lips blue, breathing laboriously.
Between Dorothys sobs, Lucy made out that Andrew had started to flag right after Christmas, then grew worse, collapsing into complete lethargy.
Why didnt you come to me right away? Lucy scolded, hand on her nephews clammy brow.
How could I? cried Dorothy. It was as if someone kept blocking the way. Every time I tried to go, something happened. At first, I thought hed caught a chill sledding with the other boys. Then I got laid up tooweek in bed, just me and herbal tea. When Andrew took a real turn, I tried to get to you, but these blizzards! Couldnt leave the house, let alone get through the woods.
Desperate, shed called on their local village healer, old Mrs. Peg. She tried her potions, muttered over him. Nothing doing. The more she tried, the weaker he got. Mine was the first chance Ive had to fetch youwas just starting when you appeared. Then Oscar disappeared, too! Andrew kept asking for him, wouldnt settle. Please, Lucydo something! If Andrew dies, I might as well
Dont fret about the cathe came to fetch me. More sense than you at the moment, dear, snapped Lucy. Dorothy gaped, tears suddenly dry.
The cat fetched you? she echoed.
That he did. Now listenwas Andrew given anything strange, by anyone else? Any odd foods? Sweets?
Dorothy pondered. Well, they did go round the village with the other kids, wassailing, carols and that over Christmas Ate in nearly every cottage. Particularly raved about Mrs. Pegs cakes.
Lucys eyes narrowed to slits. Right. Run along and fetch your Mrs. Peg, tell her to come cast her magic againdont mention me, I want to see what she does.
Dorothy, mystified but obedient, dashed off in her shawl.
Meanwhile, Lucy fished two large darning needles out of her bag and tucked herself away in the kitchen. Dorothy soon reappeared with Mrs. Peg, who cooed, Oh, its ever so hard, dear. I try, I really do, but the Good Lord probably means to teach me something if He wont let me heal the children.
While Mrs. Peg bustled into the bedroom, Lucy crossed her needles above the door frame, unseen, and ducked out of sight.
Time passed. Soon, Mrs. Peg got ready to leavebut at the threshold she paused, as if hitting an invisible wall. She dithered, made a show of needing to chant more over the child, retreated, then tried for the door again. Nothing doingshe spun in circles, sweating and confused.
Whats wrong, Mrs. Peg? Dorothy asked.
I feel most peculiar, dear. I need some water.
Dorothy hurried to the kitchen (where Lucy quickly whispered: Lead her back to the bedroom, let her sit a bit). Dorothy did as told, and only after Lucy discreetly removed the needles did Mrs. Peg finally manage to shuffle home.
Back in Andrews room, Lucy muttered, Old spider! Sucking the life from children, are you? Ill fix you yet! She braided three candles together and stood them at the head of Andrews bed.
What are you up to, Lucy? Dorothy inquired.
Your healers been feeding off the village children, Lucy replied, voice cold. Sapping their energy, making herself young at their expense.
Dorothys hair positively stood on end with shock. Lucy continued, Now go about your business, prepare for Nicholas return. Later, come help me to bed, Ill be weak as a kittensome strength must be given so Andrew can get his back.
Dorothy, at a loss, slipped out. Lucy lit the candles, whispered her own prayers, and lay over Andrew as if sheltering him under her wings.
Time vanished. When she opened her eyes, Dorothy stood by, helping her upright, guiding her to featherbed and quilt.
The house was hushed, lamplight twinkled, and Lucy dozed, satisfiedher nephew would live.
In the morning, sunlight streamed in, the scent of warm bread in the air as Dorothy bustled about happily.
Andrews much better! Dorothy cried, tears of gratitude. He was rosy and breathing easylife returning, inch by inch.
Ill stay on a few days, Lucy said. Well see what to do about outing that wretched old charlatan.
***
Oh, Nan, I feel absolutely dreadful, Lucy whined, perched in Mrs. Pegs cottage. Jane Smiths got her claws in my fella, and I cant bear it. Youve got to helpIll pay well! No one will know, honest.
Shed only come for one reason: to ferret out how Peg was draining the villagers children.
Peg feigned innocence, Oh, I could never! I only do good, darling. But if youre sure, perhaps a little something is possible. I only ask one thing as paymentIll bake some bread, which you must share with the children in your village.
Why? Lucy asked, playing the fool.
Peg waved a hand. No reason. Think about your rival insteadperhaps perhaps we could send her a ghost as a lodger?
How dyou mean?
Ill give you some special funeral bread, charmed with a spirit per piece. Deals a dealI give them living souls, they extend my years in return.
Lucy took the bread and made off, leaving Peg convinced her plot was safe.
Back at Dorothys, Lucy slammed the bread on the table. See here, this is what your precious healer feeds the little ones!
Dorothy gawked. Whatbread? What harms bread?
Ordinary bread, none! But this this is funeral bread, enchanted. Makes a child easy pickings.
Dorothy shuddered. Whyd she target kids?
Innocent souls, stronger love of life. She trades them for years. But dont worry, Ill deal with it.
Lucy crumbled the loaves, fed them all to the chickens, then waited. By morning, Dorothy brought gossip from the well: Lucy, Mrs. Anthony said she saw Peg at dawn. Black as soot and seemingly years older, snapping at anyone who approached.
Just as I thought, Lucy grinned. No more feed for her demons, so they’ve turned on their mistress.
Dorothy crossed herself, white as milk. Heavens, Lucy, youll be the death of me! Shes still a living soul
Lucy rolled her eyes. Just like Mumyoud pity Old Nick if his tail got caught in a mousetrap.
Right, time to finish this business. Dont go in the back room for a while, she instructed, disappearing.
Candles lit, windows darkened, Lucy locked Mrs. Pegs wicked energies with an old rusty padlock, chanting:
If you speakbe gone.
If you actturn to dust.
I lock up your powers,
Never to return.
That evening, she strode to Pegs cottage. Mrs. Peg, you home? Silence. She crept in.
Whos there? The devil himself? croaked a voice from the back.
Hardly, Nan. Just me, Lucy replied airily.
You! snarled Peg, hawk-eyed and gaunt. Youve ruined me! My demons tormented me all night, nearly shook my soul out.
Lucy laughed. Soul? You? Youre a spider, draining children dry for a taste of immortality! Well, enjoy eternityin the wrong postcode, too!
As Lucy left, Peg staggered after her, ranting. Ill curse you, you
Lucy turned. Try it, old batnotice the lock on your door? Your days of cursing are over. Try your dark crafts again and youll turn to dust where you stand. I promise you, your own demons will be delighted.
Lucy left Peg shrieking on the threshold, never looking back.
***
Two months on, Andrew was running about brighter than ever.
Mrs. Peg, on the other hand, withered within weeksonce she broke her contract and lost her regular diet, her fiendish friends claimed their due. She howled her way to a dreadful end.
Lucy became the only trusted healer for miles. She did her duty with honour, using her skills only for good, shunning dark bargains. Villagers and their animals alike thrived under her care.
Men, however, were too daunted or dense to match her spirit, so Lucy, determined and content, managed well without.
Oh, Lucy love, Dorothy would sigh, if only youd lose that proud streak and be a bit more yielding, youd find a husband and have children by now.
One cant best demons by being a push-over, Dot! Lucy laughed. And anyway, Ive got a golden nephewwhat more could I want?
Sure enough, Andrew, now healthy as a lark, popped round to see his aunt nearly every monthsometimes more, leaving Lucy showered in all the childs love her stubborn heart could handle.
