Breaking the Spell

Apple Pies and Crystal Balls

Evelyn threw on her cloak and boots before rushing down the steps of the large old cabin. All hearths were ablaze to stave off the chill of the autumn morning.
“Awake so early, Evie?” A warm voice called from the kitchen.
“Yes, Aunt Rosy, I must gather some apples.” A curious face surrounded by blond ringlets appeared before her, stopping Evelyn in her tracks.
“Ah, for the pie… for Mr… ah, what’s his name again?” Evelyn’s face grew bright red.
“Oh Aunty Ginny, you know!” but she pressed on and blocked Evelyn’s side step. Evelyn’s hands flew up in defeat and she rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh you! For Jonathan!” She cried as she stomped to the door, her face filling with embarrassment. Ginny cackled and smacked her apron.
“Watch out for worms, wouldn’t want him eating one and getting sick on you.” Evelyn shot back a look of horror before slamming the door. Rosy Poked her head from the kitchen and raised a gray brow at the giggling Ginny.
“Don’t torture the poor girl, we need for her to like this boy.”

 Evelyn breathed deep as she briskly walked to the apple tree across their two acre farm. She shook her head and fought a smile as she said a small prayer; Oh, Aunty Ginny, please don’t embarrass me today in front of Jonathan.
She gathered all the apples from the ground that were just right for her pie, and gleefully skipped back to the house.

The pie sat readily as Evelyn fixed her silken chestnut hair. Her two aunts came out dressed in warm dresses and hats. Rosy was older and thin with gray hair, in her early fifties, and Ginny was a round, spunky and cheery in her mid-thirties. They had taken care of Elizabeth since she was only a few weeks old, given to by a Pagan cloaked in black with a warrant from the queen. They hardly asked any questions and took all the changes to their life with stride, including the handsome payment.
“My, what a beautiful young lady you have become Evie.” Rosy cooed.
“Yes, that strapping young lad doesn’t stand a chance.” Ginny chimed. Evelyn gave a bittersweet smile. She knew being hand fasted to Jonathan would mean moving away from her beloved aunts.
“If only I could live here forever.” Evelyn said as she rested her chin in her hand, her heart beginning to sink.
“Nonsense! You wouldn’t want to end up like us, unmarried old maids! You’ll be eighteen soon, your time to find husband is at its peak and you’ve got quite a handsome one in your sights.” Ginny said proudly. Rosy nodded, glancing to Ginny with a strange smile then quickly looking away.
“Come now, let us get on our way.” Rosy said as she strolled out of the kitchen, Ginny followed close behind and Evelyn grabbed the pie, gently cradling it in her arms.

Jonathan stood out among the crowd. He was strikingly handsome; light brown hair, piercing blue eyes, masculine face and a strong chest. Her heart fluttered. He helped his father load a wagon up with goods that they would sell another day at the market. His gaze met hers and he smiled. Evelyn quickened her pace.
“Jonathan, I’m glad I found you so soon!” She called as she approached breathlessly. Their walk into town was a long one.
“Oh Evelyn, It’s so good to see you.” She could see color in his cheeks and nose, surely it’s from the cold…
“Um, here.” She held out the still warm pie and gave a bashful smile. “I made this for you… since you said you liked them so much at the town meeting.” His eyes glittered and he took it graciously.
“My! You truly are a gem, Evelyn. Thank you.” He packed it carefully on the cart and turned to her with a soft glow and stuck out his elbow. “Would you join me to the fair?” She gasped.
“Oh of course, Jonathan. I would love to!”

 Their night was spent together, playing games and socializing with other townspeople. This gesture meant that they were together and more than likely she would be wearing a ring soon. She felt the warmth of his arm against hers and felt as if she was weightless. She tried to keep distance between her and the aunts to avoid Ginny’s unpredictable mouth, but when she looked to them Ginny gave a knowing wink and resumed her conversation. Thank God she thought with a warm smile. 

The sun had set and the aunts were motioning for her, it was time to go.
“Jonathan this has truly been a wonderful night.” He turned to her grinned.
“Indeed it has… perhaps I’ll see you again Monday?” His words sent bells ringing in her head, she knew she was going to be successful in winning his heart.
“Yes, Jonathan… I will see you at the market on Monday.” He gazed at her for a moment, a hesitant glint in his eye. He leaned forward, her heart swelled and she wanted this but, but…
His lips landed on her forehead. He must have seen the fear in her eyes and her heart melted, he truly does care for my feelings!

“Until then, Evelyn.” He walked away and his arm slid from hers, their fingertips briefly brushing together. She blushed and waved farewell, watching him walk away. 

The aunt excitedly chatted together over Evelyn’s success, while Evelyn played that Friday’s evening over and over in her head. Before she knew it she was home and in bed, her mind still humming and her forehead still tingling. 

Rosy lit her lantern as the clock neared midnight. She gingerly crept from her room and down the creaky steps yet without making a sound. Another lantern illuminated the hall way as she rounded the turn. Ginny stood waiting in her white night gown and bed cap, covering a yawn. They walked to the basement door behind the steps unlocked it, and closed the door behind them as they made their way down into the dirt cave.

Rosy knelt to the stove and quickly started a fire while Ginny uncovered a wooden box beneath the barren steps. She produced a crystal ball and leather to cover the table with.
“Bloody freezing down here” Ginny groaned, but then tiled her head in question at Rosy. “But why are you starting a fire?” Ginny sat at the table and put the crystal ball in its place.
“We’re going to be down here for a while, discussing little Evie’s love for Jonathan.”
“What? Why should he know about them; it’s their business, not his!”
“The queen is quite interested in the fate of this child, as well as Jareth, you know that. Marriage is a very important step in life.” Rosy said with a sigh as she dusted herself off. She sat at the table and held out her hands. “Come, let’s get this over with.”
The aunts joined hands and chanted until the sphere fogged over. A purple light emanated from it and a picture became clear. It was the living room of a small cabin. A man’s face appeared.
“What is it?” His words heavy with sleep. He was young and handsome with masculine features and kind honey colored eyes. His finger-length hair was midnight black, brushed to one side, and the dark hair on his angular chin was kept trimmed. He hadn’t aged at all since that night he took Evelyn.
“Well, we have news.” Ginny then muttered “Not that you would care.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Little Evie has found herself a suitor.” Rosy beamed. His tired face turned quizzical.
“Is that so?”
“Yes, and he’s quite the gentleman. He’s the farmer’s son, Jonathan.” He shook his head.
“Who?”
“The merchant! He’s set up at the market almost every day with produce.” Jareth gave a worried look
“I don’t recall him… are you sure?” Ginny huffed and she immediately got defensive; she really did love Evelyn and wanted what was best for her.
“Yes! We see him at least three times a week, it’s not like we’re making this up.”
“I would never accuse you of such, it’s just odd.”
“Why not check him out yourself?”
“Yes, Jareth, on Monday they will be there if you would like to see for yourself.” Rosy said calmly, glaring at Ginny. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Yes, I may do just that before I tell the Queen. I know it’s never been a problem but please keep her close to the house. It’s about time I reinforce the perimeter.” Rosy nodded.
“Of course.” Before they could say anything else he faded away and the crystal became clear again.
“That man!” Ginny cried. “What a turkey! Why can’t he just be happy for her?” Ginny cleared the table and stormed off to bed. Rosy gave a sigh and sat in her chair by the warm stove. She had been having an off feeling about Jonathan that she couldn’t shake, and hoped that perhaps Jareth would clear it up for her when he came. He was good at reading people.