Spindle(8)

“Manners, Pansy.”

“She just wants to know if it came from the magic cupboard,” Jack said.

“Children, don’t be rude,” Briar scolded. What would Fanny think of them making fun?

“But I’m not,” Pansy said. “She goes into the sideboard and brings out whatever we want.”

“Pansy—”

“The children are so easily pleased,” Fanny interrupted. She laughed, sounding like tinkling bells. “And I love to cook,” she said, winking at Pansy. “It’s the one thing I can do well. I hope you love to eat.”

All the children nodded. Feed a stray dog and he’ll be your best friend for life. Well, Fanny had certainly walked into a pack of stray dogs who hadn’t received much food or affection. At the rate she was going, they’d never let her leave.

“When is Nanny coming back?” Pansy asked. “Soon?”

Fanny shrugged. “Soon, late, it’s all the same. She’ll be back when she’s done her business.”

“She’s never had business before,” Briar said.

“Yes she has,” Jack said. “Lots of business when you’re gone and she thinks we’re not looking.”

Fanny’s eyes grew wide at Jack’s confession, but then she masked her expression and turned back to Briar. “There you have it. Lots of business.” She quickly plunked more food onto Jack’s plate. “Fill your mouth.”

“How do you know Nanny?” Briar again asked the question that had been ignored earlier. She took another bite. Fanny was indeed the better cook. The children would be well fed if not well supervised.

“We go way back,” Fanny answered flippantly.

“To the Old Country?” Pansy asked.

Whenever someone in the countryside spoke of going back, it was when they were reminiscing about the Old Country. Briar had heard it often enough from Mam and her friends who used to gossip over tea on Sundays. They’d talk about the things they missed: sea air, the old folks talking about the free days, and the things they didn’t miss: the hardship, the lack of food. The more they talked, the thicker their brogue, even from those who emigrated when they were wee things.

“I suppose you could say so,” Fanny answered thoughtfully. “I hardly remember a time when I didn’t know her.”

“How come we’ve never met you before?” Benny asked. His spoon paused its rapid ascent to his mouth.

“You are young and there are a lot of people you’ve never met before. You might meet someone new tomorrow.”

Benny and Jack looked at each other with wide eyes. Briar could see their brains whirling, wondering who would be sitting to tea in their cottage tomorrow. They were still so literal in their understanding.

“Did Nanny leave a note or a message for me?” Briar asked.

“She was in a bit of a hurry,” Fanny said. “There wasn’t much time for her to do anything but leave.”

“Didn’t she pass you on the road?” Pansy asked. “I thought she might have gone to tell you.”

“No, she didn’t,” Briar said. “I wish she would have.”

“Did Miss Mim send me anything?” Benny asked eagerly.

Briar smiled and pulled out a lemon drop for each of the children. She held them in her palm. “For dessert. Make sure you fill up first.”

As Fanny buttered more bread for the boys, there was a knock at the door. Briar answered it to find Henry standing there with his straw basket.

“We had extra eggs today,” he said. “Ma thought you might take them off our hands.” He pushed his way into the room and set the basket on the table. When he saw Fanny, he gaped in surprise. “What are you—”

Fanny jumped up to shake his hand. “The name’s Fanny,” she said, pumping his arm up and down. “Nice to meet you.”

“And you,” Henry said slowly. “I brought eggs?”

Briar stepped toward the two. Why did he say that like a question?

Henry darted a glance to Briar and then back to Fanny. “Should I have brought anything else?”

“Oh, no,” said Fanny. “We’re fine. Nanny has only gone off to take care of a little something, and I’m here for the children while she’s gone. Would you like to eat with us?” She stood and indicated he could take her seat.

“No, no, thank you.” He jerked his thumb. “I should be getting back to my family?”

Briar cocked her head. Surefooted Henry Prince suddenly seemed so very unsure of himself. She narrowed her eyes. What is he up to?

“And how is your family?” asked Fanny.

“Fine. They’re fine. As far as I know. I would know if they weren’t…wouldn’t I?”

Fanny nodded encouragingly.

Briar scrunched up her forehead, trying to figure out this odd exchange.

Henry nodded in time with Fanny as he backed his way to the door. He waved to the children. “See you, Briar.” With that he was out the door, not even trying to find an excuse to spend more time with them.

“Anyone for dessert?” asked Fanny.

“Dessert!” yelled the boys.

Briar quickly transferred the eggs into a bowl on the counter. “I’ll be right back.” She flew out the door with the basket tucked into the crook of her arm. She looked up and down the lane, but Henry had disappeared with the sunset. She hurried to the corner and spotted him. Running.