Mother Knows Best (Villains 5)

“I’m sure that’s it,” said Martha, clearly worried.

“Well, I think you two should stay here and wait for them while I go to town and get some things I know Gothel will need.” Lucinda gave her sisters a smile and then added, “I won’t be gone long,” as she walked to their house, waiting in the wildflower field.

It was a charming green gingerbread-style house with a witch’s cap roof, stained glass windows, and black shutters. When Lucinda got into the house, she waved to her sisters from the large round kitchen window and yelled, “Don’t worry, Sisters. I’m sure they will be here soon! Perhaps even before I get back!” And off she went, her house rising into the clouds. It wasn’t often Lucinda traveled in her house without her sisters. It was strange to see them so small down below with looks of worry on their faces. Perhaps it was strange for them, as well, seeing her leave without them. Not to worry, my dears, she thought. I will be back with you soon.

No sooner had she gotten into the clouds than it was time to land the witch’s cap house in a lovely little town with rows of shops. There were dress shops, a butcher, an open-air market that sold all sorts of produce and herbs, and a baker who baked breads and made sweets in the shapes of animals. He had two large windows in the front of his bakery: one that featured his edible menagerie and one where he would show off his talents to the passersby likely curious about how he made his confections.

Lucinda loved the idea of Gothel’s walking the cobblestone paths, awestruck by the shops. She almost felt guilty for doing the shopping for her, taking that pleasure away from her, but she knew Gothel would be exhausted when she arrived at her new home, and Lucinda wanted her to be comfortable in her new surroundings.

Lucinda’s first stop was the dressmaker and notions shop. It was called Fripperies, which she found amusing. She noticed in the window of the shop there were little cards offering and requesting various services.

When Lucinda walked into the store, the brass bell overhead rang, getting the attention of the proprietress, who was busy behind the counter, putting away spools of ribbon. “Hello, may I help you with something?” asked the woman, eyeing Lucinda, who was suddenly thankful she had been thoughtful enough to wear something nondescript. She was wearing a simple dress the color of eggplants, trimmed in delicate black lace, and none of her normal ornamentation in her hair. She always found it was best to be as plain as possible when traveling in those small towns, and the last thing she wanted to do was draw unwanted attention to herself or Gothel.

“Hello, yes. Good afternoon,” said Lucinda. “I noticed the advertisements in your window. I’m setting up a household for my dear sister, who will be arriving at her new home just one town over. I’m looking for a cook who is also willing to do the shopping, and perhaps a girl who can care for the house. May I fill out a card for your window?”

The woman behind the counter smiled at Lucinda, putting down her ribbon. She seemed to be considering something. “Well, I do have someone I think would be perfect for the position. She has good references. She’s an older woman, mind you, but very hardworking. If it’s a small home, she could probably manage everything.”

Lucinda smiled at the woman. “As long as you don’t think it would be too much for her. My sister would happily pay her more for the extra duties. When can you arrange to send her over?”

The woman handed Lucinda a number of handwritten references and a card with the woman’s name printed on it. “Everything seems to be in order. I assume you’ve checked her references?”

“Oh yes.”

Lucinda laughed. “I’m so sorry, I’ve completely neglected to introduce myself. My name is Lucinda White.”

“A pleasure to meet you, my lady. And my name is Ms. Lovelace. This is my establishment. Has been for the past six years.”

“A pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Lovelace. I appreciate your help, and I admire your name. I assume I can count on you to contact this Mrs. Tiddlebottom and inform her we would be happy to have her fill our post?” asked Lucinda as she passed Ms. Lovelace a card with Gothel’s address. And then she added, “And please do send along a young girl with good qualifications who can do the cleaning if Mrs. Tiddlebottom has any objections whatsoever with the amount of work that will be required.”

Ms. Lovelace laughed. “Mrs. Tiddlebottom can always be counted upon to make her feelings known. I’ll be sure to let her know that is an option. Don’t you worry.”

“Good, and we will provide a carriage to pick up her and her things when she is ready.”

“I’ll be sure to let her know. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Nothing at the moment, but I thank you,” said Lucinda, handing Ms. Lovelace a small pouch of coins. “That is for your services, Ms. Lovelace. Thank you and have a lovely day.”

“Thank you, my lady! Come again!”

The brass bell rang as Lucinda exited. She often laughed to herself when she saw the looks on people’s faces when she told them her last name. Ms. Lovelace’s only admission to knowing Lucinda was one of the King’s relations was when she referred to her as “lady.”

So, her cousin’s name had traveled even to that great distance. Never mind all that, she told herself. There is still much to do.

She spent most of the afternoon wandering the various shops and placing orders to be delivered to Gothel’s new home. By the time Lucinda was done shopping, she had arranged the entire stocking of Gothel’s larder and acquired bedding and various other things Gothel might need. Jacob had fortunately arranged the delivery of furniture when he’d bought the home some years ago, and he’d thoughtfully had it covered in white cloth to keep it from getting dusty until his little witch arrived. Hopefully Ruby and Martha think to remove the cloths before Gothel arrives, Lucinda thought.

Lucinda had only one basket to take with her on her trip back to Gothel’s new home: the provisions for that evening’s dinner. She wasn’t sure how soon the deliveries would arrive and thought it best to take dinner home herself.

As Lucinda flew overhead, she could see Gothel’s carriage and many wagons lined up outside her new home. They must be inside, she thought as she landed the house in the nearby field filled with beautiful yellow wildflowers. She saw her sisters run to the windows so they could see her land, excited to share the news that Gothel and Pflanze had finally arrived.

“Lucinda! Lucinda! They’re here!” screeched Ruby and Martha.

Lucinda laughed. “Yes, I see that. How is our little witch?”

“Oh, she’s exhausted!” said Martha.

“She’s in torment!” said Ruby.

“All to be expected,” said Lucinda. “And how’s Pflanze?”