Well, the Spreenin faire turned out to be quite the adventure, dear reader. The morning of the faire, I got up early and put on my most colorful clothes, as is the custom, and did my hair all up in ribbons. It was a little bit tricky. In past years, Lettie and I would do each other’s hair for Spreenin, but I made sure to practice throughout the week since I knew I would have to manage on my own, and I think it turned out alright. Thus nicely dressed, and with my basket full of the Joy remedies that folks had asked for, I set out into the crisp morning air.
The faire was a picture of loveliness. Bright flower garlands hung from every house and shop, and the village green was full to bursting with people, twice as many as the usual market day and so many times more colorful, with singing and dancing and the smell of sweet treats everywhere. Goodness, pretty as it was, I found myself completely overwhelmed. I saw Mrs. Hume, Mary, and Elise at the edge of the festivities, and when they saw me, I am certain, looking all but bewildered, they kindly invited me over to sit with them.
I was very touched when Elise gave me a little bouquet of fresh herbs and blossoms. It’s an old tradition to give flowers to friends and family members, sometimes even to someone you secretly admire. But I have never received a bouquet from anyone, well besides Auntie Ember and my sister. And the sweet scent of the flowers and herbs along with the thoughtfulness of the gesture helped to calm my nerves. We all sat there for some time. Every few minutes, someone would find their way over to us and pick up their bottle of Joy. So in that way I was able to give out all the remedies with no trouble at all.
Oh goodness, but then dear reader, I saw the baron, walking around and greeting the other villagers in his booming voice. Mrs. Hume asked if I had decided whether or not to make my petition, and I told her I had, but wasn’t certain how to go about it or even if now was the right time. She, of course, without hesitation grabbed me by the arm and I allowed myself to be dragged towards the baron as Elise called out “good luck” and Mary waved. We waited for a moment a little way off until he, with one of his men on either side of him, turned towards us. Mrs. Hume and I curtsied, and after the baron gave us a nod to continue, Mrs. Hume announced that I had a petition to make. He said “Oh?” maybe in surprise, or interest, or maybe both, I do not know, but I stammered on for… what? a minute or so, until I was finally able to make out that I was trying to learn about my past and wondered if his library, I mean, if he, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, might let me use the library and see if the books there held some clues… if that was alright. Goodness, even now, thinking of the moment makes me shake and I feel so embarrassed! And, there was one horrible instant when I was certain I had overstepped my place and had asked for something most improper… but then, he began to laugh. The baron said of course I could make use of his library, “anything for our village’s little apothecary”, and told me that I was to come by at the beginning of next month. He even said I could come as many times as I needed! Oh, it seems too good to be true, and I made sure to thank him thoroughly. I do hope I am able to find the story, or at least some other hint to point me in the right direction. But whatever comes of it, oh, the thought of so many new books fills my heart with joy.
After all that dear reader, I was well worn out, and excused myself from the faire, though I must admit, not before purchasing one of the baked goods to take with me. I spent the rest of the afternoon lying on a blanket in the field beside my cottage. I ate my treat and watched the butterflies chasing each other in the new spring grass. It was so inviting, and despite the day having started off so cold, the noon sunshine warmed me through and through. I even fell asleep for a short while, every now and then catching pieces of music from the faire on the wind.
So, it seems asking the baron for assistance was not so bad as I thought, and in a week from today I shall go to the manor house and see what might be found. Oh, I am nervous to visit the baron’s house, but goodness, to think, a whole library full of books to explore… I can hardly wait!