Oh dear reader, the signs of spring are all around Greenwood. The fingertips of the trees are bright with new buds, and this morning as the sun rose, it seemed all the birds of the wood were singing together. The Green Sister must be waking from her long slumber.
I received another letter from Auntie Ember last week. She said that while the snow has begun to melt, the roads are still too wet to travel by coach. Though perhaps by the end of spring we might plan the visit we have delayed for so long. The end of spring? But it has only just begun! Oh well, goodness knows there is plenty to do until then; the only trouble is I am not sure of where to begin.
I mean, when Mary told me about the Green Children of Woolden, I could hardly contain myself. I do realize, of course, that it could all be made up. Folk stories often are, but… well, there could also be some truth to it too. If only Mary could remember more. But I think I agree with her idea, dear reader, the story may be written down somewhere…oh, but books are difficult to come by in Greenwood. The one I have now, Olkarian Faery Stories by Olrik Alfaro, was a special gift from Auntie Ember. Besides that, the only other books I have are The Homemaker’s Guide and my journal, neither of which are of any help here. There was a small bookshop in Larksville, and in the capital, I am told, there is a library at the university so large that you can fit a whole house inside its walls. Oh, it would be wonderful to visit someday. But, from what I gather, speaking with Davy and Elise, the only books people around here own are practical guides like the Farming Almanac.
Mrs. Hume had an idea that sends shivers down my spine, but she may be right. Yesterday at market, I was very busy; it seems Mary Colson has been sharing her Joy remedy with folks at the tavern and inn, because four or five people said they had loved it so much, they wanted me to make some more for them. I am glad. It is always nice to hear that one’s work is enjoyed and I am grateful for the business, but it was a little overwhelming to talk with so many new people in one day. Anyway… where was I? Oh yes! Once I had gotten all their names down, I had a chance to talk with Mrs. Hume and ask her what she thought I should do with regard to finding the story. I was beginning to think I might just have to wait until my next trip to Larksville, when she suggested I petition Baron Rhodes. Oh goodness, it gave me such a start! To ask the baron anything would be beyond me. But she insisted. It seems the manor house has quite the collection of books, some very old. She also reminded me that last we spoke, the baron had said that if there was anything I needed, I shouldn’t hesitate to ask. I thought he was just being polite, but Mrs. Hume, with a fierce look in her eye, promised that Baron Rhodes was a man of his word. Goodness, with a face like that, I am certain Mrs. Hume could make anyone a man of their word. Ha ha, even if that hadn’t been their original intention. I told her I would think it over.
If what Mrs. Hume said is true, I should probably consider requesting this from the baron, but oh, the thought makes me so nervous! To make a formal request of help is not uncommon, especially by villagers in great need, but mine seems a rather large one for reasons he may find trifling… Still, the baron himself, well, he is not an unkind man. Indeed, he has been very generous with me, but… he is rather overbearing. Alas, if I do not ask, what else can I do? Perhaps at the Spreenin faire in a few weeks… That is when we will be celebrating the beginning of spring and the return of the Green Sister. Baron Rhodes is sure to be there, and in the meantime I can make my decision. Oh goodness, until then I must try not to let my anxious thoughts get the best of me, like with what happened the other night. It’s funny, I was reading one of the stories in my book, about a boy who climbs a great bean stalk to a land of giants, and later I had a nightmare about a terrible giant chasing me down. It seems rather silly now.
Dear reader, I think I must just once again find some courage within myself. I hope to discover a written copy of The Green Children of Woolden one day, but right now as the winter begins to melt away, I shall try not to worry and to enjoy all the beauty around with the coming of spring.