Dear reader, the baron was much pleased with his remedy, far more than I could have guessed. He paid me generously and even included a rare treat. As to the effects of the Wonder remedy, well, let me say they were not what I had expected.
Yesterday at market, I was given a note by Mrs. Algar: another invitation from Baron Rhodes, to come to the manor house later on that afternoon. As of late, my nerves have been somewhat more at ease around the baron —he can be rather intimidating at times— so instead of letting my worries get the best of me, I considered that the remedy might need some alterations or such, perhaps to make it a better match for him personally. I brought a few small vials with me, just to be prepared, though it turned out not to be necessary.
When I arrived, I was shown up to the big room with the writing desk; the baron and Alexander were playing a game together, something with little dotted tiles they called dominoes. Baron Rhodes excused Alexander, who waved goodbye to me as he left. The baron welcomed me in quite jovially. I was surprised! I don’t think I can recall ever seeing him in such good spirits. I asked how the Wonder remedy was working… did he find himself enjoying the winter more? “No”, he told me, the “blasted cold” was still miserable, but the baron was indeed finding more to occupy himself with despite the weather, and those things put him in better spirits. Time with his son primarily, had become his new diversion. He remarked with pride on the young man’s developing skills and manners; he was growing into a fine young lad. I smiled to myself, and agreed with the baron for I am very proud of Alexander too. As I listened to the baron boast, I realized something: his sense of wonder had not been found with snowflakes or other winter things, but instead with watching someone much closer to home grow. It made me glad.
The baron went on to say he was “satisfied” with the remedy. Well, then he admitted it was much more than that. For it being the time of year he usually despised, he felt less tired, less drained, and more content in a way he had not been for some while. “The remedy worked.” He pulled out a large pouch that clinked as it hit the desk. Oh goodness, this would have been more than enough, but then Baron Rhodes pulled out a package with a fine printed label. It read chocolate. “That was Alexander’s idea,” he laughed.
So now, dear reader I sip a mug of hot chocolate, a rare treat for my humble cottage indeed! Not only is it delicious, but it makes me feel as though I were a proper lady of high society. Thinking upon the season and the remedy I made, I’m glad the baron was able to find some wonder. It’s certainly not how I expected him to find it, not at all… but in truth I think this way is better, and for Alexander too.