Dear reader, I finished the remedy Davy requested! And oh, it turned out just so… well, so sweet that I decided to call it Sweetness. It sings of spring mornings, fresh sunshine, and honey-coated treats. It has some rosy feelings around the edges too, of playful fondness and tender affection which I was surprised to find. But I think it all fits together just right, considering why and who it was made for.
My plan was to give Davy the Sweetness remedy after market day this week, but I also needed to make sure it stayed a secret until the proper time. I prepared by wrapping it in brown paper and placing it in my basket behind some other remedies. If Elise should happen to come by and ask me about it, I could say it was an empty bottle that someone had returned. Perhaps I was overly cautious, but better, I thought, to have a story ready than to spoil the surprise. It ended up not being necessary. Elise was busy at the inn the whole time and no one else noticed. Well except for Lorenz, but he already knew.
Oh, dear reader, it was so sweet. Lorenz even brought something extra to add to the gift. As I was speaking with Davy, Lorenz came alongside us and asked if it was too late. In his hand he had a little bundle of sweet peas tied up in a bow. Davy was so funny; he teased Lorenz and exclaimed “For me?! Why, you shouldn’t have!” Lorenz smirked and said he thought Davy a very fine fellow, but they were in fact for his wife, or rather for him to give to his wife. He’d heard they were her favorite. Davy looked at me in astonishment and said “Sonya, I thought you could keep a secret!?” For one terrible moment I thought I had made a mistake in letting Lorenz know, but then Davy began to laugh. Lorenz smiled too, but said “You ought not to tease Miss Sonya like that, she’s liable to take you in earnest.” Oh! I shook my head and chuckled a bit too, realizing it was a joke. No, Davy didn’t mind that I had told at all; he even thanked Lorenz for bringing the flowers and helping me complete the remedy.
Lorenz and I watched as Davy walked towards the Inn. We could see Elise sweeping in the doorway and saw when her husband gave her the bouquet and the bottle of sparkling Sweetness. She threw her arms around his neck, but I turned away when she leaned in to give him a kiss. I could feel my cheeks flushing, and thought it best not to spy on such personal moments. I took the chance to thank Lorenz for bringing the flowers. It had been a very sweet thing to do. “You’re the one who made the Sweetness, Sonya. I just wanted to help.” Oh goodness, I don’t know why, but his words caught me off guard. My cheeks started flushing again, and then I had nowhere to look but at my own boots again.
Thankfully Alexander found us, and loudly greeted me with a big smile. He asked if we would be able to visit the Well of the Green Sister next week; he’d secured a ladder from Mrs. Algar and was keen on trying more of the keyholes. Yes, I had plenty of time, but Lorenz warned we would only be able to go if a certain pupil of his finished up his history lesson in time. Though, I saw that his face he was only mockingly serious. Alexander solemnly swore he would be diligent; then we said our farewells and parted.
Dear reader, I’m so happy that Elise’s surprise turned out well. Making Sweetness was such a treat... but it’s funny how that remedy surprised even me. This spring feels different somehow, or maybe I feel different. A little bit giddy… and shy… thoughtful… Receiving the roses on Spreenin has put such silly thoughts in my head. Anyway, I have the next visit to the Well of the Green Sister to look forward to with Alexander… and Lorenz… I’m glad I get to explore that place with them.