Spell Bound - Chapters 1 & 2
Happy Thursday! Today, we are starting our second Enchanted Fairytale…and this one we’ll be sharing two chapters at a time. It’s a longer story, and we hope you enjoy it!
“Bound by a spell, what can one do? Find the belief to know what is true.” ~ The Apprentice’s Handbook
Chapter 1
The vase crashed to the floor, glass shattering and water spreading across the tiles. Felicia bent down to pick up the roses as the housekeeper hurried into the room.
“What have you done now?” she demanded.
Felicia dropped the flowers and tucked her dark hair back into place. “I’ll get my things,” she said.
“I think that might be best,” the housekeeper replied.
This was Felicia’s third job in as many months. Every time she thought she may have found her place in life, she managed to ruin it. This had been her last hope after the disaster at the dressmaker’s shop and the misunderstanding with the birthday cake at the bakery. Why would anyone put salt and sugar in similar containers and not label them?
“There must be something I can do to prove myself,” she muttered as she packed her few belongings. “Everyone has to be good at something.”
In the orphanage, Felicia had spent most of her time reading to the other children. She loved books and brought the characters to life as she told the stories.
“What I need is a way to be around books without dusting them,” Felicia whispered, passing the study on the first floor and nodding to the housekeeper on her way out.
As she walked out onto the square, she looked up and smiled. It was beginning to snow. Felicia loved winter, but she would need to find a place to stay. This might be a good night to visit her friend Eva, who was always there if she needed a warm bed and a hot meal. They had been like sisters since they met at the orphanage.
“I’m sorry to just show up on your doorstep,” Felicia said as Eva invited her in.
“You’re in time to help me with dinner,” Eva replied. Glancing at her sideways, she added, “Do you want me to show you where we keep the salt?”
“Very funny.” Felicia shook her head as she set down her things. “At least, you label your kitchen ingredients.”
“True,” Eva replied. She gave Felicia a quick hug, then took her to the fire. “Sit down here and have a cup of tea. You look like you’ve been out there for quite a while.”
“Thank you,” Felicia said. She warmed her hands and took a sip. “You always did make the best tea.” She smiled as Eva offered her a plate. “And cookies.”
“Enjoy them, then take your things upstairs.” Eva went back to her cooking. She was taller than Felicia and had light blonde hair that curled on its own but was now pinned out of the way. “William left the baby at his mother’s today, so I could give the place a good cleaning.” She smiled. “I was very fortunate to find such a good man…with a very helpful family.”
Felicia nodded. “He’s wonderful, but I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage of you. I’ll have another position within a day or two.”
“Stay as long as you need,” Eva said. “I can always use help with the baby.”
“You know I’d love that, but I need to find a purpose and make my own way in the world.” Felicia glanced around. “You’ve made a very good life for yourself, and I need to do the same. It may not include marriage and family, but I know there’s something out there for me.”
“I’m sure you could have any man you wanted,” Eva replied. “All that long dark hair and big blue eyes, but I know you’ve always seen yourself doing more.”
“I didn’t mean to imply that this isn’t…” Felicia began.
“Save your apology,” Eva said. “I’ve known you most of your life, and you’ve always had this need to prove yourself.” She smiled. “I’m sure once you do, you’ll find true love as well.”
Felicia shook her head. “You and your fairytales. They were always your favorite.”
“That’s because you made the characters seem so real,” Eva replied. “Go ahead and get settled. We’ll eat in about an hour.”
Chapter 2
William and the baby were both happy to see Felicia. They all enjoyed the beef stew and bread that Eva had made for dinner.
As they finished eating, Felicia said, “Eva, please sit down and relax. I’ll clean up the kitchen.”
“Thank you,” Eva replied, taking the baby from William. “Time for bed, little man.”
William smiled. “I’ll help Felicia with the dishes.”
As she washed and he dried, Felicia said, “I don’t suppose you’ve heard of any positions that might be available?”
“You know you can stay here as long as you like,” William replied.
“I appreciate that,” Felicia said, “but I would like to find something soon.” She sighed. “I doubt I’ll even get a reference after this afternoon.”
“That bad?” William asked.
“Let’s just say I usually make an impression, but it hasn’t always been a positive one.” Felicia shook her head. “At this point, I’m willing to try almost anything.”
“If you really mean that…” William hesitated.
“Go on,” Felicia said. “What were you going to say?”
“Someone I work with said his sister just left a position.” William shrugged. “Apparently, she’s the fourth girl to have the job in the past six months.”
“What’s the problem?” Felicia asked. “Bad pay or bad employer?”
“Neither, according to my friend.” William smiled. “Seems the old man is a bit eccentric and likes to invent things. All kinds of noises and strange smells, not to mention the messes to clean up.”
Felicia started laughing. “I’m pretty good at making messes myself.” She wiped down the sink, while William poured hot water in the tea pot.
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re making tea,” Eva said, sitting down at the table. Looking at William, she added, “Our little Jack did not want to settle down tonight.”
“Too much excitement,” William replied.
“William was just telling me about a position that may be open,” Felicia said, pouring the tea into cups and handing them around.
“What type of position?” Eva asked.
“You remember that inventor I told you about?” William asked. “The one, who Edward’s sister was working for?”
Eva nodded. “Isn’t he the one who makes candles?”
“Among other things,” William agreed. Turning to Felicia, he added, “If you really want to talk to him, he has the big house on the other side of the foundry.”
“The one on the hill?” Felicia asked. “I’ve seen that and wondered who lived there.” She smiled at Eva. “I guess I’m going to find out.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” Eva asked. “We could take Jack.”
“That’s very nice of you, but I’ll be fine.” She finished her tea. “I’m going to bed. Thanks again for letting me stay tonight.”
Felicia walked out of the kitchen and smiled as she heard William tell Eva how beautiful she looked in the candlelight. Romance might not be in her future, but she was glad Eva had found her happily ever after.
Read another two chapters next Thursday!