Suzanne Lazear - Charmed Vengeance

“Are you sure, Jeff?” Vix’s voice broke.

“I’m sure. We should send Winky to get her a new plant, both hers have died and she sleeps better with one in her arms.” He stroked Noli’s hair. “Just go back to sleep, Noli. We’ll get you to Boston soon.”

Noli nodded and drifted off to sleep.

Noli ran through the wildwood, a legion of pink croquet mallets on her heels. Breena and Nissa, the high queen’s handmaidens, lobbed purple and gold cannon balls at her, laughing at Noli’s attempts at escape.

“I just want to go home,” Noli sobbed as she tripped over a root and sprawled on the ground of the wildwood, croquet mallets marching closer. “I just want to go home.”

“Noli, you’re dreaming again.” Jeff shook her. “Vix, did you summon a motorcab?”

“Are you certain this is a good idea?” Vix asked, trepidation lurking in her voice.

All Noli wanted was to not be caught by the croquet mallets.

“Up you go, Noli,” Jeff lifted her. “I’m taking you to Mother; she’ll know what to do.”

“And if she doesn’t?” Vix goaded.

Noli leaned her head against Jeff’s chest, her eyes closed.

“She’s our mother; she always knows what to do,” Jeff replied.

Noli felt herself being moved as they talked about her. Again. They were going to Mama. Would she see V as well? It would be nice to see that fussy old bodger. A drink would also be welcome. Her throat felt made of sandpaper and she sweltered in that dress.

For a long time Vix and Jeff stayed silent, but she was no longer being chased by mallets or purple cannon balls, so she leaned into Jeff, enjoying the respite.

“We’re on the way to Grandfather’s,” Jeff whispered, stroking her hair over and over. “Vix, everything will be fine—they’ll love you.”

“I’m worried more about her,” Vix muttered.

A few moments later Noli heard Vix suck in a sharp breath. “Is this your house?”

“Grandfather’s house, not ours,” Jeff replied. “Noli, we’re here. Let’s find Mother.”

Noli’s eyes fluttered open, they felt so heavy, so she let them close again. Cold air hit her face. Ah, that felt divine on her overheated skin.

There was a rapping sound and Noli realized someone knocked on a door. Her eyes cracked. Jeff seemed to be holding her as Vix knocked.

The door opened. “May I help you?” an old voice creaked.

“Jameson? Is that you?” Jeff asked. “It’s me, Jeffrey Braddock, Edwina’s son. I need to speak with Mother—or Grandfather, quickly, it’s Noli, she’s ill.”

She was ill? Was that why she fell as if her skin burned with a million steam engines? Perhaps she could have a nice cool bath.

“Please, let me in Jameson,” Jeff pleaded. “We need a doctor.”

“Jameson, who’s at the door, is that the Parkingtons?” a female voice called.

“Mother … Mama, it’s me,” Jeff called.

Noli tried to sit up at the sound of her mother’s voice.

“Easy, Noli,” Jeff soothed. “We’ll have you in a proper bed soon.”

“Jeffery?” Warm air gushed from somewhere, not nearly as pleasant as the cold air. “What are you doing here?” Mama made a noise of alarm. “What’s wrong with Noli?”

“I don’t know.” His voice broke. “We were coming to visit you for Thanksgiving. Noli fell ill on the way. I … I think Grandfather needs to send for the doctor.”

“Noli, my poor girl. Come in. Jeff, it’s been far too long.” Their mother ushered them in and Noli felt the cold air leave her, replaced by hot air, so stifling it made her whimper. “Jeff, help me get her upstairs. Jameson, get Father and send Ellen up. Oh, hello, who are you?”

“Mother, if I might present Victoria Adler, of Kentucky. She and I have recently become engaged. We were coming to visit you, in part so that I might introduce you to her.” Jeff moved as he spoke, Noli with him. “Vix, this is my mother, Edwina Braddock.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Braddock, Jeff and Noli speak so highly of you,” Vix replied as polite as could be.

“Why Jeffrey, you’ve gotten engaged?” Their mother’s voice swelled with pride. “My word, I wasn’t expecting that. Victoria, we’ll talk. Jeff, let’s put Noli in the nursery. We freshened it up for your little cousins, but they didn’t come at the last moment.”

Noli felt her mother’s hand on her forehead.

“You don’t think it’s influenza, do you?” Mama’s voice tinged with worry.

“I don’t think so—no one on the ship has fallen ill but Noli, and Jeff’s barely left her side,” Vix replied.

She felt herself being laid down on a bed. Ah, that was it. Now, if someone would open the window.

Mama repositioned her on the bed, helping her to get comfortable. “Is she still in her corset?” Outrage colored Mama’s voice. “How many days has she been in her corset? Truly, Jeff? Off with you, now. Why don’t you and your young lady help your Grandfather summon a doctor? Ellen,” she bellowed. “Noli, sweetheart we’re going to get you into something more comfortable. Ellen! I need your help.

Mama.” Noli’s eyes flickered open to make sure it was her mother and not a figment of her imagination. Or a croquet mallet.

“I’m right here.” Her mother began to undress her. “Ellen!”

“Mama, I don’t feel good.” Heavy, Noli’s eyes closed. It hurt to form words.

I don’t feel good either, the sprite whined.

Her mother brushed her hair away from her face. “Hold on, Noli. Just hold on. We’re going to get the doctor. Everything’s going to be just fine.”

All Noli wanted was a drink of water and a nap in a tree. When she opened her mouth the words didn’t emerge. But her mother would figure it out. Mama always knew exactly what she needed when she fell ill. This time would be no exception.

James and Steven trudged through the snow to Dr. Heinz’s house. Rahel rode on Steven’s back; it was faster than her walking through the ever-present muddy slush.

“Are we there yet?” Rahel asked. Again.

“Not yet,” Steven replied, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Again.

James pointed to the horizon. “Look, I think it’s up ahead. Rahel, let’s race.”

“Yessss!” Her squeal hurt Steven’s ears as he set her down. Doll clutched in her arms, she raced James down the mucky road.

They beat Steven to the house. James was already knocking on the door when he trudged up the front steps, legs freezing.

The door opened and Bridgid poked her head out. “Yes?”

“Oh, Bridgid, look who we found?” James’ voice went singsong.

“Bridgid, Bridgid!” Rahel flew past James and wrapped her arms around the young housekeeper’s legs.

“Rahel. Oh, Rahel . Dr. Heinz, come quickly,” she shouted as she hugged Rahel tightly right there in the doorway. “Come in.” She ushered all of them inside. “Dr. Heinz,” she called.

Tasty smells from the kitchen made his belly rumble. Dr. Heinz appeared looking much like the last time with his leather apron over his clothes and magnifying goggles on his head.

“Popi!” Rahel flung herself at her father.

He caught her and swung her into his arms. “Rahel, oh, my Rahel.” Sobs of joy leaked from his lips. For several moments he just held his daughter, murmuring her name over and over. Bridgid bustled off to get everyone tea.

“Thank you so much,” Dr. Heinz told them, still clutching his daughter. “I cannot express how grateful I am.”

“It was our pleasure.” Steven couldn’t help but smile at the man’s happiness, though thank yous always made him uncomfortable.

“You have the automaton?” James asked.

“James,” Steven hissed as he elbowed his rude little brother.