Daughters of Aether by Nicholas Petrarch

Author:Nicholas Petrarch [Petrarch, Nicholas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732064232
Publisher: Pelorus Books
Published: 2019-02-18T16:00:00+00:00

I know you’re already near capacity, but there is a young girl recently come from Bhaglaphur who has been employed at Maythorn’s Mill. I don’t think I have to tell you how dire her situation is. If at all possible, please consider her. I can’t bear to think what will become of her otherwise. Her name is Hetty.

—Excerpt from a Letter to Charlotte

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Gardening

MARGARETE DROVE HER SPADE INTO the soil, turning over another pile of loose dirt. At Charlotte’s request it had been decided best to keep a low profile so long as Dempwolf had his sights set on her. Though she tried to keep a brave face, the thought that someone was actively seeking after her was a surreal feeling. Within the walls of the house she felt safe, but she knew that was only an illusion now. Dempwolf had penetrated her sanctuary, and no one put it past the man that he would try again.

And, of course, there was always the question of what he would do next if he did manage to get to her.

In an effort to keep calm despite the threat, Margarete kept herself occupied with the many chores that demanded attention around the house. But even the house was beginning to feel cramped. It was strange, she mused, how quickly a place could become a prison.

Seeking some fresh air, she decided to help Hetty with her chores in the garden. It was located in the courtyard out back, created by the many skiwampus buildings clustered together. It had been something of a communal dump until Charlotte had the ingenious idea of planting a garden. With little other use for it, the neighbors had allowed it and in a season the courtyard had become a rich oasis of fresh foods. It helped offset some of the cost to feed the girls, and what they didn’t eat themselves was sold in the neighborhood.

Margarete breathed in the earthy smell, uncharacteristic so deep in the city. She was glad to have the work today. It helped take her mind off of the shadow that had descended over the house. Everyone was on edge. No one would talk about it outright, not in front of Margarete at least. However, whenever she entered the room, she sensed conversations dropped and eyes dodged her.

It was as though she were a bad omen.

What else had she expected would happen? It was clear her exit wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d thought, and the toll it was taking on the house evident. Charlotte worked hard to conceal it but Margarete could tell that Margarete’s actions had added stress on her as well. So far it seemed news of her little coup hadn’t yet become public knowledge. Whether that was because Worthington didn’t want to broadcast his vulnerability or something else she wasn’t sure. But gossip was beginning to circulate of a girl giving the meritocracy trouble, and everyone sensed the impending danger. The longer she stayed the more risk she brought upon herself and the house.

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