Menopause, Moon Magic, & Cursed Kisses by J. C. Blake

Author:J. C. Blake [Blake, J. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Redbegga Publishing
Published: 2021-03-31T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

By the time it was time to leave for the wedding the following evening, all unsightly hairs had been plucked, and I was perfumed, painted, and coiffured to the best of my ability. Dressed in a flattering wrap-over dress that somehow gave me a waist, topped by a mink stole complete with diamond clasp borrowed from Aunt Euphemia, and a hat with a tiny veil from Aunt Thomasin, both of which dated from the nineteen forties, we sat in the car with thirty minutes to spare. The car was immaculate, although I noticed that the chrome casing around the headlights were pitted, and the paintwork a little dull and faded in places. It chugged as Aunt Thomasin started the engine.

“Oh, dear!” She moved the gears into first and released the clutch. It moved forward with a grinding jerk then stalled.

Concerned and murmured foreboding filled the car.

“We’d best take my car,” I said.

Aunt Beatrice sighed. “I think we shall, Livitha.” A note of emotion trembled in her voice.

The air was heavy with distraught energy. All my life my aunts had cared for me but in that moment, I knew it was my turn to care for them. I turned to the back seat and regarded each for a moment. Each aunt looked just as she always did – radiant despite their frowns of concern. Whatever poisonous magick was afflicting Aunt Loveday wasn’t affecting them. At least it didn’t seem that way. However, I was filled with determination to be their strength that evening. For a change, I wouldn’t be the one crumbling, a whirl of chaotic hormones. I would show a stiff upper lip, embrace the challenge, and lift the energy that enveloped us.

“Right!” I said, taking charge.

The car grew silent. I had their attention.

“We are not going to wallow in this. Tonight, we are going to enjoy ourselves!”

“But how can we enjoy ourselves when Loveday and Raif are so sick?”

I held Aunt Thomasin’s gaze. “They wouldn’t want us moping.”

“That’s true. Loveday would school us to be careful of our words and then demand that we enjoy the evening.”

“That’s exactly what she said when I took her supper through,” said Aunt Euphemia.

“I think that Hegelina wants us to crumble and fall into ruin along with the house. Well! I refuse. I refuse to be her victim. So, we shall watch Lady Heskitt marry beneath the stars, toast the happy couple with a glass of champagne-”

“Will there be dancing. I love to dance.”

“Oh, yes! I’d love to dance. I haven’t danced in such a long time.”

Aunt Beatrice’s eyes glittered. “Will your young man be there, Livitha?”

“My young man?”

“Which one?” Aunt Thomasin tittered. “She has several to choose from.”

For a moment I wished I hadn’t tried to raise their spirits. I was the object of their mirth once again.

“Ooh! Which one would you choose Thomasin?”

“Well ... not Pascal!”

“Ugh! Philandering toad!”

“Adulterous scoundrel!”

“Just a minute-.”

“Although he was quite handsome in his younger days.”

All three aunts tittered.

“Now just wait a minute-”

“Hmm!” continued Thomasin ignoring my indignation.

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