by M. Gregg Roe
“You look lovely,” said Audrey. “Do you have work tonight?”
“No. A dinner. With Falk.”
“But I thought Falk only liked men.”
“He does. This is for show. We’re dining at his parents’ house.”
“They don’t know?” asked Audrey.
“They do, but they prefer to pretend they don’t.”
Audrey laughed. “That’s very strange, but this city is pretty strange.”
“And I,” said Aliva proudly, “am one of the strangest things that lives here.”
That made both Audrey and Kora laugh.
♦ ♦ ♦
Saxloc enjoyed the beautiful weather as he waited for the ship carrying Audrey and Aliva to arrive. He was hoping to impress Audrey by being there to meet her. She had, after all, spent the last two nights staying with Erwin. Ship schedules were never exact, so he passed the time by walking around the docks, occasionally chatting with a sailor or guard.
The No Hope was only slightly late, and the two of them certainly looked to be in good spirits as they disembarked. He was both surprised and pleased when Audrey promptly embraced him and gave him a kiss, although it wasn’t a serious kiss. They entered the city together, but Aliva soon said her goodbyes and headed east toward Kora’s house.
“How did it go?” he asked her, now that the two of them were alone.
“Which part?” Audrey asked archly.
“The business part.” He didn’t want to hear about her time with Erwin.
Audrey sighed and shook her head. “Aliva confirmed something that I had suspected. My demon dress is similar to Siljan’s, but not identical. The one she made for Dora while we were there is completely different. It’s bright yellow and asymmetrical. And Dora looks amazing in it. It suits her perfectly.”
“So what you are saying is that only Aliva can make them?”
“Yes. She tried to show Dora—to explain—but she really couldn’t. It’s instinctive for her. And she has to know the person she’s making the dress for, at least to some extent. That complicates things.”
Saxloc thought about it briefly. “She will have to get to know each customer first, and then do everything.”
“Yes. I’ll still be able to help her by buying fabric and acting as her assistant—that’s basically what Dora did. It’s a complication, but we’re still going ahead with the business as soon as I find a reasonably-priced space to rent.”
“I know of some unused office space that’s quite inexpensive,” he said with a straight face. It was something that had occurred to him while Audrey was away.
“Where?” she asked. “I couldn’t find anything affordable when I looked.”
“At your school.”
Understanding dawned on her face and she broke into a smile. “You’re right! We barely use half the building, and I know it used to be offices and a small warehouse. Grasapa told me that they might eventually turn some of it into student housing, but it’s just sitting empty right now.”
“I spoke to her yesterday. She’s willing to rent you space for ten silver a month.”
“That little?” Audrey looked stunned as he nodded in reply. “Wonderful! I’ll talk to her tomorrow and arrange it. Now I just need to find an accountant. I can’t even manage my own finances, let alone a business.”
“What about Marryn?” he suggested. “She’s incredibly good with that kind of thing. She would be cheaper than a professional.”
“But she hates me. She’d probably embezzle everything.”
Saxloc laughed. “With her family? I don’t think so. Just ask her.”
“Okay.” But she was frowning.
They soon reached the central plaza, skirted it, and then took North Street. He left her alone with her thoughts until they were nearing the mansion.
“One more thing,” he said and she looked over at him. “You are having dinner with us at the mansion tonight. Wear something nice.”
“Why? Are there guests?”
“Audrey, how long have you lived in this city now?”
“I don’t know. About a year?”
“Close.” He was surprised that she had forgotten.
She chewed her lower lip as she continued to think about it. Recognition showed on her face as she exclaimed, “Exactly a year!”
“That’s right. You are the special guest, Audrey.”
To his delight, that earned him another kiss.
♦ ♦ ♦
If anyone asked, Medea was planning to say that she was eavesdropping out of motherly concern. In fact, she was simply curious as to why Audrey had come to speak with Marryn. She simply didn’t trust her daughter to tell the truth about it afterward. Dealing with the girl seemed to become more difficult by the day.
Marryn’s distaste for Audrey was based solely on her insane view that Audrey was somehow her rival for Saxloc’s affections. Marryn wanted to marry into wealth and no family in the Witch’s City was wealthier. In her eyes, that made Audrey an enemy. Medea wasn’t sure who Saxloc would end up marrying, but she doubted very much that it would be Marryn.
The conversation between the two of them was surprising. Audrey wanted Marryn to review her finances and also to help with some new business she wanted to start with Aliva. Marryn was reluctant until Audrey mentioned that she was willing to pay for her services. That, predictably, piqued Marryn’s interest and she agreed to consider it.
As soon as Audrey left, Medea walked out into the sitting room. “You were listening to us, weren’t you,” accused Marryn.
“I don’t want you walking back home alone after you visit Audrey,” she told her daughter sternly.
“I’ll wear my dagger. I can take care of myself!”
“Marryn, you can’t cut a piece of bread without injuring yourself. I will talk with Almera and see if I can go over there for dinner. Or would you prefer that your brother escorted you? He can always visit Saxloc.”
Marryn scowled. “I’ll ask Gabriel.”
“That’s fine.” But she would talk to Gabriel herself in case her daughter “forgot”.
“I can’t believe how stupid Audrey is,” scoffed Marryn. “She can’t even manage her own finances.”
Medea adopted her expression of motherly disapproval. “Audrey is from a small village,” she lectured. “I doubt they used money there at all. And she didn’t receive a fancy education like you did.”
“Fine. I’ll see if I can help her.” Marryn frowned. “I wasn’t expecting her to invite me to dinner.”
“She’s making an overture. She wants to be your friend.”
“That’s not going to happen unless she gives up on Saxloc.”
Medea decided to change the subject rather than start an argument. “So you’re going to take one of Grasapa’s self-defense classes?” she asked. To her surprise, Marryn had asked Audrey about it.
“Yes. I’m going over there after lunch and sign up for one.”
“Do you need money?”
Marryn shook her head. “No. Audrey said I should take one lesson first and then decide. The first lesson is free.”
That was Grasapa’s way of attracting new students. “Your father and I will be happy to pay if you decide to take more lessons. I think you will enjoy it.” She had actually taken the course herself years ago simply to learn something new. It had been interesting.
“Maybe. I’ll give it a try.”
“Good. Come and help me fix lunch.”
“All right.” But Marryn didn’t look happy about it.
She still didn’t understand how she had ended up with two children who were so different. Gabriel had practically raised himself, and he was kind-hearted and polite. Marryn was rude and lusted after wealth, and Medea didn’t know what to do about it.
♦ ♦ ♦
Marryn stared in amazement at Audrey’s log cottage, nestled among trees, bushes, and flowers. “It’s beautiful!” she breathed. She had heard about it, but it was her first time seeing it.
/> “It is,” agreed Gabriel. “Audrey is very fortunate. Please come to the mansion to fetch me when you are ready to depart.”
“I will. Thank you, Gabriel.”
After Gabriel walked off, Marryn stared at the cottage with trepidation. It was very disquieting to be having dinner with someone that she didn’t even like. But it was too late to back out now. She followed the curved flagstone walkway to the front door, noting the wood plaque to the left that displayed Audrey’s full name. Her mother’s name is Marilee, she thought. That’s pretty.
The door opened inward and Marryn just stood and gaped. Audrey was wearing a short, dark brown dress with red, yellow, and orange accents. Her waist looked very narrow. The front had a deep scoop that displayed an amazing amount of cleavage, making Marryn feel very inadequate. And Audrey’s self-satisfied smile wasn’t helping.
“Um … was I supposed to dress up?” She had worn a light green shirt and tan pants.
“No,” replied Audrey, still smiling. “I just wanted to show this to you. Aliva made it for me. It’s the type of dress our business will sell. It’s called a demon dress. Siljan came up with the name.”
“Um … you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, but I’ll never be as beautiful as you. Come on in.”
Marryn felt confused as she entered and looked around, noting a sitting area to her right that had a beautiful stone fireplace. She could smell some kind of meat cooking and see the entrance to the kitchen ahead and to the right. “This is very nice,” she said.
“Go ahead and look around. I need to get this dress off. It’s not comfortable.”
Marryn looked at Audrey with concern. “It’s not?” she asked. That didn’t sound like a good thing for a dress business.
Audrey waved her hands. “You misunderstand. The dress has to be uncomfortable. It’s very tight.” Audrey pointed to her chest. “But this is the really uncomfortable part. My breasts aren’t as big as they look. The dress squeezes them and somehow does this. It’s squeezing my waist too. Only Aliva seems to understand exactly how it all works.”
“That’s impressive.” Marryn smiled and gestured. “They are impressive.”
Audrey laughed. “This isn’t the kind of dress that you just wear around. It’s the kind you wear to a dinner or a party. Or if you’re trying to catch a man.” Audrey turned around. “Can you unfasten it for me? Aliva hid the fasteners and they’re hard to work by myself.”
Marryn quickly complied, finding that the fasteners extended farther down than she was accustomed to. The material was very soft and the sewing quality was exceptional.
Marryn looked around after Audrey thanked her and went into her bedroom to change. She was amazed and envious that the bathroom was a smaller version of the luxurious ones in the mansion. The toilets in the Witch’s Castle were only marginally better than the outdoor versions.
Audrey emerged from her bedroom wearing a yellow shirt and a knee-length dark green skirt. Marryn still thought that she looked beautiful. Audrey quickly showed her the bedroom and sewing room. She concluded by saying, “That’s it. It’s small, but it’s all I need.”
Marryn couldn’t contain herself. “Draymund and Almera built this just for you?”
Audrey looked serious as she replied, “Yes. We discussed the possibility late last year, but nothing happened. I was actually planning to move out and stay with a friend. Then I got back here after being gone for a while and found this. I’m glad, because I really didn’t want to go. I love it here.” Audrey smiled and gestured broadly. “This is perfect. I always felt guilty about living in the mansion. Now I’ve moved out without leaving the grounds. It’s wonderful.”
It sounded wonderful to Marryn too. “I’m happy for you,” she lied.
“Thank you. Let’s eat and then talk business.”
Dinner was roast pork, rice, and green beans. It was all delicious and Marryn complimented her host. “I’ve had good cooks for teachers,” she said in response. “First my mother and then Almera.”
After dinner, Audrey cleared away the dishes and then brought a large pile of papers and placed them on the dining table. Marryn starting looking through them, but they were both disorganized and nearly illegible. “I’m having trouble reading this,” she commented absently.
“I’m sorry. I know my handwriting is terrible. I was illiterate when I moved here.”
Marryn looked up in surprise at Audrey’s expression of shame. Something like that had never even occurred to her, and she felt uncomfortable as she continued looking through the papers.
“Do you want some rice wine?” asked Audrey after a moment.
“Yes, but make mine half water.”
“Okay.”
Audrey busied herself and soon returned with two white ceramic cups. Marryn took a sip of hers before asking, “You have five sources of income?”
“I guess I do,” she said after pausing to think. “I do sewing for Desires. Almera pays me when I help her. Grasapa pays me when I help teach. There’s the Demon Dress business, although it hasn’t made any money yet. And there’s Dora, who is now paying me as a designer, I guess.”
No wonder she couldn’t keep it all straight. “And your fixed expenses are rent and tuition?” Marryn asked.
“Sort of. Saxloc is still paying my tuition, but I want that to stop. Right now, my teaching offsets some of it. And Almera reduces my rent when I work for her. Desires pays for my insurance and hair styling.”
“Audrey, this is very complicated. Your expenses are fairly straightforward, but your income is highly variable.”
“I know. That’s why I need your help. I want you to help with the business too.”
Marryn couldn’t believe how much trust Audrey was placing in her. And the truth was, Audrey did need help. “I need to look it all over in detail and organize it better.” And rewrite it so it’s legible. She had also spotted several math errors.
Audrey smiled, looking relieved. “Thank you, Marryn. I’m not asking this as a favor. I’m willing to pay whatever you think is fair for your help.”
“Um … all right. I’ll get back to you in a day or two. Where is your dress business located? It doesn’t say and the rent for the space seems much too low.”
“It’s space in Grasapa’s building that she’s not using right now,” Audrey explained.
“Oh. That explains it. She’s giving you a discount because she knows and trusts you. And she wasn’t earning anything from it before.”
Audrey shrugged. “I guess so.”
“I went over there this morning and signed up for a self-defense class,” volunteered Marryn.
Audrey’s expression changed to a interested smile. “Which one?” she asked.
“Um … in the morning every other day. It starts on the first day of next month.”
“Guess who’s helping Grasapa teach it?”
Easy guess. “You are, obviously.” Marryn wasn’t sure how she felt about that.
“Yes. That will offset most of my tuition next month.”
Marryn thought for a moment. “Then why don’t you arrange to start paying your own tuition starting next month. From what I’ve seen, I’m certain you can afford that.”
“Okay! I’ll do that. Thank you, Marryn!”
“Um … you’re welcome.”
Audrey sat down in the other chair and stared intently. “Marryn, if we’re going to work together then we have to get some things straight. You have never liked me from the first time we met. You are after Saxloc because his parents are wealthy and resent me because Saxloc is interested in me.”
Marryn had moved steadily backward in her chair as Audrey spoke, and she realized that she was practically cringing. She wanted to deny everything, but she wasn’t sure she dared. She felt trapped. What do I do? What do I say? Audrey’s stare was intimidating.
“Yes,” Marryn confessed as she lowered her head. “I know that whole engagement thing when you came here wasn’t your doing, and I was hap
py when Saxloc ignored you. But then everything changed and you and Saxloc were a couple. I resented that. I’ve known Saxloc my entire life and you took him away.”
“I haven’t taken him away,” said Audrey in a gentle voice. “We’re dating now, but we’re not engaged or anything. At the moment, I’m not planning on marrying anyone. I’m not ready for something like that.”
“Really?” Marryn searched Audrey’s face as she nodded in reply, looking sad.
“Yes. I’m dating Saxloc and one other man at the moment. And who knows? I might meet someone I like even better. If Saxloc’s still available when you turn sixteen, then date him.”
“All right.” But it wasn’t like she needed Audrey’s permission.
Once again, Marryn found herself thinking that Rosalind was now the real problem, although Audrey still couldn’t be ruled out. She decided that she would help Audrey with her finances. And her business. It would be an interesting challenge as well as helping her to learn more about Audrey. It was always best to know one’s enemies. That’s what her father always said. He was talking about combat and war, but it could also apply to romantic rivals.
♦ ♦ ♦
“How was your dinner with Audrey?” asked Gabriel as he escorted his sister home. She was carrying a sheaf of papers that had presumably been given to her by Audrey. He was pleased to see that she appeared to be in a good mood but concerned because it looked like she had been crying.
“Good. She’s a very good cook. How was yours?”
“Delicious.” It truly had been. Gabriel hated to admit it, but Almera was a better cook than his mother.
“I’m going to be helping Audrey with her budget and her new business, and she’s going to pay me.”
“Do not take advantage of her and do not spend it all on clothing.” He was certain that his sister was planning to do both of those things.