The Bonbon Girl

by Linda Finlay

  ‘I want to send Kitto a card as soon as I can,’ Colenso told her as she poured water over the leaves.

  ‘Good idea,’ Mara nodded.

  ‘I was wondering if I should send Mamm one too,’ she frowned.

  ‘Not a good idea,’ Mara said emphatically. ‘Could get into the wrong hands. I’m sure Kitto will let your mamm know you’re safe.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she replied, knowing what the woman said made sense.

  ‘I’ve finished setting up my tent, so we can walk into the town first thing tomorrow. The show here is a big one and when it gets going things become hectic.’ Once she’d poured the tea and settled on the bright cushion opposite Mara, Colenso asked the question that had been niggling her since the previous day.

  ‘Why are you looking after me like this?’

  ‘I took on the responsibility for you, and I’ve never been one to shirk my duties,’ Mara replied, sipping her drink. Not sure she liked being thought of as a duty, but knowing she had much to thank the woman for, Colenso held her tongue.

  ✳

  Although they were up before dawn, the fair people were already getting things ready for the opening.

  ‘Morning, ladies,’ Titan called, appearing as if by magic as they stepped out of the van. ‘I hear we’re shopping this morning.’

  ‘Are you coming with us, then?’ Colenso asked, her eyes widening as he took the basket from her.

  ‘I am,’ he nodded. ‘And, if you don’t mind me saying, you look far better dressed as a woman.’

  ‘That’s because she is one,’ Mara snorted, making them smile. ‘Now, you can make yourself useful and tell Colenso something about this place. I’m trying to educate her, see.’

  ‘Right. Well, Bodmin boasts the county asylum, institutions, the gaol, the barracks …’

  ‘For goodness sake. Can’t you do better than that on this fine morning?’ Mara cried. But Colenso hardly heard her for her attention had been caught by the display in the shoemaker’s window. Right in the centre was a pair of red shoes adorned with silver buckles.

  ‘Bodmin is renowned for its shoe-making,’ Mara said, noticing her interest. ‘However, some are more practical than others.’

  ‘But they’re beautiful,’ Colenso cried.

  ‘And utterly frivolous. Now, I thought it was a card you wished to buy.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she replied as Titan darted her a sympathetic look. They walked past the shambles with all its butcher’s shops, and the fish market bustling with customers, turned down another street with its gas street lights, clock tower and three-storey bank, before coming to a halt outside the post office.

  ‘You can buy your card and send it from there,’ Mara said, holding out some coins. ‘And don’t look like that, it’s what you’ve earned at the Panam,’ she added as Colenso opened her mouth to protest. ‘Now, I’ve business to attend to so I’ll see you back at the van. And make sure you don’t take all day.’ Before Colenso could answer, she strode back down the street, the way they’d come.

  ✳

  ‘Took your time, didn’t you?’ Mara asked, looking up from a document she was studying. ‘Get that card sent, then?’

  ‘Yes, I did, thank you. And I put the return address as Truro post office, like you said,’ she told the woman.

  ‘Well, it’ll be another ten days or so before we arrive there so he’ll have plenty of time to reply. Which is more than you’ve got. Jago dropped by with paper for you to make up more cones,’ she said waving her hand at the pile on Colenso’s seat-cum-bed. ‘Said you’d need to make a goodly supply as there are a lot of other sweet stalls and carts, so competition will be fierce. In a right mood, he was, on account of him arriving late yesterday and not getting his usual spot. Said you’ll find him on the north side at the back.’

  ‘Oh,’ Colenso said, staring in dismay. ‘I’ll never be able get all those done in time.’

  ‘That’s what I said. He seemed quite put out you weren’t here. Anyhow, he said you’d best roll and twist the paper instead of pasting. Right, I’m off to wander the crowds,’ she said, bangles jangling as she folded her paper and popped it into her pocket. ‘It’s good to let people see there’s a dukkerer in their midst. No use sitting in me tent if no one knows I’m there,’ she winked, taking herself outside.

  Colenso smiled. What a mixture the woman was. On the one hand she communed with nature, whilst on the other she possessed the acumen any businessman would envy. As Colenso began rolling and twisting the paper, her thoughts returned to the card she’d posted to Kitto. How surprised he’d be to receive it. She knew he’d be relieved to know she was safe, and could hardly wait until they reached Truro to hear from him.

  Heart singing, she quickly worked her way through the pile of paper, and by the time the organ started up, her basket was filled with cones.

  Outside the sun was beating down as crowds of laughing people jostled their way around the stalls, seeking out the best attractions. The air was filled with the smell of onions and cooking meat, then she heard the ring of the bell as someone proved their prowess with the hammer bell striker. It took her a few minutes to find the Panam and, when she did, she was greeted by a scowling Jago.

  ‘I’ve made all these,’ she said brightly. ‘Shall I start filling some?’

  ‘Probably won’t need them stuck right out here,’ he muttered, staring gloomily across the ground to a cart surrounded by clamouring people. ‘Taylor’s pinched my pitch.’ Leaving him to his mood, she began packing an assortment of the coloured sweets into cones. But by the time she’d finished, they still hadn’t had one single customer.

  ‘What does he sell that you don’t?’ Colenso asked.

  ‘Don’t know,’ he growled, determined to stay in his dark mood.

  ‘Well, I’ll go and have a look, shall I?’ she asked, desperate to do something.

  She made her way back through the crowds until she reached the cart. To her surprise, the sweets were similar but not nearly as varied as the ones on the Panam and she could see no evidence of any tablet or rock canes. She watched as the man served a small boy, handing over his purchase in a nondescript twist of paper. Remembering what Mara had said about there being lots of other sweet vendors, she made her way around the various stalls, trying to get an idea of what they were selling.

  ‘Well, hello,’ a man with a shiny black moustache said from the doorway of his tent. ‘This could just be your lucky day.’ She smiled politely but, when she went to pass, he stepped forward to block her way. ‘Not so fast, darling,’ he drawled, glassy blue eyes eyeing her up and down from under his tall hat.

  ‘Sorry, I’m in a hurry,’ she murmured.

  ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ he asked, raising his dark brows when she shook her head. ‘I am Marvellous Marco, Illusionaire Extraordinaire. And who, pray tell, are you?’

  ‘Colenso,’ she replied, immediately wishing she hadn’t.

  ‘An exotic name for an exotic beauty.’

  ‘Sorry, I must go,’ she said shaking her head and hurrying away. Exotic beauty, she thought, running her hand through her shorn locks. Except, instead of wiry tufts, she could feel short but silky hair. Mara had been right. By the time she saw Kitto it would have grown somewhere near back to its normal length. She wondered how he’d got on in London and what he’d been doing since his return. How long it seemed since they’d last been together.

  ‘Where did you get to?’ Jago muttered, still looking dismal. ‘As you can see I’ve been rushed off my feet in your absence.’

  ‘Sorry, Jago,’ she replied, ignoring his sarcasm. ‘I had a brilliant idea but then I got stopped by this funny man, Marvellous Marco or something.’

  ‘You want to stay away from him,’ he said, giving her a sharp look. ‘That man’s bad news. His assistant went missing after the last show and she’s never been heard of since.’

  Chapter 20

  ‘Anyhow what was this great idea of yours?’ Jago asked.

 
‘I thought, if the customers won’t come to us, we’d go to the customers, or rather take the confections to them,’ she told him excitedly.

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I could pack the filled cones into my basket and walk around the fair selling them. These are so colourful,’ she said, gesturing to the glistening sweets. ‘But it’s no use having them if no one knows they’re here,’ she added, thinking of Mara’s earlier words. He stood mulling things over then, after another glance at the crowds thronging around his rival, nodded.

  ‘Certainly worth a try. I’d do it myself but a pretty girl like you will be more of a draw. Promise me you’ll stay away from Marco, though. Mara would have my guts if she thought I’d allowed you to go anywhere near him,’ he added, helping her pack the basket with colourful cones. Then he delved into his money pouch and handed her some coins.

  ‘In case you need change,’ he said when she looked askance.

  ‘Of course. And thank you for the wage. I was able to buy my card.’ This time it was his turn to look puzzled. ‘You didn’t give Mara any money, did you?’ she asked. He shook his head.

  ‘I know I owe you but, truth to tell, after paying Caitlin for the tablet and settling my dues with Big Al, it’s left me a bit short.’

  ‘You have to pay Big Al?’ she frowned.

  ‘We all have to. He arranges all this,’ he said, waving his hand around the fair. ‘Then there’s his cut of our takings, protection money …’ He trailed to a halt as if he’d said too much. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll see you get paid for all your hard work … as long as we sell all those.’ He tapped her basket.

  ‘Well, I’d better get started then.’ She gave him a bright smile and set off, her thoughts in overdrive.

  So Big Al wasn’t the kind-hearted man he purported to be. And Titan had been paid to look out for her. How naive she’d been and what a lot she had to learn. Well, Colenso Carne was capable of looking after herself and, what’s more, she’d show them all exactly what she could do. Purposefully, she made her way to the centre of the fair where it was busier.

  Although people eyed her basket curiously, they didn’t stop. Spotting a group of children waiting for their turn on the dobbies, she strode over and held her basket invitingly.

  ‘Freshly made confections, bullseyes, barley twists, tablet, rock canes,’ she called. Their heads turned, eyes widening as they took in the bright cones filled with glistening sweets. Squeals of delight were followed by clamours to parents, and moments later her basket began to empty.

  Flushed with success, she made her way to the next attraction, where the same thing happened. Before long she’d sold everything and, coins jangling, she made her way back to the Panam to replenish her stocks.

  ‘Well, I’ll be,’ Jago exclaimed, eyes widening when he saw her empty basket. She handed over the money she’d taken, and this time he whistled happily as he helped her restock.

  By the end of the afternoon, Colenso was feeling tired but exhilarated. She must have returned to the Panam at least a half a dozen times more, and each time Jago’s smile had become brighter.

  Now though, the crowds were thinning, but instead of returning directly to the Panam she decided to have a look around. Some of the stallholders called out in greeting, but there were many new attractions and people she didn’t know. Showmen were trying to drum up custom for their evening performances and she shuddered as she caught a glimpse of a woman holding a snake in her arms, its head poised by her open mouth.

  ‘Only a tanner to see Soukie swallow the serpent,’ the man called, flicking down the flap of the tent and hiding the act. ‘Watch as it wriggles and writhes its way to her stomach.’

  ‘Want a ticket, darlin’?’ the woman cackled when she spotted Colenso watching through the gap. Horrified, she shook her head, yet a weird fascination compelled her on to the next tent, where a very tall man was extolling the virtues of his unusual phenomenon.

  ‘Roll up, roll up. The show starts in five minutes. Only a few seats left, ladies and gents. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Lisa and Lana, twins extraordinaire. Joined at the hip, separate in thought and deed. You won’t believe the antics they get up to.’

  A beautiful girl, golden braid cascading over one shoulder, winked at her. She was about to smile back when the girl shuffled round and another almost identical face, plait over the other shoulder, winked. Then they turned again and she saw them, side by side, their scanty outfits revealing that they were indeed joined at their side. Seeing her incredulous look, they giggled.

  ‘Right, girls, that’s enough. Back inside and prepare to do your dastardly,’ he grinned, rubbing his hands together. With a joint tinkling laugh, they turned and Colenso just had time to see that they both had two arms and legs before they disappeared through the flap of the tent. The man held out his hand. ‘Cost yer to see more, darlin’.’

  ‘Oh, er, sorry, I’m working,’ Colenso muttered and scurried off as the man scowled. Heavens, you never knew what you were going to see next, she thought, wiping beads of perspiration from her brow.

  ‘Here, have a drink, love.’ She looked up to see Sarah from the kumpania holding out a cup.

  ‘Thank you,’ she murmured, taking it and sipping gratefully. ‘Why, that’s the loveliest lemon drink I’ve ever tasted.’ The woman beamed, showing pink gums.

  ‘Looked like you needed it. I know it’s only nearly the end of May but I’ve never known it as hot as this in all my naturals. Still, it makes the punters thirsty. How’s Mara?’ she asked, her clear eyes giving Colenso a penetrating stare.

  ‘She’s fine,’ Colenso replied. ‘When I last saw her, she was off to drum up some business.’

  ‘Like she needs to do that,’ Sarah laughed. ‘Biggest draw here, she is. People come for miles to have one of her readings. Never got anything wrong yet, so they say. Make sure she doesn’t overdo it, won’t you?’ Before Colenso could ask what she meant, the woman had turned to serve a customer.

  Refreshed from the drink, and all thought of the strange sights she’d seen forgotten, she began making her way back to the Panam.

  ‘So, we meet again, my exotic beauty.’ As the dark-haired man stepped out in front of her, Colenso stared at him in dismay. Mindful of Jago’s warning, she’d kept to the other side of the fair, away from Marco’s tent. ‘I’ve been watching you going around selling sweets from your basket. Such a waste,’ he tutted, shaking his head.

  ‘I’ve enjoyed it actually,’ she replied, determined not to be intimidated by his glassy-eyed stare.

  ‘As I said, such a waste.’ He let out a theatrical sigh. ‘You have the grace of a swan yet the charm of a cygnet and would draw the crowds.’ As Colenso tried not to laugh, he leaned closer and she caught a waft of the pomade he used to curl his moustache in that upwards, outwards, ridiculous way. ‘How would you like to be part of my act, hmm?’ Recalling what Jago had said about his previous assistant, she suppressed a shudder and shook her head.

  ‘Must go,’ she said.

  ‘I could make you famous,’ he called after her.

  ‘You keep away from her or you’ll be off this fair before you know what’s hit you,’ a voice of authority snapped. As he fell into step beside her, Colenso saw it was the swarthy man with greying hair. ‘He’s right in some ways, mind. The ragged urchin has turned out to be a stunning swan.’

  ‘Fiddle,’ she said, subconsciously emulating Mara. Big Al gave her an uncharacteristic grin.

  ‘So, how’s you doin’?’

  ‘I’m fine. In fact, I’m more than fine.’ Determined to show him she was, she held up her empty basket. ‘I’ve managed to sell lots of Jago’s confections,’ she told him.

  ‘Have you now?’ he asked. Although he spoke casually, she could tell he’d taken note and wished she’d kept her mouth shut. Would Jago have to pay him more now?

  ‘Well, here we are,’ he said, moments later as they reached the Panam. ‘It’s getting late. Do you want me to send Titan over to esc
ort you back to the van?’

  ‘No thank you,’ she said quickly, in case he charged for that as well. He gave her a considering look then shrugged. ‘Well, Mara knows where to find me should you need any help.’ With a smile he turned to Jago. ‘I hear your bonbon girl is doing you proud,’ he called.

  ‘Oh hi, Big Al,’ he said, sliding his leather money pouch quickly into his pocket. ‘It’s only thanks to Colenso that I’ve sold any sweets at all, stuck out on this godforsaken pitch. Probably won’t take half as much as I usually do, though.’

  ‘Is that so?’ Big Al replied, quirking his brow. ‘Well, we’ll have to see, won’t we?’ With a curt nod he strode away and Jago turned to Colenso.

  ‘Whatever were you doing with Big Al?’

  ‘That Marco man waylaid me and he told him to leave me alone or he’d be thrown off the site.’

  ‘But I warned you to stay away from Marco,’ Jago frowned.

  ‘I did, but like I said, he intercepted me on my way back here,’ she shrugged. ‘Anyhow, here’s the rest of your money,’ she added, emptying out the coins from her pocket.

  ‘Well done, girl,’ he said, his eyes lighting up. ‘You didn’t tell Big Al how much you made, did you?’

  She shook her head. ‘Don’t know exactly how much I took,’ she said truthfully.

  ‘Well, you’ve sold twenty times more than I have. Do the same tomorrow and I’ll pay you double, my little bonbon girl,’ he said, grinning as he filled her basket with paper to make yet more cones.

  ‘Twice of nothing is still nothing,’ she quipped, grateful the subject had been diverted away from Big Al and Marco.

  That night over a simple supper of the cold meats and onions Mara had brought back to the van, Colenso told her about Jago not getting any customers and how she’d taken her sweets around the fair.

  ‘Well done, dearie. Good to see a bit of initiative. Hope everyone was nice to you.’

  ‘Mostly, apart from that Marco man.’

  ‘Marco?’ Mara frowned, setting down her dish with a clatter.

  ‘Don’t worry, Big Al came along and told him to leave me alone or he’d be off the fairground. Jago said his last assistant just disappeared.’