M

r. Acton's credulity notwithstanding, I did not believe in a widow's superstition and certainly not her delusions that she had supernatural powers. Clearly she was deranged by her obsession for Mr. Acton - his lack of interest in her in spite of the little incident in the green-house was making her increasingly delusional. It is a shame she did not have a minister to confide in - someone who could have lead her to adopt a more seemly and ladylike demeanor.

The next entry in her diary, from two weeks after she found Mr. Acton outside his home in a drunken stupor, demonstrates how far gone she was:

I happened upon an old grimoire this afternoon that contained a spell for bending the will of another to your own. Goddess help me but I am tempted to use it on Oliver. He was so alluring this morning at the green-house, I almost melted into the grass. We put the final touches on our dear little green-house and it is wonderful. We were so happy and there is nothing sweeter than Oliver when he is happy. His blue eyes sparkle and he prances like a pony and makes silly jests and talks and talks. He shook the hand of each and every workman and gave each a silver piece. Then he kissed me on the cheek in congratulations - making sure not to linger in the kiss for very long, I could not help but note.

And so these things were on my mind when I came upon the grimoire. The spell calls for several ingredients that will take some effort to obtain. Now that the greenhouse is complete, we no longer have our project to unite us - and save for the party we have planned, I no longer have an excuse to see Oliver on a regular basis. The thought has made me quite despondent of late, and if I don't see him often how will I check to see if he is wearing the periapt? However, if the Evil One no longer believes I care for him... perhaps he will be safe. Perhaps I should go away entirely, back to Wales. I am torn - I wish to see Oliver, but I wish him to be safe. If only I could persuade him to come to Wales with me. I have that grimoire, after all...

(To be continued...)