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<br><br> “Why can’t witches cry, auntie?”

“We do cry, Bella—just differently from mortals. We mostly cry from love.”

“Are you in love with Grimsby Cantor?”

“I am.”

“Is that why you watch at the window and sigh when he goes by?”

“I do.”

“Why don’t you enchant him or cast a spell?”

“I could do that, but I’m terrible at these things. Besides, I’d rather have him betrothed than bewitched.”



<br><br>Bella frowned. “Why is that?”

“Charms wear off and hexes lose their strength, but love is stronger than any of these. I want him to love me.”

“Why doesn’t he, auntie?”

“He’s the vicar and set in his ways. What he knows of witches is the Malleus Maleficarum.”

“It sounds evil.”

<br><br>“It is— a wicked book—The Hammer of Witches. Grimsby’s a good man, but believes we’re a threat.”

“Is that why he wants to light the town?”

“He does. He knows we thrive out of the glare, and our rites and spells depend on moonlight.”

“Then I think he’s evil.”

“He’s not—just misinformed—that’s why I attend the civic improvement meetings, so he’ll learn about us and not be afraid.”



<br><br>Grimsby was vigorously defending the proposal to the committee when Evelyn walked in. He stopped in mid sentence and stared at her. She was approaching fifty, but lovely—dressed as a bohemian, but everything from her huge violet eyes to her lovely black hair was enchanting. He totally lost his train of thought.

Arthur Nettles was piqued. “What were you saying about the sodium lights, Grimsby?”

<br><br>He stared at Evelyn and his mind was a total blank. “I…er, I seem to have lost my train of thought.”

“You were saying lighting eliminates crime,” Arthur reminded him.

“Ah yes, the lights eliminate shadows and turn the streets as bright as day.”

“And you think this is a good thing?”

<br><br>Evelyn had shrugged off her poncho and now turned her full attention upon Grimsby.

“Um, yes…or, so it seems to me—what do you think Ms. Holroyd?”

“I think it’s a dreadful idea. Night is such a romantic time—the moon and the stars are our window on the universe—Why would you veil them?”

<br><br>Her huge eyes seemed to probe his soul. “Well, I suppose in the interest of security—I mean darkness is a perfect cover for burglars and muggers.”

“And what are the statistics for crimes of this type in Avondale?”

“Um, we don’t have any records of those crimes—yet—but one always has to consider the possibility.”

“Turning Avondale into a garishly lit strip mall would rob it of its charm. Why do you seem so insistent about rubbing the gilt off the gingerbread, Mr. Cantor?”

Grimsby was tongue-tied.

<br><br>“I suggest we take Grimsby’s proposal under advisement,” Arthur Nettles interposed, “and we’ll meet next week to decide whether or not to proceed further.”

The motion was carried and the meeting adjourned. Grimsby retrieved his coat and headed for the door, but Evelyn stood in his way.

“It’s a lovely night for a walk, Mr. Cantor—why don’t you let me show you how your proposed street lighting would affect the town?”

<br><br>His heart leapt at the chance to walk with her in moonlight.

“Very well, Ms Holroyd—in the interest of research, of course.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes, “Of course.”



<br><br><center>© 2020, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

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