Patchwork Universe

Jones · Posted: 03 Feb 2004 01:01 pm Post subject: A malcontent maiden

Jonny and Jessamin thundered up the narrow attic stairs and burst inside, wooden swords clattering as they scuffled up and down the floor.

Jane groaned and covered her face with the book she'd been reading. Hopefully if she ignored them they'd leave. Even though the attic floor was supposed to be hers, her father had made a point of saying that if she squabbled with the children she'd be treated like one. It was funny how Jones seemed to change his mind every day about whether Jane was really a grown up.

She still had a room in the pub, even if it was the old attic full of trunks and junk, while Jack and Jessica both had their own cottages on the farm. She was supposed to help in the kitchen and wait table but only rarely would her father let her actually serve behind the bar or do anything important. She was supposed to look out for Jack's children and Jessica's baby boy but she wasn't allowed to join in their games.

Jane wouldn't have minded grabbing her own toy sword and showing Jonny and Jessa how it was done. But only last night her father had delivered another one of his talks. According to Jones, it was time to think about the future, not play around like a child. It was time to think about other people and offer to help them instead of moping around in the attic and only coming when she'd been called three times already.

Well, so what? So what if Jane didn't apply herself, or concentrate on her work or think about her future. Who could call themselves grown-up anyway if their entire future had been decided for them in advance? Jane didn't want the illusion of independence, parcelled up prettily by her parents, she wanted the real thing.

Jonny and Jessa were now bouncing around on the edge of the bed and Jane sat up with a roar, firing the book at a small blond head which ducked easily.
"Aunt Jessica said you should help in the kitchen," Jonny said swinging on the end of the bed post. "It's gone ten a clock and you haven't even got out of bed."
"I'm not *in* bed, I'm on the bed," Jane said. "I'm dressed, aren't I?"
"Isn't that grandpa's old waistcoat?" Jessamin asked, peering at Jane's clothes. "And mum's blue boots that you spilled the ink on?"
"You're going to get in trouble," Jonny predicted, his face cheering obviously at the thought. "Wearing all that old stuff... what did you do with your cap and bib?"
"Doesn't matter since I'm not wearing them any more," Jane said, her dark black brows drawing together fiercely. "I'll do my share of work, I'm not trying to get out of it, but I'm not dressing myself up like a dog's dinner just because he thinks it looks better. I'll wear what I want."
"Betcha Aunt Jessica makes you wear your cap," Jonny said sagely before picking up his sword again. His sister scurried off towards the stairs and he hurried to follow her, turning one last time to add: "Even if it does make you look like dogfood."