The Rope Carrier Read Online Free Page A

giggled.
    The day before the ceremony saw the whole village humming with busyness. A huge wicker beehive was built and decorated with flowers that the children had gathered. Therewere bluebells, red campions and oak leaves, all tied and woven into the wickerwork with the greatest of care. This was the Garland, the very centre of the ceremony, ready to be placed over the head and shoulders of the Garland King.
    Village women were engaged in a frantic session of brewing and baking, for when the serious work was over, there would be joyful celebrations.
    Folk were up early on Garland Day and dressed in their best. The King of the Day was in old-fashioned clothes of the type King Charles would have worn when he came back to England. He’d come to restore the monarchy, but he’d also restored the ancient customs that had cheered the lives of ordinary folk. It was a great honour to be the Garland King. He climbed onto the best and most valuable horse that the village could provide. Then slowly he processed through the village streets, stopping at each public house where the landlord presented him with a drink.
    Minnie and Sally pushed forward through the quiet crowd to see the dancers who followed the King. They did not laugh now at the Whittingham boys who were dressed in criss-cross ribbons and carried staffs of oak decorated with flowers, for this was their moment. The intricate steps were all-important, they must be performed just right.
    The slow-moving parade at last reached the church where the beehive-shaped Garland was removed from the head of the King and hauled on the end of a long rope up to the very top of the church tower. There was a moment of silence, almost a moment of sadness. All eyes looked up towards it. Minnie caught her breath.
    She turned to look back towards that ever-watchful eye, the opening of the cave, and though she could not see it, the knowledge that it was there brought a gentle flood of warmth and strength. Was there magic in this ceremony? Was there magic in this place? There was magic in the depths of theirwonderful cave, Minnie felt sure of that. Her grandmother had known it, and blessed her with a dreary job . . . but she’d also blessed her with strength to carry it out.
    â€œShe will carry a rope and walk for ever. She shall be a spinner.”
    Suddenly there was a great clopping of heavy hooves and a loud cheer as the King turned his horse around and the dancers took their places behind him. The procession set off again, and the dancers hurled themselves into the wild, abandoned criss-cross steps. There was laughter now, and singing. Food and drinks were brought out from the cottages. Minnie felt that she might burst with energy and cheerfulness. This was the best bit and she was going to enjoy herself. Dancing began and everyone joined in. Even the old ones pranced up and down. Minnie looked for a partner and saw that Sally had grabbed Ben Whittingham; Netty was dancing with some young man whom Minnie didn’t know, but who wore a fine jacket and breeches. A stranger, and yet not quite; there was something that she recognized about him. Then she realized! She did know him, but what on earth was he doing here on Garland Day? It was the man called Josh, the Sheffield doctor’s manservant.
    She went pushing through the crowd of dancers to get to him, cursing as a heavy woman trod on her toe, while someone else kicked her shin.
    When she reached Netty and her partner, she thrust her arm through the young man’s.
    â€œWhat you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be with your master in Sheffield?”
    â€œLet go of him, will you?” Netty looked cross for once.
    But Josh turned round, smiling, and kissed the top of her head.
    â€œI’ve walked from Sheffield to see your Garland. I’d heard about it but I’d never seen it. A grand do it is too.”
    â€œDance with me,” said Minnie.
    â€œNay,” said Netty. “He’s my partner.