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 escort 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,
