Chapter One
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, in a land similar to ours, lived a young maiden named Katie.
The small forest that bordered the village she lived in was ancient and overgrown with thick brush and voracious weeds that choked all the life from green shoots. Yet the woods held great mystery for her, and she would often walk the long and winding paths that twisted through the woods.
Roots, and even trunks, were buried in the wet marshy land, which was developing into a bog-land. Much of the wood lay undisturbed for thousands of years, preserved in its enclosed environment, hidden from view.
Katie's parents had been driving on the village road when they told the chauffeur to take a detour and the large car had swerved into the unexpected bog. The windows had been open and Katie’s father had managed to shove her out of the car window before the bog sucked the car into its fatal depth, taking the passengers with it.
An old woodcutter and his wife found the child and took her to their simple hut where Katie grew up. She seemed to be confused and remembered nothing of what had happened. They assumed she had been abandoned.
In the daytime, Katie worked for the woodcutter and his wife who let her stay in the shed when it was raining or cold.
She tended their chickens and cooked and cleaned. When the woodcutter's wife became ill, she looked after her as if she were her own mother. When they died, she took shelter in their little hut. There were some old books, and she read them all, several times until she knew them by heart.
In the summertime, she slept under the stars with her only friend, a dear dog, Charlie, who was orphaned like her. The two had a great bond of love, and were always together.
Whenever possible, Katie ran to the grave of the woodcutter and his wife and tended to the flowers while Charlie watched and frolicked in the grass nearby.
On a spring morning when she was weeding the flowering grave, she heard a voice.
When she looked around, she saw nobody at first, but Charlie stood up with a menacing growl.
“Maybe it's the wind,” she thought and continued weeding.
But then she heard the voice again, and this time it seemed near. Charlie was agitated now.
On a stone there sat a wizened little man with reddish hair and a peculiar-looking green hat. He squinted at her.
“Why are you crying, lass?” he asked in a rather comforting voice.
Katie didn't know whether to answer but her innate politeness made her reply.
“Because I'm an orphan and alone in the world.” She turned her head to hide tears that were forming in her eyes.
“Is it so bad to be alone? I don't mind it most of the time.”
“I'm always alone, except for Charlie, of course.” Her voice was quivering.
“Well then... I have the power to give you three wishes. But I can only give you three because other wishes are needed elsewhere and many have already been used up.”
Katie smiled. She didn't believe a word of it, but since it was dinnertime, she offered the man half of her sodabread sandwich.
“It's only tomato and onion, I'm afraid. I didn't have any eggs today.”
The man took off his funny hat and accepted the sandwich.
“I didn't realize how hungry I was. Now, while we eat, you can think about the wishes I have offered you.”
The man regarded her with intensity. She was gazing into the distance, with a faraway look.
Katie had so many dreams that had sustained her in the lonely nights.
At last, she spoke.
“I would like to have a small house of my own. Well...not so small because I need room for all my friends.”
Her companion smiled.
“Have you so many friends, then?” he asked in a quizzical tone of voice.
“Oh, that was going to be my next wish! I only have Charlie right now...and the birds and the rabbits, of course. Chipmunks, too. But they like to be outdoors most of the time.”
“I see.” The funny man looked pensive. “By the way, you can call me Harold.”
“Is that your name?”
“Well, no… but I always fancied it.”
He looked a little embarrassed, and Katie noticed it.
“Harold's a great name.” She handed him some wild strawberries she had picked along the way. “It has a definite ring to it.”
For awhile, they sat in silence, watching the night darken and stars come out.
“Katie... are you ready to go and see your house now? It's in another village.”
Katie jumped up, excited.
“Do you mean it? Oh, do let us go!”
She knew it was crazy, but she wanted to believe so much she could almost see the house in front of her eyes.
Harold told her she must turn around three times, with her eyes closed to make the wish come true.
Katie laughed and did as he told her, holding Charlie by the collar. She felt a breeze in her hair, and all of a sudden she found herself in a village she didn't recognize.
“Harold, where am I?
Charlie also looked confused and came close.
“You're almost home. Come with me.”
The two headed down the village street, Katie chatting all the way. House or not, she felt she had found a friend in the little man.
When they got to the end of the street, her new friend pointed to a large house.
“This is it,” he said, looking at Katie from the corner of his eye.
“What do you mean?”
“It's your house - just as you wished. Let's see what's inside. I may have forgotten something.”
Katie was reluctant. The house seemed far too grand, and she couldn't help but wonder what the little man was up to.
“Let's go in the back door,” she said at last.
“As you like.” The little man pointed to Charlie who had settled himself on the front porch. Charlie looked as if he belonged there, not minding the white columns around him.
With some apprehension, Katie entered through the kitchen door. What she saw was a house more beautiful than she had ever imagined. She took a deep breath.
She ran around the house, needing to see everything. There were seven bedrooms upstairs, not counting the attic. Some were not yet furnished, and Katie looked forward to the task of making them comfortable. She soon found there wasn't much for her to do.
Harold sat on a kitchen stool, smiling at her wonderment. He had poured himself a glass of brandy from a cupboard and was sipping it as Katie came running down.
“Oh, Harold, is this all mine?” she asked with excitement before investigating the first floor.
“It sure is. Maybe it's a little old-fashioned, but I like old houses.” Harold was pleased with himself.
“Oh no. It's just perfect!” She was so thrilled she was almost speechless.
She went on to see the living room which adjoined a den with a fireplace. The living room was enormous and had room for all the friends she hoped to make. There were comfortable chairs, couches and side tables. Everything was as it should be, except everything was green.
Then she noticed another curious thing. There, in the middle of a blank wall hung a picture of Harold in a green costume. The painting seemed to dominate the room. She could see no other pictures. Transfixed, she stood and looked at Harold's image.
As she stared at the picture with concentration, the room seemed to brighten about her and she began to feel lightheaded. The verdant green of Harold's costume beamed out at her like a shimmering beacon. The fabric looked so real she could almost touch it, and with a swallow she reached out. Her fingertips grazed the pictures surface, and she began to sigh with relief.
With a gasp she pulled back, staring with newfound horror at the picture. Harold was now dressed in a different costume, a masquerade outfit, with ornate beading and plumes. Something is not right, she thought to herself, watching as Harold smiled at her from inside the picture.
Katie started feeling faint and sat down on the floor.
“None of this is real. The house, the furniture, ...they must all be figments of my imagination.”
She realized she had been wishing so hard it all seemed real for a moment.
Still, the floor was real, and she lay down to think.
“What's wrong, Katie?”
“That picture...it keeps changing. Harold, this is not real.”
Harold came and sat next to her.
“Katie, it's all real.” He tryed to soothe her.”It's what you wished for. The picture...well, I only put that up to amuse you.”
“It's not normal.”
“Ah, now, what's normal, lass? The woodcutter's hut? All the lonely hours you spend?”
“Charlie is normal. I can feel him and cuddle him.”
“So is this house. Just feel the sturdy floorboards.”
Katie's hand felt the floorboards.
“Yes, but what about you? You came from nowhere and told me to make three wishes. Is that normal?”
“It is. It's normal for a leprechaun. From time to time, I'm allowed to grant wishes, and I thought you needed them.”
“There are no leprechauns.”
“You're looking at one. Leprechauns often show themselves to people but they must be called for.”
“I never called for you!”
She was upset and confused.
“You did, Katie. The cry in your heart could be heard far and wide.”
And Katie knew he was right. She was always wishing for something. But in truth, she had never wished for a picture that changed itself.
She turned to Harold.
“What's next, Harold?”
Harold was smiling.
“Next, you move into your house and begin changing it any way you like. This is your home now. Trust me, Katie.”
“And where will you be? On the wall?”
“I'll use one of your bedrooms.” Harold stifled a yawn. “If you don't mind, we'll deal with your other wishes after I have a wee nap. You can look around the house.”
With that, he wandered off, leaving Katie to sit on the floor.
Katie watched as Harold walked out of the room, feeling her stomach sink as he did so. She wasn't sure she wanted those other wishes any longer. Something about this house spooked her. And that picture didn't help matters, she thought. But there was no harm in walking around a bit. Perhaps once she inspected it a little further, it would become charming. Perhaps.
She got up and started her inspection. The bedrooms were furnished. Hers was large and sunny and had a comfortable canopied bed. There were nice pictures on the walls, and none of them were of Harold.
Charlie jumped on the bed and looked as if he was ready for a nap but Katie shooed him off.
“The bed is for me. Here’s a pillow on the floor for you to sleep on.”
Charlie didn't look happy but did as he was told.
She went downstairs. Here she saw there was a lot of room for friends she planned to make.
The living room was spacious and beautiful. The furniture was comfortable and different shades of green.
She went on to the dining room. It was simpler but very spacious. Two crystal chandeliers glimmered in the sunlight and there was a charming self-serve sideboard.
The chairs were made for comfort, and Katie noted with some amusement Harold had tried to set the table.
The forks were on the wrong side but she would soon fix that.
There were Waterford glasses and Limoges china.
“It's too grand for the likes of me,” Katie thought.
The kitchen was a real wonder. It had a wood stove, an icebox, a sink, and an adjoining pantry. She peeked into the pantry and found it well stocked. There was also a root cellar but Katie was too overwhelmed to investigate.
Harold liked food and had done a magnificent job of supplying it.
“Enough food for an army. But who will eat all this?”
Charlie wagged his tail as if he understood.
“Well, we won't be starving. It seems all we have to do is invite some friends to share this plenty with us.”
She went on to the library.
“I think this will become my favorite room,” she said as she regarded the shelves, crammed with books.
Books had been her escape from reality since she could remember, and she took a genuine delight in seeing so many of them. She would have liked to stay there for a while, but felt she should see every nook and cranny before Harold woke up.
He was lying in one of the bedrooms, snoring, and Katie smiled as she closed the bedroom door.
“Charlie, it looks as if we have a home at last.”
The house didn't seem so spooky now. Instead, she felt a welcoming atmosphere. Sunlight was streaming in through the windows and she sensed the house bid her to stay and make it a real home.
“You need a woman's touch, house.” She smiled as she stroked the gleaming wooden banister. “Some pillows and flowers...aromas from the cozy kitchen...”
Her voice trailed off because there was an unexpected knock at the door. She wondered who the visitor could be, and she went to answer the door.
***
Chapter Two
There was a young man standing on the doorstep. She didn't recognize him but he had a pleasant look on his face.
“Ma'am, I didn't want to intrude,” he said, apologizing. “Is this your house?”
“It is now,” Katie smoothed her hair. “I just moved in.”
“My mother tells me that's where the Fotheringhams used to live. My name is Sean, Sean Flannery.”
“How do you do.” Katie tried not to let her mouth fall open. “Did you say the Fotheringhams?”
“Yes, ma'am. You seem surprised.”
“It so happens my name is Katie Fotheringham, too.” Katie looked bewildered.
“Ma'am, I just stopped by to bring you a fresh baked pie. My mother sent me over to welcome you to the village.”
“How kind. Won't you come in?”
“I don't want to intrude.”
“I'll make a pot of fresh tea. If you don't mind, we'll eat in the kitchen. What kind of pie is it?”
She was afraid Sean would see the strange picture if she took him past the living room.
“Let's open the box and see.”
Katie busied herself with the tea to calm herself. She was very disturbed by Sean's having mentioned the name of her parents, and decided to ask Harold about it. She knew nothing about them and was dying to know more.
Sean didn't bring it up again, and they had a delightful talk over his mother's strawberry tart.
Sean had a wonderful, open smile, she noted.
Sean told her about his parents and people in the neighborhood.
“We have everything here. We even have a village witch.”
Katie burst out laughing.
“No, I don't believe it!”
“Oh yes, you can see her from time to time. She always walks around in rags but the story goes she’s rich.”
“Tell me more.”
“I don't know more. In such a small Irish village, there are many rumors. It is also said we have an abundance of leprechauns and goblins.”
Katie couldn't help turning around to see Harold but the house seemed silent and empty. Not even Charlie was to be seen.
“It's been a pleasure, Katie, but I must be on my way. If you need anything, just come over to the little red house next door. My mother is at home most of the time.”
After Katie had washed the dishes, she went to lock the door. To her surprise, there was no lock to be found.
She used her common sense and put a chair under the door handle.
“Well, you're here to protect us,” she said to the now sleepy Charlie. “Just bark if you hear anything.”
Charlie opened one eye and wagged his tail. He seemed to understand as always. She stifled a yawn. It had been the most exciting day of her life, and she realized she felt exhausted.
“Time for sleep. I just can't think any more.”
Once snuggled under the green eiderdown quilt, she closed her eyes.
“I must be fresh tomorrow. Harold said I have to make another wish soon, and I haven't had time to think of one.”
She snuggled deeper into her green nightgown which she had found in a drawer, Harold was fond of green and overdid it sometimes.
But sleep wouldn't come; there was too much to absorb.
“I wouldn't have found this wonderful home without Harold. Strange fellow, that Harold. Why is he doing all this for me? I do wish he'd remove that peculiar picture, though. It's spooky the way it changes.”
Fatigue overcame her and she fell into a deep sleep.
She had a strange dream. In it, she was a little girl, talking to her mother. But it was in this house.
The dream changed and she found herself in the fields behind the house, picking wildflowers for someone. Her sleep was so deep she didn't remember her dream.
When Katie woke up, the sunlight was already streaming in through the window. She stretched and reminded herself to draw the drapes in the evening.
At first, she didn't know where she was. It was so different from the woodcutter's shed.
She jumped up and started rummaging in the closet.
“I look like a fresh cut lawn.” she said as she pulled out a green dress with dark green polka dots. “I must speak to Harold about all this green!”
She ran downstairs with Charlie at her heels. She felt hungry and so did Charlie.
Harold was sitting at the table with a mug of tea. His face looked almost as green as his costume, and he blinked at Katie.
“What's wrong, Harold?”
“It's my own fault. I got a bit too deep into the brandy last night.”
“Harold, that's bad for you. You sit right there and I'll make you a wholesome breakfast.”
It was obvious it wasn't the time to ask him anything.
The notion of breakfast didn't seem to agree with Harold at all.
“What I need is another nip of brandy, a hair of the dog that bit me, so to speak.”
“Do as I say for once. I have things to discuss with you, and I can't do that when you're snoring in bed.”
She got some eggs and butter from the pantry.
“You'll like it, Harold.” She started whisking the eggs. She had many questions to ask but decided to wait. “I make a great omelet.” She put some slices of bread on a pan to make toast.
Harold seemed depressed, but Katie always thought a good meal would make a person feel better.
She ran outside to pick some wild mint for the garnish and served the omelet with great flourish.
“You'll feel better soon.”
Harold didn't have the heart to tell her he had no appetite and praised her cooking skill instead.
Katie was pleased when he ate every bite.
She made tea and sat down to talk.
“Harold, I haven't thought of my next wish yet.”
“Take your time. You have until Sunday.”
“That's not long.”
“You have to make it by Sunday or it will be used by someone else.”
It didn't make much sense to Katie but she nodded.
“Harold, what do other people wish for?”
Harold shrugged.
“Many things. Sometimes they wish for things that aren't good for them. Other times they wish for things I can't give them.”
“Give me an example.”
“Well, let's see.” Harold took a sip of his tea. “Take the Faustian thing. People often wish for youth and immortality.”
“Is that so bad?”
“Nothing's bad. But some people use their wishes with carelessness...or they wish for the impossible.”
Katie looked worried and frowned.
“It looks as if I have to be careful, Harold. After I wash the dishes, I'll go to the library and just think for a while.”
“Good idea. He stood up and headed for the living room.
Katie sat down by the ornate table in the library. She was surprised a large room could look cozy despite the space.
“Maybe it's because of the books. Such old leather bindings have thousands, maybe millions of stories inside the beautiful covers.”
She decided to spend most of the day in the library to think about her second wish.
It was so important to get it right and she couldn't be hasty.
Then she thought about supper. Harold had provided with magnificence, but there were no fresh vegetables in the house.
She knew she had a few coins in her purse, and if she was lucky, the greengrocer might have some left over from yesterday she could afford because the price would be reduced. She made a mental calculation and went to the living room to find her old purse.
There, she saw Harold sitting, gazing at the painting of himself. Charlie was dozing beside him.
She smiled. What an odd couple they made! Harold in his green costume and Charlie with one eye open!
“Harold, I thought I would go to the greengrocer's for some vegetables.”
“The fresh air will do you good,” Harold said, without turning around.
Katie found her purse but it seemed more heavy than usual. She opened it to count her coins and gasped with surprise.
The purse was full of gold coins!
“Harold, did you do this?” Katie was incredulous.
Harold turned around at last.
“Well, Katie, it seems I'm stuck here until you make your wishes. You know how I enjoy my food, and I can't let us go without, can I? Katie, this is what I call a bottomless purse. It will never be empty.”
Katie blushed.
“I didn't ask for all this.”
“Sometimes one doesn't have to ask. Just accept my gift with grace.”
Katie nodded but her blue eyes were still full of wonder.
“Harold, what do you want for supper? There's enough gold here to feed the village for a hundred years!”
“Lamb chops,” Harold said, and turned back to the painting. “We Irish like to eat lamb.”
“Fine,” Katie said, swallowing. She had never eaten lamb before. Sometimes the woodcutter had snared a rabbit in his trap but it was the only meat she knew. “I'll get green beans to go with it.”
“Don't forget the onions and the potatoes. I like a wee bit of garlic as well.”
Katie pulled on the sweater she had brought. It was a dark moss green color and she had found it in her closet.
She opened the door and stepped out. Realizing she hadn't seen the garden yet, she stood and looked around.
The grass was almost the same color as her dress. Her eyes wandered to the orchard of fruit trees on her left.
They were old trees but in the autumn, she was sure they would yield fruit.
“How lovely to have fruit trees of my own! Now I need to buy some seeds for flowers, too. And perhaps we can grow some vegetables behind the house, in the field. Life is so beautiful,” she thought with contentment.
The village was called Greenkillan. It was big enough to be a dot on the map.
Katie had never had the opportunity to see it when she lived with the woodcutter and his wife.
It seemed she had always been too busy to go anywhere.
Now, she walked to the market with confidence and the houses looked much taller than they had seemed from her window.
The market square was bustling with people. Katie felt a little shy as she entered the greengrocer's shop.
When it was her turn, she asked for some lamb chops.
“We don't sell meat here, Miss,” the grocer said without looking up. “You must be new here.”
“Well, I would like some green beans. Also some onions and potatoes and carrots.”
“I think we can oblige you there.” The grocer smiled and reached for a sack.
“I see you haven't brought a sack and you need one. Please bring it back another day.”
Katie watched as he filled her order.
“Do you have garlic as well? Perhaps some leeks?” She was intimidated because she was sure everyone in the shop was watching her.
“Sure do, Miss. Anything else?”
“Yes, please, some fruit.” She hadn't meant to whisper but she had never done any shopping in her life.
“We have some nice strawberries, just came in today.”
Without waiting for an answer, the grocer reached for a box of juicy red strawberries.
“Where's your cart? It's too heavy a sack to carry.”
“I don't have one.”
Katie was almost in tears as someone behind her burst out laughing.
“Tsk - tsk. Since it's your first visit here, I'll get my son to deliver them to your house. Where do you live?”
“Over there, in the house with the wrought iron gates.”
The grocer said nothing but his eyes became wide. They widened even more as Katie handed him a gold coin.
“No one lives there now. Not since... not since the Fotheringhams left.”
“I live there. My name is Kathleen Fotheringham.”
The grocer nodded without a word and said no more. He took the coin and put it into his pocket.
“You can buy meat next door. Take your change.”
Katie thanked him and went out, holding her head high.
She purchased eight thick lamb chops and some bones for Charlie in the little butcher shop without incident and headed for home.
On her way, she paused by a dress shop. The window displayed a simple white dress with a blue sash around the waist. She was tired but went inside.
The dress fit her, just as she had thought.
“This can't be me.” An elegant young lady looked back at her.
When she opened her purse, she remembered all she had was gold coins and handed one to the owner.
The woman looked at her.
“Why, you must be Laura Fotheringham's little girl. She used to shop here but I believe she moved. You're the image of your mother.”
“I was very young when my parents passed away. But now I've come home to stay.”
“It's been a long time since I've seen one of those,” the shop-owner said, looking at the gold coin. “My name is Deidre O'Brian.”
She gave Katie some change and folded the dress into a box.
“I hope you enjoy it, ma'am. Please drop in anytime.”
Katie thanked her and imagined herself in that lovely dress. It was like a dream come true.
“I know Harold won't like white. But I should be allowed to choose my own color this once.”
When she got home, she realized she had forgotten to buy shoes.
“I have so much thinking to do.” The seeds will have to wait. She needed to talk to Harold. He could clear up a few things.
***
Chapter 3
Katie went to the larder to look for some cheese.
“Are you hungry, Harold?”
There was no answer and she went to look for him in the living room.
Harold wasn't there in his usual chair. She couldn’t see Charlie either.
Her eyes fell on the picture of Harold and she almost fainted at what she saw.
This was too much! Harold had no right to take Charlie, her faithful companion.
The picture had changed to show a waterfall surrounded by verdant willow trees.
She went closer. It was as she had expected.
Harold was sitting there, looking placid and Charlie was running around.
“Harold.”
A disembodied voice answered:
“Be right back, lass.”
“Harold, please stop playing tricks. You'll make me a nervous wreck.”
“Ah, have your lunch, Katie. I just need to be at home for a wee while.”
“By a waterfall?”
“Yes, it's the third stream from the cemetery. You used to pick wildflowers here when you were little.”
“I don't remember that!” Katie said and turned from the picture. Her voice was abrupt. “Maybe Harold will calm down once he becomes hungry. This foolishness will have to stop.”
She returned to the larder and found ripened cheese and crackers. With deliberate movements, she spread the cheese on the crackers and put them on a plate.
She poured herself some cold water, making a mental note to buy milk.
Plate in hand, she walked out to the garden.
“At least I can think in peace here.”
The day was so beautiful it was a distraction. She finished her meal and decided to walk to clear her head.
“A second wish tomorrow night. I think I'll wish for friends as I had first intended.”
With that thought in mind, she relaxed.
There was a lovely little pavilion by the orchard and she decided to investigate.
“I'm sure my mother would have built something as pretty as that.”.
There was moist soil around it and the pavilion was covered by lush, creeping vines.
Katie thought some flowers would be nice, too.
When she entered, her eyes adjusted to the dark, and she became aware it was decorated inside.
Paintings were hanging here and there and the cushions on the antique wrought iron chairs were striped in rainbow colors.
“That can't be Harold's work. He would have made everything green.”
Somehow, she felt ungrateful.
“He's a good fellow. I'm just not used to having much fun.”
She realized she missed him already and decided to take a closer look at the paintings.
As she approached a picture of a lady, her eyes widened in surprise.
It was like looking into the mirror. The woman's gray-blue eyes were calm and there was a slight smile on her lips.
“Mother...” she breathed. Katie was speechless with emotion.
She had found her mother at last. Nothing else seemed to matter.
As if she were in a dream, Katie pushed aside the ivy that hung over the doorway and stepped out.
To have seen her mother had made her happy and sad at the same time. This was the beautiful woman who had died too soon, and whose face looked back at Katie.
“I wish I remembered more.”
Deep in thought, she started back for the house. When she saw Charlie, she didn’t even react when he came running to her. Instead she just patted him.
Charlie was wet.
“What have you been up to, hmm?”
Charlie wagged his tail, and she saw Harold sauntering toward her.
“For you, Katie.” He bowed and presented her with a bouquet of shamrocks.
Katie smiled. The shamrocks were so pretty and so green!
“Thank you, Harold.”
“I hope you don’t mind my going home. I just needed a wee bit of the misty air by my waterfall.”
“It’s all right,” Katie said, coming out of her trance. “You might have told me where you were taking Charlie, though.”
“But I did tell you! I know you could hear me.”
“Harold, I could even see you. There you were, on your peculiar picture. No wonder Charlie is wet.”
“He won’t be any worse for it. Charlie had a fine run in the forest before he decided to cool off in the stream.”
“Well, next time you have a mind to take Charlie with you, please let me know.”
She was in no mood to argue. The image of her beautiful mother was still very much with her.
Once inside the house, she told Harold to dry Charlie off while she started preparing supper.
“I have a wee gift for you, Katie.” Harold handed her a package, wrapped in large leaves. She smiled as she opened it.
“Oh, shoes!” Katie was delighted. “And they're not green!”
“I made them by the waterfall.” Harold sounded embarrassed. “We leprechauns are good shoemakers.”
Katie was thrilled and her eyes showed it.
“Harold, I'll cherish them.”
She put them on. They were navy blue and fit her small feet.
“You don't know how happy you've made me.”
She showed Harold her new dress. “It's not green either, but I thought it was pretty.”
“You look lovely, lass. No man could resist you.”
“Off you go, you two,” Katie said, while she tied an apron around her waist.
Charlie obeyed and went with Harold. It seemed Charlie had taken to the little man in green.
Katie was humming while she placed the shamrocks in a small glass vase to brighten the table. She liked cooking and knew it was one of the things she could do well.
While she washed the beans and peeled the potatoes, she thought about Harold. Her life had been lonely before he showed up, and now it seemed so full.
She realized how much she would miss him once he left and decided to make the meal special.
Rummaging in the pantry she found a dusty bottle of red wine and put it on the table, together with two glasses.
“Harold will enjoy it. I owe him so much already! He has made my dreary existence into a very exciting life.”
She looked around for some candles for the finishing touch.
At last, she found them in a drawer. They were green, of course.
She had to smile.
“I'll bet the candlesticks are green, too.”
Sure enough, she found shamrock-shaped candle-holders. They looked quite nice with the bowl of shamrocks Harold had brought.
She turned her attention to the lamb chops and giggled a little as she visualized them being green.
Then she had a thought. Mint sauce!
“That will show him.” She was laughing as she prepared chopped mint leaves with vinegar and sugar. “Good, if he wants things green, that's how it will be!”
Charlie came in, indicating he was ready to eat.
“I'm almost done. Get Harold.”
“Ah, sure, a fine meal it was,” Harold said, finishing off the last of the sauce. “Lucky will be the man who marries you.”
He drained his wine glass. Charlie was still gnawing the bones from the lamb chops.
“Another wee nip, Katie? Seeing as it's Saturday.”
Katie tried to look severe but burst out laughing instead. He was incorrigible!
“It's the Irish blood in you, Harold. Every day is an excuse to be merry.”
She winked at him but found Harold's face had become serious.
“You're Irish, too, Katie. Never forget that.”
The candles were flickering in the kitchen.
“I'm proud to be Irish and to have had parents such as mine.”
“Yes, you have been fortunate. I knew your mother, Katie, and you're just like her.”
“Really? Tell me about her.”
“It was when I was a little younger.” Harold pulled out a green pipe Katie hadn't seen before. “All the leprechauns in this area knew her. She always left out something for us, every night.”
Katie looked amazed.
“She was a grand and beautiful lady. She knew about us, too, and made sure we were welcome in her garden, bless her soul.”
“Was she happy?” She could listen to Harold all night, she felt.
“That she was, lass. Her generosity and kindness brought her many friends, and she loved you and your father very much.”
Katie was overwhelmed by emotions she couldn't understand.
“Harold, you're my only link to her. Please tell me what you know.”
And so the two of them sat in the kitchen, talking until late at night. Harold recounted the good deeds he remembered her mother doing, and Katie was spellbound.
“I knew you as a wee girl, too. But you were too young to realize you grew up among leprechauns.”
“How did she die? I found it difficult to ask before.”
“She died in a car accident, with your father. They drove straight into the bog where the trees stand. You're the only one left, Katie. Long before she died, your mother made the leprechauns promise we would look after you and see you didn't come to harm if anything happened to her.”
“Is that why you came to find me? You knew my name is Fotheringham.”
“I knew all about you, lass. Your father's name was Fotheringham, and it's your own home, Katie. All I did was lead you here. But that was only part of the reason. I've watched you grow up into a fine young woman. You've had problems on the way, but none of it has made you bitter or unkind.”
Katie knew she had found her past and she belonged here, in the home of her parents.
She felt more content than she had ever been before.
Already, she had met some people in the village, and there had even been a visitor.
***
Chapter 4
Harold was beginning to look tired. “Katie, tomorrow is Sunday and your wishes must be made by midnight. I think you should try to rest and think about it.”
“I know, Harold. But I have so much already!”
“So you do. Now you have what belongs to you and what your parents wanted you to have.”
Katie didn’t sleep well that night. She wasn't used to making decisions and found it hard to think about what her wishes might be.
Ever since she was a little girl, she had fantasized about her parents.
She didn't even have their graves to tend. Maybe she could put a plaque with their names somewhere. Perhaps in the pavilion in the orchard. It would be her shrine.
This was different from fantasizing. She was in the house her parents had left her. That part was real.
What more could she dream of?
She had been so lonely, but now she had met Harold, her life had become full and exciting. She could never repaid the debt she owed to Harold.
Katie was awakened by something furry. “Charlie...” He was licking her face. “Let me sleep.”
But Charlie was too excited to stop, so she opened her eyes with reluctance.
And she shrieked. Charlie was green! Green all over!
“What happened to you? Don't tell me; Harold did it!”
She dressed and ran downstairs. Harold was already up.
“Harold,” she said, looking him straight in the eye. “Why did you make Charlie green?”
Harold looked back at her with a mischievous glance.
“Charlie looks better now.”
“Harold, I want you to turn him back to normal this minute! Everything in this house is green but I want Charlie his usual brown.”
“But he looks better this way.”
“Harold!” Katie had fire in her eyes.
“All right lass. Charlie is your dog. But if you ask me, he doesn't mind being green.”
Katie just looked at him.
“Fine, fine. Come, Charlie, we'll go outside.”
Katie heard Harold muttering outside.
“Come along, Charlie, we'll do as the lady wants.”
Harold didn't sound happy.
“Sorry, lad, you look grand. And you're so green and bonnie.”
Katie couldn't help smiling.
Charlie was as green as grass, but she was sure Harold would change him back.
She was getting used to living in a green house and wearing green clothes. She had always dreamed about wearing beautiful clothes. Well, now she had them. And they were all green.
“That's what comes from wishing for things too much. Let that be a lesson.”
She knew Harold wasn't wicked, just impish.
But Charlie was the one thing Katie was protective about. She had often starved herself while giving Charlie the little meat she could get, and she refused to have anyone fool around with him.
After a while, Harold came back with Charlie in tow. Katie knelt to pat him, but she also made sure there was no green left on Charlie.
“Come, Charlie, your food is ready.”
“I'd like some leek and oatmeal soup. I can make it myself.”
He looked shame-faced, and Katie felt sorry for him.
“I'll do it. We don't have milk yet, but I can make it with butter. I was planning on going to the creamery tomorrow.”
After breakfast, Katie suggested Harold take Charlie out for a walk.
“I'll go to the library for a while. I think best there.”
Once she was alone in the library, she opened the first desk drawer with care. It contained nothing.
“How disappointing.”
She rummaged with her hand and a little door slid open. Inside was a small key.
“Maybe it's the key to yesterday.”
Katie sensed her curiosity and excitement rising.
“It might give me a clue what to wish for.”
She took the key and tried to open the large middle drawer.
To her surprise, it slid open as if it had been oiled, and she saw many papers and photographs, tied with different colored ribbons.
“Someone has organized this with love.” She started taking out the packages. Her hands were trembling as she prepared herself to confront her past.
***
Chapter 5
The first thing Katie opened was a flat box. It had quite a few photographs and drawings.
There were old-fashioned photographs of her parents and she recognized her mother. How happy they looked together!
On some photos a little girl was with them.
“That must be me.” The girl seemed to be about 4 years old. The girl in the picture was well dressed, with a small bow in her hair. “Those must have been happy days.”
She went through the box and found some childish drawings.
It was obvious she had some talent for sketching if those drawings were hers.
“I wonder if I can still do that. One of these days, I must try.”
She took out her favorite photo of her parents and decided to have it framed. Maybe she could stop by at the framing shop tomorrow.
There was a bundle of letters from her father and another one to her mother. They were formal at first.
“My dear Laura,” one started. “I can't wait for Saturday when I'll see you again. Please wear the pink dress I love so much! I found some beautiful roses that would be perfect with the dress.
Yours, Edwin”
As she read on, the relationship seemed to become closer, and there was a long period of time when the letters stopped altogether.
Then she read notes her mother left for her husband. They were on pink paper and the writing was delicate but strong.
“Edwin, my darling, this is going to be the fulfillment of our dreams. I hope we have twins but if it's not to be, I hope our child will be happy and healthy. If it's a girl, I would like to name her Laura Kathleen after my mother. But if it's a boy, do you mind if we call him Edwin?
With love, Laura.”
Tears spilled from Katie's eyes when she read the notes. Her parents had wanted her and loved her.
And, here, in their library, they were alive to Katie.
She didn’t notice the time pass until she felt she needed to light an oil lamp.
There was a small engraving in the drawer she hadn't noticed before.
She picked it up. It was of a dreamy girl holding wildflowers, and the small text underneath read:
“Be careful what you wish for because your wish may come true.”
“There's my answer. It comes from my parents. It's the gift they left me.”
At last, she knew what she wanted. The time had come to cook some supper for her friends, Harold and Charlie, and she turned off the lamp before going to the kitchen.
Harold was having a nip of brandy in the living room when she passed him.
“Only one, Harold. Dinner will soon be ready.”
Katie concocted a lamb stew out of the leftover lamb chops and potatoes. Adding mint from the garden, she put water to boil for the beans, and set the table.
Then she went to get Harold. He was sitting in a chair, admiring his picture, as usual.
“Look at the picture. Isn't it pretty?”
Katie didn’t want to look. She didn’t dare.
“Harold, what are you up to now?”
“Nothing, lass. I just want you to see what you can do with the field in the back.”
The picture had changed into a flourishing vegetable garden.
“My goodness! How do you do that?”
She saw broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and sweet peas all at once. The tomatoes were still green but they seemed to be ripening in front of her eyes.
“Katie, all I have to do is imagine it and it shows on the picture.” Harold smiled with pride. “I know you have seeds in mind. Well, all this comes from little seeds.”
Katie nodded and stared at the picture. She thought about her father and wondered if she could see him in the painting.
To her surprise, the picture began to change. She held her breath as her father emerged, just as she had imagined him from the photographs.
“Harold, can I talk to him?”
“No, Katie. He's in another world now. But you see what a fine and good man he was.”
“Oh, yes.” Tears formed in Katie’s eyes. “I think I knew that already.”
“You'll see, Katie, this picture will bring you much pleasure in days to come. Do I smell food? It's a fine aroma, it is.”
“Oh, my lamb stew. Harold, it's time for supper. Come along, Charlie.”
It was hard to stop staring at her father but she was sure she would see him again.
As Harold seated himself at the table, Katie put the beans in the water and put out stew for Charlie.
“It's Sunday, so you get a treat.”
She smiled, patting her devoted dog. “Be patient and you'll get bones, too.”
Charlie was wagging his tail and licked her hand with loving affection.
The stew was a success, and Katie served the strawberries left over from the day before. She also found another bottle of wine which seemed to have appeared as if by magic in the pantry.
“You make a fine meal, Katie. Are you ready to think about your second wish? It's almost eight o'clock.”
He looked at her from the corner of his eye as she gave the lamb bones to Charlie to gnaw on.
“Yes, Harold. I'd like to discuss the matter with you.”
“Well, what will it be? Riches? Fame? Power? I can give you any of these. I can give you whatever you wish for.”
Katie shook her head and nibbled on a strawberry.
“Harold, I was in the library today. I read letters from my parents, and I felt as if I knew them.”
“Go on, Katie.”
He pulled out his green pipe.
Katie told him everything and he listened with great attention.
“...and then I found this engraving. I believe it's advice from my parents.”
“Maybe it is,” Harold said with patience, not wanting to interrupt her train of thought.
Katie had a habit of twirling a lock of hair around her fingers when she was thinking, and that's what she was doing now.
“Harold, my first wish was to have a home and you brought me to my parents' house. Without you, I may not have found it.”
Harold only nodded and lit his pipe.
“I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I think you should give the other two wishes to someone who needs them more than I do.”
Katie paused and waited for his reaction.
It was strange but Harold didn't look surprised.
“I have so much already. This wonderful house, a purse that seems bottomless, enough to eat and good neighbors whom I'll get to know.”
“Yes, that you do. But there must be something I can give you?”
“Only your friendship.”
“That you have already.”
Maybe Katie was imagining things again, but Harold appeared to be moved.
“You see, I have so many plans. I want to buy seeds and plant them myself because I love watching things grow. I'm young and healthy and I can make this house a showcase, and people from all over the countryside will come to see my flowers and my gardens.”
“But Katie, don't you want to meet the young man of your dreams?”
“That will come when I'm ready. I have to find him myself. To wish for him seems wrong.”
Harold puffed on his green pipe and smiled.
“You haven't disappointed me, Katie. You're a wise girl, older than your years. But I'd like to make you a wee gift.”
“I love gifts!”
“I'll make you a deal. I'll leave you the picture in the living room and you can call me wherever I am.”
“Can't stay away from my cooking?”
“Not for long. Anytime you want me for supper, you have only to call.”
They shook hands in the eerie flickering candlelight.
“Another wee glass of wine? Seeing as it's Sunday.”
“Seeing as it’s Sunday,” Katie smiled and poured more wine for her friend while Charlie lay down at her feet.
THE END
© Amy Thompson
Allow me to explain. When in La Paz, Mexico, my husband and I like to walk every day, around 4 p.m. near a beach called El Comitan. Our two dogs, Ninotchka and Chili love the walk, and so does my husband. Since I'm unable to keep pace with them, I follow them in the car, getting out sometimes to inhale the fresh sea air.
