Additional POV scene: Marjie meeting Rosemary again

Hi witches!

I've written a bonus alternate perspective scene from Marjie's point of view in Accidental Magic, from when Rosemary and Athena visit her teashop for the first time! I'm also currently writing an extra scene for those of you who love my Myrtlewood Crones books, so keep an eye out for that. Please do let me know if you have any other ideas for what you would like to read 😊💜.

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The bell over the door jingled merrily, signaling new customers. Marjie looked up from the pot of tea she was steeping, a blend of fragrant herbs and spices filling the air. Smoothing her apron, she peered out from the teashop's front counter, her smile at the ready.

But the sight that greeted her made Marjie stop short, eyes widening in delighted surprise. That auburn hair, those inquisitive eyes - could it really be? "Oh, my!" she exclaimed. "Little Rosemary Thorn! Look how you've grown!" She bustled out from behind the counter and wrapped her arms around Rosemary, who was baffled for a moment before deducing who this overly friendly shop lady must be.

"Marjie?"

"Oh, but of course!" Marjie crowed. "I'm surprised you remember me, what with you been gone away so long."

Memories came flooding back as Marjie hugged Rosemary tight. Lazy afternoons spent gossiping and sipping tea with Galdie Thorn while little Rosemary played on the rug. Marjie's homemade shortbread, which Rosemary would gobble up by the handful. The way Galdie's eyes would sparkle with mischief as she recounted the latest town drama.

"This is new," Rosemary said, gesturing around.

"Oh no," Marjie said. "I always say it's my new shop, but it's been here for over ten years – so that's a long time of you not visiting us!"

Marjie's heart clenched. It had been too long since those halcyon days. And now Galdie was gone, leaving a hole in Marjie's life that could never be filled. She missed her friend fiercely, an ache that never quite went away. As she hugged Rosemary, Marjie's mind drifted back to a particular afternoon, years ago. Galdie had come to her, eyes brimming with tears, and poured out a tale of a secret long buried. A secret that had haunted her for years. Marjie had held her friend close, offering comfort and understanding. It was a moment that had cemented their bond, a shared burden that only they knew.

Pulling back, Marjie turned her attention to the teenage girl hovering uncertainly beside Rosemary. "And who is this?" Recognition dawned. "Not your wee babe?"

Marjie quickly enfolded the girl in a warm hug. "My, how you've grown, you little lass. Practically a woman now. And last time I saw you, you were barely walking!"

"Oh...err. Hi," the girl said, clearly taken aback by Marjie's effusive greeting.

Marjie just chuckled. She always was overly affectionate. But she couldn't help it - seeing Rosemary and her daughter after all these years filled her with irrepressible joy.

"Now what will you have?" she asked, ushering them towards a table.

"Uhm, tea?" Rosemary suggested.

"Of course you will!" Marjie sang out. She had just the thing to help. "Tea and cake! What takes your fancy?"

Rosemary and Athena surveyed the cabinet full of mouth-watering cakes, lamingtons, shortbread and slices.

"That one," Athena said decisively, pointing to a large chocolate cake with strawberries on top.

"I should have known you'd want that," Marjie said, poking her head out of the kitchen. "And for you, Rosemary?"

"What do you recommend?" 

"You'll be having the lemon sponge cake with cream," Marjie said knowingly. "Now just take a seat, and I'll be over in a jiffy."

As she busied herself preparing the tea and plating up generous slices of cake, Marjie could see the weariness etched on Rosemary's face, the telltale signs of grief and worry.

Her mind drifted to the whispers she'd been hearing around town. Folks saying that Galdie's death was no mere tragedy, but something far more sinister. A "nasty business," the constable had called it, his face grim.

Marjie shuddered, an icy finger of fear trailing down her spine. The cozy ambiance of the tea shop suddenly felt oppressive, the cheerful clinking of porcelain and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked scones unable to dispel the sense of unease that had settled over Marjie. She glanced out the window, her heart skipping a beat as she noticed a shadowy figure lurking across the street. Was it just a trick of the light, or was someone watching them?

If even indomitable Galdie Thorn could fall victim to such evil, what hope did the rest of them have? Her gaze landed on Rosemary and her daughter, laughing together over some shared joke, and her heart clenched. She couldn't bear the thought of any harm coming to these two precious souls, the only living link to her beloved friend.

Shaking off her dark thoughts, Marjie carried the laden tea tray to their table. "This pot is for you," she said, placing a deep purple teapot in front of Rosemary. "It's Lady Grey, just how you like it. With a little something extra for the nerves." She topped off the brew with a few drops of her special calming tonic, guaranteed to soothe even the most anxious spirit.

For the girl, she chose a whimsical pot speckled with daisies, filled with a fragrant strawberries and cream blend. "And here, love. This one is your favourite."

The girl looked puzzled for a moment, but as she breathed in the enticing aroma, her face relaxed into a smile. "It smells amazing!"

"She's a bit magic, I think," Rosemary stage-whispered to her daughter.

Marjie couldn't help preening a bit at that. It was true that she had a knack for knowing just what folks needed, whether it was the perfect tea to ease their troubles or a listening ear to unburden their souls. Beneath her nurturing exterior, Marjie was well aware she possessed a core of great strength. She had weathered her share of storms, both literal and figurative, and had always emerged stronger. It was a strength that few saw, hidden behind her warm smiles and comforting presence. But it was there, ready to be called upon when needed.

But as she watched the two of them, heads bent close over the table, Marjie's earlier fears came rushing back. She had to ask. She had to know.

"What did you mean about the nerves?" Rosemary was saying, her brow creased with concern. "Did you...spike my drink?"

"Oh...well." Marjie fiddled with her apron, suddenly unsure. "I knew you must be here because Galdie's gone. We all know about that, of course. Nasty business."

The girl's head snapped up. "Galdie?"

"Your great-grandma, dear," Marjie explained gently. "Galdie Thorn, and what a woman she was. I miss her so."

Rosemary's face had gone pale. "Nasty business? I thought...I thought it was a heart attack."

Marjie hesitated, torn between her desire to protect Rosemary and Athena and her fear of burdening them with her suspicions. Perhaps it was better to keep quiet, to let them grieve in peace. But the nagging sense that something was deeply wrong wouldn't let her rest. She had to find out the truth, for Galdie's sake and for the sake of those she loved.

Marjie shook her head sadly. "That's the official word. But the local constable says it was suspicious. That's all I know...and to think, someone could have deliberately hurt poor old Galdie!" She clutched at her chest, her heart racing.

The implications hung heavy in the air between them. Marjie saw the moment realisation hit Rosemary, the blood draining from her cheeks. "I didn't know," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, dear. We're all such gossips here. Everyone knows everyone else's business." Marjie reached out to pat Rosemary's hand. The act of preparing and sharing tea was more than just a simple gesture for Marjie. It was a ritual, a way of expressing love and offering comfort. Every cup was infused with her care and dedication, a tangible reminder of the unbreakable bonds of friendship. As she watched Rosemary and Athena sip their brews, she silently vowed to be their strength, their shelter in the storm to come.

"Anyway," Marjie continued. "You just sip your tea and take a bite of cake, and you'll be right as rain."

With that, she bustled back to the kitchen, her mind awhirl. She had to do something. She couldn't just sit by and let whatever dark force had taken Galdie come for Rosemary and her girl too. But what could one small-town tea shop owner do against such evil?

As she puttered about, washing dishes and tidying up, Marjie kept a watchful eye on the mother and daughter. They were talking quietly, their earlier laughter gone. The girl had reached out to clasp Rosemary's hand, concern etched on her young face.

Marjie's heart swelled with a fierce protectiveness. She might not have magic or special powers. But she had a sharp eye and an even sharper tongue. And more importantly, she had the love and loyalty of a dear old friend to guide her.

She would watch over Rosemary and her daughter. She would keep them safe, whatever it took. And maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to unravel the mystery of Galdie's death and bring the truth to light.

It was the least she could do, for the sake of the woman who had been like a sister to her. For the sake of the bright-eyed girl she had once bounced on her knee. For the sake of a friendship that even death could not break.

With a resolute nod, Marjie wiped her hands on her apron and headed back out to the front room. There was work to be done. And Marjie was not one to shy away from a challenge. Even if it meant sticking her nose where it didn't belong. Even if it meant putting herself in harm's way.

For love, for friendship, for the memory of Galdie Thorn - Marjie vowed she'd be there for Rosemary and Athena. And may the gods curse anyone who tries to stand in my way!