Allis, the Herbologist
My cousin Allis is an herbalist with ‘something extra.’ Like the title character from the 1970s sitcom, The Girl with Something Extra, she has a special gift. In that show, Sally Fields played a character who had ESP - Allis relies more on her plants for everyday magic.
After studying herbalism, folk magic and lore in Switzerland for five years, she returned home ready to set up shop.
To me what Allis does in the garden and conservatory, getting almost any plant to grow and thrive, is magic.
I’ve never had a green thumb or any digit even reminiscent of verdure.
Just getting Rosemary or Basil to stay alive through the Midwest winter is complete wizardry in my world. However, Allis is amazing in her herbal knowledge and through the teas, tinctures, balms and other special recipes she concocts, she gets results when people need them.
She’s also a tarot reader.
I, myself, am a tarot card collector and I’ve been enchanted by many an illustrated deck, but I didn’t really believe someone could answer my questions or look into the future with them.
My personal feeling is that you can read your own cards because the image on the card might release something in your sub-conscience that’s been trying to get out and therefore in some sense the cards will tell you something.
That said, I have let Allis read my cards a few times and I don’t know if it was self-fulfilling prophecy or just prophecy, but what she read, happened.
Anyway, long story short-ish, I asked Allis if she wanted to open her shop in the Victorian. I have so much space and I also hinted that I wouldn’t mind a little help when I’m gone in return for free rent.
There’s a large garden out back and a conservatory, both which Allis has taken over. Her appointment book for readings and herbal consultations is usually quite full and I love having the company. So does PK. With one exception.
Allis has a cat, Mrs. Danvers.
If you’re familiar with Daphne du Maurier’s book, Rebecca, you’ll have an idea of what her demeanor is like and why she was named after that particular character.
To the feline Mrs. Danvers, Allis is Rebecca and PK and I are the ‘new Mrs. de Winter.’
It’s my house but Mrs. Danvers has decided otherwise and has perfected a side-eye that says, ‘you’re intruding.’ We try and stay out of her way.