The Troubles of Mrs. Tweedy

Hello, my little moppets, 

Auntie Millie here with a tale of a kindly, older woman who sets an entire village to worry when she appears unusually gloomy. In the end, Mrs. Tweedy learns that all should share the love given by friends. I hope you enjoy this tale and will return soon. 

Cheers, Love.

Fall came slowly and multicolored. Mrs. Tweedy stood on her front porch, shaking her head back and forth as if to say, "Things aren't right." Her neighbors wondered why the usually cheerful matron looked so gloomy.

The baker's daughter thought it might be from missing her husband or maybe it was her cat who had passed away recently. Whatever the reason for the long face, no one could get her to talk about it.

The village wise woman visited her, and the two had a delightful conversation. Mrs. Tweedy’s improved spirits after the visit caused the neighbors to conclude that loneliness was undoubtedly the reason for her gloominess.

On market day, the villagers headed for the town's square. Fall colors added to the festive mood for all of them except one. Everyone watched as Mrs. Tweedy dragged herself slowly across the bridge, shaking her head and looking unusually glum.

Taffy ran to greet her, and the two chatted pleasantly as the youngster helped with her shopping. Before leaving, Mrs. Tweedy insisted that Taffy and her mother come and enjoy a slice of dewberry pie that was cooling on her windowsill.

As the matron shuffled home across the bridge, the villagers feared that Mrs. Tweedy might wander into the woods, disappearing forever.

Later, walking home from the market, Taffy told her mother that Mrs. Tweedy had invited them for tea and pie. She suggested it might be a way for them to check on Mrs. Tweedy.

Taffy's mother, Agnes, reluctantly agreed, and they headed over for pie. The aged woman stood on her doorstep shaking her head as though she were confronted with a terrible choice.

Seeing the mother and daughter, Mrs. Tweedy greeted the pair warmly and invited them in for a slice of dewberry pie. Everything appeared relaxed as they chatted over tea.

Finally, bidding farewell, Mrs. Tweedy kissed the child on her head and wished them both a safe journey home. As they said goodbye, Taffy and Agnes glanced worriedly, wondering if their friend would be alright. 

Moments later, Taffy raced back through the closing door, nearly knocking over the poor woman. "My goodness, child! What brings you back with such a flurry?" exclaimed the matron.

"Mrs. Tweedy, please don't wander into the night. I know you are sad and upset, but if anything happened to you, my heart would break."

"Everyone knows how troubled you have been lately; we are greatly concerned. Don't go for a night walk into the woods," pleaded Agnes.

 

Mrs. Tweedy cleared her throat and asked, "Why do you think I am about to take a night walk?"

 "We have all seen you shaking your head and the despair on your face," said Agnes.

"You mean the entire village is worried I'm about to take a night walk because you have seen my shaking head?" The pair nodded.

Mrs. Tweedy burst into laughter, causing Agnes's face to flush with fear.

"Oh, my loves. I am dreadfully sorry I caused you such concern. I shall get two kittens first thing in the morning to replace my dear Alexander," said the matron.

Agnes reached for her tonic bottle, feeling that now would be an excellent time to take a drink. "Do you mean all this has been about kittens?" asked Taffy.

"Why, yes! Your concern for me has made my choice much easier. If you can have such love for me, then I certainly have enough love for two kittens who would otherwise need to fend for themselves."

Mrs. Tweedy hugged each of her friends tightly and reminded them to hurry home before witch's hour when dark forces roamed the land.

The following day, Ned, the farmer, delivered a brown and a black kitten to Mrs. Tweedy. The villagers stopped worrying, and Mrs. Tweedy stopped shaking her head.