Lady Sibba’s graceful movements led them to the front of the crowd without incident. There, Charlotte could see what all the fuss was about.
It was a Solstice window display, although that simple description sold it short. Julian had crafted a model of the market square and High Street out of gingerbread and frosting, complete with villagers made of chocolate and licorice string lights.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, the model wasmoving. The tiny villagers were walking on a loop on the powdered sugar ground. “I don’t suppose it’s magic,” said Lady Sibba. “It doesn’t feel like it, anyway.”
“It’s clockwork,” said Julian, coming through the door to join them. He was wearing a festive green jacket today under a dark red apron, and he looked frustratingly good in it. “There’s a handle to wind that sets it in motion.”
“The effect is impressive,” said Lady Sibba. “The painting is a nice touch as well, although next time, you should ask my Weyland to help. He’s very talented.”
The window to the shop had been painted with snowflakes and a continuation of the road that made it appear to go on forever. They were a bit more crudely done than the display itself, but it didn’t look bad at all.
How annoying.
“Wait there. I’ll show you the snow.”
He winked at Charlotte before he turned to go inside, and she was embarrassed to say that it made her blush.
Julian went behind the counter and retrieved a large metal can—an icing sugar duster.
Charlotte groaned. She could see where this was going.
Julian stepped on a step ladder to the side of the display and shook the can over it, creating a sugary snowfall.
The crowd cheered.
“Great,” said Charlotte. “Just what we need.”
“It is,” said Lady Sibba, missing Charlotte’s sarcasm. “It’s nice to have a new shop in town with such a committed shopkeeper. I taught him when he was in school, you know. He’s a great addition to the High Street. I was just saying to Weyland the other day—”
Charlotte had started walking back to Mrs. Knox’s Bakery before Lady Sibba could finish, but Lady Sibba wouldn’t mind—she’d just turn to someone else to keep talking.
“What’s he selling now?” said Mrs. Knox, who was waiting for Charlotte to return. The poor thing looked a bit worse for wear: they’d been pushing themselves to the limit to keep up with the sudden demand.
“I’m not sure,” said Charlotte. “I didn’t stay long enough to find out. He’s got a Solstice display in the window. That’s what’s drawing the crowd. The town modeled in gingerbread.”
“Oh, dear. Is it well done?”
“It is,” Charlotte admitted. “He’s powdering on snow for people to watch.”
“It’s a shame. I would have really liked that if it weren’t for…” She gestured to the empty store and the counter full of Solstice biscuits. “I don’t suppose we have time to put together a rival display.”
It didn’t make much sense to do so with Solstice only a week away. “Maybe not. But Lupercalia isn’t too long after the NewYear. What if we did a display for that? Little cherubs shooting arrows, turtledoves, that sort of thing.”
“Oo, maybe with a wedding theme too to honor your brother and his bride.”
In the end, there were so many people in Herot’s Hollow that day, Julian’s crowd spilled over into their shop when the queue outside became too long. They had a banner day selling biscuits, and they even received several orders from out-of-towners for delivery before Solstice, which would keep them going for the next week, at least.
“Perhaps we ought to let Julian make the Lupercalia display as well,” said Mrs. Knox, counting the coin once the day was done. “I’ve a mind to go and thank him for the help!”
Charlotte couldn’t help but wonder if the crowd into their shop may have been even larger without Julian’s interference, but she didn’t want to dampen Mrs. Knox’s spirits.
“Are you coming to the lighting?” asked Charlotte. The crowd had moved into the square now by the sounds of it.
“Oh no, I don’t think so,” said Mrs. Knox. “You know I’m not fond of crowds. Not unless they’re in my shop and I’m safely behind the counter.”
Charlotte knew this about Mrs. Knox, but she couldn’t believe she wasn’t tempted by the first ‘lectric lights in Herot’s Hollow turning on.
She was the only one who was absent. The market square was full to the brim. Everyone had come from miles around to see the show.
