Roses Read Online Free PDF

room. They flew in with puffs of potent scent that clogged the warm air and made her drowsy. Their olive décolletages were powdered with sweet talcum like delicate frosting and their swollen, extravagant dresses pooled in folds about their slippered feet. They would enter the room stiff and cool and slowly wilt in the sticky Sago day. The child, too, would be damp with sweat by evening and then she would creep out as she had crept in, find a fountain in the grounds, and wallow in its soothing chill before Nan eventually found her and dragged her back inside.
    It was in the drawing room that the child heard about the circus and decided to escape Rose Herm’s grounds for the first time. The Coo-se-Nutoes were visiting as they often did, before the Shap-se-George and after the Crit-se-Prom, and the child was squatting in her place under the armchair beside the cavernous fireplace that was never lit. This was the best spot because no one ever sat in the creaky antique chair and it gave a full view of the visitors and Ma Dane.
    The child had always known instinctively who the round, bloated woman was. Though she had seen her but a few times, Ma Dane’s small brown eyes, thin lips, and dark hair were familiar. Thechild watched her with interest, but mostly she liked to watch the ladies and particularly the Coo-se-Nutoes, who were the loveliest of all.
    Ma Usa Coo-se-Nutoes was almost the same age as Ma Dane and as tiny as the latter was large. Ma Usa had two beautiful daughters, Peony and Bow, with unusual black hair, soft features, and graceful airs. Often, if she could not escape the nursery, the child would stalk about the dank room, trying to imitate their gliding walk.
    Listening to their chatter and gossip over syrupy tea and sweetmeats, the child would hear about dances and fashions and marriages. On this particular humid morning, she learned of the circus.
    “You must have heard of it,” said Ma Usa. “Did you not feel the spells? They caused havoc in our kitchens.”
    Ma Dane sipped from her tea and the bone china looked strange in her thick fingers. “We have already had the usual ones for this time of year,” she replied.
    “But that is just it!” burst out Peony. “The usual circuses have not come this year, they have been put off by—”
    Ma Usa cleared her throat and Peony quieted.
    “The rouge spells you have felt are all from one circus,” explained Ma Usa. “ The Beautiful Spectacular has created havoc on its own. They say it is a phenomenon: magic that has never been seen before.”
    Ma Dane shifted in her seat. “I had not heard of this,” she said. “And I assumed that few circuses would try crossing the borders in the current political climate. They are a rather tired tradition, I think.”
    “But the circuses are part of our history!” squeaked Bow.
    “They are an import from The Neighbor,” replied Ma Dane coolly. “And especially dangerous considering the guerrilla warfare surfacing in their capital.”
    “You cannot think that is serious?” said Ma Usa, setting down her cup. “It is a group of anti-Magical extremists and The Neighbor has seen and squashed hundreds before.”
    “Sago cannot risk appearing to sympathize with Magical immigrants, whatever happens in The Neighbor.”
    “Then, you do think it serious?”
    “I dined with a few State members three days past and they certainly are considering the matter of great importance. If I had known of The Beautiful Spectacular, I would have said something.”
    “But the Houses have welcomed circuses every summer for thousands of seasons!” cried Peony. “It is just a glorious show!”
    Ma Dane turned her bulk on the girl. “ We Houses do not welcome political turmoil. We have more sense than that.” Her eyes pointed to the golden amulet hung proudly on the opposite wall.
    “But—” began Bow.
    “In fact, the State is so set against breaking peace with The Neighbor that I doubt they will look kindly upon magically