A Measured Polish

I applied the faintest film of beeswax to the conker's shell, using a folded square of dark flannel to work the wax evenly across the surface. River damp must not be permitted to evaporate abruptly beside the evening hearth, lest the shell crack. Supporting the chestnut firmly with my left hand, I guided the cloth in measured, circular strokes until every dull patch surrendered to a deep, glass-like mahogany luster. Satisfied that no rough fiber or splinter remained, I set it squarely upon Stellarus's bedside tray beside her earthenware cup, where her fingers may find its solid, reassuring weight before sleep.