He nodded and shrugged. ‘Yeah, I was surprised at the difference. She’s pretty in a different way to all the others. But no big deal – she’s just another unripe apple at the moment. This time next year and I’ll consider her of course.’
‘Eugh!’ cried Gefrin. ‘Not even you would have her, surely? That’s horrible!’
Kestrel laughed at this reaction and Swift smiled at her brother’s naivety. He was sure they’d choose Leveret as the Maiden – she’d be perfect.
While the boys and men down at the Village Green competed to be named the Archer, Maizie and Miranda went together to see Sylvie to discuss the forthcoming ceremony and choose the Bright Maiden. They found her sitting all alone in the huge room in the window seat staring out over the trees, a piece of embroidery for the quota untouched on her lap. She regarded the two women with weary eyes, her face pale and drawn. She’d had a bad night with Bluebell who’d woken screaming that someone was standing by her bed watching her. Terrified, Sylvie had turned on the lights to banish the shadows, which had then woken Celandine. They’d all three moved into the great four-poster for the rest of the night but sleep had eluded Sylvie. She was too frightened to relax and then she’d started worrying about the business with Buzz. By morning she was thoroughly exhausted and irritable.
Now, with the girls out of the way in the Nursery, she was trying to do some work but failing miserably as she just couldn’t concentrate. She hadn’t seen Yul at all since dinner the night before when they’d barely spoken, and he rarely ate breakfast with them anymore. When her mother and mother-in-law turned together up her heart sank – the last thing she wanted today was to face these two. But it had to be done so the three women sat around the table in the grand apartments and began to discuss suitable girls. There were several of the right age to choose from and Maizie was pleased when Sylvie mentioned Leveret. Miranda, however, frowned at this.
‘But she’s been dreadful recently, hasn’t she?’
‘No, ‘tis all sorted out,’ said Maizie comfortably. ‘She’s as good as a gosling now.’
‘But Yul was furious with her.’
What Miranda was really remembering was the rude flick gesture Leveret had made at her.
‘Well ‘tis all fine now.’
Maizie was hoping desperately that her daughter would be chosen but couldn’t be seen to favour her – it would’ve been an abuse of her position.
‘I think Leveret would be a good choice,’ said Sylvie warmly, remembering the poor girl’s sadness and the way her daughters had discovered a sweet side to her. This may be just what was needed to boost her self-esteem.
‘But what about … you know … about the mushrooms at Quarrycleave?’ asked Maizie.
‘That’s all in the past now, gone and forgotten,’ said Sylvie.
‘But surely it sends the wrong message if we pick her. Do something silly like that and you’ll get chosen as Maiden,’ said Miranda, frowning. She was anxious not to offend Maizie and this was a delicate matter, but she had genuine concerns about choosing Leveret.
‘I think the fact she was so unhappy as to even contemplate taking her own life, along with that strange boy Magpie, is all the more reason to choose her,’ said Sylvie. Maizie glanced at her gratefully, surprised at her support.
‘I still think it’s giving other girls the wrong idea – bad behaviour rewarded.’
‘Hardly bad – more like desperate,’ said Sylvie. ‘Poor Leveret has been through a terrible experience and this would be a good way to make her feel valued in the community. I choose Leveret.’
Miranda sighed and looked at Maizie questioningly.
‘Well, o’ course I’d love her to be Maiden but I can’t favour her.’
‘Fair enough – we’ll have Leveret then, if you both think she’s the best choice. You know Kestrel’s the Archer again?’
‘He’s a fine young man, Edward’s son,’ said Maizie, beaming with joy. ‘He’ll be a good partner for Leveret. The ceremony will be lovely.’
‘And Celandine has a special solo part in the dance,’ said Sylvie, smiling at the memory of her daughter’s excitement and dedication to making her performance perfect. ‘Apparently all the women in the Nursery were so impressed by her dancing that Rowan arranged it specially, which was kind of her.’
‘Goddess bless her, dear little soul! ‘Twill be a very special Imbolc for us mothers, won’t it? Just a shame Rufus isn’t quite old enough