their green foliage making a pretty pattern that linked together to form a chain. She wore dainty green leather boots with heels, and later on in the Barn she would change them for silver dancing shoes.
When Maizie had admired her and tweaked at the lacing to her satisfaction, she sat Leveret down straight-backed in front of the small mirror and brushed her hair vigorously before sweeping the mass of long curls up and pinning them in a loose knot on her crown. Once again the transformation was startling – from wild-haired girl to an exquisite young woman. Then Maizie carefully lifted the head-dress and placed it on her head. It was a fine wicker wreath painted silver and interlaced with a whole drift of snowdrops, and it had sat outside in the cold all night so as not to wilt. On the front was an ancient crescent moon made from real silver that glimmered in the candle-light. It sat perfectly on Leveret’s head giving her added stature and making her green eyes seem enormous. Maizie sighed with pleasure.
‘Leveret, my little one, you’re the most beautiful Maiden there’s ever been,’ she breathed. ‘Even more beautiful than Sylvie was all those years gone by.’
Leveret smiled and thought wryly how blind a mother’s love could be. They went downstairs then and Maizie placed the special, heavy robes around her shoulders. The myriad silver moons embroidered on the snowy white material glinted and sparkled in the candlelight, and Leveret began to feel a little more confident. The Bright Maiden’s robes were a delight and wearing them, as countless other young girls had done over the years, made her feel magical.
‘Right, the carriage will be here any minute to collect us so there’s just time for your breakfast.’
Maizie rushed off into the kitchen and Leveret groaned at the thought of food. Her stomach was churning; cakes were the last things she wanted now. But ever anxious not to hurt her mother’s feelings, she nibbled a cake and sipped at the milk.
‘Come on, girl, get it down you! I know you’re nervous but you’ll feel better for having something in your belly. And it’ll be so cold up in that Circle. No, not just one – eat ’em both.’
Leveret forced the second cake down – they seemed heavier than usual with an after-taste too, though maybe that was just her nerves. She felt the crumbs sticking in her throat and hastily swallowed some milk, not wanting a choking fit now.
‘Aren’t you having any, Mother?’
‘No, I only left these two out for you. Those boys were so hungry last night that I brought in the lot apart from yours. I’ll have breakfast later in the Barn. Right, quickly brush your teeth and nip down to the privy. Mind your dress and boots!’
When Leveret returned from the earth closet outside she found her sister Rosie in the cottage talking with their mother. Rosie was all bundled up against the early morning chill and she carried a lantern.
‘I just popped in to wish you well today, Leveret,’ she said, kissing her little sister’s cheek. She stood back and surveyed her.
‘Don’t she look beautiful?’ said Maizie, pulling on her own cloak and woollen hat. ‘My special little Imbolc Maiden.’
‘Aye,’ said Rosie, staring at Leveret. ‘’Tis amazing how she’s transformed – a green caterpillar into a white butterfly. Leveret, I’m proud o’ you being chosen but make sure you do your best today, won’t you? You know all the words and the steps?’
Leveret nodded, her stomach somersaulting queasily.
‘My little Snowdrop’s so excited that her auntie’s the Bright Maiden, and so are Celandine and Bluebell,’ said Rosie. ‘Celandine has worked really hard so do make sure you say something kind to her, won’t you? ‘Tis her dearest wish that you’re pleased with her special dance.’
Leveret nodded again, still tasting the grease from the cakes and wishing she’d never eaten them.
‘I’m very nervous but I’ll do my best today,’ she said quietly.
‘That were kind o’ you to come specially to wish her well,’ said Maizie, looking for her mittens.
‘Aye, well …’
As Maizie went into the kitchen looking for the mittens, Rosie grabbed Leveret’s arm and whispered to her urgently.
‘Don’t let Mother down again, will you? She’s so very, very proud o’ you and it’ll break her heart if you spoil today. That’s what I really came to say.’
‘No, Rosie, of course I won’t,’ said Leveret, hurt that her sister had no faith in her.
‘Don’t sound so surprised!’ hissed Rosie sharply. ‘We both know