‘But that’s Maizie’s role, surely? Haven’t you spoken to your mother about this, if you’re concerned for his welfare?’
Leveret flashed her a look of scorn.
‘Of course I have! And all Mother says is that his family are a law unto themselves and she can’t interfere.’
‘I can’t believe that Maizie hasn’t said anything to them, if there really is a problem,’ said Miranda firmly. ‘And anyway, looking at Magpie, he’s tall and well-grown for a sixteen year old, isn’t he? So he obviously is fed reasonably well.’
‘But he’s so dirty, and —’
‘Yes, I’ll give you that. And we can insist that he washes properly – I’ll have a word with Maizie about that. But Leveret, his family aren’t the easiest of people, as you know. They remind me of how it was when I first moved here from the Outside World all those years ago. Some of the Villagers seemed really filthy but it was just a way of life here, living close to the land and not worrying about a bit of dirt.’
Leveret shook her head in despair.
‘You don’t understand and you’re doing just what Mother always does when I try and say something! You just don’t know how Magpie’s really treated. And as for Jay, his cousin – he makes Maggie’s life a misery.’
Miranda frowned at the stubborn girl.
‘Seeing as how Jay goes off to college in the Outside World every day, and boards at the Hall, I don’t really see that he gets much opportunity to interact with Magpie. And anyway, Leveret, how come you know all this? We’re all aware that Magpie’s mute, so how do you know what goes on in his home? I think you’re just getting yourself all worked up about nothing much, and —’
‘I don’t know why I ever expect anyone to listen,’ said Leveret bitterly.
‘I think you’ll find I have listened, actually,’ said Miranda sharply. ‘I’ve listened and told you I’ll speak to Maizie about Magpie’s lack of personal hygiene. I don’t believe the other issues you’ve raised to be valid. And besides, we’re here to discuss your rudeness this morning and your complete lack of contrition or apology.’
Leveret sighed heavily and Miranda glared at her.
‘I’ll have to tell Yul about this and I know he’ll be as disappointed as I am. You’ve really let your family down with such behaviour. Maizie will be equally upset.’
‘As you’re punishing me already, do they really need to know?’ asked Leveret, trying to keep the dread from her voice.
‘Yes, they certainly do need to know – exactly as I’d want to know if Rufus had behaved badly. You two have to set an example to all the others. Rufus knows that and I’m sure you do too!’
Leveret rolled her eyes at this, having heard it a hundred times before from her own mother. It was no fun being related to the leaders of Stonewylde.
‘Now you’re being rude again, Leveret! What’s the matter with you? I know Maizie’s a good mother who brought you up properly so there’s no excuse for this sort of behaviour. Do you want me to make it two weeks instead of one?’
Leveret merely shrugged at this, her eyes stonily glazed into an expression of bored contempt. Miranda was reminded of some of the fights she’d had with Sylvie at this age. Leveret was fourteen, going on fifteen, just the age that Sylvie had been when they left the Outside World and moved to Stonewylde. Sylvie had argued and flounced about during their arguments so they always had a good fight and cleared the air. But this girl was far more insolent and something in her eyes said that she knew she was above all this and bored by such mundane engagement. It was difficult to ignore the deliberate disrespect.
‘Right, two weeks it is! Go back to your lessons and wait to hear from Yul.’
Yul had exploded and actually reduced Leveret to tears, which was some feat given her normal defensive tactics. His anger was formidable. He seemed to glow with it, sparking fury with every flash of his eyes. He said that for the next two weeks while she was on work detail, she’d move into his family apartments and sleep in one of the bedrooms further down the corridor so he could watch over her. She’d not be allowed to leave the Hall for the whole time – no roaming around Stonewylde and no wandering off and disappearing. As Leveret thought of the Moon Fullness that