Antebellum Awakening (The Network Series #2)(73)

I’m nervous and scared, but I’m also strong and determined. I can beat Miss Mabel.

The fear soon faded as I thought about running through Letum Wood to work the energy out. Tonight, I thought, instinctively reaching to my side where Viveet usually rested. She wasn’t there now, I’d left her in my room to avoid suspicious looks and Mrs. L’s probable wrath. I wished I could take her everywhere with me. I felt safer with Viveet in my hand.

Camille started prattling about something she’d overheard while on a walk in the gardens, but I didn’t pay attention until she said, “Jikes, Bianca! I almost forgot.”

I looked up to see Miss Scarlett walking toward us.

“Do you have a test?” I asked.

“Yes,” Camille said with a heavy breath. “I didn’t realize how much time had passed.”

“Aren’t you worried?”

“No,” she said with uncharacteristic confidence. “It’ll be fine.”

Miss Scarlett’s broad frame cut into the sun from the windows. She wore a long sleeved navy blue dress and her black hair in a bun at the nape of her neck. The low, singing tones of her bracelets preceded her.

“It’s good to see you again, Bianca, Camille,” Miss Scarlett said as she approached us.

“Merry meet, Miss Scarlett,” I said, curtsying.

“Not much has changed, I see,” she said, eyeing my poor display. “I hope that’s not the way you curtsy for the High Priestess.”

“Yes, it is. She finds it deplorable.”

Her pursed lips and narrowed eyes told me she had her opinions about my etiquette at the castle. Now that summer had come Miss Scarlett spent most of her time at Chatham Castle. Rumor had it that the High Priestess planned on making her the next Head of Education. Miss Scarlett turned to Camille.

“Are you ready for your test?”

“Yes, Miss Scarlett,” she said. Miss Scarlett stared at her in unmasked surprise.

“No hysterics?” she asked. “No begging or pleading to delay it?”

“No,” Camille said, as if they discussed the weather. “I’m ready.”

“Well, very good. Let’s go to the library then. I’ll meet you there after you gather your things.”

Miss Scarlett turned to me as Camille walked away. “How have things been for you lately?” she asked. “I haven’t seen much of you. It seems that you’re always outside training.”

“It’s kept me very busy.”

“Have you come to terms with your father’s new position?”

I thought my response over before answering. “No, Miss Scarlett. I’m not sure I ever will.”

“I think that’s a very normal response,” she said, bestowing a silent approval I couldn’t help but be grateful for. Despite her rigid rules and high expectations, I respected Miss Scarlett and wanted her to like me. “Do you know where Leda went? I’m having a hard time finding her.”

Join the club. Leda had been more elusive and slippery than ever. Although I knew she had to be doing more than just working for Jansson, I couldn’t peg down what she did or where she went. When I asked, she brushed me off and changed the subject.

“Have you checked the library?” I asked.

“I was just on my way. Let’s walk there together.”

“Yes, Miss Scarlett,” I said, following behind her.

“Scarlett,” said a male witch who tipped his head when he passed us. She replied with a nod, her steps never faltering. As always, I was in awe over her ability to glide with her spine so straight and her gait so perfect. Surely a more composed witch never walked these halls.

“Miss Celia told me that you stopped by and talked to her about Mabel back in the spring,” Miss Scarlett said, interrupting my silence. My throat squeezed in a nervous spasm. That had been so long ago, almost like another time, that I’d almost forgotten.

“Yes. I just had a few questions.”

“About Mabel?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you ask about her?”

I shrugged, telling only a half-truth. “I guess I just wanted to understand why she killed my mother.”

To my surprise, I found the magic stirring inside me as I spoke. Miss Scarlett’s shrewd eyes said she didn’t believe me, but she didn’t press the matter further. Taking it as a draw, I turned to the right, grateful to see the library close. Leda glanced up as we moved in, turning her two mismatched eyes on us.

“Merry meet, Miss Scarlett,” she said, bobbing a curtsy I was sure looked more awkward than my own had. I smiled.

“I came to give you and Camille your tests,” Miss Scarlett said. The eye she cast on both of us really meant, I wanted to make sure you are representing yourself with the utmost decorum and ensure you aren’t wasting your time here. As usual, Miss Scarlett had her mind set on upholding the rules.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Leda said, quill in hand, taking herself altogether too seriously.

“How are things going with Rupert and Jansson?” Miss Scarlett asked.

“Things are going well for me, Miss Scarlett.” There was an extra chirp of happiness in Leda’s voice, one that could only mean she’d been studying for hours and thought she was in heaven. “I’ve just finished the analysis on the Mansfeld Pact and its implications on our upcoming war.”