Magic & Mishaps

by Annabel Chase

  The group emerged, chattering and animated. Even Rochelle seemed to be in an upbeat mood. It didn’t surprise me that dodging a murder rap had that effect.

  “Are you ready, Ember?” Pam asked.

  I gave them a regretful smile. “You ladies have fun. I need to go home.” I didn’t dare mention that Alec was waiting for me.

  “Care to join us, Sheriff?” Pam asked. “You look like you could use a drink.”

  “No, thanks,” he said. “I've got plans.”

  I tried not to react.

  “Do these plans involve a woman?” Leigh asked. “Because, if not, they should.” It was a shame Leigh wasn’t his type because they were both werewolves who wanted a family of their own.

  “They do, as a matter of fact,” he said and my heart jumped. “My mother and I are having a late dinner. She just got back from out of town.”

  “Swoon,” Leigh said. “A grown man who takes his mother to dinner. Where can I find another one like you?”

  I wasn’t about to volunteer Wyatt since he was nothing like Granger.

  “Have a good night, Wonder Women,” the sheriff said.

  The Wonder Women blew him kisses as they left the deck.

  “You seem to have a new fan club,” I said.

  He followed me down the steps of the deck. “Suits me, Rose. These days, I’ll take adoration where I can get it.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Silver Moon headquarters was teeming with witches and wizards. It seemed like everyone in the coven had decided to attend this particular monthly meeting.

  “Are they giving away free booze or something?” I asked. “What’s with the high turnout?”

  Aster scanned the sea of cloaks. “It does seem to be a larger group than normal. Perhaps Gardenia baked a batch of her famous bracken brownies.”

  I started. “Wait. How long have I lived here without tasting one? This seems highly unfair.” I scoured the snack table in search of brownies. “No star cookies either? Sheesh.”

  “Good evening, Aster.” An elegant witch approached us with a tall and handsome wizard by her side. They both appeared to be in their fifties and were clearly related. They shared similar features, including a patrician nose and the same cinnamon-colored hair.

  “Good evening, Linden,” Aster said. “I was so pleased to hear you’d returned to Starry Hollow.”

  “Mother took her sweet time,” Linden said. “Same in death as in life. She didn't care who was waiting for her parking spot. If she wanted to redo her makeup in the mirror and check her messages, by golly, everyone else would have to wait.” A vague smile appeared. “It was a luxury to spend such quality time with her before she passed, though, if only to hear her tell me a few more times how disappointing it was that I didn’t provide her with any grandchildren.”

  Aster pressed both of her hands over Linden’s. “I am so sorry for your loss, although it appears you’ve gained as well.” My cousin nodded toward the handsome wizard.

  Linden broke into laughter. “No such luck, I'm afraid. This is my cousin, Craig Buckley-Croft. Craig, I’d like you to meet one of Starry Hollow’s most venerable witches, Aster Rose-Stanton.”

  “And this is my cousin,” Aster said, nudging me. “Ember came to us from New Jersey.”

  Linden and Craig seemed taken aback.

  “I didn't realize the coven had spread to such interesting places,” Linden said, giving me a long look.

  “I don't know that interesting is the word I’d use.” My aunt’s voice drifted over from the snack table.

  “Hyacinth,” Linden said. “So wonderful to see you again. I can’t tell you how much I have missed these gatherings.” She greeted my aunt with a kiss on each cheek. “May I present my cousin, Craig Buckley-Croft.”

  Craig took one long look at my aunt and said, “Is that a porcupine I see peeking out from beneath your cloak.”

  I nearly gasped, thinking he’d made an inappropriate sexual reference until I realized that Aunt Hyacinth’s golden kaftan was covered in images of woodland creatures, including porcupines.

  My aunt glanced down and adjusted her cloak. “Why yes, it is. I designed this piece myself.”

  “How delightful,” Craig said. “I find the porcupine to be a most underrated creature. Wouldn't you agree?”

  “Ah, do I detect new members?” Argyle Pennywhistle, the Pursewarden, approached us with a glint in his eye. If there were coins to be collected on behalf of the coven, Argyle was on the case. The older wizard probably viewed balancing his checkbook as the highlight of his week.

  “No, though I’m sure I owe you dues for the past six months at least,” Linden said.

  “Linden, I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you,” Argyle said in his gravelly voice. His balding head was even with my eye level, so I tried to avoid staring at the strands of gray hair that he’d carefully combed across the top of his shiny dome.

  “No worries, Argyle,” Linden said. “There are some mornings I scarcely recognize myself.”

  The bells rang, signaling the start of the meeting.

  “Would you mind if we sat with you?” Linden asked us. “It's been so long since I've been to a meeting, I'll be completely lost.”

  “And I'm sure our coven meetings are very different,” Craig said. “The Silver Moon branch where I live is much larger than this one. I'm not even sure I know half the members’ names.”

  “We can certainly make room at our table,” Aunt Hyacinth said.

  I was slightly surprised by my aunt’s generosity. She didn’t often invite coven members to join our end of the table. It seemed to be unofficially off limits to everyone except us.

  Linden smiled. “Yes, if anyone can command a room, it’s the descendants of the One True Witch.”

  Craig’s head swiveled toward his cousin. “Linden, you never mentioned that.”

  “Should I have?” Linden waved a hand. “Then again, I suppose we’re all accustomed to the Rose family in Starry Hollow.”

  Craig’s gaze swept over us. “Truly?”

  “Our appearance is usually the giveaway,” my aunt said, “though I can imagine the confusion with Ember standing among us. She doesn't carry the telltale traits.”

  I worked hard to maintain a neutral expression. My aunt was always more than happy to point out my genetic failures.

  “A beauty, nonetheless,” Craig said without a trace of insincerity.

  Aunt Hyacinth led the way to the front of a long wooden table at the far end of the hall. I noticed Craig drinking in the ambience. It was easy to be impressed. Hundreds of candles lined the perimeter of the hall and three candlelit chandeliers shimmered above our heads. Two other tables were surrounded by witches and wizards. A single, smaller table stretched across the front of the hall where the High Priestess, the High Priest, the Summoner, the Crone, the Mother, the Maiden, and the Scribe sat, looking very official.

  “Your coven headquarters doesn't look like this?” I whispered, as we took our seats.

  “Unfortunately not,” Craig said. “Ours is in a much more sterile location. More like an office building. It completely lacks the charm and beauty of this place.”

  My aunt overheard his remark. “Who’s your High Priestess? I would press for a more respectful setting for coven meetings. Tone is everything.”

  “It's the location,” Craig explained. “We've a rather large population without the land to accommodate it. It just wouldn't be possible for a place like this to exist there.”

  Linden smiled at her cousin. “I think Craig has fallen in love with Starry Hollow. It’s been nothing but praise since the moment he arrived.”

  “I’d love to do a broomstick tour,” Craig said. “The aerial view must be absolutely enchanting. Perhaps you’d like to accompany me, Hyacinth?”

  I choked on my saliva. Did Craig just ask my aunt on a date that involved straddling wooden poles? How wonderfully undignified.

  “I’ll see if I can work it in to my schedule,” my au
nt said. “The view is spectacular.”

  Well, this little exchange was getting curiouser and curiouser. Not only did she not give him a withering glance, she didn’t even say a flat no. I started to wonder whether Zale’s dinnertime admission was a nail in the coffin of their relationship.

  “This sojourn with Linden was only meant to be a break with Linden after Aunt Pea’s death,” Craig said, “but I have to admit that I’m starting to rethink my plans.”

  I gripped the edge of the table. “I’m sorry. Did you just say Aunt Pea?”

  Linden’s laugh tinkled. “Her name was Peacock. Most unusual, I realize.”

  “You didn’t name her,” Craig said. “You can thank our grandmother for that one.”

  “Hey, I totally get it,” I said. “My original name was Yarrow.”

  Craig leaned over and whispered, “Why is that witch so rudely texting on her phone during the meeting? How very lenient of the High Priestess.”

  I stifled a laugh. “I had the same thought when I first came here, but Gardenia is the Scribe. That's how she takes notes.”

  Iris Sandstone stood in her silver cloak with the Silver Moon crown glistening on her head. Her arms raised in a V. “O’ wondrous Goddess of the Moon. Let us give thanks.”

  Naturally, the moment the meeting began, my mind started to drift. All my worries bubbled to the surface—Marley and her magic, Raoul’s deceit, Bonnie’s killer, Granger’s interrogation of Alec. It was a wonder I slept at night.

  I noticed my aunt’s gaze flicker to Craig a few times and was seized by the memory of my aunt’s visit to Haverford House to see Artemis. The town matchmaker had given Aunt Hyacinth a prediction of three suitors through the magic of Uno cards. The red eight would be a gentleman from humble beginnings that set himself apart in some manner. The Draw Four would be seductive and charming. He’d seem like the kind of man she wanted, but ultimately he’d leave her feeling alone. The Wild would take her by surprise and offer her a ride worth taking. Artemis had told her that relationship would be bumpy and uncomfortable at times, but exhilarating.

  I wasn’t sure yet which one described Zale, but I was pretty convinced Craig was about to become suitor number two. I couldn’t wait to tell Artemis about this latest development.

  At the end of the meeting, Craig and Aunt Hyacinth lingered in the background, deep in discussion about coven rituals. Craig was positioned closer to her than was necessary.

  “Looks like mother has made a new friend,” Florian remarked. “I wonder how Zale will take it.”

  “Zale and your mother aren’t exclusive,” I said.

  “No, Zale’s ideas about a relationship seem more in line with my own,” Florian replied. “Oh, the irony.”

  Aster gazed at them thoughtfully. “At least Craig is a member of the coven, albeit a different location. That's always been Mother’s preference.”

  “He’s very handsome,” Linnea added. “He has that same look of authority that Father used to have.”

  “And no fins,” Florian joked. “Though I can’t decide if that’s a pro or a con.”

  We stopped gossiping when Linden rejoined the group. “It feels so good to be back,” the elegant witch said. “Less than a year and I feel like so much has changed, but then I step into this place and I'm home again.” She seemed to notice her cousin and Aunt Hyacinth. “Well, those two seem to be getting along divinely. Not that I worry about Craig fitting in. He gets along famously with everyone. Part of the Buckley charm.”

  I could see that. I hadn't seen Aunt Hyacinth this interested in something since Simon introduced her to a burstberry-infused prosecco.

  Linden finally managed to tear Craig away from my aunt and the two cousins left the headquarters together. I waited until they were out of earshot to focus on Aunt Hyacinth.

  “He seems like quite a catch,” I said. “Too bad about the incurable STD.”

  The look on my aunt's face was worth the tongue-lashing I was about to get. Good thing Aunt Hyacinth didn't believe in unnecessary hexes or I'd be a toad right now.

  “She's teasing,” Aster said. She gave me a quick look. “You are teasing, aren't you?”

  “Of course she’s teasing,” Florian said. “No one says STD anymore. It's STI.”

  Aster rolled her eyes. “You would know.”

  My aunt fixed us with a steely gaze. “Control yourselves. You are descendants of the One True Witch, standing in coven headquarters.” She paused. “And Craig is a lovely wizard. I think he would make an excellent addition to our local coven.”

  Florian put his hand over his mouth. “And an excellent addition to your collection of suitors.” He pretended to cough.

  “As it happens, I have invited Craig and Linden for tea,” Aunt Hyacinth said. “If you promise to behave yourselves, I might include you.”

  “How about Zale?” Linnea asked. “Will he be included?” My cousin was particularly sensitive to cheating as the aggrieved ex-wife of womanizer Wyatt Nash.

  My aunt’s eyes reduced to slits. “This is a coven engagement. It seems only polite to welcome Linden back into the community after such a long break.”

  I patted my aunt on the shoulder. “That’s you, Aunt Hyacinth. A regular welcome wagon.”

  My aunt plucked my hand from her shoulder as though she were removing a spider from the fruit bowl. “I’m not certain why I’ve suddenly invited criticism of my personal life.”

  “It’s polite to give once in a while,” Linnea said. “We’re so often on the receiving end of your generosity.”

  “It’s only fair,” Florian chimed in.

  My aunt was unmoved. “Keep it up and I’ll be calling my lawyer to revise my will.”

  Although the mention of her lawyer seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise the issue of the Vox Populi waiver, I felt that my aunt had been pushed far enough for one day.

  “Would you like a ride home, Aunt Hyacinth?” I asked. “I have my broomstick outside. Might be good practice for your date with Craig.”

  Florian snickered as my aunt fixed her withering gaze on me. “I don’t typically resort to hexes, Ember, but I’d be willing to make an exception in your case.”

  Probably best not to push my luck. “Great meeting. Let’s do it again next month, shall we?” I hustled out the door before my aunt chose to carry out her threat.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “My two favorite ladies in Starry Hollow,” Artemis said, standing in the foyer of Haverford House. “How lovely to see you again.” She greeted each of us with a feathery kiss on the cheek. “Do come in.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Jefferson will bring the tea.”

  Although neither Marley nor I could see the ghostly manservant, we felt his presence.

  “No furry companions today?” Artemis asked, peering around us.

  “We thought it best to leave them at the cottage,” I said. I figured Clementine would appreciate the gesture. The ancient and mangy familiar was set in her ways and, therefore, not overly fond of other creatures on her turf.

  “Let’s sit in the parlor, shall we?” Artemis said. “I want to hear all the updates.”

  “There are quite a few,” I said, as Marley and I followed the wisp of a witch into her favorite room for entertaining.

  Marley and I sat on the loveseat and Artemis settled in her usual spot that Clementine was currently keeping warm for the elderly witch. She scooped up her familiar and planted the cat on her lap.

  “I think my aunt may have met two of the suitors you predicted,” I said.

  “Why so surprised?” Artemis asked. “I’m the matchmaker in this town for a reason.”

  “You should come to one of the Wonder Women get-togethers,” I said. “They’re in desperate need of matchmaking.” I explained the group of women to Artemis without mentioning the gruesome details of Bonnie’s murder. I still wanted to shield Marley from as much of it as possible.

  “They sound like an interesting bunch,” Artemis said. “Perhaps we could
invite them for a matchmaking brunch one weekend.”

  “If you serve mimosas, I have no doubt they’ll come running,” I said.

  “And how is the academy treating you, my dear?” Artemis asked. “I expected to hear nonstop chatter from you.”

  Marley fidgeted in her seat. “It's okay,” she said in a small voice.

  Artemis observed her. “Hmm. The Marley I know would be far more enthusiastic. What seems to be the trouble?”

  Marley looked into the kind eyes of the aging witch. “We were wrong about me. I’m not going to be the amazing witch everyone expects.”

  “Nonsense and fiddlesticks,” Artemis said. “What an absurd notion. What makes you say such a thing?”

  “Because I'm bad at magic,” Marley said matter-of-factly. “I can't even mix herbs without messing up.”

  “Marley, you know Raoul wasn’t your fault,” I interjected.

  “I know, but I still messed up the positivity spell,” Marley said.

  “Well, you’ve come to the right place,” Artemis said. “I’d be happy to spend time in my herb garden with you. It'll give me an excuse to be outdoors. Jefferson and I are cooped up in this house for more hours than I care to count.”

  “I don't want you to go to any trouble on my account,” Marley said.

  “Why not on your account?” Artemis asked. “Aren't you worth it, Marley Rose?”

  The old witch’s question echoed in my head. It reminded me of what Dove Spiegel had said to me about putting others’ needs above my own. Did Marley think her needs weren’t important because my behavior suggested that my needs weren’t important? Ugh.

  “I just know that you have trouble getting around sometimes,” Marley explained. “I don't want to make you kneel outside if it's uncomfortable.”

  Artemis laughed lightly. “Who said anything about kneeling? Jefferson will help us. Believe me, Marley. It's important to keep these muscles in use and the blood pumping. I'm too young to atrophy.”