Mirana didn't know that a tree could have so many leaves. She was lying under the giant oak and was staring up into the lush green canopy. Light flittered in between the leaves and branches, warming her pale cheeks. Mirana wanted to climb the oak, like a squirrel jump from branch to branch till she reached the top. "I wonder if I could see the ocean from there?" She thought.
The whisper of silk skirt awoke Mirana from her daydream. She straightened her back, crossed her hands in her lap, for the only woman in the orphanage who wore silk was Mistress Gutrud. She was a mean old lady, who never smiled. She also loved good manners and gave a good slap when she saw necessary.
Mirana had her back turned to the building from where Mistress Gutrud was coming, but she knew that the old lady was near, for Mistress Gutrud wore perfume which smelled strongly of lavender and spread around her for a great distance. With a last effort, Mirana composed herself. She sat with her back perfectly straight and her breath even.
But just as Mistress Gutrud stopped next to her rocking chair, a coughing fit swept through Mirana's thin frame, making her shoulders shake. Tears ran down Mirana's cheeks, making her look red and blotchy. Mistress Gutrud stood next to her with her lips pressed into a thin line.
Finally the coughing stopped and Mirana slumped into her chair exhausted.
Mistress Gutrud sighed, "Lass, it is alright. I won't bite you for not being well." Mirana snorted quietly. "For not being well." She had never been well.
As long as she could remember she had lived in the orphanage House Ravens Call. In fact, she had resided there even longer, for Head Mistress Sarah had told her that she had been found on the dusty road leading to House Ravens Call as a three day old infant, too weak to cry. She had never recovered. Doctors were baffled by her sickness. But was it a sickness?
Mirana had always been the thinnest, smallest girl at House Ravens Call. A girl of thirteen, she was smaller than the two twin girls who were nine. Mirana's hair, which could have been deep hazelnut, was always tied back loosely and her skin was pale as snow. Only her eyes gleamed in a bluish grey but they had lost their sparkle over the years.
Mirana was the first to fall sick and the last to recover when a bug went around the children. No matter what the doctors did, she always breathed heavily and coughed. And, no cure was in sight for the unfortunate girl.
Mistress Gutrud shook her head and sighed. "Lass," she said in her quick and snappy manner, "Doctor Wills has come to see you. He is waiting for you in your room. Miss Catherine is with him, also waiting for you."
Mirana nodded. Mistress Gutrud directed a curt noise at Mirana. Embarrassed, she remembered that the older woman wanted to hear a spoken answer from her.
With her head bowed, Mirana mumbled "Yes, Mistress Gutrud. I will go at once." She expected a comment of displeasure, but there was silence, which was only interrupted by the cry of an infant in the old house.
"Very well, go, and don't keep the doctor waiting." Mistress Gutrud spoke briskly and waited long enough to see the girl rise from the rocking chair before she departed. Slowly Mirana walked towards the house. She stopped in front of the colossal building that was her home and looked up. A white building with green windows and doors looked back. Mirana decided that it was too big to be called a house; it was more a mansion or a palace.
"House Ravens Call" was written in large running writing above the main entrance. Mirana turned away from the huge double-door entry and headed towards the side entrance leading into the left wing of House Ravens Call.
Doctor Wills was a big man with grey hair whose large spectacles sat on a bulging nose. Miss Catherine was leaning against the window, her hands clasped firmly in front of her. The young woman never looked at ease with anyone except the young babies. She had had bad experiences with people and ignored them if possible. Only Mirana seemed to understand her, and the girl had grown to Miss Catherine's heart. They could be found together often, reading or simply enjoying each other's company.
"Good after noon, Sir. How do you do, Miss Catherine?" Mirana couldn't keep the boredom from her voice. Doctor Wills smelled of smoke and Mirana knew more of medicine than he did.
Doctor Wills coughed lightly "Yes, well, a good day to you to, Mirana. How are you feeling today, miss?"
"Oh, believe me, sir, I have never felt better! I feel like dancing and singing." Mirana snorted, which got drowned in a coughing fit. "Really, sir," she exclaimed in between coughs "What a question!" She choked but kept talking, "For the last 13 years I have been sick. Why should my condition change in less then a week? I am sorry, Doctor, but I have heard people talking. You know, I know, Miss Catherine knows, there is little chance for me." She breathed heavily and sank onto her bed in a heap.
Miss Catherine was at her side instantly. "Don't say that. There is always hope left." She sat on the side of the bed and stroked Mirana's hair. The girl shook her head disbelievingly but – for the first time - kept quiet. Doctor Wills moved towards the bed and sighed "I am sorry, lass. That was the wrong question to ask you. Now, if you don't mind, I will have a look at you."
He opened his big black bag and pulled out an object, which Mirana identified as a thermometer. Doctor Wills pushed it into Mirana's mouth. After a moment he pulled it out again and had a good look at it. The man shook his head and placed it back into his bag. He took a spoon and told Mirana to open her mouth wide. She had been taught to be obedient, so she opened her mouth.
The next moment the spoon was lying on her tongue, pushing it down. Mirana choked and tried to cough but she couldn't. Doctor Wills was leaning down and staring into her mouth. His smell of smoke so close made everything worse. The girl felt ill; her stomach was doing leaps. Finally the man pulled the spoon away. She could not control herself. She coughed and was just able to grab a blanket before her lunch came up.
When she stopped heaving Miss Catherine was ready next to her and handed her a glass of cold water drawn from the well. Gratefully she drank as the woman took the ruined blanket away.
Doctor Wills stood by, watching Mirana through his large spectacles.
Finally Miss Catherine returned, looking accusingly at the doctor and bringing Mirana a potion of herbs to dissipate the ill flavour in her mouth.
"Something is clogging up your windpipe, young lady." Doctor Wills took of his spectacles and polished them, "This causes difficulty with breathing, and is taking your energy. I will give you some extra medicine to prevent it from getting any worse. You might need a climate change, a holiday in the mountains or something like that." The man picked up his bag and went to the door, "Call me if it gets any worse." He left, leaving Miss Catherine clutching Mirana's hand, her eyes wide open.
After some time the woman decided it would be time to inform Head Mistress Sarah of Mirana's health. She stood up, noting that the girl's eyes were shut and that she was breathing quietly and evenly. Miss Catherine looked upon the sleeping figure, thinking that if Mirana were to die, she herself wouldn't know what to do. Suddenly a sob escaped the woman's' lips, her shoulders heaved and tears streamed down her cheeks. Quickly she ran out the door, while trying to dry her face on her neat white apron.
Mirana awoke late that afternoon. The last sunrays were shining through the window, making the shadows in her room long. Feeling comfortable, she decided to keep her eyes closed and stay in bed a while longer. She turned on to her side and had just settled down when the door opened quietly. Skirts rustled as they were forced through the narrow doorway.
One voice whispered: "She is still asleep. Should we wake her, madam?" It was Miss Catherine.
Another voice answered, equally quiet, "No. Her life is hard. We must not rob her of her dreams in which she is floating with the angels in heaven."
Mirana stifled a gasp. The voice belonged to Lady Ellen, the owner of House Ravens Call. The lady normally never came and got herself mixed up in the children's needs. As long as they had a place to stay and food to eat they should be happy and needed no extra care, in her opinion.
"Look how peacefully she rests. It is hard to believe that she is suffering so." Miss Catherine's voice sounded tearful.
"Yes, I agree. But she is so pale and small. Like a porcelain doll, she looks as if she would break at the lightest disturbance," Lady Ellen sighed.
"Lady, is it true that the doctors have no hope for her?" The younger woman could no longer control her emotions. She sobbed.
"Miss Catherine, do not lose faith. But it is true, the doctors have told me to get her out of this climate. But I sadly don't see any reason. Mirana seems happy here at House Ravens Call and around town. And, after all, love and happiness are the best cures. If the doctors are right, Mirana will not live to see another summer," Miss Catherine gasped but Lady Ellen went on, "I think it unfair to make her have to settle into another climate and environment. Keep her here in town and let her enjoy the remainder of her life."
Miss Catherine was weeping, crying for the child she had loved more than anyone, crying for the short time remaining with Mirana.
Mirana hadn't moved since the two women had entered the room. Now she was trying not to leak a few tears. Even though she had always lived in pain, she had enjoyed most of the time. Lying in the garden, looking up at the sky, spending time with Miss Catherine while simply talking about the world, lessons, learning about plants and minerals, and reading, reading about the seas and oceans, where things she had enjoyed most.
She had always dreamed about seeing the ocean, walking along the beach and diving into the sparkling green-blue saltwater. But she would never be able to now. Not that she was as close to her deathbed as the doctors had prophesized.
Mirana decided that it was time to show them that she was awake. She pretended to stretch and yawn. She let her eyes flutter open, looking around the room innocently.
She glanced from Lady Ellen to Miss Catherine and back again to the lady. The owner of House Ravens Call wasn't very old, forty at the most. Her face looked perfect. It had no lines, and no wrinkles. But looking closer, Mirana noted that powdered chalk had been added to Lady Ellen's cheeks and her eyes were outlined with coal. Quickly she lowered her eyes, remembering that it was rude to stare, especially at such an important personage. Instead Mirana let her eyes rest on Lady Ellen's dress. It was made out of fine silk and was dyed red. The edges were trimmed in gold lace.
The effect was stunning, a dress fit for a queen. A thin golden belt studded with rubies showed off a slim figure. Amazed at the expensive and tasteful clothes, Mirana let her gaze drift. Lady Ellen's hair was shiny blond and tied into a bun at the top of her head. Rubies were tucked into the bun.
Mirana stifled a gasp. She had never seen so much jewellery in one place. Her eyes were glued to the woman in front of her till Miss Catherine gave a polite cough, which reminded Mirana of her manners. Embarrassed, Mirana looked down at the quilt cover covering her. Lady Ellen made a sound, which could have been called a sigh if it had come from another person.
"Mirana, I have come to see you. Head Mistress Sarah has informed me of your health and I am truly shocked to hear that there seems to be no recovery." Lady Ellen raised a delicate white hand, which was sparkling with ruby rings, and gently brushed Mirana's hair out of her face. Mirana held her breath, too scared by the touch of the noblewoman to do anything else.
"Girl, has it ever occurred to you something in House Ravens Call may be causing your illness?"
Mirana breathed in sharply, "No, milady, I have always been happy and I love it here. I couldn't possibly imagine there being any reason the orphanage could be making me ill."
Lady Ellen nodded, "Yes, I understand. But I want you to know, Mirana, that if, for any reason, this House is causing your illness, you can always come and with me till you are well again. I would like to give it a try. So here is my offer."
Lady Ellen was watching Mirana closely as she continued "I would like you to come and live with me at my estate for two weeks. You will have your own room, a maid to help you dress, and you may roam my entire house and garden."
Mirana gaped at her. How could this lady be offering her this? She wasn't more than a commoner, probably a bastard child, left to die. And she was to live in a mansion like a noble? Dress and eat like a duchess? It was impossible, she couldn't!
As Mirana opened her mouth Lady Ellen raised her hands and stopped her voicing an objection "No. Listen, child. I understand how you must feel. But I have talked to Head Mistress Sarah and she has agreed to let you go. Even more, she insisted. Now because I believe that it would probably scare you to death to come and live with me on your own, I have invited Miss Catherine to come along and stay with you. You will be together for the whole time. You two will have adjoining rooms, the same maid to dress you and she will even sit with you when you have lessons."
Mirana could hardly stop from goggling at Lady Ellen. So much to offer to a poor girl with no future!
Mirana couldn't believe it. But it didn't sound quite as bad as she had imagined it. She wouldn't be alone, and after three weeks she could come back to House Ravens Call, which was only a short carriage drive away from Lady Ellen's mansion.
Miss Catherine had tried to wipe her face dry on her apron but her eyes were still red and puffy. But she smiled. Mirana could tell that she wanted to go with Mirana. She wasn't being forced. This lifted a burden from Mirana's heart. And after all, two weeks were not forever.
Mirana smiled at Lady Ellen as she said, "Lady, I would love to. Thank you for your generous offer."
"Well, that is settled, then. I will arrange for you to come at the beginning of next week." Lady Ellen was beaming as she cupped Mirana's face in her hands. "Good bye, my dear. Good day to you, Miss Catherine."
Miss Catherine dropped a curtesy as she and Mirana replied together "Good day, Lady Ellen." The noblewoman nodded to them as she swept out of the room, her elegant silk dress rustling, leaving behind a faint smell of roses.
Miss Catherine knelt beside Mirana's bed. "Lass, it wouldn't be bad! Lady Ellen is a wonderful lady. I am sure we will have a good time with her. Deary me, we will live in a mansion – with our own maid to dress us! You know what, Mirana – I can not wait! It will be an adventure!" The woman was getting excited.
Mirana smiled. It was good to see Miss Catherine loosening up. She stretched and rubbed her eyes "Miss Catherine, what is the time? How long have I slept?"
"Well, the tower just rang five bells after midday and Sir Wills left two bells ago. Mirana, child, how will you sleep tonight? You won't be tired when bed time comes!" Miss Catherine stroked the lass's cheek. Mirana pushed her quilt away "Don't worry, Miss Catherine, I have plenty of time to get tired again before 'lights out'!"
She got to her feet shakily. Someone had undressed her in her sleep and put on her frilly nightgown. Her cupboard door was shut tight. "Not happy!" she muttered under her breath. With all her might she yanked at the door. It did not budge. Mirana was not a patient girl.
She crossly turned to see Miss Catherine stifle a giggle.
"Child - did it occur to you that the door might be locked?" Miss Catherine asked. Mirana turned red. Annoyed, she remembered that the cupboard had to be locked because it would otherwise swing open.
Humiliated, she turned the key and the door opened, revealing her dresses, skirts, blouses, cloak, stockings and her other pair of slippers. Mirana grabbed her green cotton skirt, cream blouse and stockings. Stripping off her nightgown, she quickly changed into her selected day clothing. Noting in the mirror that her hair was messy, she ran a comb through it and tied the strands back with a green ribbon.
This little bit of work had already left her breathless. Under the mirror was a big porcelain bowl filled with fresh water from the well. Mirana splashed some water into her face hoping that it would erase the look of sleep. Finally she pulled a pair of leather slippers on. Looking around the girl noted that Miss Catherine had made her bed and opened the window.
The woman was leaning against the doorframe waiting for the girl to come. Quickly Mirana grabbed her book and joined the older woman on her way downstairs. Before they separated, Miss Catherine quickly reminded Mirana that today was her turn with kitchen duty. Grinning, Mirana saluted feebly and left the house.