Hugo found Mirana sitting at the pond, totally absorbed in her book.
Grinning recklessly he tiptoed closer till he was standing so close behind
her that he could have read the text in her book. If he could have read.
Hugo was one of the oldest boys at House Ravens Call. Built with muscles,
he made life hard for those who disobeyed him. Hugo didn't care for lessons
and always found a reason for being absent at class time. What Hugo didn't
know was that Mirana had heard him coming, pretending that she hadn't she
had let him come closer.
Standing behind her, Hugo was wondering what to do. He knew he would get into trouble with Miss Catherine and then from Head Mistress Sarah but he didn't care. Mirana never respected him so she had to be taught who was boss. Hugo made a timid step closer and stretched out his hand to yank the book out of the girls' hand when Mirana sighed loudly. "Hello Hugo - how lovely of you to stop by!" With a snap she closed her book and turned around to him. The older boy had frozen in mid-motion.
Slowly he lowered his arm and glared at Mirana. She however did not blush or look away; instead she glared right back at him, making the boy even more frustrated. Finally he dropped his gaze. "Mistress Marian sent me to tell you that she expects you in the kitchens in half a bell." He snarled at her. Looking around he added quietly "One day I'll get you and you will be sorry for ever crossing my path, girl!" When Mirana simply raised her eyebrows and looked at him, Hugo swore and left her at a trot back to the house.
Smoothing down her skirt, she picked up her book and rose to her feet. Slowly Mirana walked back to the house. Her feet felt like stones were tied to them. She knew she would be tired for bedtime. She always was, no matter what. With a grim smile she remembered Hugo's' warning. She knew she had to be careful with him around, always watching her waiting - for the chance to pounce. In one year he would be of an age to leave House Ravens Call, to start earning his living. Yes, he would be gone and till than she would have to watch her back. Mirana longed for the day to come when she could say "good bye" to Hugo. But than she remembered; she wouldn't live till then. She would die sometime this winter. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. Angrily she wiped it away. She hated showing weakness, especially when there might be other children around.
But she could not hide her fear - her depression - her anger. Why couldn't she be like the other children? Why didn't she have a family? Why didn't she have a clue who she was or where she came from? Mirana felt alone, with no friends or family. It was true; some of the children were nice to her, but more out of manners and the gratitude they got from the mistresses. A few of the children even ignored her, scared of the anger of Hugo and his cronies. Angrily Mirana squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. She was feeling sorry for herself. Anyway, she had Miss Catherine. Yes, but she was more like a guardian, not friend or family, a nasty little voice said in the back of her head.
A gust of wind brushed through the garden, passing Mirana and making her skirts flap. Jealously, she Mirana watched it sweep through the treetops and than disappear - How free it was!
A loud gong brought Mirana back to reality. With a bang of guilt she remembered that Mistress Marian was expecting her in the kitchen. Biting her lip, she picked up the hem of her skirt and tried jogging to the house. After a few meters she stopped, a painful stich in her side and no air left in her lungs. Gasping, Mirana swayed trying to grasp something to steady her. Suddenly there were hands supporting her, helping her stand. Thankfully Mirana leaned against her helper, relaxing. Nina waited till she was sure that Mirana was capable of carrying her own weight before pulling away. Mirana heaved a great sigh of relief "Thank you, Nina." Nina looked around uneasily, probably checking for any sign of Hugo or his friends. When she spotted no one she looked at the floor and muttered "No problem. See you around." And quickly she walked away. Mirana shook her head. The younger girl had always been shy, so an easy target for Hugo and his 'bully boys'. It had been a kind act to even come up to Mirana let alone help her.
Mirana sighed and remembered that she was supposed to be in the kitchen. Wasting energy wouldn't help her now; she would get in trouble anyway.
Mirana arrived in the kitchen to find the other children on kitchen duty staking plates to carry into the dining hall. She tried to blend in and avoid the kitchen mistress. But of course Mistress Marian had been looking for her, waiting to yell at her and give her a punishment. Mirana grabbed glasses pretending to be absorbed in her work. She felt the other children quieten down all trying to listen to Mistress Marian rave at Mirana. Mirana knew that the woman was standing behind her, waiting for the girl to turn so she could shriek right into her face.
Taking a deep breath, Mirana turned slowly looking at her hands. "HOW DARE YOU BE LATE? AVOIDING YOUR DUTY - INSOLANT BRAT - WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED TO MY TIME - CHILDREN DISOBAYING THEIR ELDERS - PUNISHMENT!" The high-pitched shrieking voice filled the kitchen making plates tremble and the other children jerk. "DO YOU HAVE AN EXPLANATION?" Knowing that giving an excuse was seen as a weakness, Mirana lowered her lashed and answered quietly "I am sorry I am late, Mistress Marian. It won't happen again." "It better not, girl." Said the stern woman. "But, you need to learn your lesson. You will have kitchen duty for the rest of the week and after dinner tonight you will carry timber from the shed to the fireplaces in the kitchen and the main hall." Mistress Marian was still speaking loudly so that the other children got hear. Some of them sniggered. Angry at the unfairness of this work, for only the boys had to carry timber normally, Mirana reddened but answered "Yes, Mistress Marian." Mistress Marian nodded curtly "Good, now get to work."
The rest of the children had stopped working to listen. Quickly, they returned to their work. Mirana went to fetch the cutlery, watching Mistress Marian from under lowered lashes. The woman had always been mean to children who weren't very strong. Her motto was "Pure and Healthy Blood makes a Nation strong." A tall woman of middle age, Mirana had learned to avoid her. As Mirana was counting knifes, she knew Mistress Marian watching her, knew that she was flicking her long black plait over her shoulder, knew her poisons green eyes were starring holes in Mirana's back. Biting her lip, Mirana tried to keep her temper, which was steadily raising to boiling point, under control. Placing the cutlery on a tray, she walked into the dining room to set the tables, leaving Mistress Marian glaring after her.
Dinner that night was quiet, something that was not un-normal. Mirana sat at the table farthest away from the mistress's table. Only two other children sat at the table, a boy and a girl, much younger than Mirana. They were new at House Ravens Call and had taken the seats at the other end of the table, ignoring Mirana. The lass didn't mind their treatment; she was used to it. Hugo had probably dragged the two behind the shed the moment they arrived and taught them who was boss. Yes, she thought, that fit. The boy, blond hair and a swipe of freckles across the face, kept on looking nervously over to the table where Hugo and his friends sat. The girl didn't seem as scared, but she was a lot younger than her brother and probably didn't understand the pecking order.
During bites Mirana looked up to the Mistress's table. She had noticed Head Mistress Sarah looking at her a few times, but whenever the younger girl looked at the woman, the other didn't meet her gaze. Miss Catherine was absorbed in a chat with the woman next to her and Mistress Marian was looking around the hall, looking for any children who were misbehaving.
After desert Head Mistress Sarah rose to her feet. Silence fell and all heads swivelled towards the impassive woman standing in front of them. Indeed Head Mistress Sarah was still young. Maybe a bit older than Miss Catherine, but she was beautiful. Also she had an aura around her making her seem important. "Now that we have all eaten our fill and are feeling drowsy, ready for bed, I have some news for you." Head Mistress Sarah said in her deep musical voice "I have received good reports from the mistresses informing me that you have all worked hard and with efficiency. I belief all good deeds need to be acknowledged and, at some point, rewarded. It is summer, for those who didn't know. So what better why to spend a summer day by lying in the sun and to go swimming? That is why I have organised a holiday. The children under the age ten are going with Mistress Danielle and Miss Sabine to Lake Springwood and are to stay at the Springwood Lodge for two weeks. - " A cheer went around the hall. The younger children were excited. Even the two children at Miranas' table were celebrating their good fortune. Head Mistress Sarah waited till silence fell once again than continued, " You will leave next Monday. Please meet Mistress Danielle and Miss Sabine after dinner in the Summer Common Room after dinner. They will give you a bit more detail. Now, the children older than the age of ten will go to the ocean - " she had hardly finished when there was a sudden increase of volume. All of the children in question had started talking to their neighbours. Mistress Marian made hushing noises to remind them that Head Mistress Sarah hadn't quiet finished. Silence fell automatically and all heads turned back to the woman standing in front of them. The Head Mistress nodded " Yes, yes, it's exciting. Good, I see you are happy with this little treat. You will also leave next Monday. Oh, yes, I forgot, Mistress Ruby and Miss Florentine will accompany you to Middle Head Beach where you will stay in The Deep Blue Inn for two weeks. Please meet with the Mistresses with how you are going after dinner in the common room. That is all."
There was a great movement as everyone got up and headed out of the dining hall. Only the children on kitchen duty stayed behind to clean up. Mirana was in a trance. Her dream, her life ambition was finally coming true. She would see the ocean, smell the salt, walk on the sandy shore. She grabbed her plate and cutlery and headed into the kitchen to get a tray. Every thing she did seemed to be normal, she didn't think as she wiped the tables and boiled water to do the dishes. She could hardly imagine that this dream would come true. The chance to see the ocean. Not with her end so close, no, it was too hard to belief possible that her wish would come true. Head in the clouds, Mistress Marian had to shout her name two times before Mirana even noticed the woman standing in front of her. "Girl, are you listening to me?" Mistress Marian yelled at the girl standing so pertly in front of her. Taking a deep breath she calmed down and continued in a quieter tone " Head Mistress Sarah wants a word with you in her office. When the bell strikes eight she expects you outside her office. Be on time." She was about to bustle of to pick on other unfortunate children when Mirana called after "Mistress, I have to get firewood as a punishment when I have finished the dishes. I wont manage to be on time."
Mistress Marian turned slowly around and faced to younger girl. She, however, stood her ground, starring pointedly back the woman. Finally Mistress Marian sighed loudly. "Fine, I will let you off. Just remember, if you will be late again, I won't be as generous. You will get punishment enough soon - now, finish your work and be gone." Mirana bowed her head in submission and said "Thank you, mistress. But what do you mean - I will get punishment enough soon - am I in trouble?" Mistress Marian started to shoo her away but than said, "It is not my place to tell you. The Head Mistress will tell you, now get to work, the water is getting cold."
She turned her back to child and walked away. Mirana couldn't remember if Mistress Marian had ever been so nice to her, or to any other child, in fact. She couldn't belief that she had been let out of a punishment. Well, she still had kitchen duty for the rest of the week, but it was better than carrying timber through the garden in the dark. "I wonder what she meant when she said that I will get punished soon enough." Mirana thought to herself as she started scrubbing plates in to almost cold water. Looking up at the time-teller on the wall, she noticed that she had half bell to finish her work and get herself cleaned up.
Hurrying through her pile of dishes, she dried her hands, got her book, which had left at the door and rushed to her room to quickly neaten up before entering the presence of the Head Mistress. Brushing her hair and straitening her blouse she was ready. Just in time, Mirana noted. She had a few minutes remaining to catch her breath. Indeed, she was tired and breathless. She sank into the only chair in the room but forced herself up again and dragged herself out the door, down the corridor and into the entrance hall. There she quickly straightened her shoulders and walked to the door leading to the office of Head Mistress Sarah.
Mirana gently knocked on the door. "Wait a moment, please, child, I will call you in shortly." Came the reply from inside the room. Mirana sank onto the bench next to the door and waited. She could here voices from within. Head Mistress Sarah's voice and - Hugo's voice. Straining her ears, Mirana listened. "What? Please, Mistress, you can't be serious! What do you mean I can't go?" Hugo was whining. "I thought I spoke quiet clear. I will tell you again: You are not going next Monday to the beach with the other children your age. Do I make myself clearer?" Head Mistress Sarah answered him coolly. "Yes, but - Why? Why can't I go?" pleaded Hugo. "Hugo, can't you answer that yourself? Come now, you know very well why. - Yes, I see I have hit a nerve. Hugo, you couldn't have believed that you could get away with your bullying. This is your punishment. Now, Hugo, good night to you." The woman's voice was cold. "But, Mistress, I - " "Good night, Hugo." "Good night, madam."
Mirana heard chairs being pulled back and quickly wiped the grin from her face so she could look all innocently when she was called in. The door opened next to her and Hugo stumbled out, his eyes rolling, not taking any notice of the girl on the bench. Mirana watched him go up the great marble stairs leading to the boys' dormitories and classrooms. "Please come in, Mirana." Head Mistress Sarah poked her head out of her office and looked around the door at the girl. Mirana stood up and followed obediently into the room. "Please, child, take a seat." The woman sat down behind the big wooden desk pointing at the chair opposite her. Mirana sat down looking around the room with interest. She had only been there once before but she couldn't really remember very much of it. The walls were an olive green, matching curtains and cushions decorated the area around the windows, a thick carpet of a musty grey green lay on the floor beneath the desk and the walls were hung with portraits of previous Head Mistresses and owners. Mirana recognises Lady Ellen's picture for it stood out for she was again dressed in a very red outfit.
"Mirana - " Head Mistress Sarah sighed loudly drawing the girls attention back to the woman. "Mirana, child, I have sad news for you. - " This was it than, thought Mirana. She would find out what Mistress Marian had meant. It might even be that finally she would be informed that she was to die. Sitting at the edge of her chair, Mirana waited. "Look, child, we are all aware that you are not in a good condition, health wise. The doctor stressed that you are to take it easy. The mistresses and I have decided to not let you go to the beach next Monday." Every word seemed to cost Head Mistress Sarah a great bit of self-control. It took Mirana a moment to let the words sink in, than she was on her feet "Head Mistress, please, you can't stop me. I am feeling fine, really. Oh, madam, it has always been my dream to see the ocean, please I must go, it is probably my last chance - " "Don't say that, lass, there will always be a chance for you."
But even a very dim person could have heard the doubt in her voice. She continued "Look, Mirana, I know it is your one and only wish to see the ocean, Miss Catherine has informed me about it, but still, my choice remains the same: You will not go to the beach." "Madam, please! Please let me go, I will be extremely careful, I won't over do it, but please let me go!" Mirana was at the edge of tears. Her eyes had gone glassy and she was leaning forward her hands pressed firmly together in front of her. "Listen, child, I understand your plea but you already have further arrangements already planned. Remember, child, Lady Ellen has asked you to stay with her. It would be so rude to say no now, especially after you have already agreed." Yes, she has said yes to Lady Ellen, she couldn't back out now. Mutely she nodded thinking to herself that she couldn't have every thing in life. Sadly she remembered the picture of the ocean in her book. How beautiful it had looked. And now she never would. It was all too much. A quiet tear leaked out of the corner of her eye, running down her cheek. Angrily she wiped it away. Composing her self, she asked, "Madam, when do I leave to go to Lady Ellen's mansion?" Seeing that Mirana would not struggle further she said, "Lady Ellen will send a carriage next Monday to bring you and Miss Catherine to her. You will stay with her for two weeks, returning two days after the other children. I hope that that is acceptable. Now child, you will be on your best behaviour. Be kind and polite, child, I have heard that you are a smart and competent learner; the mistresses are very pleased with you. Now good night." Mirana rose to her feet muttering "Good night, mistress and thank you."
Quickly she turned around and left the room. Her feet felt like led as she dragged herself down the corridor. She couldn't belief it. Why did she, whose life was already hard enough, have to suffer so? It would have been too nice to be true. But still, the other children would have fun while she would be behaving proper and lady-like. She shuddered by the thought. Even though she wasn't fit she loved being outside, being boyish and having a great time. Angrily she opened the door to her room, and not even lighting a candle sat down on the bed. Looking down at her feet, Mirana tried to blink the tears from her eyes. Lying back, she looked up at the ceiling. She felt lonely. "Mirana, I am sorry, I didn't know, really, I didn't!" Miss Catherine said soothingly from the shadows. Mirana sat bold upright. She hadn't noticed the woman, too caught up in her emotions. "Oh, Miss Catherine, I can not belief it. You know how it was my dream and now I will never ever get another chance to see the ocean." Mirana hid her face in her hands and began to cry.
She heard Miss Catherine come closer. Than she was sitting next to the girl, holding her, trying to ease her grief. Finally Mirana calmed down. She tried drying her cheeks on her sleave, but they were wet because she had been pressing them to her face, muffling the sobs. Miss Catherine was stroking her back, making soothing noises. She pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Mirana who accepted it thankfully and blew her nose. "Lass, I am sorry, but there might be another chance. Than we can go together." Miss Catherine didn't sound too convinced. Mirana snorted. Miss Catherine stood up pulling Mirana up with her. She pulled back the quilt and handed Mirana the nightgown. "Cheer up, tomorrow is a new day. There is half a bell left till lights out. You can get ready for bed and read awhile. You don't look good." Concerned Miss Catherine cupped Miranas' cheek in her hand. Mirana pulled away, "Don't worry about me, miss, I am fine." She quickly got changed while Miss Catherine lit a candle. The light was warm, soothing. Sinking thankfully into bed, Mirana wondered how many candles were left burning in her life.
Standing behind her, Hugo was wondering what to do. He knew he would get into trouble with Miss Catherine and then from Head Mistress Sarah but he didn't care. Mirana never respected him so she had to be taught who was boss. Hugo made a timid step closer and stretched out his hand to yank the book out of the girls' hand when Mirana sighed loudly. "Hello Hugo - how lovely of you to stop by!" With a snap she closed her book and turned around to him. The older boy had frozen in mid-motion.
Slowly he lowered his arm and glared at Mirana. She however did not blush or look away; instead she glared right back at him, making the boy even more frustrated. Finally he dropped his gaze. "Mistress Marian sent me to tell you that she expects you in the kitchens in half a bell." He snarled at her. Looking around he added quietly "One day I'll get you and you will be sorry for ever crossing my path, girl!" When Mirana simply raised her eyebrows and looked at him, Hugo swore and left her at a trot back to the house.
Smoothing down her skirt, she picked up her book and rose to her feet. Slowly Mirana walked back to the house. Her feet felt like stones were tied to them. She knew she would be tired for bedtime. She always was, no matter what. With a grim smile she remembered Hugo's' warning. She knew she had to be careful with him around, always watching her waiting - for the chance to pounce. In one year he would be of an age to leave House Ravens Call, to start earning his living. Yes, he would be gone and till than she would have to watch her back. Mirana longed for the day to come when she could say "good bye" to Hugo. But than she remembered; she wouldn't live till then. She would die sometime this winter. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. Angrily she wiped it away. She hated showing weakness, especially when there might be other children around.
But she could not hide her fear - her depression - her anger. Why couldn't she be like the other children? Why didn't she have a family? Why didn't she have a clue who she was or where she came from? Mirana felt alone, with no friends or family. It was true; some of the children were nice to her, but more out of manners and the gratitude they got from the mistresses. A few of the children even ignored her, scared of the anger of Hugo and his cronies. Angrily Mirana squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. She was feeling sorry for herself. Anyway, she had Miss Catherine. Yes, but she was more like a guardian, not friend or family, a nasty little voice said in the back of her head.
A gust of wind brushed through the garden, passing Mirana and making her skirts flap. Jealously, she Mirana watched it sweep through the treetops and than disappear - How free it was!
A loud gong brought Mirana back to reality. With a bang of guilt she remembered that Mistress Marian was expecting her in the kitchen. Biting her lip, she picked up the hem of her skirt and tried jogging to the house. After a few meters she stopped, a painful stich in her side and no air left in her lungs. Gasping, Mirana swayed trying to grasp something to steady her. Suddenly there were hands supporting her, helping her stand. Thankfully Mirana leaned against her helper, relaxing. Nina waited till she was sure that Mirana was capable of carrying her own weight before pulling away. Mirana heaved a great sigh of relief "Thank you, Nina." Nina looked around uneasily, probably checking for any sign of Hugo or his friends. When she spotted no one she looked at the floor and muttered "No problem. See you around." And quickly she walked away. Mirana shook her head. The younger girl had always been shy, so an easy target for Hugo and his 'bully boys'. It had been a kind act to even come up to Mirana let alone help her.
Mirana sighed and remembered that she was supposed to be in the kitchen. Wasting energy wouldn't help her now; she would get in trouble anyway.
Mirana arrived in the kitchen to find the other children on kitchen duty staking plates to carry into the dining hall. She tried to blend in and avoid the kitchen mistress. But of course Mistress Marian had been looking for her, waiting to yell at her and give her a punishment. Mirana grabbed glasses pretending to be absorbed in her work. She felt the other children quieten down all trying to listen to Mistress Marian rave at Mirana. Mirana knew that the woman was standing behind her, waiting for the girl to turn so she could shriek right into her face.
Taking a deep breath, Mirana turned slowly looking at her hands. "HOW DARE YOU BE LATE? AVOIDING YOUR DUTY - INSOLANT BRAT - WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED TO MY TIME - CHILDREN DISOBAYING THEIR ELDERS - PUNISHMENT!" The high-pitched shrieking voice filled the kitchen making plates tremble and the other children jerk. "DO YOU HAVE AN EXPLANATION?" Knowing that giving an excuse was seen as a weakness, Mirana lowered her lashed and answered quietly "I am sorry I am late, Mistress Marian. It won't happen again." "It better not, girl." Said the stern woman. "But, you need to learn your lesson. You will have kitchen duty for the rest of the week and after dinner tonight you will carry timber from the shed to the fireplaces in the kitchen and the main hall." Mistress Marian was still speaking loudly so that the other children got hear. Some of them sniggered. Angry at the unfairness of this work, for only the boys had to carry timber normally, Mirana reddened but answered "Yes, Mistress Marian." Mistress Marian nodded curtly "Good, now get to work."
The rest of the children had stopped working to listen. Quickly, they returned to their work. Mirana went to fetch the cutlery, watching Mistress Marian from under lowered lashes. The woman had always been mean to children who weren't very strong. Her motto was "Pure and Healthy Blood makes a Nation strong." A tall woman of middle age, Mirana had learned to avoid her. As Mirana was counting knifes, she knew Mistress Marian watching her, knew that she was flicking her long black plait over her shoulder, knew her poisons green eyes were starring holes in Mirana's back. Biting her lip, Mirana tried to keep her temper, which was steadily raising to boiling point, under control. Placing the cutlery on a tray, she walked into the dining room to set the tables, leaving Mistress Marian glaring after her.
Dinner that night was quiet, something that was not un-normal. Mirana sat at the table farthest away from the mistress's table. Only two other children sat at the table, a boy and a girl, much younger than Mirana. They were new at House Ravens Call and had taken the seats at the other end of the table, ignoring Mirana. The lass didn't mind their treatment; she was used to it. Hugo had probably dragged the two behind the shed the moment they arrived and taught them who was boss. Yes, she thought, that fit. The boy, blond hair and a swipe of freckles across the face, kept on looking nervously over to the table where Hugo and his friends sat. The girl didn't seem as scared, but she was a lot younger than her brother and probably didn't understand the pecking order.
During bites Mirana looked up to the Mistress's table. She had noticed Head Mistress Sarah looking at her a few times, but whenever the younger girl looked at the woman, the other didn't meet her gaze. Miss Catherine was absorbed in a chat with the woman next to her and Mistress Marian was looking around the hall, looking for any children who were misbehaving.
After desert Head Mistress Sarah rose to her feet. Silence fell and all heads swivelled towards the impassive woman standing in front of them. Indeed Head Mistress Sarah was still young. Maybe a bit older than Miss Catherine, but she was beautiful. Also she had an aura around her making her seem important. "Now that we have all eaten our fill and are feeling drowsy, ready for bed, I have some news for you." Head Mistress Sarah said in her deep musical voice "I have received good reports from the mistresses informing me that you have all worked hard and with efficiency. I belief all good deeds need to be acknowledged and, at some point, rewarded. It is summer, for those who didn't know. So what better why to spend a summer day by lying in the sun and to go swimming? That is why I have organised a holiday. The children under the age ten are going with Mistress Danielle and Miss Sabine to Lake Springwood and are to stay at the Springwood Lodge for two weeks. - " A cheer went around the hall. The younger children were excited. Even the two children at Miranas' table were celebrating their good fortune. Head Mistress Sarah waited till silence fell once again than continued, " You will leave next Monday. Please meet Mistress Danielle and Miss Sabine after dinner in the Summer Common Room after dinner. They will give you a bit more detail. Now, the children older than the age of ten will go to the ocean - " she had hardly finished when there was a sudden increase of volume. All of the children in question had started talking to their neighbours. Mistress Marian made hushing noises to remind them that Head Mistress Sarah hadn't quiet finished. Silence fell automatically and all heads turned back to the woman standing in front of them. The Head Mistress nodded " Yes, yes, it's exciting. Good, I see you are happy with this little treat. You will also leave next Monday. Oh, yes, I forgot, Mistress Ruby and Miss Florentine will accompany you to Middle Head Beach where you will stay in The Deep Blue Inn for two weeks. Please meet with the Mistresses with how you are going after dinner in the common room. That is all."
There was a great movement as everyone got up and headed out of the dining hall. Only the children on kitchen duty stayed behind to clean up. Mirana was in a trance. Her dream, her life ambition was finally coming true. She would see the ocean, smell the salt, walk on the sandy shore. She grabbed her plate and cutlery and headed into the kitchen to get a tray. Every thing she did seemed to be normal, she didn't think as she wiped the tables and boiled water to do the dishes. She could hardly imagine that this dream would come true. The chance to see the ocean. Not with her end so close, no, it was too hard to belief possible that her wish would come true. Head in the clouds, Mistress Marian had to shout her name two times before Mirana even noticed the woman standing in front of her. "Girl, are you listening to me?" Mistress Marian yelled at the girl standing so pertly in front of her. Taking a deep breath she calmed down and continued in a quieter tone " Head Mistress Sarah wants a word with you in her office. When the bell strikes eight she expects you outside her office. Be on time." She was about to bustle of to pick on other unfortunate children when Mirana called after "Mistress, I have to get firewood as a punishment when I have finished the dishes. I wont manage to be on time."
Mistress Marian turned slowly around and faced to younger girl. She, however, stood her ground, starring pointedly back the woman. Finally Mistress Marian sighed loudly. "Fine, I will let you off. Just remember, if you will be late again, I won't be as generous. You will get punishment enough soon - now, finish your work and be gone." Mirana bowed her head in submission and said "Thank you, mistress. But what do you mean - I will get punishment enough soon - am I in trouble?" Mistress Marian started to shoo her away but than said, "It is not my place to tell you. The Head Mistress will tell you, now get to work, the water is getting cold."
She turned her back to child and walked away. Mirana couldn't remember if Mistress Marian had ever been so nice to her, or to any other child, in fact. She couldn't belief that she had been let out of a punishment. Well, she still had kitchen duty for the rest of the week, but it was better than carrying timber through the garden in the dark. "I wonder what she meant when she said that I will get punished soon enough." Mirana thought to herself as she started scrubbing plates in to almost cold water. Looking up at the time-teller on the wall, she noticed that she had half bell to finish her work and get herself cleaned up.
Hurrying through her pile of dishes, she dried her hands, got her book, which had left at the door and rushed to her room to quickly neaten up before entering the presence of the Head Mistress. Brushing her hair and straitening her blouse she was ready. Just in time, Mirana noted. She had a few minutes remaining to catch her breath. Indeed, she was tired and breathless. She sank into the only chair in the room but forced herself up again and dragged herself out the door, down the corridor and into the entrance hall. There she quickly straightened her shoulders and walked to the door leading to the office of Head Mistress Sarah.
Mirana gently knocked on the door. "Wait a moment, please, child, I will call you in shortly." Came the reply from inside the room. Mirana sank onto the bench next to the door and waited. She could here voices from within. Head Mistress Sarah's voice and - Hugo's voice. Straining her ears, Mirana listened. "What? Please, Mistress, you can't be serious! What do you mean I can't go?" Hugo was whining. "I thought I spoke quiet clear. I will tell you again: You are not going next Monday to the beach with the other children your age. Do I make myself clearer?" Head Mistress Sarah answered him coolly. "Yes, but - Why? Why can't I go?" pleaded Hugo. "Hugo, can't you answer that yourself? Come now, you know very well why. - Yes, I see I have hit a nerve. Hugo, you couldn't have believed that you could get away with your bullying. This is your punishment. Now, Hugo, good night to you." The woman's voice was cold. "But, Mistress, I - " "Good night, Hugo." "Good night, madam."
Mirana heard chairs being pulled back and quickly wiped the grin from her face so she could look all innocently when she was called in. The door opened next to her and Hugo stumbled out, his eyes rolling, not taking any notice of the girl on the bench. Mirana watched him go up the great marble stairs leading to the boys' dormitories and classrooms. "Please come in, Mirana." Head Mistress Sarah poked her head out of her office and looked around the door at the girl. Mirana stood up and followed obediently into the room. "Please, child, take a seat." The woman sat down behind the big wooden desk pointing at the chair opposite her. Mirana sat down looking around the room with interest. She had only been there once before but she couldn't really remember very much of it. The walls were an olive green, matching curtains and cushions decorated the area around the windows, a thick carpet of a musty grey green lay on the floor beneath the desk and the walls were hung with portraits of previous Head Mistresses and owners. Mirana recognises Lady Ellen's picture for it stood out for she was again dressed in a very red outfit.
"Mirana - " Head Mistress Sarah sighed loudly drawing the girls attention back to the woman. "Mirana, child, I have sad news for you. - " This was it than, thought Mirana. She would find out what Mistress Marian had meant. It might even be that finally she would be informed that she was to die. Sitting at the edge of her chair, Mirana waited. "Look, child, we are all aware that you are not in a good condition, health wise. The doctor stressed that you are to take it easy. The mistresses and I have decided to not let you go to the beach next Monday." Every word seemed to cost Head Mistress Sarah a great bit of self-control. It took Mirana a moment to let the words sink in, than she was on her feet "Head Mistress, please, you can't stop me. I am feeling fine, really. Oh, madam, it has always been my dream to see the ocean, please I must go, it is probably my last chance - " "Don't say that, lass, there will always be a chance for you."
But even a very dim person could have heard the doubt in her voice. She continued "Look, Mirana, I know it is your one and only wish to see the ocean, Miss Catherine has informed me about it, but still, my choice remains the same: You will not go to the beach." "Madam, please! Please let me go, I will be extremely careful, I won't over do it, but please let me go!" Mirana was at the edge of tears. Her eyes had gone glassy and she was leaning forward her hands pressed firmly together in front of her. "Listen, child, I understand your plea but you already have further arrangements already planned. Remember, child, Lady Ellen has asked you to stay with her. It would be so rude to say no now, especially after you have already agreed." Yes, she has said yes to Lady Ellen, she couldn't back out now. Mutely she nodded thinking to herself that she couldn't have every thing in life. Sadly she remembered the picture of the ocean in her book. How beautiful it had looked. And now she never would. It was all too much. A quiet tear leaked out of the corner of her eye, running down her cheek. Angrily she wiped it away. Composing her self, she asked, "Madam, when do I leave to go to Lady Ellen's mansion?" Seeing that Mirana would not struggle further she said, "Lady Ellen will send a carriage next Monday to bring you and Miss Catherine to her. You will stay with her for two weeks, returning two days after the other children. I hope that that is acceptable. Now child, you will be on your best behaviour. Be kind and polite, child, I have heard that you are a smart and competent learner; the mistresses are very pleased with you. Now good night." Mirana rose to her feet muttering "Good night, mistress and thank you."
Quickly she turned around and left the room. Her feet felt like led as she dragged herself down the corridor. She couldn't belief it. Why did she, whose life was already hard enough, have to suffer so? It would have been too nice to be true. But still, the other children would have fun while she would be behaving proper and lady-like. She shuddered by the thought. Even though she wasn't fit she loved being outside, being boyish and having a great time. Angrily she opened the door to her room, and not even lighting a candle sat down on the bed. Looking down at her feet, Mirana tried to blink the tears from her eyes. Lying back, she looked up at the ceiling. She felt lonely. "Mirana, I am sorry, I didn't know, really, I didn't!" Miss Catherine said soothingly from the shadows. Mirana sat bold upright. She hadn't noticed the woman, too caught up in her emotions. "Oh, Miss Catherine, I can not belief it. You know how it was my dream and now I will never ever get another chance to see the ocean." Mirana hid her face in her hands and began to cry.
She heard Miss Catherine come closer. Than she was sitting next to the girl, holding her, trying to ease her grief. Finally Mirana calmed down. She tried drying her cheeks on her sleave, but they were wet because she had been pressing them to her face, muffling the sobs. Miss Catherine was stroking her back, making soothing noises. She pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Mirana who accepted it thankfully and blew her nose. "Lass, I am sorry, but there might be another chance. Than we can go together." Miss Catherine didn't sound too convinced. Mirana snorted. Miss Catherine stood up pulling Mirana up with her. She pulled back the quilt and handed Mirana the nightgown. "Cheer up, tomorrow is a new day. There is half a bell left till lights out. You can get ready for bed and read awhile. You don't look good." Concerned Miss Catherine cupped Miranas' cheek in her hand. Mirana pulled away, "Don't worry about me, miss, I am fine." She quickly got changed while Miss Catherine lit a candle. The light was warm, soothing. Sinking thankfully into bed, Mirana wondered how many candles were left burning in her life.