Amanda Cadabra and The Hidden Depths by Holly Bell

Author:Holly Bell [Bell, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heypressto
Published: 2020-08-18T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

Wardrobe Mistresses

Trelawney departed soon after, and Amanda dialled a contact on her phone. She was in luck.

‘Jonathan? …Yes. I’m coming to the library in about 20 minutes. I need your help. We’re going to save Mrs Pagely.’

The eager response was all she had hoped for. With her key person onside, at least provisionally, Amanda hung up and called,

‘Granny, Grandpa!’

Senara and Perran were already standing behind her.

‘Yes, dear,’ said Granny serenely, ‘you shall need a costume. Go up into the attic and look in the larger tan suitcase. Amanda! Don’t try to run up the stairs. There’s time enough. An asthma attack will aid the situation not at all.’

‘Yes, Granny,’ agreed Amanda, abandoning her ambitious progress.

‘I’d better come with you.’

Under the eaves, in the well-lit space, Senara pointed out the desired luggage, under two smaller cases. Mindful that she must conserve her energy for who knew what she might be called upon to do in the depths below, Amanda wisely took out her Pocket-wand.

‘Aereval, sessiblinn … rihthdhou ... sedaasig.’ The luggage floated up, glided to the right, and gently lowered itself to the floorboards.

Now on her knees before the tan case, Amanda opened the one Granny had pointed out.

‘Two layers-of-clothing down,’ instructed Senara. Her granddaughter searched. ‘Yes, that’s the one you want.’

‘This?’ asked Amanda, drawing out and holding up an evening gown of copper satin. She could not resist stroking the smooth silk of the luxurious fabric.

‘Yes.’

‘But, Granny, this is far too elegant. I can’t guarantee I can bring it back in one piece.’

‘It’s all in a good cause. Look on the bottom layer, and you’ll find a coat. Use magic, dear.’

Amanda poked her wand in between the coat and clothes above it, which she instructed them, ‘Aereval.’ Compliantly, the pile rose and she accessed the garment below. She stood up to shake out a floor-length black coat with lapels of fur.

‘It’s beautiful, Granny. You must have looked stunning.’

‘It’s an opera coat.’

Amanda looked at it uncertainly.

‘But I’m sure they didn’t have anything like this thousands of years ago, or even the eleventh century, I would have thought.’

‘Good. It means you’ll have things the Oracle doesn’t. It’ll give you status. Even if it’s just enough to stop her smiting you within the first three minutes.’

‘Thank you, Granny,’ replied Amanda, a touch acerbically. ‘That’s a great comfort.’

‘Come downstairs into my bedroom and try it on.’

Amanda turned her head towards the luggage to tidy up.

‘Sedaasig.’ The hovering stack of clothing sank back down into place. ‘Bespredna.’ The case shut. She’d put the others back later.

‘Have you put the clothes back and closed the case?’ Senara called up the stairs that Amanda was now descending.

‘Yes, Granny.’

‘Good. You never know when you’ll need something else from in there.’

‘Never again, I hope!’ protested Amanda.

‘Well, you never know, dear. Now let’s see you in the gown.’

Soon her grandmother was regarding the effect of the dress.

‘It’s much too long,’ Senara observed. ‘Take one of your Grandpa’s ties. Yes, from the cupboard there. That’s right; tie it around your waist.

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