A Proper Introduction to Dragons by Maria Grace

Author:Maria Grace [Grace, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2018-07-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

A s Papa had predicted, Mama was none too happy to have Elizabeth bring home a pet. In the first place, she had no great love for birds—a dog would be far more appropriate to life in the country—and in the second, as the eldest, Jane should have been offered the privilege first. Jane, as anyone who knew her would expect, was genuinely happy for Elizabeth’s good fortune, and was not in the least bit jealous. Her younger sisters seemed indifferent, especially once they saw how much effort went into April’s care.

Happily, though, Mama proved quite susceptible to April’s persuasion. In short order, she had conceded that April’s song was indeed very pleasant and seemed to calm Lydia’s temper when nothing else would. On the strength of that recommendation alone, Mama decided April could stay—for the time being at least.

In the ensuing weeks, April settled into the rhythms of the household until the non-hearing members of the family barely noticed her presence. Would that Papa could be equally content with the results. But no, it seemed he had become even grumpier than ever.

At least his moods provided a good excuse to remain above stairs, ensconced in her room with April, helping her to learn to fly, recording observations in her commonplace book, and trying her hand at some needlework she would normally have avoided.

November 1802

A cold breeze whistled past and rattled the windows of her room as Elizabeth fastened the deep green wool cloak over her shoulders for the first time. Grey clouds passed over the sun, obscuring the light, but just for a moment. The light resumed, and she turned this way and that in front of the long mirror, admiring the way the heavy fabric draped along her back and swung to and fro as she walked. Yes, it would do very well.

She folded the hood across her shoulders and laid the wide collar over it, smoothing it carefully. “Are you ready to render your opinion?”

April twittered from her perch atop the mirror. “How is this so very different from your old one?” She flitted to Elizabeth’s shoulder.

Her flight was still a bit wobbly and clearly effortful, but a great improvement from even just a se’nnight ago. Soon she would be able to soar about without even thinking about it. Was this how a mother felt when her infant first learned to walk?

“Well, they are both handed down from Jane, so I understand how they would look very similar. But see how I have altered the hood and collar just for your comfort.” Elizabeth pointed to the deep pleats just behind her neck.

April rooted around in the folds of the hood and under the collar, tickling Elizabeth as she went. “You have added more fabric so the gathers are very generous, and the hood is so very soft.” She snuggled into it.

“That is because I made a new hood from the scraps of green velvet from Mama’s new pelisse. I used the hood fabric to make another panel to add fullness to the cloak.

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