The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel by Natasha Lowe

Author:Natasha Lowe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

With all Mabel’s good intentions of getting to school early the next day, she ended up being fifteen minutes late. Nanny had insisted on porridge for breakfast, and Mabel gulped down as much as she could manage before pushing her bowl away.

“Tomorrow’s breakfast,” Nanny said, taking the bowl through to the pantry. “I’m putting it on a high shelf,” she called out, “so that cat can’t get it.” As Mabel tried to leave, Nanny Grimshaw had marched her back upstairs for a clean handkerchief, and then again to change her stockings, which had a tiny hole in the left leg.

By the time Mabel tiptoed into the great hall and slipped into the seat Ruby had been saving for her, the whole school was already assembled. “Mabel, where were you?” Ruby whispered.

“Couldn’t get away from mean, old Nanny,” Mabel panted. “She will definitely be getting some cat-calming brew tonight. Has anyone noticed I’m late?”

“No. The teachers are all in a flap over this special visitor. I do know it’s a witch,” Ruby whispered, “because she has a broomstick parked outside with letters carved on it. SOFTW—whatever that means.”

“I think we’re about to find out,” Mabel murmured, as Miss Brewer walked onto the stage, accompanied by Miss Seymour and a tall witch in black robes, with bangs of frizzy red hair showing from under her hat.

“Silence,” Miss Brewer barked, although there was no need for such a statement because the girls had already quieted down. “I have always believed in the sort of magical education we offer our students here at Ruthersfield,” Miss Brewer began. She glanced over at Miss Seymour and her jaw tightened. “But it has been brought to my attention recently that as we move toward a new century, it is time for us to re-examine the place witchcraft will take in this changing world.” Mabel felt a thrill of anticipation race through her. She didn’t know what was coming, but words like “change” and “re-examine” were full of promise. “So would you please give a warm welcome to Miss Angelina Tate, who is here to talk about the possibility, and I do stress possibility,” Miss Brewer said, staring straight at Mabel, “of introducing a science program into our school curriculum.”

Mabel clapped as hard as she could. “This is so exciting, Ruby. And what a beautiful name Miss Tate has. Angelina,” Mabel murmured, running the syllables over her tongue. “That is almost as lovely as Magnolia.”

Winifred turned around. “You haven’t even heard what she has to say yet, Mabel.” The way Winifred pronounced “Mabel” made it sound even uglier and plainer than usual. “And why would a witch want to learn science anyway?” Winifred fanned herself with her hand. “It is so hot in here I feel quite faint.” Leaning toward Florence, she whispered, “I wouldn’t wish that color hair on anyone. It’s as orange as carrots.”

“Keep quiet, Winifred, and stop being mean,” Mabel hissed, as the orange-haired lady began to speak.

“It is a great honor to visit with you here today.

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