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Wide-eyed, the gargoyle yells, "That's it. That's the phrase!"
"Go on, then! Say it!" Felicity shouts. The satyr has them cornered.
Dry-mouthed, I start. "For your lies in marble shall you lie"
The most hideous screeches fill the room. The beasties like their freedom. My heart is beating as fast as their wings, and the next part comes out in a rush. "For a thousand years and never die!"
Inches from me, the satyr shrinks till he's no more than thimble-sized again. Fairies, nymphs, gargoyles, and satyrs whoosh past us, flying backward through the air, till they stick fast to the columns, shrieking the entire way. They spit and curse us. Slowly, the marble freezes them into silence, their angry faces and open mouths the only testament to what has just happened.
I'm shaking and sweat-drenched. We all look a fright.
Pippa shudders. "I never did like this room. Now I know why."
"I think I've had enough magic for one night," Felicity says, wiping her brow with the back of her hand.
Only Ann disagrees. She lingers near Cecily and Elizabeth. "One last bit of fun."
"What are you going to do?" Pippa asks.
Ann smiles. "Nothing they don't deserve."
CHAPTER THIRTY
"Should be right about now" Felicity says, opening the curtain of scarves just in time for us to hear Cecily's and Elizabeth's ear-piercing screams, followed by Mrs. Nightwing's screeching, "Merciful heavens!"
They're completely naked, their clothes strewn about the rooma stocking thrown across an ottoman, a chemise wadded upon the floor. When they realize their state, the two of them squeal and try to cover themselves with their arms. Cecily actually attempts to use Elizabeth as a human shield, while Elizabeth cries and pulls Cecily's hair.
"What is the meaning of this!" Mrs. Nightwing booms. The room erupts in shocked giggles, gasps, and a round of pointing. Finally, Miss Moore covers their nakedness with a blanket, and Mrs. Nightwing pulls them into the hall, where we can hear her voice rising into a tone that's nearly operatic.
"Now, that was brilliant," Felicity says, snickering. Ann beams. Her revenge has been sweet indeed. I've got that twisted feeling inside that comes from enjoying something I know I'll regret later. I try not to think about it. My gaze falls on Miss Moore. It's probably my guilty conscience coming to call, but the penetrating way she looks at me, I could almost swear she knows what we've done.
Something Pippa has just said starts a fresh round of hysterics. I've missed it. I've been watching Miss Moore stride toward us.
"Have we been set upon by hyenas?" she asks, poking her head inside the tent.
We try to compose ourselves,
"Forgive us, Miss Moore. We shouldn't laugh. That display was most shocking," Felicity says, struggling to keep the giggle out of her voice.
"Yes. Shocking. And very strange," Miss Moore says. Her gaze falls on me again. I stare at the floor. "May I come in?"
"Yes, please do," Pippa answers, making room inside.
"I've never been inside the inner sanctum before, Felicity. It's quite nice."
"I know another place that's far lovelier," Felicity answers. I flash her a warning glance.
"Really? Any place I might've been?"
"Oh, I don't think so. It's a secret place. A sort of private paradise." Felicity smiles dreamily.
"Best not tell me, then. I don't know if I could be trusted in paradise."
She gives an almost girlish laugh. I try to imagine what Miss Moore must have been like as a girl. Was she obedient? Cruel? Rebellious? Shy? Did she have a good friend and a secret place where she found a retreat from the world? Was she ever like us?
"What is this you're reading?" The diary is sitting out in plain view. Ann goes to snatch it but Miss Moore is quicker. My heart is in my throat as Miss Moore turns the diary over in her hands, examining it.
Felicity is quick. "It's just some silly romance. We found it in the library. After your suggestion."
