Things can get a bit dramatic among sisters.

By lunchtime, Lily had come home. She had even calmed down enough to exchange two words with Silver over lunch. “Butter?” said Lily.

“Thanks,” said Silver.

By teatime, Lily and Rosie were out in Lady’s Slipper Field, watching for deer. And when the sun went down that evening, the sisters were cosy by the fireplace (made with wood gathered by Lily), listening to Clara as she read from their favourite story.

“‘Her voice was so low that at first he could not make out what she said,’” Clara read. Clara had reached one of the most exciting parts of Peter Pan: the moment when their big sister Tink was in the most danger. Even Squeak was perfectly quiet as Clara continued. “‘Then he made it out. She was saying that she thought she could get well again if children believed in fairies.’”

They all knew what would happen next (perhaps you do too), but still it took four mugs of warm milk – and one bottle – for them all to recover from such a dramatic moment in the story. Once they had settled down, Lily volunteered to tuck Squeak into her cot in the great room, for it was way past her bedtime. Lily got the blankets just right. Squeakie’s tired eyes opened for a moment.

“Ma-bo-bo,” said Squeak.

“I love you too, Squeakie,” whispered Lily.

Just before bed, Rosie handed Lily her scarlet ribbons. “They’re a little charred from the fire,” she said. “But I know you’ll find a use for them.” Clara looked on and smiled.

Lily took them from Rosie gratefully. “Sorry about all that,” whispered Lily.

“It’s all right,” said Clara and Rosie, at the same time.

“Time for bed,” said Silver. She gave Lily a quick hug. Lily hugged her back.

And the Fairy Bell sisters were at peace again.