ten

It took Sylva a long time to get home because she was so laden down with treasure for her sisters. Clara, Rosy, Golden, and Squeak were all asleep by the time Sylva walked through the birch-twig door.

The great room was pitch-dark, so Sylva lit a fairy lantern. What she saw took her breath away.

Three gowns were hung on the mantelpiece. Three pairs of dancing pumps and three little evening bags were set next to the dresses. Set out on the dressing table were sparkling necklaces, and a pile of earrings, bracelets, and rings. And tiaras! Never had she seen anything so utterly gorgeous.

Sylva’s gaze lingered over the lovely dresses and shoes and jewels. She knew it was naughty not to ask her sisters’ permission before she started changing their outfits and adding to their dresses. But she didn’t want to wake them up. They had such a big day ahead of them!

“I’ll be quick and careful,” she said to herself. “They’ll be so happy in the morning!”

Sylva turned to Clara’s dress, which suited Clara perfectly: It seemed very simple at first, but she could see it was beautifully made, with lots of hidden tucks and delicate bell sleeves. Perfect for a Fairy Bell sister, Sylva thought. Clara’s dark skin made her look beautiful in vibrant color. She had chosen a deep turquoise silk with beads on the neckline and hem.

What would Clara like best? She rummaged through her bucket of shells as quietly as she could. Even so, they seemed to make a great rumbling sound. Sylva stopped rummaging. The rumbling went on for a moment; then it stopped.

“Squeak!” said Squeak, standing up in her crib, which was placed, as are all fairy cribs, in a cozy nook of the great room.

“Oh, it was you making that noise!” said Sylva. “Squeak, you did startle me.”

Sylva picked up baby Squeak, checked her fairy diaper (luckily not wet!), and brought her over to help. Then she heard another rumble. Very faint, very distant. Squeak squeaked again, more quietly this time.

“Hush, now,” said Sylva. “Not to worry about that racket. I’m sure it’s nothing at all.”