The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel by Natasha Lowe Page A

Bainbridge is, I don’t think her liver can be responsible for causing a riot.”
    None of the girls spoke, although Winifred cleared her throat rather loudly and gave Mabel a pointed look.
    â€œIt tasted of the most delicious chocolate,” Miss Lyons explained, walking back to her seat. She bowed her head in embarrassment as she passed Miss Brewer. “I do apologize for my behavior.”
    â€œIf the girl or girls responsible for this don’t own up, the whole school will receive a punishment,” Miss Brewer announced. There was some whispering, but still no one spoke.
    Mabel sighed and got to her feet, “It was me, Miss Brewer. I did it.”
    â€œWhat a surprise, Mabel Ratcliff.” Miss Brewer pinned her hawklike eyes on Mabel, and said, “Follow me to my office.”

Chapter Seven
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Like Mother, Like Daughter
    W OULD YOU CARE TO EXPLAIN what just happened out there?” Miss Brewer said, studying Mabel from across her desk.
    â€œI . . .” Mabel swallowed, not quite knowing how to begin. The silence stretched out, and Mabel could hear the grandfather clock ticking in the corner of the room, and the sound of Oscar, Miss Brewer’s cat, licking his paws.
    â€œLet me help you,” Miss Brewer said at last. “You were experimenting, Mabel. Again.” Mabel nodded guiltily, and Oscar yawned. “You were doing what you know is against the rules. And it is against the rules because?”Miss Brewer paused, raising her eyebrows, her jaw clenched tight.
    â€œIt’s dangerous,” Mabel finished.
    â€œYes, indeed. Something I remember making quite clear at your interview all those years ago. And a subject we have talked about many times since. It is dangerous to experiment,” Miss Brewer rasped, “when you don’t know what you’re doing.”
    â€œI didn’t mean for that to happen,” Mabel said. “It was just taste enhancer powder and chocolate, but I think I put too much taste enhancer in.”
    Miss Brewer frowned. “Taste enhancer is an extremely safe potion. If you used a whole bottle, it would not have had that effect. There must have been something else in there.”
    â€œOnly wishing well water, that’s all.”
    â€œWishing well water?” Miss Brewer snapped, leaning forward so the folds of skin on her neck trembled.
    â€œIt makes a good mixing solution,” Mabel whispered. “We’ve used it before.”
    â€œNot with taste enhancer you haven’t. Honestly, Mabel. It made the girls desperate for more. They were wishing for another bite before they had even swallowed the first. Do you have any idea how stupid that was?” Miss Brewer gave a sigh of frustration.
    â€œI do now,” Mabel said, looking at the rug. “I’m really sorry, Miss Brewer.”
    â€œYou will spend the rest of the day polishing my crystal balls, Mabel, and tomorrow I ask that you stay home from school.”
    â€œAm I suspended?” Mabel asked, her voice starting to shake. Only the worst, most disobedient students ever got suspended.
    â€œFor one day,” Miss Brewer said. “I will write a note to your mother, explaining the situation. Look on it more as a day of reflection rather than a day of punishment. You are a smart girl, Mabel,” she added in a softer voice. “If you would just stick to the rules.”
    Mabel nodded, unable to speak. Her words couldn’t get past the lump in her throat. Sunlight streamed through the window, and Mabel blinked back tears, watching the dust motes float about the room. A deep sadness swelled inside her. It wasn’t just the shame of being suspended. It was knowing that she could never do the things she wanted with her magic. Years of making sparkling conversation spells, knitting wand cases, and perfecting the waft and glide stretched in front of her, and even though Mabel wasn’t wearing a corset, the tightness in her