Page 31 of Potions & Prejudice
“Elspeth!” Mama called. “What has gotten into you?”
A flurry of activity rushed around us, two hands hauling Draven off of me.
“Oh, Mr. Darkstone, I must apologize on behalf of my daughter.” Mama fussed over Draven as Adelaide pulled me to my feet. Mama wiped excess water from Draven’s clothes, patting down his sleeves. “I can clean your silk shirt for you, if you’d like?” Mama asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” Draven said, green eyes on me.
I raised my chin, trying to summon any dignity I could while I stood there, dress completely soaked through and plastered to my body.
“We should go,” Elm said, shooting a concerned look between me and Draven.
“Yes,” Draven said, his gaze still not leaving me. “Good day.”
With that he nodded, and he and Elm walked off, disappearing into the forest.
Fourteen
ELSPETH
“Who’s ready for game night?” Mama trilled, carrying a tray full of crackers, fresh vegetables, cheese, and Adelaide’s delicious—and secret—veggie dip recipe. She must’ve gotten the ingredients from the market earlier.
I grabbed a carrot stick from the tray and dipped it into the creamy white sauce.
We were running low on coin. Not only would we have nothing to give the woodsmith to fix our cart, but soon enough, we wouldn’t have enough to buy food. We needed to figure out a way to make money—and soon.
But I wouldn’t worry about that tonight. I popped the carrot stick in my mouth. It was our Moonflower game night. We played every month on the full moon.
Prue, Adelaide, and I sat at the kitchen table while Auggie lay sprawled out on the couch.
The fire in the hearth crackled, warmth emanating from it. Mama grabbed her wand and said the spell to light some candles that sat on the window ledges. Fire burst from their wicks, spreading a buttery glow over the room as the sun sank outside.
A knock sounded at the door, and I jumped. “Who is that?”
A mischievous smile spread across Mama’s face. “Oh, I just invited Mr. Kingsley and Mr. Darkstone to join us.”
My mouth dropped open. “You did what?”
Adelaide looked at Mama in horror. “Why would you do something like that?”
Mama rolled her eyes. “Adelaide, honestly. You have to make an effort if you want Elm to know you’re interested in him.”
Adelaide squeezed her eyes shut. Why did Mama always have to meddle?
I clenched my jaw so hard my molars hurt. “Why did you invite Draven, though?”
“Well, he was standing right there this morning.” Mama planted her hands on her hips. “What did you expect me to do, Elspeth?”
“Preferably knee him in the balls and show him that we are a united front in our hatred of him.”
Auggie snorted from the couch, and Prue pushed her spectacles up her nose. “Does this mean game night is canceled?” This was one of the only nights we could pry my younger sister away from her books.
The knock sounded again. Auggie sighed heavily and stood. “I guess I’ll get it.”
She opened the door and there stood Draven Darkstone, his unsmiling face greeting us.
He tried to step inside, but the door slammed behind him, trapping the end of his coat. His jaw locked, and he tugged at it, but the cottage wouldn’t let it go.
I pressed my lips together, attempting to hide my smile. Auggie didn’t even try as she giggled. Mama shot her a death glare. She grabbed a broom that was propped against the wall and jabbed it at the door.
