Читать книгу The Fairy Bell Sisters: Silver and the Fairy Ball - Margaret McNamara - Страница 12

The cake turned out fine.

“I think it’s better blueberry cake than the Bakewell sisters make,” said Rosie. “Even if you didn’t separate the eggs.”

“Or whip the whites and fold them in,” said Clara, “the way the recipe says to.”

“I’m not sure I like the crunchiness,” said Lily.

“Eggshells are full of goodness,” said Rosie, though she did not sound too convincing.

There was a knock at the door.

“Snail mail!” cried Lily. The Mail Snail carried a creamy white envelope in its pouch. “Ooh! It’s from Queen Mab herself. Just as I told you!”

The envelope was addressed to the Fairy Bell sisters. They opened it together. Inside was an invitation.

Silver was so excited! Her first ball! She’d finally hear Queen Mab’s insect orchestra! She’d walk on satin ribbons to get to the fairy palace. She’d pet the queen’s own little pony and cradle her magic white mice. She’d eat as many cupcakes as she wanted. And open presents. And stay up late, dancing till dawn.

There was just one thing that puzzled her.

“What does ‘eligible’ mean?” she asked her sister Clara. Clara was bouncing Squeak on her knee, to Squeak’s utter delight.

“Apa! ” said Squeak.

“Oh, you want more, do you?” said Clara.

But before Clara could answer Silver’s question, Lily cut in.

“Eligible means you have to be eight fairy years old to go to the ball,” said Lily. “And you are not eight.”

“I am eight,” said Silver. “Or I will be eight very soon. On Saturday.”

“Yes, that’s true,” said Rosie gently. “But the ball is on Friday and your birthday is the next day, Silver. You’ll still be seven on Friday night when the ball is held. So you’ll have to wait until next year to go to your first ball.”

“No!” cried Silver. “That’s not fair!”

“Better luck next year!” said Lily.

“Squeak! ” cried Squeak.

Silver flew to her room and cried and cried. Not go to the ball! Impossible!