Page 9 of Potions and Proposals
“Accepted,” Wilhelmina ruled.
The words distracted Lucinda from her adversary. Her eyes froze on her mother’s lips, making sure it was she who’d spoken. The High Priestess didn’t even appear at all startled by the nomination.
Lucy wanted to protest, but the last thing she wanted to do was play into Gwendoline’s hands. The Crawfords and the Emerys would be waiting for her to slip up, too.
The table broke out in an argument, giving her an opportunity to confront Benedict, but he spoke first, tilting his head towards hers.
“I didn’t think you’d give in so easily. If it were my birthright, I’d have spoken out.”
Lucy stared at the stars overhead, folding her arms over her chest. “I should’ve known you were up to something, that you’d find some way to retaliate, but I never thought you’d go this far.”
“I didn’t arrange for this. My mother arrived in the middle of the chaos you caused. Don’t blame me for putting us in this position,” he said.
She rolled her eyes.
“I’ve more experience in dealing with town issues. Why shouldn’t I be nominated?”
“Your experience in what? Running the hotel, the manor you inherited? I’m sure making all that money isverychallenging. I’d like for you to try and deal with the Order and other magless who think they’ve got a right to our magic,” she said, trying to remain calm.
“Those relationships you can negotiate in the safety of your precious vault?” Benedict smirked. “Try rooming werewolves on a full moon next to a banshee. The noise complaints would test the patience of Lucifer himself.”
“Speaking of Lucifer, you didn’t by any chance sell your soul for my position, did you?” she muttered, only half-joking.
Benedict sighed. “I’m not after your position. However, if the coven believes I’d be a better fit, then who am I to decline?”
“How nice it must be to be so arrogant,” she mused. “Need I remind you that we are both to blame for our current predicament? If I’m not fit to lead, then neither are you!”
Ms. Sundurns’s voice brought them back to the room and broke up the arguing families around them.
“With all due respect, High Priestess, by our laws, no descendant of those who’ve practised dark magic may lead this coven. No descendant of darkness has governed a coven since before the war on witches. If those who hunt us think we might turn to the old ways, it could ruin the relations it’s taken generations to build.” Sarah Sundurn might be the youngest leader of any family at only fifteen, but she had a strong voice. She’d inherited her seat when her parents died last year. Her words were followed by a murmur of agreement.
Lucy kept quiet. Sarah was right; the law played in her favour. And for Benedict to take her place, it would have to be rewritten.
Mrs Crawford scoffed. “Those laws are outdated. There is no evidence Benedict has ever used such magic. Why should we be ruled by fear or judged for our ancestors’ past? Converting Matherson Manor into a hotel has brought many to our village. Visitors who’ve helped increase the economy of our town. He has proved in the management of the hotel that he can manage relationships between magless and other magical folks exceptionally well.”
“I agree that Benedict has been of great service to Foxford, but the issue raised was that of suitability, and the Matherson family has transgressed in the past. Even that issue of the late younger son—”
Mr Rodriguez was cut off by Benedict’s sudden outburst.
“You’ll not speak of Peter! He was only sixteen and acted out in his grief over our father.” His knuckles rested on the table as the coven went silent; Lucy seethed beside him.
“Let’s leave family members out of this discussion, and focus on what’s best for the coven,” she snapped. She’d grown up around Peter. She’d never want his loss to be used for politics.
“I’m sorry to upset you. I’d never wish to cause you or your family any hurt, but we must be careful about how thiselection will be presented to those who might misunderstand,” Mr Rodriguez stated, affirming that the actions of the younger Matherson would work against Benedict whether they liked it or not.
“Benedict lacks knowledge of the intricacies of magical histories and artefacts that are essential to the role. Lucy works in the vault, and with the Order. She has a depth of knowledge that can also benefit us greatly,” Sarah added. Lucy was grateful for her support, especially as she represented the younger generation.
“I don’t negate the work Lucinda has done to improve our relations with the Order, and her work has helped us understand magic in a new light. But this is about the town as a whole. My son spends his days with the people of Foxford, while Lucinda spends hers in the vault,” Gwendoline countered. The table broke out in a cluster of whispers.
I should have listened to Rosie’s earlier warning and come up for air more often.Lucy was far more introverted than her mother, and she had to admit that Benedict had the personality to charm anyone when he needed or wanted something.
“Benedict does have a greater understanding of the village and its everyday needs. However, Lucy’s connections to the magical community and other occult arts are vital,” Mrs Crawford argued, surprising Lucy. She’d never have thought a Crawford would speak out on her behalf. Perhaps they didn’t want to disturb the balance when their business was already gaining from the way things were.
She sneaked a glance at Benedict, who looked as uneasy as she felt. She guessed it had to do with the mention of his brother. She remembered how close they’d been; to have his life viewed as a negative must hurt.
The families argued over each other, getting nowhere in a hurry.
Mr Lark rose, addressing the table. “I believe we’ve already discussed these matters sufficiently before their arrival. We agreed that both are suitable for the position, but that both are guilty of letting their issues endanger this town.”
