Chapter Twenty-Four

One of Mable's eyebrows shot up wryly when she watched another guest gawk at the castle. She was not dressed yet, but she wanted to see who Theo invited, and the view from Labelle's room was better than her own. Labelle was also there, setting out their dresses for the night.

Labelle beamed when Mable turned to her.

"You know," said Mable, desperately trying not to laugh, "When I told him we should maybe invite a few people from the area, this isn't quite what I had in mind."

Labelle walked over to the window, just in time to a see a young couple skirt around Maestro and walk through the castle's enormous front doors.

Labelle smiled. "Poor Jacques. He doesn't know what to do with himself when there isn't a fight. Oh dear, these two are a little too friendly!" She pointed to two young women who had come up to Maestro. Even from this height, Mable could see that they were flirting with him. The expression on Maestro's face was one that Mable associated with a deer caught in the headlights of a car. Mable joined Labelle's laughter when he made a clear race for the foyer, shoving Monsieur Lune outside to deal with the smitten girls.

"He's too good-looking, poor guy." Mable wiped tears from her eyes. "Doesn't this ball seem a bit over the top, though?"

Labelle led Mable away from the windows, putting a loving arm around her shoulders. It was amazing how, in the last couple of months, Labelle had become like another sister to Mable.

"Come now, Lady. You can't fault the man for being excited. Not only is this the first spring we have had without the spell put on us, it is also the first spring that we will spend with you! This is the beginning to a bright and wonderful future, and we all wish to celebrate. What better way than with a ball?"

Mable couldn't stop smiling. "I can't think of any. I still can't believe he managed to get the whole town to come." She still didn't know how he invited them in the first place, and had prudently decided it was better not to ask.

She stroked the two dresses Labelle had laid out for them. Labelle was going to wear a sizzling, crimson dress that brought out the color in her dark eyes and hair. For her, Labelle had picked out a dress in a pale, sea-foam green.

"Well, I am sure they were naturally curious about the castle that just seemed to pop up in the middle of the woods. We thought it was best for us to get out ahead of the rumors before they started buzzing around town." Said Labelle practically. "It's a good thing that the castle could provide us with the funds, so that we could throw this celebration." She mentioned over her shoulder as she went into the next room to change.

That had been a shocking twist to the castle's strange way of providing what Mable and Theo asked, Mable thought as she pulled on her own dress. They had only found out about it a few weeks ago, when she and Theo were tucked away up in Theo's study, discussing their future.

"I don't just want to spend the rest of my life sitting around here, Theo." She had pointed out. "I can try and help you with running the place, since guess I'm the Lady now…" She paused for a moment. She still wasn't altogether sure what being the "Lady" entailed. "But I was thinking I might want to finish school. Or maybe find a part-time job. You know, to help contribute."

"Of course, I don't plan on keeping you trapped here." He had agreed affably. "If you wish to return to school, mon couer, then that is what you should do. If you wish to get a job, then you can do that too, if it is what you want." He had frowned. "I may end up having to get a job, myself. The castle provides many things, but I don't think it can provide us with the money we may need—" he had stopped abruptly, turning to one of the doors in his study. Mable had marveled briefly at how his hearing remained incredibly sharp, even when human.

"What is it?"

"I heard something…a popping sound." They had gone over to the door and yanked it open, revealing an empty room with several large, glittering diamonds scattered about on the floor.

It turned out that the castle could indeed provide them with money should they need it.

They didn't want to push their luck, so they hadn't asked the castle for any more money or gems in the weeks since then, but Mable could tell it took some of the weight off of Theo to know that he didn't have to worry about money anytime soon.

"When do you suppose your sisters will arrive?" Labelle asked as she returned to the room, absolutely lovely in her gown.

Mable checked her phone, amused when she remembered that she now had service. "No texts," She said, ignoring the way Labelle hung over her shoulder to get a peek. "but they should be almost here. Are you sure it's all right to give them rooms in the castle?"

Labelle looked offended. "Of course it is all right, Mable! They are your family. We wouldn't make them come all the way up here and then just make them sleep out in the cold."

Mable was fairly sure that if they hadn't been enthusiastically offered rooms in the castle, her sisters would have been just fine staying at their old house, but she didn't tell Labelle that.

"Besides," Labelle said happily as she led Mable over to the vanity and started to fuss with her hair, "I know if it were me, I would want to see for myself that my little sister was going to be well taken care of. It won't hurt us to pretend to be normal for a few days."

Mable thought, a little sadly, that it was a shame that they would even have to pretend. But her fears that her sisters wouldn't be able to accept the story of an eternally enchanted castle were confirmed a few days after the curse was broken, when she met with her sisters back at their old house.

She had called her sisters as soon as she was able, as promised, and assured them of her safety. But she knew that she would have to talk to them face-to-face sooner or later, and Jeanne had mentioned that she and Colette would be traveling up to the family's old house soon to go through things before they sold it. It seemed like a good neutral ground, so Mable agreed to meet her sisters there. At their insistence, she agreed to bring Theo along with her.

She and Theo walked through the woods until they found her car, right where she had parked it. It had taken a while for them to get going—Theo was too excited to be riding in the car to listen to her instructions on how to put on a seatbelt—but soon they were on their way.

Mable's sisters had been happy to see her, and even happier to hear about the whole tale. Despite their joy, their embraces and kisses, Mable could see in their eyes that they did not believe her, still. Oh, they tried. Mable had the feeling that they had talked among themselves, decided on what they should say. They nodded smartly when she told them the whole tale of returning to the woods, the encounter with the Fairies, the destruction of the castle.

But they did not believe.

Mable had choked down her disappointment, knowing that if she tried to force them to believe her it would just make it worse. Not for the first time that day, she found herself grateful for Theo's presence. He had helped them move boxes and furniture without any complaints, and was friendly enough that even Jeanne didn't object when Mable told them she would be moving out of the Vermont house and living with him.

"You are welcome to visit us any time." He told them sincerely, giving Colette one of his best smiles. Mable hid her own smile as she watched Colette's forbidding expression melt in response. "You, your families—we would be happy to have you."

"We didn't expect you to stay here, of course." Jeanne had told Mable. "And if you're happy…"

"I am happy." She was still saddened that her sisters couldn't believe her, but that didn't mar the glow she felt every time she looked at Theo. "I love him, and that makes me happy." She couldn't help but add, "You believe me, right?" It was important for her to know that this, at least, was something they trusted her on.

Jeanne had studied her for a long moment, the tension slowly draining from her shoulders. "I do, Mable. I really do." And Mable could tell that she truly meant it.

They had ended the day by giving her sisters directions to the castle if they ever wanted to visit. Mable had hugged them both fiercely, promising to call each of them once a week, and to drive down for a visit at least once a month.

After that, she and Theo had driven back to what she truly considered to be home.

"All done." Labelle's voice pulled her out of her memories. "You look gorgeous, Mable."

Mable glanced at herself in the mirror and smiled. "Thank you. You look beautiful too, Labelle." She rubbed her arms. "God, I'm nervous."

Labelle hugged her. "Nothing to be nervous about," she said sternly, "This is simply a party. We'll dance, eat, drink and have a wonderful time. Just think of all the new people we will meet." She threw back her head and laughed. "And all the new people we will frighten with our odd ways. Oh, this is going to be fun!"

Mable shook her head, a rueful smile dancing onto her lips. Only Labelle would think of this as fun.

Maddie popped into the room, a whirlwind in blue silk and pink ribbon. "Look, look!" she squealed, and spun for the two women. "Am I ready? Do I look all right?"

Mable laughed and hugged the girl "You look great." She said, tugging on Maddie's brown hair. "Are you looking forward to meeting Felicia and Rose?" Jeanne was bringing her husband and her daughters, to Maddie's utter delight.

"I can't wait." Maddie could barely stand still, and bounced about the room. She had been talking nonstop about this party since they had told her about it. Even meeting one or two children her own age would delight her, and Mable could only hope her nieces would be just as excited to meet "the girl in the castle" that she had told them about.

There was another knock at the door and Maestro and Theo hurried through. "Good evening, ladies," Theo said cheerfully. Mable didn't think she had ever seen him look so happy in the entire time she had stayed here. She liked the change. She liked it even more when he came over to give her a brief kiss. "You look beautiful." He said, running a hand down her arm.

Mable felt a flush creep up her cheeks. "Ah, you look spiffy too." She managed. Theo threw back his head and laughed. He did indeed look quite handsome and Mable felt a tug at her belly when he smiled down at her.

Maestro shook his head. "If we are done with all this love nonsense," he said mournfully, though he could not hide the laughter in his eyes. "We have come to tell you ladies that Mable's sisters and father have arrived. It is time to make our debut." He rubbed the left side of his belt, where his scabbard usually was. Mable knew he was missing having a defense of some kind on his person, but she and Theo had been explicit when they told him no weapons. He too, looked devilishly handsome in his own tuxedo, dark and dangerous next to Labelle's saucy debutante.

Maddie pushed her way through the four adults. "Where's Papa?" she demanded of Maestro.

"In the foyer, with Mable's family," was the reply. "We thought it would be best if they met Lune first. He looks more…" Maestro frowned, searching for the right word.

"Stable." Labelle suggested. They all knew that caution was necessary when it came to her sisters and the regular public. There was to be no magic other than that of a gigantic castle tonight.

"Well, let us scurry down to the ball." Theo clapped his hands happily. "We still have to make our grand entrance. I, for one, am starving and I know Carnier did his very best with the food. We had best get down there before it is all gone."

The four adults and girl hurried out the door at the threat of missing a spectacular dinner. Mable could hear voices and music drift up from below, and briefly debated asking Theo just how many people he had invited. She thought better of it, and gripped his hand tighter as they got closer and closer to the foyer.

She shivered when they reached the front doors. It wasn't quite close enough to spring for the air to warm up, and she leaned into Theo's embrace as he put an arm around her shoulder. Her eyes scanned the foyer, eager to find her family.

There weren't as many people down here as Mable feared, though there were several groups idling in the foyer; admiring the paintings, gaping up at the mural on the ceiling. A few of the maids and footmen drifted around, offering hors d'oeuvres and drinks from silver platters.

Theo and Mable had been relieved when they were told most of the staff who had been cursed wished to stay, even those who had feared or resented Theo. Mable had been told in confidence by Labelle that the few malcontents—a couple of older maids and one or two footmen—had left as soon as they realized the curse was gone. But Labelle had assured her it was to their benefit, because who wanted such awful people around anyway? It seemed that the rest had let their hard feelings go along with the curse, and were happy to continue living and working in the castle, especially once they learned that their powers—such as the ability to walk through walls or pop from place to place—only worked on the castle grounds. Mable couldn't help but wonder how the deserters had felt once they realized that.

Even with that caveat, Mable had noticed a definite change in morale over the past few weeks. It seemed as if almost every staff member in the castle had pulled her aside to thank her personally, and now Theo was greeted with enthusiasm as he walked down the halls. Everyone was looking forward to seeing what the future, now that they had one, would bring.

Mable finally spotted her family clustered over near the Crown Wing door, chatting with Monsieur Lune. Jeanne and her husband held the hands of their daughters, who were gazing about, mouths open in total wonder. Colette was holding on to their father's arm, keeping him close.

Rose noticed her first. "Auntie Mable!" she shouted across the foyer, and Mable's family turned.

Grinning, Mable hurried over, Theo and the others in her wake. As she made the introductions, she eyed her father sidelong. She had worried that the long drive, and the unfamiliar setting, would cause him distress. Too much change in such a short time could have disastrous results.

He seemed all right as he leaned forward to give her a smacking kiss on the forehead. "You look lovely, Mable-cake." He told her. His smile was vague, as if he didn't entirely understand what was going on. "This place is huge, isn't it? Is it some kind of museum?"

"No, not quite, Daddy." Mable gave her nieces a hug. "Actually, I'm going to be living here." She grinned at the open admiration on Rose and Felicia's faces. "Don't worry, you guys are going to spend the night here too!"

Jeanne laughed at the twin squeals of joy that erupted from her daughters. "I think we found out what to get them for the next couple of birthdays." She told her husband.

Mable smiled and led them all toward the ballroom. Jeanne and Colette seemed more comfortable with her decision, now that they had seen the place for themselves. Being able to step inside the fairy-tale, Mable thought, went a long way.

Her sisters gasp outright when they reached the ballroom. It was back in its former glory at long last, with the chandeliers lit brilliantly against the painted ceiling and the mirrored walls shining. People in elegant dresses and handsome suits milled about the floor, admiring the room and the food, taking turns venturing out into the chilly air onto the balcony. Across the flood of people Mable could just see the huge, windowed walls that portrayed the forest beyond, and wondered how many of the Fairies were looking in on them tonight.

"Oh my God." Mable heard Colette say in front of her, "I've never seen anything like it!"

Mable had a hard time containing her smug smile. There wasn't a lot that impressed Colette. "Well, no use in just standing about." She said cheerfully, and nudged her family toward the buffet table, which was laden with food. Most of which, Mable was tickled to see, were of very different origins. She really should have told Carnier that spaghetti and meatballs would look odd next to a stack of pancakes. She shook her head, shoulders shaking with the effort not to laugh out loud.

Theo came over and wrapped his arm around her waist. "How do you think they are taking it?" He murmured in her ear.

Mable leaned back, tucking her head under his chin. "You know, I think they might actually be all right." She remarked thoughtfully. "Maybe they'll even believe the rest of the story, someday."

The fanciful ambience, good food and welcoming strangers soon did what Mable hoped, and within the hour her sisters had eased their way into the new surroundings, as if they attended balls every day. Jeanne and Daniel were deep in conversation with Monsieur Lune. Colette and Labelle's hands were flying as they conferred over the hum of the crowd. Margot had taken Felicia over to examine the sugar-spun unicorn that had been made special as a centerpiece for the dessert table.

Mable glanced over and saw that her father had been seated along the far wall, away from the crowds. Maddie and Rose flanked him on either side, keeping him company while also making sure he didn't wander off. Maestro leaned casually against the wall next to them, his expression bored but alert. He had taken it upon himself to guard her father, and would escort him to a quieter room if the crowds got to be too much for him.

Her father seemed content to just listen to Maddie and Rose's chatter, and Mable smiled when she saw him pat Maddie's hand affectionately, as if she were another one of his granddaughters. She made a mental note to ask Lune if Maddie could go with her the next time she visited her father at the nursing home.

Theo had kept her close most of the night, only leaving her side to instruct a few footmen on removing the buffet to make room for dancing. He sidled up next to her, eyeing the crowd nervously. "Do you think this would be a good time?"

Mable rubbed her palms nervously on her dress. They had discussed this beforehand, so she knew what was coming, but still… "Better get it over with."

Theo sighed and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Your attention, everyone!" he shouted, and Mable winced. He had shouted right next to her ear. Theo saw her grimace.

"Sorry, love." He murmured, and stepped away from her to say to the crowd, "Please, your attention. I would like to make an announcement. My name is Theodore Beaumont, and I would like to welcome you to our home. I hope you will find our hospitality to your liking. We have not made ourselves known in this area, for reasons of our own, but now we hope that you will find us…enchanting neighbors." He winked at Mable.

"I have one more announcement, before the dancing and revelry begins." He held out his hand to Mable, who took it. "I would like to ask this wonderful, beautiful woman to be my wife." He said, and Mable felt her cheeks burn with pleasure and embarrassment. She knew she had agreed to this, but it was one thing to say yes but quite another when a hundred people were staring at you. "Mable Lawrence, if you'll have me?" he asked her. Mable couldn't find the words to speak, so she just nodded. The room boomed with applause and shouted congratulations, and Mable found herself being picked up and spun around by her beloved.

Mable was surrounded by people soon after; her sisters, her brother-in-law, her nieces, her friends, and total strangers all came over to give their congratulations. Mable stood blushing for quite some time, shaking hands, getting hugged, and generally trying not to sink into the floor in embarrassment, despite the happiness that burned in her chest.

Her father came over and gave her a kiss. For once, he seemed to know exactly what was going on. "Falling in love can be terrifying," He told her in a low voice, "I am so proud to know that you were smart enough to know it when you found it, and brave enough to keep it."

Mable hugged him tight, sniffling a bit when he father reached over to clasp Theo's hand in congratulations.

She grinned at Labelle, who rushed over to grasp her tightly in an embrace.

"You knew about this whole time!" Mable laughed at her. The whole announcement had been Labelle's idea in the first place.

"Yes, but it's just so wonderful," Labelle said, and started to bawl all over Mable's shoulder before she was led away by Maestro.

"It is wonderful." said a quiet voice from behind Mable.

Theo and Mable spun simultaneously to see Rianon. Gone were the beautiful dress and the pointed ears. She had returned to her guise as Madame Cecile, dressed simply in her old maidservant's uniform.

"Ria—" Mable went to say, but Rianon shook her head.

"Madame Cecile, please, Lady."

"Cecile? I thought you went back to live with the Fairies?" Mabel had assumed that she had been welcomed back, since they hadn't seen her in several weeks.

Tears glistened in the Fairy's eyes. "I was brought before the Court. It seems, even after all this time, I am still not forgiven. I am disgraced, banished from the woods and ordered not to speak with any Fairy, except for my old mentor." She sighed. "Fauve spoke in my defense, as she did back when the curse was in place. But it was not enough."

"Oh, Cecile." Mable placed a hand on the other woman's shoulder. "I am so sorry."

"Don't be, ma cherie. This is penance for being bested by my own pride. But you," Cecile grabbed Mable's shoulders and gave her a fierce smile. "You proved to everyone that love goes beyond appearance, beyond pride, beyond faults—and once found, can accomplish wondrous outcomes. I think that balances out my past misdeeds quite nicely."

Mable was so stunned she almost didn't hear Theo coming up behind her. "That does not mean you should be cast out." He rumbled. "As I said before, you are welcome to live with us."

Mable squeezed Madame Cecile's hands. "I second that." She grinned. "We still need an official gardener, after all."

Madame Cecile gave them both a tentative smile. "Thank you, Master…Lady." Her smile brightened as her eyes flickered past Mable's shoulder. "Perhaps we should finish up later. It looks like the news of your upcoming nuptials had incited quite a bit of revelry."

Mable turned and saw that their guests, Mable's family included, had dispersed while they were talking to Madame Cecile. Monsieur Carnier had taken his place at the piano, and Maestro—probably on Labelle's instructions—had brought out his violin. Music swelled through the room, and dancers took their places in the middle of the floor. Among them, Mable could see Jeanne and Daniel swaying in each other's arms. Colette had pulled their father out onto the floor, and Mable's nieces were twirling about with Maddie, the bonds of friendship already in place. Labelle and Lune were dancing close by, keeping a weather eye on the three young girls.

"Dance with me?" Theo's voice was warm in her ear. She smiled and gave him her hand.

As they strode out onto the floor, hand in hand, Mable thought about the future. The curse was broken. Eventually, the servants whose dreams took them beyond the castle grounds would want to leave. Maddie would go soon to school and, knowing Maddie, would make hundreds of new friends. Labelle and Maestro could marry, could start a family of their own. Mable didn't have to give up her family; she could visit them, and they her, whenever she wanted.

It wasn't all perfect, though. There were things about her life that her family could never understand. Mable's children would have to grow up with the secret, not being able to tell anyone about the spells, and the magical rooms, and the wonderful secrets that such a huge castle could hold.

Mable didn't have to wonder if it was worth the price. Looking into Theo's eyes, seeing the love reflected in them, was enough for her to know that it was worth everything.

It wasn't a happily ever after, she thought, but it was good enough for her.