Stella Beauregard most certainly did not subscribe to Witch Weekly, but her pupil most certainly did—an arrangement that suited the governess well. That her own daughter had been included in a recent article for anything short of an engagement caused the witch no small discomfort and embarrassment, especially given how level-headed and well-mannered she knew her daughter (generally) to be.

Motherhood was not an easy job. There was the labouring, of course, which had been a menace the first couple of times but seemed almost easy with her subsequent children (bar the twins). The actual rearing of them, though, was far greater a challenge, and one most women—Stella included—were woefully unprepared for. Even with nearly three decades of experience, there were still times Stella felt overwhelmed or ill-prepared. Was she too meddlesome, or did she allow her offspring too much freedom?

Today, Stella felt, it was almost certainly the latter.

"No apologies needed, my dear—an occupation is a commitment to be fulfilled, after all," she remarked kindly—enough so that, if Elsie were paying attention, she would almost certainly detect ulterior motive. The 'borrowed' Witch Weekly sat on the table.