10. More Than Meets the Eye #3
Arthur shook his head. He knew who his father was, and his father’s father before him. Such an inquiry seemed pointless. “I have not.”
“I’m not saying the Society is without its flaws, but I’ll have you know I am here to preserve and protect the entire magical community.
I’m far more interested in our similarities than our differences.
” Amrita smoothed her hair back into strands and twisted it back up into a simple knot.
She pinned it with a bit of polished bone.
“Now that’s settled. Let’s focus on the task at hand.
Tell me what you think should be done from a legal perspective. ”
Arthur was relieved to be back in safe territory as he reached for his briefcase. He had prepared for this part of the conversation. “I assume that the Society is seeking to ensure a smooth transition of ownership back to the Lathrops. So I did some research and drew the papers up.”
“You already drew papers up?” Amrita looked surprised. “What for?”
“Will and I are meeting with Miss Westabrook after we finish here,” Arthur explained. “Once she assigns power of attorney over to me, I will return to Primrose Court and handle the transfer of the property to another party on her behalf.”
“Wouldn’t it be nice if things could be that simple?” Amrita rocked back in her seat again and sighed. “What makes you think she’ll go along with this?”
“Will seems to think Maida doesn’t have any interest in the Mudpuddle.” Arthur felt the first faint traces of worry as Amrita questioned him.
“Just because Maida doesn’t think she’s interested in the Mudpuddle, doesn’t mean the Mudpuddle isn’t interested in her.
” Amrita closed her eyes for a moment, as if she were considering her words carefully.
“I know you have a degree in creature law and are familiar with witch magic as it pertains to property law. But that’s not the same as understanding how certain domestic enchantments work, and the long-term effects of such powerful spells.
All the centuries of magic poured into the Mudpuddle have created a third party with a valid interest in the proceedings. ”
“You’re not suggesting that the house itself is a sentient entity?” Arthur scoffed. “That’s preposterous.”
“Is it really?” Amrita posed the question like a teacher, patiently urging a student to reconsider an incorrect answer.
“Fine,” Arthur said, begrudgingly. “I won’t deny that I am unfamiliar with such magic, and I don’t doubt that such things are possible. But ?there is no place for anthropomorphism within the law.”
“Perhaps there should be.” Amrita stood to gaze out the window.
Once again, she paused before going on. “I’m afraid it will not be possible for Maida to transfer ownership of the property in its present state.
She may need the Mudpuddle’s consent. In order to get that, she’d need to visit Primrose Court and coax the property back. ”
“You really want me to bring an unordained Ordinary into Primrose Court? We both know that’s strictly forbidden.
Not to mention the risks that would pose to Maida’s mental health,” Arthur challenged.
Technically, she wouldn’t be the first Ordinary to make it past the warded alley.
They regularly made exceptions for Ordinary mages and mediums. But these were trained professionals who’d already seen past the veil. Maida was not one of them.
He shouldn’t have to tell the Director that bringing Maida to Primrose Court so suddenly could drive Maida mad. They were going in circles.
“The Mudpuddle doesn’t care what kind of mortal Maida is.
All she knows is that it’s Minerva who keeps the place running and that Maida’s name is on her deed.
She won’t come back unless she feels it’s safe to do so.
” Amrita paused to think for a moment. “I won’t deny that bringing Maida to Primrose Court is risky.
But we may not have a choice. The Mudpuddle is what keeps Primrose Court stable.
Without it, I’m afraid relations between the witches, shifters and other magical folk who live there will deteriorate rapidly. ”
“She? Now the house has pronouns?” Arthur ran a hand through his hair.
He was at a rare loss for words, questioning why they’d chosen him at all.
“What am I actually doing here?” he asked.
“I know how to draw up legal documents, Director Berman. But making a skittish domicile feel safe is well outside my wheelhouse. And if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not have to enlighten Ms. Westabrook about magic. Once was more than enough.”
“You know what I’ve learned during my tenure here at the museum, Mr. Hart?
Most Ordinaries have much more of a capacity for embracing natural magic than we give them credit for,” Amrita said.
“I believe you have untapped abilities that will see you through this mission as well. Otherwise, we never would have selected you.” Amrita turned over her teacup, indicating that their meeting was over.
“Just try to keep an open mind, Arthur.”