Prue thought how lovely it was to see the personifates enjoying such a magical evening together, and she pictured Luella perched with the choir singing her heart out. Her chest burned at the thought that she would never get to see her again. Biting her lip, she tried to focus on the beauty of the sound and not on the consuming blackness that came on when she thought of how much she’d lost.

“They’re amazing. Mum says I sound like a strangled cat when I sing,” said Prue.

“Oh!” said Agapantha.

“No, it’s fine, she’s completely right!” Prue laughed, pulling herself away from the dark thoughts.

Inside was filled with more glittering lights trailing the iron balustrades of every level and crisscrossing high above. They reflected on the glass ceiling, making it look like a galaxy of gleaming stars. Long rectangular tables filled the central atrium, with crisp white tablecloths and flickering silver candles. They were laden with pumpkin soup, wholesome loaves, roasted corn, peas and pumpkin pie.

All the craftsman and masters wore suits and black bow ties and dresses, and Prue had to look twice at some before she realized who they were. Some of the personifates had dressed up too, although they mainly just accessorized with the odd tie or silk scarf. She caught sight of Phineas in a bow tie with flashing pink lights, sitting beside Craftsman Primrose who smiled at them from the other side where he was talking with Master White.

“Come on, let’s sit together,” said Prue.

“Now I really wish I could eat!” said Edwin.

The bread was still warm, and they dipped it into the steaming orange-coloured soup.

Prue licked the butter from her lips. “Mmm, sorry, Ed, but this food is so good!”

“It’s all right; I’m imagining every mouthful.”

“Maybe they could find a way of personifates being able to taste without eating?” Agapantha looked thoughtful, then took a bite of corn.

“There’s an idea,” Prue said, switching to pumpkin pie with a large dollop of cream. “Perhaps some sort of smell detector to activate simulated flavour.”

“Whoever reaches craftsman first needs to make it their first priority!” Edwin laughed.

After they’d eaten, there was more singing outside, and the tempo was faster and jauntier. People began getting up and going out to dance. Prue hadn’t danced since the North Owlcot fete two years ago.

“Come on, let’s join them!” Prue said, pushing the memory away before she thought about Francis again.

Edwin needed no persuasion, but it took some dragging to get Agapantha to her feet.

The music changed and a soloist replaced the choir.

“That singing is amazing! Let’s see who it is,” said Prue.

They hurried outside. To their amazement, Cora stood at the front of the choir, singing her heart out.