The Last Phoenix by Linda Chapman

Maureen.
    â€œI knew you were sorting out the costumes and I wondered whether you needed any help,” said Milly. “Jason said he’d come along too. Didn’t you, Jason?”
    â€œUmmm…yeah,” Jason agreed.
    â€œThat’s so sweet of you both,” Maureen said fondly.
    â€œWe could certainly do with a couple extra pairs of hands,” Ruby agreed.
    â€œOh, thank you!” Milly said, as though sorting costumes was what she loved best in the whole world. “We’re going out at eleven with our family, but we’d love to helpuntil then!”
    â€œWell, take your coats off and come over here,” said Maureen. “We’re trying to pick costumes for the dancers in the chorus. A lot of stuff obviously isn’t suitable and a lot needs chucking…”
    Jason took an armful of clothes with an embarrassed nod. He sorted uncertainly through a ragbag bundle of old outfits, while Milly chattered away to the ladies.
    After several minutes, she casually crossed to a big wardrobe. “Oh wow!” she exclaimed suddenly. “You’ve got some Egyptian costumes! We’re doing an assembly about the Egyptians at school, me and Jason and two friends.” Milly pulled out a couple of hangers loaded with white folds of fabric. “We’re supposed to be dressing up, but we’re just using old sheets.”
    Jason saw Ruby and Maureen exchange looks.
    Milly touched one of the costumes very carefully. “These are so beautiful, so well made. Our teacher would be so amazed if we had something like this.” She smiled sadly at Jason. “Oh well, the sheets will be fine…”
    â€œYou could always borrow these, Milly dear,” said Maureen.
    â€œReally?” Milly turned to them hopefully.
    Ruby nodded. “How long would you need them for?”
    â€œI could bring them back tomorrow, after school,”Milly said quickly.
    Ruby smiled. “Well, we wouldn’t lend our costumes to just anyone, but I’m sure you two will take very good care of them.”
    â€œWe will! We promise!” Milly said.
    â€œWe’ve got sashes and robes that go with them, somewhere,” added Maureen.
    â€œOh, thank you!” Milly hugged her. “It’s so kind of you!”
    Maureen looked very pleased. “It was kind of you to offer to help, dear. And one good turn deserves another, I always say.”
    Milly looked at Jason, who was standing there speechless—and grinned.
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    A little while later, Jason and Milly headed up the drive of Mr. Milton’s house with four carrier bags full of Egyptian costumes, belts, turbans, and head scarves.
    â€œWe’re bound to fit in when we go back to Egypt now,” said Milly, bubbling with enthusiasm.
    They reached the workshop. Jess and Michael were already inside with Fenella. Although the weather was cold and wet, it was as boiling hot as ever inside the building. The golden bird was huddled deep inside the kiln on top of her egg, calling out through the open furnace door.
    â€œHow was I to know you wouldn’t be able to sell my gold, duckie?” the phoenix was protesting. “Merchants today can’t have much taste, that’s all I can say.”
    â€œAnd Michael doesn’t have much sense ,” Jess added.
    â€œThat’s for sure,” said Milly, smiling sweetly at her brother. “Hello, Fenella. Hi, Jess.”
    Jason smiled around at everyone and held up the carrier bags he was holding. “We’ve brought some outfits!”
    â€œOh, great,” Michael muttered.
    â€œI love a fashion show!” Fenella smiled at the children, but Milly thought the bird was looking less bright today in every sense. Her golden plumage seemed a little tarnished, and her good humor seemed forced. Milly was reminded of how her stepmum, Ann, would quietly soldier on when she was ill or had a headache.
    â€œAre you feeling okay, Fenella?” she