Page 2 of Adeline

Instead of speaking her mind, Adeline gave the headmistress her most innocent and demure smile. It would not do to alert the woman to the sheer amount of commotion and distraction Adeline foresaw herself causing at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality.

“I have been given no other option but to embrace my time here, Headmistress.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed on Adeline as if she saw right through her innocent grin and coy words. “Very well.” She set the papers aside and folded her hands on the table in front of her. “It is time to find out who you will be sharing a room with.”

“Sharing a room?” Adeline huffed, folding her arms across her chest. “I think not. I am the daughter of a grand lord, I will not share a room with some vagabond I am not acquainted with.”

“I can assure you, this school is responsible for the education of many well-connected young women, ranging from the daughters of successful merchants and shipping men to the offspring of an Italian prince. As the daughter of a viscount, you are no more important or connected than any other ladies under my care and protection.”

The rebuff was given without an ounce of anger or shock at Adeline’s behavior.

“And, if you think you are the first woman to be sent here under the orders of another, you are wrong.” Miss Emmeline relaxed down in her seat, sitting back and resting her head against the back of her straight-backed chair. “Now, to determine your sleeping quarters, you will be called upon to demonstrate your skill in three different departments of learning: academics, art and music, and a physical sport.”

“Does the proper setting of a dining table count as a sport?” Adeline challenged.

“No—“

“That is very good because I have servants who are charged with that.”

Miss Emmeline pushed from her chair, clearly having reached her boiling point, her patience with Adeline at an end. “You will learn quickly that this school, while instructing our pupils in the arts of decorum and etiquette, places far more emphasis on arithmetic, the sciences, geography, music, and outdoor activities. You will not spend your time learning needlepoint, nor how to properly blush when complimented.”

Adeline remained silent as the headmistress pulled the bell cord close to the door and a young woman appeared in the doorway as if she’d been waiting outside to be summoned.

The woman gave Adeline a warm smile and turned to Miss Emmeline. “Is it time to present Miss Adeline?”

“Yes, please gather all the young women, Miss Dires.”

With a nod, Miss Dires gave Adeline another quick smile then fled the room, her slippers making nary a sound.

“First, you will present an academic talent, such as recitation of a poem or mathematical equation. Then it will be time for your music or art presentation. You may sing, dance, play an instrument or paint. It is up to you. Lastly, we shall all move outdoors for your sporting presentation. When everything is complete, I will select a room for you to join with other young women whose talents compliment yours.”

Adeline’s resolve and confidence drained from her at the thought of performing before a gathering of girls she did not know. If it had been Adeline’s chore to watch a new student present before the entire school, she’d likely judge the girl harshly.

“I must do as you bid?” she asked.

The headmistress gave her a curt nod. “Or you will not find your evening meal nor a bed.”

There was no doubt Alistair would be laughing his arse off at her discomfort; however, he was still surrounded by the familiar at their family’s London townhouse, or perhaps her family had traveled back to the Melton country estate. It mattered naught. Adeline was in Canterbury…alone.

It would behoove her to play by the headmistress’ rules—at least for the time being.

“Are you ready, Miss Adeline?”

“Yes.”

“Is there something you need to retrieve from your trunks for any of your talents?”

Adeline searched for any inkling of what might get her through the next hour or so. An idea sparked as she remembered what she’d stolen from her father’s office before leaving London. It was safely stashed in her handbag.

If the woman wanted to see Adeline’s talents, far be it from Adeline to deny her the privilege.

Patting her handbag, Adeline smiled at the woman. “I have my academic talent here.”

“Let us join the other pupils.”

Adeline followed the woman back down the hallway to a door that stood open, revealing a large, high-ceilinged room with torches lining the walls for light as the sun set outside the bank of windows.

Young girls ranging in age from around eleven to those nearly ready for their societal debut sat primly about the room, their heads tilted together in quiet conversation. Several instructors could be seen standing against the walls, keeping close watch on the girls.