The headmistress nodded again.
Annabel swallowed. “Well, my papa always encouraged learning, but he didn’t approve of novel reading. He believed novels could be dangerous for a young woman.”
The headmistress nodded. “Yes, I’m aware that some people still believe that falsity.”
“He wasn’t opposed to all novels, only those I read in secret. But he thought so highly ofThe Female Quixotethat he purchased it and instructed me to read it.” The tale she told as Anne wasn’t entirely fictional.The Female QuixoteandClarissawere the only two novels that had survived the burning and both had been given to her by Mrs. Leonard.
“Did he?” A smile pulled at the corners of the headmistress’s lips. “And what did you think of the novel?”
“I adored it, but not for the same reasons as Papa.” Annabel shifted in her seat to face the headmistress. “He said it would teach me a good lesson on the dangers of reading novels. But as I read, I saw that wasn’t the case, and I felt as though the author, Miss Lennox, and I shared a private joke.”
The headmistress’s face brightened. “Go on.”
“Arabella—that’s the heroine’s name—foolishly confuses real life with the French romance novels she loves to read, and her behavior is so outlandish that it is comical. I knew immediately that the author intended to mock the notion that women cannot tell the difference between stories and real life.”
Headmistress Thomas clapped her hands. “I couldn’t agree more, and I look forward to reading your essay on the subject.” She reached for the composition book again.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you have it.”
The headmistress retracted her hand. “I expect you noticed that Mr. Hudsyn isn’t here today. Do you still fear—”
“It isn’t him,” Annabel interjected. “I—I’m sorry, but I might not be able to attend these classes in the future. You see, the woman with whom I lived fell ill and has moved to be with her family. Because of this, I need to find a new place to stay. It may be far away from here. I don’t have any skills or talents, and I have little money of my own to spend, so I think I must go to a farm and earn my keep or something. I don’t know.”
“No skills or talents? Is that what you believe?”
Annabel dropped her gaze.If the headmistress knew the truth—that I’ve only ever known wealth, luxury, and idleness—she’d surely despise me.“Babies seem to like me. Perhaps I will find a job as a mother’s helper.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea. Tell me, how would you like to become a student at this college?”
“I should love it,” Annabel said, “but as I said, I don’t have the funds.”
“We have scholarships available. I could arrange for you to attend free of charge.”
“On charity?” Annabel stiffened.
Do you wish to bring shame to your family by choosing spinsterhood and living off your papa’s charity?Her stepmother’s voice resounded in her mind.That your papa has immense wealth does not entitle you to his charity. A woman must fulfill her obligation to society by becoming a wife and a mother. That is a woman’s sole purpose. Those who refuse to do their part and rely on charity are an albatross around society’s neck.
It was easy for Annabel to envision the stares and disdain she would incur from the students and masters as a charity pupil. They would think her lazy and idle. She shivered. “I cannot accept charity.”
“It wouldn’t be charity. You said you’d like to find work as a mother’s helper. Well, it so happens that one of our school mistresses requires such help.”
“And you think she would approve of me?” Annabel said, unable to believe her luck.
“I know she would. In fact, why don’t you come with me now? I’m expected at her home for tea. My husband and children are already there and no doubt wondering what has delayed me.”
“I don’t want to impose,” Annabel said. “They are not expecting me.”
“Oh, we are not so serious in our lives as to worry about such trivialities. You will be most welcome.”
*
Annabel’s nerves sangas she sat in the carriage beside the headmistress. If all went well, she would finally be one of those students she’d watched from afar. The thought of reading, studying, and discussing books without censure made her dizzy with glee.
“You have nothing to fear,” Headmistress Thomas reassured as if she could sense Annabel’s anxiety. “This won’t be an interview, only a casual introduction over tea.”
The carriage turned onto the grounds of a palatial home built of red brick and stone, surrounded by greenery and fountains adorned with statues of Greek gods and goddesses.
“What do you think?” Headmistress Thomas said.
