Page 4 of Adeline

“Certainly,” Adeline said with a nod. “I am quite skilled on the curtal.”

Miss Emmeline smoothed back her hair before rubbing her cheek. “The what?”

“It is an ancient bassoon, of sorts,” Adeline offered. She was well aware that only three such instruments remained in existence, and one was housed at the London Museum. “I would be happy to display my talents if you would point me in the direction of your curtal.”

“I am sorry to say we do not have a curtal at this school, perhaps another wind instrument—”

“Will not do at all,” Adeline said with a shake of her head. “Mayhap you have a kantele.”

Miss Emmeline shook her head.

“A salpinx?”

“We have neither of those instruments.”

Adeline did everything in her power to contain her grin of victory. “Then I suppose I will be unable to present any musical skill today.”

A sprinkle of laughter sounded in the room. It was nowhere near as loud as when she had announced her skill at counting cards, but still received a stern glare from their headmistress.

“We shall move on to the sporting activity then.” The headmistress raised her hands, signaling for the girls to stand as Miss Dires pushed a set of doors wide, allowing a view of the grassy area beyond. “Let us retire outside.”

“I—I will not—“ Adeline stammered, collecting her cards and slipping them back into her handbag. “I will not perform like some caged animal in a gypsy sideshow.”

Adeline widened her stance and crossed her arms. The woman, even with the help of her other instructors, would never force her to carry out any sporting talent.

“No one thinks you a caged animal, Miss Adeline,” the headmistress insisted as the other students filed out of the room. “I assure you, this process will assist me in making certain your stay at my school is beneficial and enjoyable to all, not just you.”

Adeline lifted her chin, doing her best to stare down her nose at the woman, though she was a good foot and a half taller than she.

“Have it your way,” Miss Emmeline said with a sigh. “However, you will room alone for the foreseeable future.”

Adeline grinned, satisfied with the commotion she’d caused during her first hour.

“Let me inform you, however, loneliness and solitude are not things young girls are suited to endure long-term. You are new to Canterbury, alone and without the benefit of a friend, your stay here will not be a pleasant one under these conditions.”

Adeline’s smile faltered at the headmistress’ stare. “Is that a threat?”

The older woman shook her head, a pitying look settling on her face. “No, my dear, it is a promise.”

Without another word for Adeline, Miss Emmeline turned to Miss Dires and motioned to her. The young woman scurried over, dipping into a curtsy before Adeline and her employer.

“Do show Miss Adeline to her room.” Miss Emmeline didn’t so much as spare Adeline another look. “She will stay in the empty room next to mine. She is very tired from her travels and will wait until morning to eat.”

“Yes, Headmistress.”

In response, Adeline’s stomach let out an angry growl.

“I will see you on the morrow, Miss Adeline,” the older woman said, her face mirroring the triumphant smile Adeline had worn only a few moments before. “I hope you find your lodgings adequate, if sparse.”

She pivoted away from Adeline and Miss Dires, calling for the ladies to join her in the banquet hall for their evening meal.

Adeline had little choice but to follow Miss Dires in the opposite direction out into the hall, her head lowered. She’d gravely underestimated the headmistress. She was not the type of woman to become irritated to the point of anger at Adeline’s antics. No, she was the type used to the struggle and conflict raging within her young pupils. If Adeline was to make it through her time away from her family, she needs must either conform to Miss Emmeline’s rules or spend the next several years alone.

Chapter 1

Canterbury, England

March, 1827