Canterbury, England

February, 1818

Miss Adeline Price, eldest daughter of Viscount Melton, stared at the half-dozen trunks and traveling bags she’d demanded make the journey with her to Canterbury. The coachman had haphazardly tossed them from the mail coach to the frozen, damp dirt at the end of the long drive.

“You cannot think to shove me from the carriage and discard me here.” Adeline stomped her boot-clad foot and turned her sharp stare on the driver. Her light brown curls tumbled over her shoulder at her sudden movement. “I will write to my father and have you drawn and quartered the moment you arrive back in London.”

“I have work ta do, miss,” the driver scuffed. “And I not be paid enough ta deal with the likes of ye spoiled London chits. I don’t be find’n me pay as a nursemaid.”

“The nerve of—“ Her words cut off when the man climbed up to his seat and took the reins, calling to his horses and leaving Adeline in the dust, dirty from the muck kicked up by the departing coach. “Bloody, swag-bellied bull!”

Taking a step closer to her worldly possessions—everything she called hers had been hastily packed and delivered, with her in tow, to the mailing post in London—Adeline sank onto her archaic trunk. The cold evening air slowly wormed its way through the thick wool of her cloak, seeping all the way to her undergarments as a shiver overtook her. She clamped her jaw tight to keep her teeth from chattering.

“A pox upon you, Alistair,” she seethed at the empty, rolling hills surrounding her. It was her brother’s fault she’d been shipped away from home under the guise of education. Adelaide and Amelia, her younger sisters, hadn’t been cast out of London for a proper education. No, it was only Adeline who’d been sent away to an all-girls boarding school in the wilds of Kent. “Damnation and hellfire.”

Hellfire actually sounded vastly more appealing than perishing due to the cold of night.

Adeline narrowed her glare on the decaying structure nestled between a large grove of birch trees at the far end of the long drive. It seemed an eternity away—and never would Adeline accomplish the task of hauling her trunks the entire distance.

The urge to scream, to stomp her foot and punch something consumed her. If her brother were present, she would throw her handbag at his face; though she was well aware that her young age put her at a severe disadvantage physically.

Bloody, contemptible imp.

At only twelve, Adeline had either said or thought every vile utterance she’d stocked her memory with from years surrounded by four brothers.

She scrutinized the old building, propping her chin on her bent knees, noting the front door opening and two people coming toward her. As they drew closer, it was clear one was a servant dressed in livery garb. The other was a tall woman with her brown hair tied severely at the nape of her neck and outfitted in a black gown a decade older than was fashionable. She appeared to have some authority here.

For the briefest of moments, Adeline contemplated giving up; going along with her brother’s plan for her…but then the woman’s narrowed eyes traveled from Adeline’s head to her filthy gown to her muddied boots as if Adeline were naught but a vagrant, a child not belonging to this fancy, highbrowed school of learning. Adeline stiffened with resolve.

The aching in her body only intensified when she stood to greet the pair. Spending over a day in a mail coach was exhausting, to say the least. However, she refused to admit that she’d been dumped alongside the edge of the road, her possessions unceremoniously thrown from the boot, without even enough coin to secure a more civilized mode of conveyance to Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality. Not an inch of Adeline felt of outstanding quality, and there was certainly no chance of the pair approaching her being convinced of such from her untidy appearance.

The older woman stopped before Adeline, her stare remaining on her no doubt dirt-streaked face, but giving a tight smile and motioning for the servant to collect the many trunks loitering at the end of the drive.

“You must be Miss Adeline Price.” The woman’s tone gave no indication whether she was pleased to see Adeline or burdened by her less than proper arrival. “I am Miss Emmeline, headmistress here at the school. Do follow me.”

The woman did not wait for Adeline’s reply, nor did Adeline verbalize the redundancy of the headmistress’ words. The first was much in line with her home in London—no one ever waited for her response. Yet, Adeline holding her tongue was not something she was accustomed to. No matter the occasion, she relished being heard—perhaps there was a valid reason for her exile to Canterbury.

Adeline followed the woman, leaving the servant behind to collect her things.

The wide double doors remained open, and the headmistress led Adeline inside, not pausing to allow Adeline time to remove her cloak but instead continuing down a long hall, torches lighting the way. Adeline’s boots echoed loudly as they progressed down the corridor, her cloak and skirts swooshing around her legs as she struggled to keep pace with Miss Emmeline.

Adeline was prepared to demand the woman set a more leisurely pace when she pivoted sharply and entered a large room, gesturing once again for her newest pupil to follow. The room was in severe need of renovations—or possibly a deep scrubbing—and Adeline feared the walls would crumble around her if she ventured inside.

“We do not have all night, Miss Adeline,” the headmistress huffed, sinking into the chair behind her desk. “Either have a seat or return to the roadside and await your white knight to come and make everything better.”

She was unaware leaving was an option. Glancing over her shoulder and down the hall, she watched the servant lug her first trunk out of the cold and set it none too gently inside the entrance, far too small and cramped to be considered a foyer.

With a deep sigh, Adeline entered the room and stood behind the chair across from Miss Emmeline’s large table that served as her desk, its legs crooked and its surface appearing as if one need only set a feather upon it for the table to crash to the ground. It was no wonder she’d never gained the esteemed status as a Mrs, for her cold demeanor would likely scare off any suitor who might fancy her appearance—which Adeline was not reluctant to admit needed far more work than her monotone voice and rigid posture.

“Sit.” The headmistress shuffled through a stack of folders, finally settling on one and bringing it in front of her. She opened the file, and Adeline did her best to keep her gaze on the woman as opposed to the papers the headmistress now diligently read. Miss Emmeline’s stare moved from the paper to Adeline. No reaction crossed her face when she saw the girl still standing. “Your family writes that you have been experiencing certain, shall we call them issues“—her brow rose—“at home.”

Adeline’s chin lifted several notches, but she remained silent.

Miss Emmeline chuckled softly before continuing. “I certainly do not foresee you causing a commotion here or becoming a distraction. You see, at my school, we pride ourselves on allowing young ladies to discover who they are, and provide them with the time and resources to help them become the women they long to be.” The headmistress took a deep breath after her long-winded and fanciful dribble regarding her school’s unrealistic ideals. “Is this something you will embrace, Miss Adeline?”

The only thing Adeline wanted to embrace at that moment was her brother’s neck for convincing their parents to send her away for a proper education.

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.

Adeline quickly stepped onto the dais at the front of the room when Miss Emmeline waved her forward.

“Ladies,” the headmistress’ voice boomed loudly, projecting to every corner of the room and bouncing back at Adeline. “It is with great pleasure that I introduce our newest student, Miss Adeline Price.”

A round of reserved clapping filled the room when Miss Emmeline gestured toward Adeline as if the congregated girls were too dull to realize the woman spoke of the girl next to her.

Adeline briefly scanned the crowd, her stare lingering on no one for more than a flick of a moment. There was little need to familiarize herself with anyone here—she would be gone soon enough, if not from her horrid attitude than from her family’s lack of funds to afford the large expense.

She was startled to find the headmistress gazing at her with sympathy as her hand softly settled on Adeline’s shoulder, and she leaned in close to whisper, “No matter how angry you are with your family, this place and these girls are your fresh start. You can be anyone you want to be while at this school. I do hope you embrace this and make a home for yourself here.”

Pulling away from the woman’s touch, Adeline opened the drawstring on her bag. She couldn’t afford the time spent pondering the woman’s words, though they were an offer of sorts. A single fact remained, Adeline was here, against her will, and she did not have to like it…ever. Alistair would rue the day he entangled himself in his sister’s future. She would not be a mere slip of a twelve-year-old for long. The day would come when he would apologize to her and seek her forgiveness.

Adeline reached into her bag and retrieved the deck of cards she’d secreted away with her in the carriage.

“Please speak loudly and clearly for all to hear, Miss Adeline,” the headmistress prodded. “What academic talent will you regale us with?”

It was best Adeline keep her mouth shut and allow her skill to speak for itself, lest Miss Emmeline stop her before Adeline even got started.

Hurrying to the piano set farther back on the dais, along with several other instruments of various kinds, she pulled the bench seat toward the front and knelt behind it, giving the entire crowd a decent view as she removed the band holding the cards together and began shuffling them with expert precision.

The headmistress stepped closer to gain a better view, her brow furrowing; nevertheless, Adeline pushed on.

With one final shuffle of the dog-eared deck, Adeline turned to her audience with a smirk. “Now, it is essential every young woman has the means to procure a decent income, in addition to your pin money.” The young girls all nodded in agreement. “There are many ways a woman can supplement her funds, including mending clothes, selling wares, and even becoming a governess or lady’s companion. However, it is my understanding that the pupils here at Miss Emmeline’s School come from families that would never allow such base actions as earning one’s money in such an unsavory manner.”

Adeline paused for a moment to allow her words their full impact.

“It is important to remember“—Adeline held up one card, facing the crowd—“each card has a value.” She laid the card face up on the bench and flipped the next card. A jack of hearts. “For example—“

“Miss Adeline,” the headmistress said, clearing her throat. “Would you mind informing us of your talent before you actually perform it?”

Bollocks.

There was little chance the woman was aware of what Adeline was up to.

“Please speak loudly so all can hear.”

“Well, mending clothes and making one’s self available as a companion is very time consuming,” Adeline stammered before pausing to take a deep breath. “Sometimes, it is not an option for young ladies of a certain nobility. However, that does nothing to decrease a lady’s need for a steady source of funds.”

“As you’ve already said, Miss Adeline.”

“There is a simpler, less cumbersome way to supplement a lady’s pin money.”

“And that would entail…”

“Counting cards in a gaming hell, Headmistress.”

The woman’s narrowed eyes bulged, and her mouth gaped, but she quickly reined in her shock as the other students broke out in laughter and applause.

“Miss Adeline, that is highly inappropriate—“

“But a very noteworthy and useful talent,” Adeline cut in. “One that any woman short on funds would find beneficial. And, dare I say, lifesaving.”

The young women burst out in another round of riotous merriment as the headmistress clapped her hands loudly and called the room to order.

“Ladies!” she shouted above the din, her voice no longer the unaffected monotone from earlier. “Ladies, quiet yourselves, or you will all be walking the stairs with a large volume of Robinson Crusoe on your head until you’ve managed the climb and descend ten times without it going askew.”

Adeline needed to give the older woman credit, for the girls snapped their mouths shut and folded their hands primly in their laps.

“May I assume you hold some musical or artistic talent, Miss 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.