Forever My Love (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page B

times, and you will be dependable in all your habits."
    "My niece only reached England nine days ago," Arabella stated in defense of Royal. "I was told that she was not expected until this week."
    Mrs. Fortescue turned her cold stare on Arabella. "Yes, that is correct, and this week began two days ago. She was expected Monday morning."
    "That would have been impossible, Mrs. Fortescue, because Royal had fittings for her new wardrobe. It was not easy finding black gowns that were flattering to my niece. You know she is in mourning for her father." Arabella drew in a breath. "And her shoes had not yet been—"
    A tight smile pinched the headmistress's lips. "We have a rule here that is never broken, and that is: No excuses ever—only results."
    "I'm sorry, Mrs. Fortescue," Royal apologized. "It will not happen again."
    "See that it does not," came the reprimand. "You may as well know right now that we usually do not take girls from the... Colonies, here at Fulham." She pronounced the word Colonies as if it were some dread disease. "Fulham School is over two hundred and fifty years old and has the reputation of accepting only young ladies from our finest families."
    Royal's eyes gleamed. "I make no apologies for my family."
    The challenge went unanswered, and Mrs. Fortescue continued as if Royal had not spoken. "Fulham accommodates no more than twenty-five students. Of those twenty-five students, only you and the two granddaughters of the lord mayor of Edinburgh are not of noble birth. However," she continued frostily, "since your mother was a student here, and since your guardian, Mr. Routhland, is not without influence, we have decided to allow you in." Her eyes narrowed. "On a probationary basis, of course. You will find that if you tend to your own affairs and apply yourself to your studies, you will fare well enough."
    Arabella came to her feet, her eyes blazing with anger. "It is inconceivable for me to leave my niece in a place that belittles and talks down to her! I am of a mind to take her away from here right now!"
    Mrs. Fortescue seemed unruffled by Arabella's outburst. "You cannot take Royal away, Miss Bradford. The moment she walked through those doors this morning, she became my responsibility. As a matter of fact, I am going to ask you not to visit your niece for at least three months. We have a settling-in period, and we find the students adapt more easily to Fulham if their well-meaning relatives do not, shall we say, interfere."
    “I am not bound by your outdated rules. It's barbaric to keep young girls away from their families. You cannot stop me from seeing my niece."
    "But, you see, I can—and I shall."
    The two women stared at each other until at last Arabella, realizing she could not win this confrontation, lowered her eyes. "Before I leave, at least assure me that Royal will be well treated here."
    In a composed voice Mrs. Fortescue replied, "Better than that, your niece will learn to work with needle and shuttle and do fine embroidery. She will learn mathematics, history, and geography. She will learn to speak French and Latin, and if she does not know how to read and write, that will be taught her also. If she is adept in music, she will have voice lessons, and she can choose from several instruments in which to become proficient. She will be instructed in dance and, of course, the social graces. When your niece leaves Fulham, Miss Bradford, she will be presentable in any house in London, and at any table. No one could do more for her. Though the school year is under way, she will be expected to catch up with her classmates."
    ***
    Arabella looked dejected. "Then I have no choice but to place her in your care. Will you give me time to take my leave of Royal in private?"
    "No," Mrs. Fortescue said. "You may say your good-byes here and now. Already the two of you have disrupted my morning. Your niece is not the only student at our school, you know."
    Royal stood up and rushed into her aunt's arms. "Must