I stood before her, grinning foolishly, waiting for her to tell me to gather my things and come home with her. Instead, she said, rather impatiently, “So, Aurore, now you are here. I suppose it’s for the best, though I know you will earnestly be taught ridiculous things by bloodless women who cannot decide for themselves how to dress, much less how to think. Mind you keep your wits about you. This is all part of your grandmother’s plan for how to properly educate you. You must endure it for a greater good; you must become in one way or another able to manage the riches you will inherit.” I stared at her. “You are not taking me to live with you?” She raised her eyes heavenward. “Surely you did not expect that. I agreed with your grandmother that you should be here and, in fact, have also agreed to her request not to take you out for visits, even during vacations. I believe she is right in saying it would interfere with your studies and your character development.” My voice grew small in a way that I detested.
