Page 64 of The Cheapside Runners
“Why do you think that?” Miss Amber asked curiously.
“Because this particular group is different. Whatever she normally does, I think some of the rules will be relaxed for us.”
“Are you suggesting we introduce ourselves?” Miss White asked.
“Not really, but I doubt it would be—”
“Miss Red is correct,” Mrs Black said emphatically, having slipped in the door without anybody noticing.
“In what way?” Miss Amber asked.
“Several ways, actually. First off, I almost always relax the restriction among the students on the last few days, though my prohibition against telling outsiders without permission remains. By then, I know if you can be trusted or not, and the anonymity has already served its purpose. Everything I do is for a reason, including that.”
“That seems sensible,” Miss Blue replied. “I suppose that is like moving us from the dungeons to proper bed chambers?”
“Yes, among other things.”
Jane continued, “Making someone fail with the targets as well?”
“Everything.”
Miss White asked the operative question. “What other reason applies to this particular group?”
“Becausethisgroup is unique, and never to be repeated.Most of you already know what is unique about it, so let us just get on with it. I presume I need not make any of you swear on the Bible again?”
There were a lot of head shakes, and Miss White asked, “What is unique about it?”
“The biggest thing is that everyone else already knows each other, Miss White. They are all from the same town, and in fact, half of the class are sisters.”
To the surprised look of the young heiress, she continued. “Allow me to introduce Miss Darcy, formerly Miss White. Miss Darcy, starting on our left allow me to introduce the Misses Alicia and Jasmine Weatherby, Maria Lucas, then the Bennet sisters, Jane, Mary, Lydia, and Kitty.”
“What about Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked. “I am thrilled to meet all of you, but I am particularly keen to meet her.”
Mary asked, “What do you know about her?”
“My brother wrote about all of you from Netherfield, but we spoke more about her than anyone else.”
Mary looked a bit suspiciously at Mrs Black, but she remained unflinching as she answered Georgiana.
“She spends most of her time in town, so she took the course years ago, Miss Darcy. You will meet her later tonight.”
Mary had been looking at Georgiana, and snapped her head back to Elizabeth, to find her not paying the slightest attention.
A knock on the door interrupted, and Mrs Black took a card from one of the ogres.
She whispered with him for a few minutes, and asked, “Miss Darcy. Is your brother absolutely trustworthy?”
“Yes! The best man I know! More trustworthy than me,” she replied somewhat morosely.
“None of that, young lady. You will have a clean slate after this course. I wouldhopethat past mistakes can be relegatedto the past, and anyof you who were untrustworthy before will emerge with a more honourable bent after this fortnight.”
Mary smirked that she said that without looking at Lydia or Kitty.
Mrs Black said, “Tonight’s excitement has really put a spoke in the wheel of this class. That and the unusual relationship between most of you leads me to think I should reveal somewhat more than I ordinarily do. Need I be concerned about anyone spreading tales out of turn?”
Everyone emphatically assured her of their trustworthy nature.
Lydia even added, “If you spoke with Lizzy, I doubt you have a good opinion of mine or Kitty’s trustworthiness, but I promise on my life, we will respect your privacy.”
