Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 57623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 288(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
While the headmistress otherwise briefs Jane on her newest charge, Jane accompanies Frau Lotte out the front door, where the driver of the vehicle is stepping out of her car, having parked it at either a jaunty or erratic angle alongside the school, depending on one’s perspective.
Kiera Marlin is a full-figured young woman wearing a curve hugging red dress and leopard print silk scarf over voluminous wavy blonde hair. Her eyes are covered by large dark sunglasses and there is a little clutch in her hand that matches the dress and, of course, the shoes. She moves with the confidence of someone who knows they are young and beautiful and is used to being amply praised for both of those two superficial qualities.
Far from displaying any guilt over her haphazard arrival, she seems positively pleased to be greeted by Jane and Frau Lotte.
“Hello!” she calls out, lifting her hand to give a little finger wave.
“Nice of you to join us, Miss Marlin,” Frau Lotte says in her driest tones.
“Thank you! It is nice. Oh…” She pauses for a moment, as if Frau Lotte’s tone has only just sunk in. “Am I late?”
“That depends,” Frau Lotte says. “If you are referring to the start of classes for the day, you are almost three hours late. If you are referring to the start of term, you are a full week late.”
“Wow,” Kiera says cheerfully. “That has to be a new record. I came as soon as I could. The car literally could not go any faster. Believe me. I tried.”
Everybody present is aware of the mountain roads which lead up to the school. Sheer drops are an ever-present risk, usually ameliorated by careful driving. Kiera shows no evidence of awareness of how reckless or dangerous her behavior has been.
This is a young lady in desperate need of immediate discipline. Jane comes to this conclusion at the precise same time as the headmistress.
“This is our new disciplinarian, Miss Strict,” Frau Lotte says. “I think it would be best if you adjourned to her office forthwith, where she can explain the importance of punctuality in a way you might understand, not to mention driving at a reasonably safe speed.”
Headmistress Lotte may as well have invited Kiera to tea for all the impression that appears to make on her.
“Lovely to meet you,” Kiera says, flashing a bright, winning smile in Jane’s direction.
“Likewise. Come with me, please,” Jane says, foregoing any other pleasantries.
Kiera has the demeanor of someone who charms themselves out of trouble, and Jane has no intention of being charmed out of giving much needed discipline today.
Kiera follows Jane obediently to her office, where she stands as she is directed in front of the desk which rarely has anything on it due to the frequent need for it to be cleared.
She removes her sunglasses without being bidden and almost slides them into the neck of her dress before glancing at Jane. “Best not put them there, I suppose,” she says with the hint of a flicker of a wink. She sets them down on the side of the desk instead, along with her head scarf. She takes a moment to shake her hair out, running her fingers through it briefly to satisfy herself before giving Jane an expectant look.
This young lady has obviously been disciplined before. Clearly, she has not been disciplined effectively. Jane composes her features, endeavoring to appear properly authoritarian. She begins the session by holding out her hand.
“Keys, please, Miss Marlin.”
“Oh. I left them in the ignition,” Kiera says with a little laugh, as if she is amused by her own carelessness.
“You will retrieve them and give them to me. I do not allow those I am responsible for to drive dangerously, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.”
“Not to worry. I’m a very good driver. I drove the Monaco rally when I was…”
“Keys, Miss Marlin. Now.”
Kiera sighs, then pulls them out of her clutch. “I forgot I had them with me,” she lies with ease.
Jane takes them and puts them on the desk. Kiera will not be getting those back for a very long time.
“Attending classes, and indeed, arriving at school on time, and at a safe speed is important,” Jane lectures briefly. “I am told you had not informed the school of your intention of late arrival, nor were you given leave to miss a week of classes. For that, you will be punished.”
“I suppose that’s fair,” Kiera says agreeably.
She has a way about her, a sort of effervescent slickness that does not allow Jane’s sternness to find purchase. She is resistant even as she is compliant.
“Bend over the desk for me, please, Miss Marlin,” Jane says, her demeanor more strict than usual, for she intends to make an impression on this young lady. The headmistress’ warning is ringing in her ears, specifically, the comment about Kiera being a challenge.