“But Headmistress!” Devera almost shouted.
“Stop! I’ve heard your objections and I’ve taken them into consideration. Mistress Emory’s request is granted, with one condition. A guardian.”
“Ma’am?” Emory said. “I am not some untried - “
A single finger snap.
A pause. Finally, Emory said, “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. That’s settled. Mistress Farah, you will provide escort.”
“Me? Guardian? I don’t understand.”
“Nor I,” Lady Kimbrough said.
“It is not for you to understand!” Lashae said, her patience starting to fray. “Just follow orders.”
A lengthy silence, then the ladies exited, their boots slowly click-clicking as they passed me. I kept my head down. No way was I going to look up and endure all that hostility. As the sound of their boots receded, I became aware that Emory hadn’t yet emerg
