Chapter Eight
Mistress Sylvia turned out to be another key part of Amelia’s experience at the Institute, one that she had in no way expected before her first weekend. Given how dilapidated the place was, our heroine had given up all hope of being able to continue her equestrian habit while in residence there. But apparently, the Crown officials that provided the funds underwriting the establishment had decreed that young ladies whose position in society had enabled them to enjoy riding should be afforded an opportunity to continue that pastime. So it turned out, much to her surprise, that her dossier included reference to her lifelong love of horses. And it was the Assistant Headmistress, a tall robust classically English beauty with piles of auburn hair and wide, innocent-appearing grey-
