Pearl in the Mist

The Story

Mrs. Ironwood, the headmistress, sat erect behind her desk. She lowered her glasses and gazed at me for a long moment. “I called you here so that we could establish an understanding as soon as possible.” “Understanding?” “This is your file,” she continued, tapping a thick folder. “I have reviewed it carefully. I should also tell you that I had a long informative talk about you with your stepmother.” “Oh,” I said, dropping my voice a couple of octaves. It was clear that Daphne had told her about my life as a Cajun. “We have a proud tradition of serving the best families in our society,” she said sternly. “Despite the circumstances of your birth, you now come from a distinguished family. Whatever habits, practices, or behaviour you engaged in prior to your life in New Orleans must not rear their ugly heads at Greenwood. I want you to be aware that I have promised your stepmother to watch over you more closely than I watch over the other girls.” “That’s not fair. I haven’t done anything to deserve being treated differently,” I said indignantly. She paused and stared at me a moment, her eyes becoming small and her lips a bit pale as she tightened them. “I see what it is your stepmother means: you have a strain of independence, a Cajun stubbornness, a wildness that must be checked. Well, this is a place where it will be kept in tow…”