Page 72 of House of Marionne

My heart thuds in my throat as I kiss her hand, then slide a foot back, fold at the knee, and let my head dip like the falling crest of a wave at sea. If I am perfect, what could she possibly suspect me of? “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Headmistress Perl, I am Quell Marionne.”

I scrub my face of expression and catch sight of Grandmom, lips parted, watching my curtsy, which, I’ve practiced enough now to know, is absolute perfection.

“I must remember to give Plume my compliments when I see him,” she says. “He’s turning this granddaughter of mine into a work of art worthy of her name.”

“Such poise,” Beaulah says, her words curling with curiosity more than admiration. “You must be beside yourself, Darragh.”

Grandmom’s lips pucker, smugly, at the Council staring awestruck. “Supra alios.” She winks and my cheeks warm; pride hangs in her posture kindling my own.

“So it’s true.” Headmistress Perl pulls her fur tighter over her shoulders, her tone sharp yet cautious. I’ve seen her type before. She plays coy as a cover. She doesn’t like Grandmom, but she’s hesitant to outright cross her. “An heir to this House has finally returned.”

I search Grandmom’s face for some flicker of truth at such a proposition, but she’s as stoic as a statue. Heir.

The fruity-voiced Headmistress rises, her blond hair swishing, and extends her hand. “Litze Oralia.”

I greet her, followed by Headmistress Ambrose, whose heavy brow sags with derision.

“We should adjourn,” Grandmom says. “I’m late for dinner.”

“Pleasure meeting you, Quell,” Headmistress Oralia says. “Watch these old hags, they’ll get you all flustered for no reason if you let them.”

A chuckle stuffs its way up my throat, and despite my best effort to swallow it, it comes out as a smirk. She winks at me before exiting.

“May your intellect shine brighter than the rest of you, Miss Marionne.” Headmistress Ambrose follows Litze out.

Beaulah takes me in once more, up and down, and Grandmom’s lips twitch in delight. Jordan’s Headmistress rounds me, and my pulse quickens.

An achy warning pricks my bones, but I keep my expression soft and unflinching.

“I look forward to your honing exam,” Beaulah says. “I expect you will continue to impress.”

I curtsy once more. “I certainly hope so, Headmistress.” The door closes behind her, and I could collapse on the floor. I steady myself on an armchair instead. Grandmom circles me, beaming.

“You were magnificent.” She pinches my cheek.

I can’t do anything to ruin this portrait she’s painted of me. This granddaughter she believes I can be. In Grandmom’s shadow, I am safe. Here in her home, it seems Beaulah can’t touch me. Or won’t. Even if she does know my secret, once I’ve rid myself of this poison, once I am free, she won’t have a credible thing to hold against me.

Now, if I could actually pass my honing exam, that would be great.

“You know, I think this calls for something.” Grandmom pulls a velvet box off a high shelf and slides its top aside. Inside is a collection of stones in glittering hues. She selects a mint green one. “Longevity Enhancer.”

The stone gleams in different colors, depending on how the light hits it. “It’s beautiful.”

“It’s as rare as it is beautiful. A Marionne family heirloom, given to me by my own grandmother.”

“You would give this to me?”

“Who else should have it but my granddaughter?”

She gestures toward the door and we make our way to the dining room, which is set with an elaborate table of gold-rimmed plates and fresh flowers. “I hear you’re sitting the exam Friday?”

“I am, yes.”

“Are you nervous?” She lowers herself into her seat, and I mimic her form, determined to keep whatever this is we have going and not ruin it this time.

“No,” I lie.

“Very good. Confidence is a débutante’s finest accessory.” She rings a bell, and servers stream into the room, platters in their hands. And I spend the rest of our time together careful to chew with my mouth closed and cup my glass properly, nodding in the right places, smiling when prompted, keeping my posture stiff as Grandmom goes on and on about Cotillion and everything to come.