Death of a Schoolgirl: The Jane Eyre Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page B

was well run. She knew of the superintendent, Mrs. Webster, and vouched for the woman’s character. However, these messages from Adèle set me wondering.
    “I suppose it is possible this is all some sort of an intrigue…” Edward began.
    Mr. Carter nodded vigorously. “I have two daughters myself. The whispering, the fights, the making up. Well, it keeps Mrs. Carter and me quite busy. Perhaps the girl is lonely, and the second note is but a bid to force you to pay her attention.”
    “Is there any other mail? Perhaps a letter from Mrs. Webster, the superintendent? Something that might explain Adèle’s plea?” Edward leaned toward me, straining to see.
    “Here’s one from Lucy Brayton. We haven’t heard from her in a while.” I unfolded the paper quickly and started to read:
    Dear Edward and Jane,
    I returned from Bombay last Monday to discover the letter I’d written the two of you still sitting on my dresser! It appears that I forgot to mail it! Oh heavens, I would misplace my head if it were not melded to my body! Could it be that six months have gone by without us corresponding?
    Well, it was a short note, so I shall recap its contents. Augie had sent me an urgent message requesting that I go to him in Bombay. Seems he’d contracted malaria, and he wanted me for a nurse. (I can imagine you laughing at the absurdity of that, Edward! However, since he rarely asks for my presence, I feltmuch obliged to hasten to his side.) So I threw my clothes into trunks and took the next ship bound for India.
    By the time I disembarked, he was much improved, although the fever came and went, leaving him quite spent. Despite Augie’s illness (or possibly because of it, since I—like the fever!—was free to come and go as I pleased) I enjoyed my time there. I bought your new bride a beautiful gift!
    To make amends and work my way back into your good books—for I truly meant to mail that letter so you would know I was out of the country!—I decided to visit Alderton House immediately. My intention was to send you a full report on Adèle.
    Well, you will scarcely credit this, but when I arrived, I was turned away at the door by a large woman with a face like curdled milk. She introduced herself as one Maude Thurston, the new superintendent. It seems that Mrs. Webster has retired!
    I was told that the girls were in their lessons. I replied to Mrs. Thurston that I was confident Adèle could miss a few minutes of her lesson without incurring a great disaster to her education, but the woman would not budge. Finally, I retreated. I came again on the next day at a different time. I was told that Adèle couldn’t see me because she was being disciplined. Again, this sour-faced harridan and I argued. I even invoked the name of Lady Kingsley, the founder of that institution. To no avail.
    You know me well, Edward. Augie once likened me to a mad dog. Once I sink my teeth in, I absolutely refuse to let go. I waited two days and traveled again to Alderton House.
    Mrs. Thurston told me quite coolly that my visits were ill timed. I told her that if she did not produce Adèle on the spot I would take myself to the local constabulary and complain. You can imagine how unhappy my threat made her!
    At length, she fetched Adèle.
    I tell you, the child’s appearance shocked me. She has always been slight, but now her shoulders stick out at sharp angles. Her pale skin shows no hint of good health. I asked her how she fared,and she answered, “I am fine. I am happy here. I work hard to be a good student.” Of course, Mrs. Thurston glared at both of us during this exchange.
    Recognizing I could learn little more, I took my leave, but before I went, Adèle threw her arms around me and whispered in my ear, “I am unhappy! Where is mon bon ami? Ask him to come rescue me!”
    I suggest you come visit me sooner rather than later. Bring your lovely bride. I shall take her to all the best places in London!
    Yours sincerely,
    Lucy Brayton
    “Jane,