Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2)(9)

I appreciated that he always said “Evaria,” instead of “the continent,” like most Osfridians did. But I was skeptical of his suggestion. “How would that help?”

“When you understand the differences and problems other speakers have, it gives you a greater sense of how your own language fits in. I’ll bring you a book on it when I’m back next week.” He gave me a wink. “I’m also just curious to see you do it. I think you’re better at languages than you realize. It sounds like you picked up Osfridian quickly. They teach you a smattering of Lorandian here, don’t they? It uses the same Ruvan roots as Sirminican. I’m sure you’ll have an easy time finishing that workbook.”

“I already did,” I replied.

He laughed and slapped his knee. “See? You’re a prodigy.”

“More of a cheater. My father traveled in Lorandy when I was little and taught some to my brother and me.”

“You should learn the whole language. I’ll bring you a Lorandian dictionary too.”

“Thank you, sir, but I feel like I should just work on perfecting one language for now.”

Professor Brewer’s expression turned kind. “You’ll do fine over there, Mira. Just fine. Something tells me you were made for a place like that.”

Adelaide rejoined us at lunchtime, and more anticipation spread through my housemates as we speculated over our mystery guest. Mistress Masterson waited until we were seated at the dining table before finally revealing the news.

“One of our former girls has sailed back to Osfrid for the summer and will be coming by today to share her experiences. I expect you to be on your best behavior. This is a great opportunity that isn’t always offered. I hope you appreciate it.”

Jasper, barely able to contain his pride, arrived with our guest soon thereafter. The rest of us had been chattering excitedly but fell into silent awe as she entered the room and took a seat at the table.

Her name was Florence, and she was a wonder, clothed in a wine-colored gown with pink rosettes around the neckline and sleeves. It made our day dresses look shabby, and they were finer than anything I’d ever owned. Her golden hair was arranged in perfect curls. Jewelry decked with brilliant red gems sparkled everywhere. If I had seen her on the street—which seemed improbable, even hypothetically—I would have thought she was Osfridian royalty, not an afternoon guest.

“Florence was the top girl in her year,” Jasper told us. “Bid after bid came in. The man she chose had the highest offer. He’s one of Denham’s wealthiest shipping magnates.”

Florence fluttered her lashes and gracefully lifted her teacup. A large diamond ring flashed in the sunlight. “Abner was impossible to resist,” she said, her speech almost as fine as Adelaide’s. “I couldn’t help but fall in love.”

A few girls clasped their hands, dreamy-eyed. I wondered if Florence’s husband’s fortune had been equally loveable.

“Achieving that took a lot of work,” said Jasper, prompting her to tell us all about how hard she’d applied herself at Swan Ridge Manor. Everyone listened avidly, but not nearly as avidly as when she began to describe the balls and wonders of Adoria. Seeing us so engaged, Jasper rose after finishing his meal and politely excused himself.

“Mistress Masterson and I need to assess some files. But please—enjoy yourselves and ask Florence any questions you like.”

Tamsin raised an eyebrow at the mention of our files, and I could only imagine the increase in her paranoia. The opportunity to learn more about Adoria was too strong a lure, however, and her attention shifted back to Florence.

“Is it true we’ll get clothes even better than what we have now?” asked Clara, her eyes fixed covetously on the satin gown.

Florence laughed prettily. “Oh, yes. Some like mine. Some even richer. All gorgeous and sparkling. They want us to be a fantasy—to bewitch everyone we meet. And you will—you’ll see.” Still smiling, she added in a low voice, “Sometimes, those dresses were a little uncomfortable to wear all night. But you can’t meet elite men if you don’t go to elite events.”

After that, everyone wanted to know more about the dresses and if the men were romantic and doting. I was less concerned about romance than finding a man who’d respect me—and be generous enough with his pocketbook to let me pay off Lonzo’s bond.

“Is it true everyone can find work? That there are opportunities and education for all?” The question came unexpectedly from Tamsin and was a shift from the lighter topics.

Florence looked a little surprised but was quick to answer. “Oh, yes. Not everyone is rich, of course. There’s still crime and poor parts of Cape Triumph. But nothing like you find in some of the Osfro slums. Nothing like that.” A small frown was the first break in her bubbly countenance, and I remembered that she too had come from humble roots. “But anyone willing to work hard can find a way to better themselves. Any Osfridian can, that is.” As she spoke, her eyes lingered briefly on me. I kept my expression neutral, even as my heart sank. The Adorian colonies, it seemed, would be no different than their motherland.

Adelaide had noticed Florence’s gaze. “What about people who aren’t Osfridians? Other Evarians come to the colonies, right? And I heard there are even Balanquan settlers.”

Florence wrinkled her nose. “Balanquans. They’re a strange people.”