(no subject)

[fiery_ring]

It's late autumn in Carlotta's world, but it's a mild and sunny day.

The fair is very crowded on the field behind St Clare's. A big banner with 'ST CLARE'S RED CROSS SCHOOL FAIR' is tied between two trees. Groups of girls have stalls all around the edge - some selling small cakes or crafts, or even girls' artwork.

Carlotta's form are all in a bunch; a couple of games and one stall doing fancy hairstyles. Carlotta is on the Hoopla stand, alternating with Claudine. Most of the games cost about sixpence and give either sweets or a small prize.

Along the right hand side of the field, a tall boy of about eighteen is giving pony rides around the field to small children. He is the only boy to be running a stall, but doesn't seem bothered. Nearby, some of the first form, in Guide uniform, are manning a First Aid and Refreshment tent with Matron.

Some brave second formers have managed to get Mam'zelle and the Games Mistress into home made stocks, and are charging to have slightly damp sponges in warm water thrown at them.

Right in the middle of the field, with a single rope to mark the edge, is some live entertainment from various forms in the school. A couple of dance displays, a punch and judy show, a dog show (villagers entering, the Mayor judging), and a couple of performances by the school band, depending on what time you go past.

Wandering around serenely are the Mayor and the headmistress; various teachers are also dotted around the field.

Comments

[ostro_goth]

"Somewhat," Teja says. "Mostly Ramon's pride, I hope."

[fiery_ring]

"Oh, well I daresay that'll grow back."

Carlotta looks around as Will comes back over.

"Hallo Will, are you all right?"

"Yes, but there's something I need to talk to you about." Will glances at Teja. "If you have a moment."

[ostro_goth]

"I will take myself off, then," Teja says.

Pause.

"I am Carlotta's Spanish uncle; I meant you no harm when I did not introduce myself," he adds, to Will; then, he walks away to see if there are any that he can recognise as teachers.

[fiery_ring]

Will and Carlotta descend into a serious-looking conversation.

Nearby are the headmistress, Matron, Mam'zelle and both the teachers identified earlier - Miss Ellis and Miss Cornwallis.

[ostro_goth]

"Good afternoon," Teja says politely, approaching them.

[fiery_ring]

"Good afternoon Mr Fernandez." The headmistress greets him.

"I'm Miss Theobald; Carlotta pointed you out to me earlier but I don't think we've met before."

[ostro_goth]

"Nice to meet you, Miss Theobald," Teja says. "Carlotta has been telling me so very much about her school. It has done her good."

[fiery_ring]

"Carlotta has done herself good." Miss Theobald says with an amused smile. "We only channelled what was already there. That said, she's a credit to the school and definitely one of our successes. I don't think she'll make head girl, but I'm sure she'll do all right."

[ostro_goth]

"She always speaks of doing very badly in French -- why is that so?" Teja asks.

[fiery_ring]

"Well, I don't think it's from lack of trying." Miss Theobald says. "As you know, Carlotta had no formal education below the age of fourteen; frankly it's miraculous that she keeps up with her class at all, even now. I think she simply hasn't much aptitude for French."

[ostro_goth]

"That will not be her undoing, in this school?" Teja asks.

[fiery_ring]

"We encourage all our girls to do their best; we can't expect any better than their capabilities. I think if she keeps up the hard work she will pass her exams next year, which is the important thing, but I don't think she will ever be top at everything I'm afraid."

Miss Theobald hesitates for a moment, then asks.

"Has Carlotta discussed any plans for her future with you?"

[ostro_goth]

"We think differently about women's futures, among our people," Teja says, not exactly lying. "But I would wish for her to avail herself of the best that her father's country has to offer. What would you recommend for her?"

[fiery_ring]

"I would recommend that she follows her heart." Miss Theobald says. "She is one that will never be happy being forced into a path. We will of course support her whatever she decides she wants to do."

[ostro_goth]

"That is a very good way of thinking," Teja says. "I am much of the same mind. And whatever she will choose, she will be good at it."

[fiery_ring]

"She must be sure not to overdo it in the meantime." Miss Theobald says. "But I am confident she will be fine."

[ostro_goth]

"It is good to hear such a hopeful opinion from you," Teja says. "One assumes one ought not put her at ease, so she will keep trying hard?"

[fiery_ring]

"Oh, yes, but we'll just keep an eye on her. Matron says she is still having migraines, though not as frequently."

[ostro_goth]

"Carlotta?" Teja says.

He knows not exactly what 'migraines' are, but suspects it is not healthy. He hopes that Carlotta has spoken to Demeter about it, at least.

[fiery_ring]

"Yes. They started when she was taking on too many subjects, but she still has the occasional one when overdoing it. Matron can tell you more; I take it Carlotta hasn't told you herself. I shouldn't worry too much though."

[ostro_goth]

"I take it that young girls do get dizzy spells and suchlike, in the course of nature," Teja says.

[fiery_ring]

"A migraine is more like a bad headache." Miss Theobald says. "I don't think she gets particularly dizzy. Like I said, you'd have to talk to Matron about that."

[ostro_goth]

"I might," Teja says. "She did mention that she had to drop classes, as it was all too much for her."

[fiery_ring]

"Only the one." Miss Theobald says. "She tried very hard to do an extra subject, but it was mostly forced by her father. Going for parental wishes rather than aptitude rarely makes for a good subject choice."

[ostro_goth]

"That is true," Teja says. "Still, history is something all ought to know of!"