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May. 20th, 2009 10:09 pm"Carlotta, I'm not sure whether to be concerned or intrigued." The headmistress says, peering down at the two sheets on her desk. "I don't know how or why you made a copy, but you certainly did an impressive job."
She picks up the first sheet.
"Do I take it that the one with the choices 'History, Geography, RS' was filled in by your Grandmother, and that the one that says 'Home Economics (Food), History, Carpenting' was filled in by you?"
Carlotta nods.
"Miss Ellis says that you won't discuss your career plans with her. Are you worried that your father won't approve? We don't have to discuss your plans with him if you don't want us too. You don't have to go to university if you don't want to, you know."
Carlotta holds her chin up high.
"Please, Miss Theobald, may I take four subjects instead of three?"
"It's not unheard of, but it'll be hard work, and it'll only be possible if you can fit it in with the timetable. Which subjects do you actually want to take?"
"Food, History, Carpenting, Textiles."
"And your career plans?"
"Not entirely decided."
"But leaning towards?"
"Ringmaster, Miss Theobald."
Miss Theobald eyes her, but not unkindly.
"Do you have any back-up plans? I gather there aren't any female ringmasters yet."
"Yes, Miss Theobald, but it still involves the circus. My promise to my father expires on my eighteenth birthday, but I will stay until the end of sixth form. In the meantime I intend to work as hard as I can at my studies in case I change my mind."
She takes a deep breath and looks at the head nervously.
"It was brave of you to tell me the truth." Miss Theobald says. "Especially as you probably expected that it was not what I wanted to hear! But St Clare's takes pride in getting the best of its girls, and to do that, we must remember that they are all different."
She puts the first sheet of paper in the bin.
"I will write to your father and tell him which subjects you have chosen, and that this is not for negotiation by parents. I firmly believe that allowing girls to choose their own subjects results in a better overall performance. If you wish to take a fourth, you will need to do evening classes in textiles. You may wish to take the Spanish exam next year too, which as a fluent Spanish speaker you won't need to work towards but will give you extra credit. I think that will satisfy your father."
Carlotta nods. "Thank you."
"You may go." Miss Theobald says, but as she turns, the head suddenly remembers something.
"One more thing, Carlotta? I support your decision to keep your intentions from your father at this stage, but try not to actively deceive him. It will be difficult news for him and should be carefully discussed when the time is right. I will help you with that if you wish."
Carlotta thanks her again, and feeling a little reassured, returns to her new dormitory.
She picks up the first sheet.
"Do I take it that the one with the choices 'History, Geography, RS' was filled in by your Grandmother, and that the one that says 'Home Economics (Food), History, Carpenting' was filled in by you?"
Carlotta nods.
"Miss Ellis says that you won't discuss your career plans with her. Are you worried that your father won't approve? We don't have to discuss your plans with him if you don't want us too. You don't have to go to university if you don't want to, you know."
Carlotta holds her chin up high.
"Please, Miss Theobald, may I take four subjects instead of three?"
"It's not unheard of, but it'll be hard work, and it'll only be possible if you can fit it in with the timetable. Which subjects do you actually want to take?"
"Food, History, Carpenting, Textiles."
"And your career plans?"
"Not entirely decided."
"But leaning towards?"
"Ringmaster, Miss Theobald."
Miss Theobald eyes her, but not unkindly.
"Do you have any back-up plans? I gather there aren't any female ringmasters yet."
"Yes, Miss Theobald, but it still involves the circus. My promise to my father expires on my eighteenth birthday, but I will stay until the end of sixth form. In the meantime I intend to work as hard as I can at my studies in case I change my mind."
She takes a deep breath and looks at the head nervously.
"It was brave of you to tell me the truth." Miss Theobald says. "Especially as you probably expected that it was not what I wanted to hear! But St Clare's takes pride in getting the best of its girls, and to do that, we must remember that they are all different."
She puts the first sheet of paper in the bin.
"I will write to your father and tell him which subjects you have chosen, and that this is not for negotiation by parents. I firmly believe that allowing girls to choose their own subjects results in a better overall performance. If you wish to take a fourth, you will need to do evening classes in textiles. You may wish to take the Spanish exam next year too, which as a fluent Spanish speaker you won't need to work towards but will give you extra credit. I think that will satisfy your father."
Carlotta nods. "Thank you."
"You may go." Miss Theobald says, but as she turns, the head suddenly remembers something.
"One more thing, Carlotta? I support your decision to keep your intentions from your father at this stage, but try not to actively deceive him. It will be difficult news for him and should be carefully discussed when the time is right. I will help you with that if you wish."
Carlotta thanks her again, and feeling a little reassured, returns to her new dormitory.
