Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear Read Free Book Online Page A

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    Miss Gregory sniffed again. “For now, you may.”
    Since she had to be there, and had to do hard work, she might as well do something she enjoyed. Noli could hardly picture a girl like Rosemarie working in the gardens. Hopefully, not all the girls here were like that.
    After tea, Miss Gregory gave them a tour of Findlay. Rosemarie and friends sat sewing in a parlor. The halfdozen thin and pale girls held vapid expressions, and wore lovely dresses, though nothing half as nice as what her mother made. They chattered inanely the way polite ladies should, sewing or working on complicated embroidery samplers.
    A web of unease wound around Noli as the tour continued. Everything at Findlay was immaculate, from the perfectly straight photographs on the walls to the polished hardwood floors. There wasn’t a cobweb in sight.
    Yet it lacked something.
    A soul. Yes, Findlay House lacked a soul.
    “When can Noli come home for a visit?” Mama kept looking around, as if trying to absorb the austere sobriety of Findlay House.
    Didn’t she see what a horrible place this was?
    Miss Gregory looked down her pointed nose at them. “I’m afraid we don’t do home visits. They interfere with the continuity of our curriculum. If Magnolia takes to the program, she should only be here two or three years.”
    Startled, Noli curled her fists and opened her mouth to protest, closing it when her mother glared. Two or three years? She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Boarding school lasted at least that long. Longer. Still …
    “I understand. Continuity is central to your program?” Her mother’s voice softened.
    “Continuity, order, and discipline are the pillars holding up Findlay House.”
    Discipline? Noli’s stomach knotted.
    “When Magnolia shows good progress, she may write letters,” Miss Gregory added.
    “May I visit? What about Christmas?” Mama’s face creased with worry.
    Good. Maybe Noli wouldn’t have to stay. Something just didn’t feel right about this place. Though if she told her mother, she’d say it was just Noli not wanting to leave home.
    Maybe it was. No. Maybe?
    Miss Gregory shook her head. “We believe new girls adjust best with no initial contact from their friends and families. Only our very successful girls get family visits on Christmas and their birthday.”
    Noli’s heart skipped a beat and it was hard not to make a sound. She’d counted on letters from V, Jeff, and her mother to keep her sane in this dreadful place.
    She didn’t get even a glimpse of any other girls on the tour nor did they view the sleeping rooms. Actually, they didn’t venture upstairs at all.
    They returned to the sitting room. Noli still couldn’t shake that uneasy feeling.
    Miss Gregory turned to her mother and Officer Davies. “I’d like to speak to the both of you privately.” She turned to Noli. “Be a good girl and sit quietly. I’m sure you have some sewing to occupy yourself with.”
    “Yes, Miss Gregory.” Her valise held a sampler—and a book. After they left, she withdrew the book and the sewing. The book belonged to V. Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle. One of his favorites and quite fascinating. Miss Gregory probably wouldn’t approve. Noli read until footsteps echoed down the hall. Quickly, she tucked the book into her valise, and began sewing. Her mother, Officer Davies, and Miss Gregory entered.
    “Magnolia needs to say her goodbyes now if she’s to settle in before supper. I’ll leave you alone for a few moments.” The headmistress left and Noli tucked her sewing away, leaving her valise on the floor next to the settee.
    Noli’s knees shook under the heavy fabric of the blue traveling gown as she hugged her mother, whishing she didn’t have to say goodbye yet. “Please don’t make me stay,” she whispered. “I’ll be good, I promise.”
    “We don’t have a choice, remember? Adjust quickly; learn well, so you may come home.” Her mother’s eyes glistened with tears and she