Miss Grimsleys Oxford Career Read Online Free Page B

Shreve's eyes. “I was thinking about teasing Papa for some hair ornaments.” She fingered her cropped hair. “I don't need anything else, really. Oh, Aunt, don't look like that!”
    Aunt Shreve was silent. When she spoke, her voice was even, serious. “We can do better than that, much better. Did I not see you this morning, trailing in the wake of our vicar, one of organized religion's greatest jokes upon the Church of England? Are you in trouble again for correcting him in Ralph's lessons?”
    Ellen nodded. “He insisted that Boston was the capital of the United States of America.” She shook her head. “Papa assured him that New York City was the capital, and that is how the matter stands.”
    Aunt Shreve rolled her eyes and returned the teacup to the table with an audible click. She took her niece's hands in both of her own.
    “Do I recall a conversation last week over tea where you told me your greatest wish was to go to Oxford like your brother Gordon?”
    Ellen stared at her aunt, remembering her words. “Yes, but that was only in jest! It's impossible. Just wishful thinking. Besides that, Papa told me only an hour ago that I had all the education I needed and that my duty now was to find a husband. He would never permit it.” Ellen laughed. “Not to mention the entire English educational establishment! Really, Aunt Shreve.”
    Aunt Shreve went to the bell pull and gave it a tug.
    “Do you think he would change his mind for two bottles of Fortaleza? What about four bottles?”
    Ellen stared at her aunt. “That would be the half case that Grandfather left you. Even the Prince Regent doesn't have four bottles of Fortaleza, I vow.”
    “I never could tolerate the stuff,” Aunt Shreve confided, “although I would never tell your father that.” She clapped her hands together. “I would love to see the look on your father's face when you present him with my half case and tell him that his sister will take it all back unless he allows you to go to Oxford!”
    Ellen sat down. “What do you mean?”
    “I know that Oxford University itself is out of the question, and more's the pity. I ask you, what possible polluting effect would females have upon the quadrangles of Oriel or Balliol? But setting that aside, as we must, have you not heard of Miss Dignam's Select Female Academy? Miss Dignam is an old and dear friend of mine, for all that we have not seen each other in years. And I believe the academy is even located on the High Street. You could admire any number of spires and crockets and see that clever round library from your window.”
    “Do you mean the Radcliffe Camera?” Ellen asked, her eyes wide. “Papa would never …”
    “I believe he would, my dear, for four bottles of Fortaleza, and relief from Horatia's endless tears.” Aunt Shreve went to her escritoire and took out paper and pen. “‘Dear Charles,’ ” she began, and then crumpled the paper. “He has never been ‘Dear Charles.’ ‘Charles’ will suffice.” She thought another moment, smiled, and wrote a note, sealing it with wax and handing it to her niece.
    “Take that to your ridiculous father and start packing, my dear!”

AM A
PERFECT BEAST , E LLEN THOUGHT AS SHE leaned back against the cushions in the post chaise and rested her eyes on the late October scenery.
I should be missing them all so much, and I am not.
    She thought a moment and then smiled to herself.
I will miss Ralph.
He had hugged her for a few moments longer than the others. “I shall think of you often, El,” he had whispered when the others had already turned back to the house, and Mama and Horry had resumed their argument over hothouse flowers or potted plants for the wedding.
    “I will miss you too,” she replied. “I will write you and tell you all about the colleges.”
    “About Oriel, if you please,” he urged, letting go of his sister and straightening his new waistcoat, sewn by the squire's own tailor.
    “Do you wish to be an Oriel man