The Circle of Sappho Read Online Free Page A

recognised at a desk on the same floor as your office just now. Given that their raison d’être is being the authority through which all foreigners entering England have to register, I still cannot quite understand what they, and therefore you, are doing in Bath; unless, of course, the River Avon has now been assigned as a point of entry.’
    ‘I am obviously not at liberty to discuss anything you witnessed this morning, but I do agree to your first condition. There will be no interference.’
    Swann nodded.
    ‘You mentioned a second one?’
    ‘Yes,’ replied Swann. ‘I would like to know exactly what it was that you and Lockhart were discussing at the meeting you both had, not long before I arrived.’
    ‘Lockhart? I have not seen him since I gave my blessing on his engagement with Mary. I really do not know what you are talking about, Swann.’
    ‘Then forgive me Lady Harriet, I must have been mistaken.’
    Although outwardly accepting her answer, the momentary flicker of her eyes only confirmed his suspicion that it was her office from which Lockhart had been leaving when they had bumped into each other. It had only been a hunch and almost on a whim he had made the suggestion to gauge Lady Harriet’s reaction. Her response had been enlightening enough for now.
    The remainder of the journey was undertaken in silence. The carriage made its way out of the city, up its steep northern slope and onto the expanse that was Lansdown. They drove past the former residence of Henry Gregor-Smith, the man whom Swann had saved from the gallows only a few months before. As good as his word, the author had subsequently moved to the continent and put his gothic novel-writing days behind him. He continued to look out of the carriage window as they travelled along the top of Lansdown and down the other side, into the valley beyond. As the carriage came round one corner, an estate with extensive grounds and a huge lake came into view. The main residence was impressive, but Swann’s attention was immediately drawn to the small island situated in the centre of the lake. Instinctively, he knew this estate was where they were headed and that whatever the ‘incident’ involved, it had occurred here.

CHAPTER THREE
    ‘I opened the school eleven years ago, Mr Swann. Each year we welcome girls from respectable and distinguished families from all across England and each year the authorities attempt ever more elaborate and ludicrous ways to try and close us down because they do not like what my school represents. As you can see they have not succeeded and I consider their attempts an indication that I must be doing something right in my educational outlook.’
    Catherine Jennings looked exactly how she spoke: forthright, determined and readily prepared for an argument.
    ‘So why have they failed, if you do not mind my asking?’ asked Swann. ‘My understanding of such men is that they are not the type easily defeated.’
    ‘I work hard to ensure we remain open, Mr Swann. Although I can always rely on help from acquaintances in high places,’ she said, acknowledging Lady Harriet.
    ‘And is the crowd at the entrance when we arrived part of their attempts?’
    On arriving at the front gates, Lady Harriet’s carriage had been met by a small group, the majority of them male, who made a show of protest as they drove through. Although their words were lost between the wind and the carriage’s wheels on the gravel, their gestures and expressions showed they were not advocating an endorsement of the school.
    ‘I have set ideas on the way to educate the girls here and one of those is that they should learn French. A pamphlet has recently been circulated by an author or authors unknown, although it is not hard to assume its origination, which suggests, given we are at war with Napoleon, this is unpatriotic and should be stopped immediately. It is this pamphlet which those outside have responded to with their protest. They call me a traitor. I