From Coal to Diamond

Chapter Three

The city turned to grassy rolling hills before the car turned into a long driveway. As soon as the car turned, Madam Marion resumed sitting up straight. "We are on my property now. If you would like, you can roll down the window to get a better look."

Attempting to contain her excitement, Elizabeth worked at turning the handle for the window. She briefly felt the steam from the car float past as she stuck her head out the window. Along the hills she could see a few spotted areas with gazebos, a stable for horses, a few meadows of flowers, but straight in front of the car was the largest spectacle.

Atop the main small hill, stood what for all intents and purposes as far as Elizabeth was concerned, was a castle. The walls were made of stone, with most of the building being what appeared to be three stories high. That was if you didn't take into account the turrets on the corners of the building. Newly shingled roofs the color of the setting sun, steam coming from the two furthest towers, even from afar, the place looked busy.

As they drew closer, Elizabeth could see a few women standing at the entrance, all wearing the same navy blue dress. Variations of length and accessories when she got closer, but the same dress in essence. They all looked beautiful in their own way.

"You are not required to wear your uniform dress at all times. It is recommended when you attend your first few parties. Once you are suitably ready, you may wear whatever you like to them. When you wear your uniform, you must behave well. You are being a representative of the school when you do." Madam Marion stretched her neck as the car came to a stop. "Welcome home, Elizabeth."

Both side car doors opened at the same time. The four girls that had been standing at the entrance rushed over, glee in their eyes. "You did! You brought a new girl!" One of them shouted, reaching Elizabeth first.

Try as she might to stay in the car, the girls swiftly got her out of the car. One girl on either side looped her arm in theirs. They were talking non stop, about all the luxuries that were at the school. About the parties that lasted all night, the handsome visitors they got, the less handsome visitors they got, the classes, the butlers, but nothing really stayed with Elizabeth.

"Girls. You are overwhelming her. Give her a moment to breathe." Madam Marion started up the handful of steps to the entrance of the school. "I would recommend one or two of you staying with her to get her settled in. She will need to be in my office in an hour for her fitting." Her gaze rested on Elizabeth and softened. "They mean well."

The girls around her threw their hands in a circle, a few frowning and saying they would see her at lunch. One more round left only two girls at her side. A short brunette that almost appeared to be a doll, and an average height brunette who's smile could light up a room.

"I'm Mary." The shorter one said before motioning to the other girl. "That's Clara. We're all so excited to have another girl here. It's been far too long since Madam's brought someone new in."

"You'd think she would want to have more girls to turn about, but she seems very picky as to who she chooses." Clara added, starting to walk towards the entrance with Mary and Elizabeth in tow.

Clara entered the building first, quickly turning around to watch as Elizabeth entered. Elizabeth's brown eyes fell on the grand interior. What should have seemed a cold castle was filled with warm colors and electric lighting. She'd never seen electric lighting, let alone stood in a room where it was being used.

The entrance hall was rather large, with a door off to the right leading into presumably a coat room. Thirty feet in front of her was a grand staircase that at the end turned both left and right headed up. There was a doorway to a hall on either side of the room, and a door on either side of the staircase.