Read Miss Mabel's School for Girls for Free Online Page B

one had to be Stephany. Tall and skinny, a little like a twig with arms. Even her nose was thin and pointy.
    Priscilla’s sweet smile never faltered.
    “Merry meet,” I said with cool indifference. “I’m Bianca Monroe.”
    “Yes,” she said, brushing her hair off her shoulder. “I know. We came to talk to you about the Competition.”
    Something in the rise and fall of her tone belied her words. Her speech too measured, her blink too practiced. Priscilla held all the cards and wouldn’t have it any other way. Apparently I’d upset a more delicate balance by volunteering for the Competition than I’d thought, one that these girls wouldn’t stand by and watch.
    A controller. Perfect. They were easy enough to deal with.
    “Of course,” I said with gracious invitation. “Love to.”
    She paused, her eyes flickering. If she expected me to get nervous just because she dropped from the heavens to speak to me, a first-year, she’d be very disappointed.
    “We’re worried about you, Bianca. This Competition is very difficult.”
    “Yes,” I said, my composure firmly in place. “So I’ve heard.”
    Her nostrils flared. She smiled with just the corners of her lips.
    “Yes, well, are you sure you know what you’re getting into? There’s no shame in dropping out, you know. You are only a first-year. How much could you do?”
    She let out a petite little laugh, and Stephany and Jade joined in a few seconds too late. It didn’t take long for the false amusement to subside.
    “I think you’d be surprised,” I said, matching her cool hauteur. Her pupils constricted. She pressed her lips into a line and lifted an eyebrow.
    “You certainly are a confident little monster, aren’t you?” she muttered.
    “Better than manipulating a sixteen-year-old into quitting because I’m scared to lose, I think.”
    Camille gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. Leda sniggered. Priscilla and her friends sucked in a deep breath together, operating from one mind.
    Ah, vanity. A most reliable weakness. Papa’s advice stirred from the deep recesses of my mind.
    Your first job in every confrontation is to establish your opponent’s weakness. Strategy starts with weak spots.
    “Oh really?” Priscilla said, her tone quivering. “I’ll tell you exactly what I–”
    “It’s been great to meet you,” I said with exaggerated politeness. The shift of power from her to me was palpable. Taking away her control over the conversation would be the only way to stop her. “I can’t wait to see you around. If you have any questions about the Competition, let me know.”
    Her eyes narrowed into spikes. “Don’t get too sure of yourself, first-year,” she whispered. “You don’t know anything yet. The Competition is no game for babies.”
    “Then I’m sure you can quit at any time. There’s no shame in backing out, Priscilla.” I parroted her cloying tone.
    We stared at each other for a long time. The dining room held its breath. And then she broke into a wreath of smiles. Her voice carried through the dining room with an airy roll.
    “Just let me know if I can be of help. Wouldn’t want you getting hurt or embarrassing yourself.”
    I wondered how long she’d be able to keep that fixed smile in place. I smiled and turned around, effectively dismissing her before she could leave.
    Priscilla moved away with a low grumble of what sounded like murderous intent. Stephany and Jade followed suit. I sat back down, trying my hardest to act as if nothing had happened.
    Camille turned to me in speechless awe.
    “You were amazing!” she whispered in an exultant cry. “You really gave it to that witch!”
    Leda took a more practical approach.
    “Better be careful,” she said. “You don’t want to mess with people like Priscilla.”
    “She seems like a delightful friend.”
    “That delightful friend has talent to brag about.”
    Well so do I. Except using it would earn me a fast ticket out of here.
    “Like what?” I asked,