Princess at Silver Spires by Ann Bryant Page B

too late.”
    My one huge worry was the threat to Just Water, though, and I knew I must go and see Miss Owen as soon as possible. But first I had to see my housemistress, Miss Carol. I wanted to explain my side of the story before she heard it from someone else. But I needed her help too. Houseparents are the closest thing to real parents that we students have got at Silver Spires, and I was desperately hoping that Miss Carol would understand and support my decision.
    When I told Katy where I was going, she immediately offered to come with me.
    â€œI’ll be okay thanks, Kates,” I said. “See you in prep.”
    All the way to Hazeldean I planned what to say to Miss Carol, but the more I searched for the right words, the more worried I felt. How was I ever going to make her see why I’d pulled out of the fashion show at this late stage?
    I knocked on the door of her flat, which is on the ground floor at Hazeldean, and prayed that she’d be in. It was really important to tell my side of the story before she got to hear about what had happened from Miss Owen.
    â€œCome in.”
    She was working on her computer.
    â€œI’m sorry to disturb you…”
    â€œThat’s all right, Naomi.” She smiled, taking her glasses off and moving over to sit in an armchair. “Come and take a seat. What can I do for you?”
    My heart was racing as I sank into her lovely cosy settee. If only I was here to curl up and watch telly, instead of having to explain the impossible.
    â€œYou know the fashion show?” I began quietly.
    â€œUh-huh.” Miss Carol’s face didn’t show any sign of suspicion that I was about to break some bad news.
    â€œWell…” I only paused for a second, then it all came tumbling out. “I’ve told Elise I can’t be her model… You see, she was boasting today that she only picked me because I’m a princess and that was sure to make her the winner. She was talking about the tiara I’ve got to wear, which she’d never mentioned before. She didn’t know I was listening, you see. She thought I’d gone out. But I hadn’t, and I got upset and said I wanted to quit. And I know I’ve let her down, but I just didn’t think she’d been honest with me. Only now I’m really worried, because she’s furious and says she’s going to get Miss Owen to change the charity to a different one, and I don’t want Just Water to lose out.”
    Finally I stopped. Miss Carol’s face was very still and grave. She didn’t speak at first, and it was tempting to cram a few more words in, but I knew I’d said enough – probably too much in fact – and I had to keep quiet and wait.
    â€œHmmm,” she finally said. “Difficult one.”
    I nodded. “I’m really sorry, only—”
    â€œYou had the first rehearsal today, didn’t you?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd how did it go apart from what Elise said?”
    â€œIt was okay…” I was beginning to get that same uncomfortable feeling I’d had when I’d started to tell Katy and the others at supper.
    â€œSo you managed the catwalk all right?”
    I nodded.
    â€œSo, it’s literally that you’re not happy that Elise appears to have chosen you because you’re a princess?”
    â€œYes…” How could I make Miss Carol realize I wasn’t just being petty? Maybe I hadn’t made myself clear enough. “I can’t bear being in the limelight just because of being a princess,” I said, leaning forwards. “I hate it.”
    Miss Carol seemed to be choosing her words carefully. “Think of Miss Owen and Miss Pritchard, Naomi. They’ve invested a great deal of time and work into the organization of the fashion show. Whoever Elise finds to replace you will have missed that first all-important rehearsal, and that’s going to make the teachers’ jobs