Sitting atop their horses, the girls had an excellent view of the surrounding area, much better than had they been walking. The height afforded them the opportunity to watch cottontail rabbits feeding, running away as they advanced down the trail, or engaging in an activity which caused both girls to chuckle. They also saw several different species of birds flying overhead, perched on the scrub bushes, grasses, or running through the scrub and grasses in groups. "Aunt Jane," Francis called. "What are those birds running around in groups? They all have some type of small feather sticking up on top of their heads."

Without turning around, Jane said, "Those are likely quail, Francis. I'm sure once you finish your paper about the quail, you'll have your answer." Jane heard Charlotte chuckle, because of Francis' plight. She pointed off to her left and asked Charlotte, "Do you see that black bird with the red on its wings, Charlotte? The one hanging onto that tall grass?"

Jane waited until she heard, "Yes Aunt Jane."

Then continued with, "Your own paper will give you all the information on that bird you need as well." Francis slapped her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle the laugh bubbling up from her throat. Charlotte heard the throaty laugh from Francis, turned to her and stuck her tongue out at her.

Both were totally shocked when Jane said, "Charlotte. It isn't ladylike to stick your tongue out at someone."

Charlotte started to notice how the trail started going downward, and that not far in the distance it seemed to disappear. "Aunt Jane. Why does it seem this trail disappears up ahead?"

Jane smiled to herself then replied, "It isn't that it disappears, Charlotte, but drops down. From here on out you must be very quiet if you are to see something you may never have seen." Charlotte looked over at Francis, who shrugged her shoulders, as they rode on in silence.

The girls watched as Jane stopped her horse, then motioned for them to stop on both sides of her. When they were both on either side of her she whispered, "We must be very quiet. Look down there." As the girls looked where Jane pointed, they saw the trail wander down into a meadow, created by a beaver dam.

Francis whispered back, "What's that large pile of sticks, Aunt Jane?" Before Jane could respond, Charlotte whispered, "It's a beaver lodge, Francis. It's where the beavers, who built that dam, live."

Before them lay a meadow, formed when the beavers dammed the stream which flowed from their left to their right. Over time, a pond formed, which seeped out into the surrounding ground, and nourished other plant life that made the area a perfect habitat for wildlife. They were fortunate in that their silent approach hadn't scared away what wildlife they now saw. They were also fortunate in that they saw the actual builders of the dam and lodge, busy working on their dam. Several species of duck swam in the pond, ducking their heads every now and then below the surface of the water. On the far side of the pond several deer were drinking at the edge of the pond, looking up every so often. They saw several ripples on the surface of the pond, indicating there was life below the surface of the water. That fact was made quite clear as a very large bird flew in low over the water, dipped its feet into the water and flew away carrying a fish in its talons. All three watched as the bird repositioned the fish so its head was facing the direction the bird flew. Strange as it seemed, even Jane let out a soft "WOW."

Jane spoke quietly to both girls in telling them, "Girls, gently pull back on both reigns at the same time. You want your horses to back up." Pinto seemed to get the message without Charlotte's request, as she started backing up just as Jane's horse did; Francis' horse followed a moment later. When they were far enough away where the trail dropped down into the meadow, Jane said, "I think we best be getting back, girls. We've seen quite a lot today, and you girls have papers to write." Jane chuckled as both girls let their heads fall back, then brought them forward and shook their heads. She was still chuckling when she told them, "Oh come on girls, just think what you'll learn by writing those papers." With Jane in the lead, the girls again formed up behind her, both thinking about the papers they had to write about the animals Jane had indicated.

Jane pointed out other things as they made their way back to the stable, where they unsaddled their horses and walked them until they'd cooled down. They then let them drink what they needed, before brushing them down and returning each horse to its stall. After making sure each horse had plenty of feed and water, they returned to the house where they showered and dressed before the noonday meal. As the girls went to the kitchen, Jane went into her study, where she checked for more emails from Jeb and to review Toby's file. Jane put the file away in a locked drawer when she was informed lunch was ready.

Jane had the girls tell Marie everything they saw on their ride, and had them retell some when they neglected to tell Marie about the skunk smell they encountered. Marie laughed, then said, "Ah, oui, puanteur de mouffette, nasty, very nasty to the nose. If you want to keep your friends close, avoid it at all costs. But, if you wish to clear a room...," and she gave the girls a Gallic shrug, causing both to laugh in understanding. When their meal was over, Jane returned to her study while the girls cleared the table and helped Marie in the kitchen; she'd given them orders to start on the papers they had to write after they finished in the kitchen.

As Jane sat reading Toby's file for the umtenth time, her computer chimed, signaling she had just received an email. Opening up the email program, she saw it was a new email from Jeb, hopefully with good news about getting Charles' name cleared.

From: Jeb Thorton, el al.

To: Jane Thompson

Re: Update

Jane,

I would like to say the police are about to close the theft case, but that's not to be. They've started finding bodies of young boys and girls who they feel were part of the shoplifting teams. It's possible those in charge were worried one or more of the kids would talk, so silencing them made sure that didn't happen. Because of the deaths, those already arrested are scared they could be next, and are now refusing to say anything to anyone. They have simply stopped talking, period.

The news isn't all bad, as the police do have some leads as to who might be responsible for the deaths. Unfortunately, it will take time to check each lead they have. Meanwhile, they are arresting more of the three boy/girl teams, when they're caught in the act. But they too refuse to say anything other than 'lawyer.'

I'll keep you informed of any further developments.

Kindest regards,

Jeb

"They've started finding bodies of young boys and girls...," Jane read again. Jane was trying to wrap her mind around why anyone would start killing young kids to keep them quiet when better means of violence could be used. Whoever decided killing was needed to silence them has just waved a red flag in the face of the police, who will now break their backs to bring the killers to justice. And Jane knew she couldn't get involved in finding who was killing those kids, no matter how badly she wanted to. She knew people who might help track them down, but then they'd have to explain why they got involved. She was infuriated.

She closed down the computer, made sure to put Toby's file in the drawer, locked it, then went in search of Marie, she'd have to watch over the girls while she was out. She had to gain some peace. She found Marie in the living room, reading, sat down beside her and said, "They're killing the kids who are stealing for them, to shut them up. Those who've been arrested have become clams, they aren't saying anything to anyone. Marie, I...," Marie had put down the book she was reading when Jane sat down beside her. She put a hand on Jane's leg and told her, "Go, do what you love to do when you get like this. I'll watch the girls. Go get changed. Aller (Go!)!"

Jane smiled at the woman, patted the hand resting on her leg, got up off the sofa and walked to the library, knocking on the door before entering. "Girls, I'll be out for a while. Marie will be watching you while I'm gone. You both know what you have to do so keep working on your papers." Jane never let Francis or Charlotte ask where she was going, as neither should have questioned her, but backed out of the library and went straight to her bedroom to change into her riding clothes.

It wasn't long before the girls came out of the library and were standing in front of Marie. "Is Aunt Jane okay, tante Marie?" Francis asked, seeing a sad look on Marie's face. Marie was silent for several minutes, trying to decide if she should scold Francis for asking or give her an honest answer. She remembered how Francis was when she first came to the house, thinking only of herself, not that she was selfish, just that she was in the habit of looking out for herself because of her living condition.

And now, in part thanks to Charlotte, here she stood, concerned about another person. "No, mes filles, she is not all right. Sit, and I'll explain."

When Jane came from her bedroom, and saw the girls sitting next to Marie on the sofa, and not working on their papers, she was filled with rage. Marie saw the anger in Jane's face, and shaking her head, said before Jane could say anything. "Votre colère est mal dirigée. Ne t'en prends pas à eux (Your anger is misdirected. Don't take it out on them!)!" Marie spoke too quickly for Charlotte to follow, but heard the cry of anguish from Jane and watched as she turned and all but ran out of the house.

"Will she be all right, Marie?" Charlotte asked, wiping tears from her eyes. "Can we do anything to help her?"

Marie put her arms around the girls and told them, "She is hurting right now because of what she just learned. She needs time and peace to gain herself again. We can help her by giving her that time, and making her proud of us by doing our best. So maybe you two best get back to your papers? Oui? I'll bring you something in a little while." Both girls nodded their heads, giving Marie kisses on her cheeks before getting up from the sofa and returning to the library.

Jane had to keep wiping her eyes as she walked out to the stable. When she opened the gate for her horse's stall, the big mare felt the anguish coming from Jane. Much like Pinto did to Charlotte, her horse came over to her and placed its head on her shoulder, giving Jane the opportunity to hug its neck. It stood stock still as Jane hugged the big horse, and cried. Hard. When Jane's crying had eased, unbidden by Jane, the big mare slowly walked herself and Jane out of her stall, letting Jane know she wanted to be ridden. Jane looked up into the left eye of her horse and chuckled, saying, "So you figured it out, did you? And I suppose you know where I want to go?" This time she laughed as the mare threw its head up and down. It wasn't long before the mare was saddled and Jane on her back, the mare taking Jane to where she could find the peace she needed.

Usually Jane guided her horse in the direction she wanted to go, but because her mind was mulling several thoughts at the same time, her horse guided Jane where it knew she needed to go. The reins were loose in her hands, her eyes seeing but not seeing, questions running through her mind so fast she could hardly pin one down to examine it. The question which almost shouted the loudest was 'Why do I continue doing this? Why continue showing these boys a better way to live their lives? Why continue when I see where most come from and how they've been treated? And the hurt caused by the losses? And now the killing of young kids who never knew a different way to live. Why stay involved? Why continue to get hurt?' Unknown to Jane, as her horse walked on, it would occasionally turn its head in order to make sure its rider was still there. It slowly crested the ridge and continued its walking pace down towards the meadow, causing those there to pause and watch rider and horse come closer. Causing some to panic and run, while others stayed and watched, knowing the reason for their presence.

The horse stopped at the bench setting by the pond, whinnied, then threw its head towards the bench. Since Jane didn't climb off her back, she whinnied louder and threw her head around to get Jane's attention. Jane reached down and rubbed the horse's neck, telling her, "Sorry, my friend. I was lost in thought." She laughed as the horse threw its head again in the direction of the bench, Jane telling her horse, "Thank you, my friend." As Jane climbed down off the back of her horse, it remained still until it saw her sit down on the bench, then wandered off to graze.

Those who knew the woman went back to what they were doing, others stayed hidden and watched to see what would happen. A small group of ducks came near Jane and swam in front of her, quacking encouragement as they did. Those who ran to hide were shocked to see a doe with her fawn lay down some few feet away from Jane, acting as though there was nothing wrong with having this person in their midst. None recognized the tears that slowly found their way out of Jane's eyes and down her cheeks, caused by her thinking about how cruel people could be to kill, so they could stay free. Her mind went back to the boys who'd come to her, the ones who left totally different young men, and the ones she couldn't reach. And the friend she lost because her twisted mind wanted a daughter instead of a son. She thought of how her girls were treated by Sandy at Marisha Chalet, and of Charlotte besting Sandy. Of her forcing the girls to help Brenda at The Style Shoppe, and the experience they had modeling. All of her thoughts seemed to be leading her in one direction, trying to make her understand that all her and Marie's efforts were not in vain. That with all but a few, each boy who'd come to her was living a better life than they would have without their guidance. That even though she and Marie had experienced heartache and disappointment at times, they did it so others could have a better life. And right now, her grief wasn't because of being unsure if she wanted to continue changing lives, but the grief felt of lives lost because of greed. Yes, she and Marie knew people who would take care of the problem for her, but it wasn't how she wanted things to end. Because if it ended that way, Charles would never have his name cleared, he would always have a record.

The doe and its fawn slowly got up off the ground and wandered away. The ducks took themselves to another part of the pond, feeding as they went. A sudden weight was on Jane's shoulder, the massive muzzle rubbing Jane's cheek. She reached and stroked the top of its nose, saying, "Thank you old friend. I suppose we better return to the house, eh?" A soft whinny answering Jane's question, as her horse lifted its head off Jane's shoulder, allowing her to stand and remount her. They rode back to the house as one, the reins a bit tighter in Jane's hands, though not giving directions through them. Jane felt more at peace as they reached the stable, though the thought of the killings were still with her. Once cooled down, watered, and brushed, the mare walked back into its stall on its own accord, turning and putting its head on Jane's shoulder once again. Hugging the big mare, Jane told her, "Thank you for being here, my old friend. And for understanding." Jane released the horse's neck, stepped back and closed the stall gate, checking for adequate food and water. Her heart was still heavy over the loss of life, but her resolve was to push on in their attempt to better the lives of those boys sent to Seasons House, and the ‌Winsome‌ ‌Girls'‌ ‌School‌ ‌for‌ ‌Wayward‌ ‌Boys‌.

There was no need to look in on the girls, Marie would have been doing that, making sure they were doing the assigned work. She went straight to her bedroom to shower and change; it was getting near their evening meal. Coming out of her room, hearing voices coming from the kitchen, Jane headed in that direction. As she passed the dining room table she caught sight of two papers sitting in front of her place at the table. Picking them up, and reading them, she saw they were the two papers she had directed the girls to write on two of the animals in the area they rode through that morning. She hadn't given them explicit instructions, so wasn't expecting research papers, but saw they provided the necessary relevant information. She sat each paper at its proper place on the table, as they would discuss them over dinner.

It's Monday morning, the day Toby Camber arrives at Seasons House, Winsome‌ ‌Girls'‌ ‌School‌ ‌for‌ ‌Wayward‌ ‌Boys‌. Jane came out of her bedroom in full headmistress mode. She was wearing a light gray skirt suit, the skirt reaching 2" above her knees. She wore a long sleeved, high necked white cotton blouse, adorned at the neck by a blue backed camio broach. She wore off black stockings with three inch closed toe heels. Her hair was in a tight bun, and her makeup, as always, immaculately applied. And her expression? One that said, 'take no prisoners.' She was on a mission. A mission to get Charles' name cleared, to find who was killing young kids just to shut them up. If she had to, she'd use Toby to reach those ends.

She knew Marie would have already woken the girls, but she made it a practice to look in on them to make sure then hadn't fallen back to sleep.

After going upstairs, Jane walked to Francis' bedroom door, opened it, and quietly walked inside. It didn't take Jane but a moment to realize her bedroom had changed. It was tidy and clean. Quietly closing the door behind her, Jane took a moment to gaze around Francis' bedroom. The dress Francis had chosen to wear today was hanging neatly on the hook attached to the closet door. There was no clothing thrown around the room as she had done before. Books and nick-nacks were placed neatly on shelves or on the vanity. The bed was neatly made, with her chosen lingerie lying neatly on the bed, minus her bra and panties, and her low heeled shoes were sitting neatly on the floor just under the edge of the bedspread. Jane walked over to the bed and lifting the pillow, finding Francis' nightgown neatly folded and where it should be kept.

Jane heard water running in the en suite and walked to the bathroom door, opening it softly. She took a step inside and saw Franics' silhouette behind the shower curtin. Jane also saw Francis' bra and panties lying neatly on the vanity counter top. Scanning the bathroom, Jane was surprised how clean it now had become, compared to time past. She looked behind the bathroom door and found Francis' robe hanging on the hook attached to the back of the door. Then she heard something that surprised her, Francis was humming. Jane listened for a moment before leaving the en suite and quietly closing the door behind her. She would have to question Francis about the changes, changes that had recently occurred. Changes that were new for Francis. Changes that marked a step in the right direction for Francis. Might Charlotte had a hand in the changes? That was another question to ask, privately.

After leaving Francis' bedroom, Jane walked the short distance to Charlotte's bedroom. She didn't expect to see anything out of place in her bedroom, Charles is an orderly individual. Quietly opening the bedroom door, Jane stepped inside and quietly closed the door before surveying the room. As she expected, nothing was out of place. No dust sat on anything Jane could see. Like Francis, or Francis like Charlotte, her chosen dress was neatly hung on the hook attached to the closet door. Lingerie, minus her bra and panties, were lying neatly of her made bed, her shoes right below on the floor and back under the edge of the bedspread. She found Charlotte's neatly folded nightgown under the pillow, as it should be.

Water could also be heard running in Charlotte's en suite. Quietly opening the bathroom door, Jane watched as Charlotte's silhouette moved around behind the shower curtain. A neatly folded bra and panties were sitting on the vanity counter top, and Charlotte's robe was hung on the hook attached to the back of the bathroom door. Scanning the rest of the en suite, Jane was not surprised by its cleanliness.

As with the surprise she heard from Francis, she heard, "Good morning, Aunt Jane," from Charlotte, as she'd stepped out of the en suite and started to quietly close the door. She stepped back into the ensuite and asked, "How did you know, Charlotte?"

Jane heard Charlotte laugh before she said, "One was logical, the other physical. Marie had already been here, so it would only be logical that it was you who'd look in on us. As to the physical way... opening that door creates an air current. The current is strong enough to move the shower curtain."

Jane chuckled at what she heard. "You are an interesting person, Charles Thorton," she commented, deciding she could question Charles now. "Charles, have you been helping Francis? Talking with her about her attitude and demeanor?"

Charles was silent for a moment before he said, "Thank you for speaking to Charles, Aunt Jane. It means a lot to me. As to your question, yes. I've been talking with Francis. She opened up to me about her home life, and how she's been treated. I listened and held her as she cried. I waited until she'd calmed down, then told her no one can take away her dignity if she doesn't let them. Her name can change, but only she could lose her dignity. She asked questions about dignity, self respect, and dealing with how she's treated at home. I told her the only way to deal with the demeaning things her Aunt Agnes says to her, is to not care what she had say. Let her say what she want, and don't react. I told her that if she ignores what Aunt Agnes says to her, and doesn't react in any way, her Aunt loses that particular hold over her. I may have gone a bit too far when I explained your goal for her. That you care more than she understands. How it wasn't fair how she'd been acting, when all you're doing was trying to make her see she can live a different life and have a better attitude toward life. She may have opened up to you, eventually, Aunt Jane. But to her, right now, you're an intimidating woman, you remind her of how she's treated at home. Aunt Jane, how would you stand up to a barrage of insults, put downs, and slights simply because you were born? How would you handle doing the best you know how to do, and being berated for simply doing it? She was fed up doing what she was told and being reamed every way possible afterwards. Aunt Jane, Frank can't go back to live with his Aunt Agnes when he leaves here. She didn't want to take Frank in after her sister, Penny, was diagnosed with cancer. She didn't want him and that's how she's been treating him. If he does have to go back to live with Agnes, someone needs to give her a good dose of whup-ass before he gets home."

The water running may have hid the snicker Jane made at Charles' last statement. It was also good Charles was still behind the shower curtain, because he would have seen Jane wipe her eyes after what he said to her. When she felt she had control of her voice, she told Charles, "Thank you for helping Francis, Charles. And please continue doing so when it's needed. Now hurry up and finish your shower and get dressed. You still have to help with breakfast."

Jane almost lost it again when starting to leave the en suite and heard Charles say, "I love you too, Aunt Jane!" She had to clamp her jaw shut to keep from crying out."

Jane left Charlotte's bedroom and went down to the living room, to wait for the girls and their daily inspection. She mulled over everything Charles had said, wondering if she was too intimidating and if maybe that's why some boys never went along with her program. If she was being perceived by Frank to be like his Aunt, then she'd have to devise another method of reaching him. She'd have to make sure he realized he was wanted and valued. She'd also have to talk with Ruth to have her see if any of Franks family knew how he was being treated at home, and if any would be willing to take him in to get him away from such a toxic environment.

As Jane waited in the living room, she heard first one bedroom door open and close and steps echoing down the hallway, then another bedroom door open and close, with another set of steps being added to the echo. As Jane stood facing the stairs, with her arms hanging in front of her, and the palm of one hand over the back of the other, she watched as Francis was the first to be seen descending the stairs, followed closely by Charlotte. Jane could already see the change in Francis, with her hair neatly styled, instead of the 'not really caring look' it had before Charles arrived. The dress she chose was even more appropriate than the ones she'd worn pre Charles. Even her choice of makeup was more fitting to her age, as was her choice of hosiery.

Jane watched as Francis waited at the bottom of the stairs until Charlotte was standing beside her, then both girls walked into the living room together, stopping three steps in front of Jane. Jane spotted the enigmatic smile on Charlotte's face, causing her to question its purpose and to frown at Charlotte until it disappeared; she'd have to question Charlotte about that in a few minutes. As Jane inspected both girls from where she stood, taking in their clothing, hosiery, shoes, hair, and makeup, she asked, "Francis, I noticed your bedroom was in a much better state than it had been. Is there a reason for that to occur?" Jane had stepped up to the girls and was looking both up and down, from the front and back as she'd asked the question. She was now standing in front of Francis. Francis dropped her head, as Jane had seen her do on multiple occasions in the past. The fingers of Jane's right hand went gently under Francis' chin, slowly lifting it until Francis was looking at her. Jane saw that tears were threatening to escape Francis' eyes after what she had asked. Thinking back to what Charles had said to her, Jane quickly said, "Thank you for what you've done to your bedroom. It looks really nice." Jane could see the questioning look on Francis' face, before a huge smile erupted on her face. "You're also much improved in the choice of clothing and makeup that best suits your person. Did you have help in that endeavor?"

Jane waited for an answer, watching the inner turmoil of emotions playing across Francis' face, despair not being one of them. Jane saw that a decision had been made, and with her whole body exhibiting confidence, Francis said, "Yes, Aunt Jane, I had help. I had help from Charlotte." Jane tried her best not to show her head mistress face so as not to shut Francis down. Frank needed this moment. Francis chuckled before she told Jane, "She sat me down and basically read me the riot act. She told me I'd been unfair to you by my actions, because you were only trying to help me see a better way to live and think. She told me I was being very rude by not keeping my bedroom clean and organized, as a guest should do. We went through my closet and drawers so she could help me learn how to determine what would look best on me and what paired well together. She even helped with my makeup, showing me much of the same." Then Jane almost lost it when Francis' voice got husky and she told Jane, "I'm sorry, Aunt Jane, for my past behavior. You've done nothing but try and help me and I treated you like I treated my Aunt with my bad behavior." Tears were now sliding down Francis' cheeks, as she suddenly stepped into Jane and engulfed Jane with her arms. In a muffled voice, Francis said, "Thank you Aunt Jane for caring."

Jane had to muster every ounce of self control she possessed so she wouldn't break down after what Francis said. Jane gently push Francis back and looking directly into her eyes, told her, "I do care about you, Francis. I care very deeply and I only want you to see that there is another way you can live your life and a better way to react to terrible situations." Offering Francis a hint of a smile, Jane went on to say, "Now, dry your eyes and go help Marie get things ready for breakfast. We have a new girl arriving today and we have to be ready for her." Francis nodded her head before walking over to the end table and taking a tissue from the box sitting on that table. Jane watched her walk through the dining room and pushing the kitchen door open before the door hid her from view as she walked into the kitchen. She then turned her attention to Charlotte, who was now wearing a big smile. Jane stepped in front of Charlotte, trying her best to put her head mistress look on her face. "Alright, Miss Thorton!! Would you explain to me the smiles you aren't supposed to have on your face during this time!" If anything, Jane's head mistress look backfired, as the smile on Charlotte's face grew even bigger.

The first words out of Charlotte's mouth were, "I love you too, Aunt Jane," almost causing Jane to flat out lose it. "Francis has started opening up to you, Aunt Jane. She told you that she isn't being treated well at home, she may even tell you more, now that she knows you really care about her."

Jane simply looked at Charlotte, shaking her head as she told her, "You are a remarkable young man, Charles Thorton. And I absolutely hate that you have to be here. But your dad, and others, are getting close to learning the whole truth."

Charlotte was nodding her head at the last of what Jane said. "I can tell how much you deplore my being here, and how upset you are about everything that's happening. But being Charlotte hasn't been all that bad, it's given me a perspective I never would have had any other way. And for that, I think you. I also thank you for this experience because it's made me take a look at myself, how could it not, dressed and presenting as a girl.

Jane jerked her head towards the direction of the kitchen, indicating that Charlotte was to help with getting breakfast ready. She watch as Charlotte walk towards the kitchen, thinking, for a boy, he makes a cute girl. She shook off that thought and went to her study, opening the door, walking inside before closing the door behind her; one of the girls would let her know when breakfast was ready.

After sitting down behind the study desk, she unlocked her computer and checked her emails. One email caught her eye immediately, it was from Jeb. Quickly opening it, she read the following:

From: Jeb Thorton, el al.

To: Jane Thompson

Re: More arrests made

Jane,

The police have made more arrests of the shoplifting trios. Most have been young boys, but there have been a few young girls about Charles' age involved. They have the girls speaking with women officers for obvious reasons. They would like to have each girl examined by a doctor, again, for obvious reasons. But since they show no outward signs of needing medical attention, their hands are tied without parental consent.

Several of those arrested, the girls included, give the impression they'd like to talk to officers in order to help themselves. As the kids have been observed, those leading the three teen crews have made it clear what's going to happen if anyone snitches. The police think if the power of those leading the crews can be neutralized, those wanting to talk will talk. The police have a plan, though it will depend on finding a few male and female officers who can easily pass as young teens.

I'll keep you posted of any further developments. Give Charles our love.

Kindest regards,

Jeb

Jane bristled after reading Jeb's email. If they gave her five minutes with those leaders, they'd have all the information they'd need. She took several calming breaths, she had to recenter herself to fully deal with Toby when he arrived. Just then there was a knock on the study door. "Enter," Jane loudly said, and watched as the door opened and Francis came into the study. After closing the door, Jane watched as Francis walked to the book case, took 'the book' off the shelf, balanced it on her head, and started the first of five walks around the study with the book balanced on her head, knowing that if the book fell, she'd have to start over..

When round five was completed, Francis replaced 'the book' on the bookshelf. She then walked to Jane's desk, stopping two steps in front of the desk. "Aunt Jane, breakfast is ready," she told Jane as she stood up straight, with her shoulders back and her arms hanging in front of her, with her hands lying on top of each other.

Jane had watched every movement Francis made. Right now, she was evaluating Francis' mood and whether she could be the 'good' girl in front of Toby. "Francis, do you remember how Sonya acted when you first arrived? Do you remember what happened to her when she acted out?"

Jane watched Francis' face as the girl was searching her memory. "Yes, Aunt Jane, I remember some of how she acted and the consequences. If I may ask, why do you want to know if I remembered?"

Jane pointed to a chair while saying, "Please bring that chair over to where you're standing and be seated. I have something to ask of you." Jane watch as Francis walked over to the chair, stood in front of it and lifted it off the floor by the arms. Careful as she walked carrying the chair, Francis brought the chair to the place where she previously stood. Sitting the chair down by bending her knees, instead of bending over as she'd done earlier in her being at Seasons House, Francis turned around, smoothed the back of her dress and sat down in the chair. She sat ramrod straight, crossing her ankles, and placed her hands in her lap. Looking straight at Jane, she then waited for Jane to speak.

Jane leaned forward in her chair, placed her arms on her desk with her hands clasped, then said, "Francis, I want you to remember you are playing the good girl to Charlotte's new/bad girl when Toby arrives. When I give Charlotte a nod, she is going to act different than she does now, and that will be your que to become the good girl. Don't be snobby, or criticize Charlotte for her actions, just let Toby know that Charlotte will suffer the consequences for her actions. And remember, you explain what's expected from all my girls. And as I told Charlotte, don't go overboard, act as you've started acting since Charlotte arrive. Can you do all of that?"

Jane watched as Francis' head dropped to her chest, and when she again looked up at Jane, tears were running down her cheeks and dripping onto her dress. "Aunt Jane," Francis began in a choked up voice. "I've given you nothing but grief since I've been here. My bedroom has been a mess, I've just gone through the motions, which I now see has caused you stress, and you're still asking me to be the 'good' girl? Why, Aunt Jane? Why not Charlotte, she's a better example of a 'good' girl?"

The situation, this time, at Seasons House was unlike any Jane had previously faced. Yes, she had girls like Francis, girls who's home life caused them to act out, end up before Judge Ruth and ultimately here. But none like Charlotte and the killings taking place just to keep someone free from justice.

Jane had already broken her rule of not getting visibly emotionally involved with her girls, the situation had warranted it being done. And she did so again, as she stood up from her chair, walked around the study desk, knelt before Francis, took the girl's hands in hers and told her, "Sweetheart, yes you did all the things you said. Yes it caused me stress because nothing I did or had you do brought you out of your shell. But look how far you've come since Charlotte has been here. You listened to her, cared about her, and come to realize how terrible you've been acting since you arrived at my house. I think you've earned the right to be my 'good' girl and show Toby how he's supposed to act."

Jane watched the girl sitting before her, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Jane waited, as she could see that Francis was arranging her thoughts. When she finally spoke, it was hardly about a whisper. "You could have sent me back at any time but you didn't, Aunt Jane," Francis said as she sniffed her nose. "You've been stern, but kind to me in your own way, too. And now you want me to be your 'good' girl after everything I've done. Aunt Agnus would have thrown me out of the house permanently for the things I've done while being here." With her face wet, and a big smile on her face, Francis told Jane, "Yes, Aunt Jane. I'll be your 'good' girl."

Francis had come a long way in the last few days. 'Thank you Charles Thorton', she thought to herself. "Thank you Francis for agreeing to this, we'll talk more after Toby arrives. Now, though, you need go and change your dress and fix your makeup before we eat." Jane released Francis' hands, stood up and stepped back, giving Francis room to stand. Jane watched as Francis turned around, picked up the chair without being told, and moved it back where it had been. Then, as she had now started doing, Francis asked, "Aunt Jane, my I please be excused?"

Schooling herself, Jane replied with, "Yes, Francis. You may be excused." When Francis turned to leave the study, Jane caught up to Francis, and breaking her normal rule again, put her arm around Francis' shoulder as they walked to the study door. Francis opened the door, waited until Jane had walked through of the study before following her and closing the door behind her. The two then went their separate ways, Jane to the dining room and Francis to her bedroom. Jane never saw the big smile on Francis' face as she climbed the stairs. And no on saw the smirk on Jane's face as she walked to the dining room. Charlotte was right in her assessment of Francis, kind words did indeed go further with Francis than Jane's usual dragon words.

Breakfast began after Francis came down from her bedroom, having changed her dress and redoing her makeup; it turned into a planning session when Toby Camber arrived. Jane discussed how he would be treated at the train station, when he arrived at Seasons House, the toasting of his arrival, for Charlotte's benefit, and the roll of the girls after Jane woke him from his nap. She reminded the girls what was at stake in getting Toby to "tell all" about the shoplifting ring. She cautioned them to not be direct in asking about it, but to try and guide Toby in that direction. Jane also laid out contingency plans in case Toby recognized Charlotte, asking Charlotte not to hurt Toby should he attack her after recognizing her.