A Virgin Bride

“They may well be! But they are so clever and they know so much that I have enjoyed every second of being with them.”
“I know, and they have enjoyed teaching you. Now go and start packing, my child. I will send Sister Marie Barnard with you as she has more experience in travelling than the majority of the nuns.”
“I would just love to have her with me. She is a walking mine of information and will doubtless instruct me during the journey. I will now go to pack, but I shall feel, ma’am, like crying because I have to leave you.”
She did not wait for the Mother Superior to reply, but gave her a little curtsy and left the room.
The Mother Superior sighed.
She was very fond of Venetia and she had been a credit to the school, but at the same time she was well aware that Venetia was too old to be shut up with a lot of younger girls.
She should be taking her place in the Social world that was waiting for her in London.
Venetia herself, however, was not looking forward to arriving in London.
She said ‘goodbye’ to Paris as the train carried her and Sister Marie to the English Channel.
They had a courier to look after them to make sure that Venetia had the best cabin once they reached the ferry.
He had been wise enough to arrange for them to travel on a ferry to the Tower of London rather than one that berthed at Dover.
The ferry was somewhat crowded, but the cabin was comfortable enough for her and Sister Marie.
They arrived in London at ten o’clock the following morning.
And as soon as they had descended the gangway, Venetia saw one of her father’s servants in the Lynbrook livery waiting for her.
“It be good to see you back, my Lady,” he said and Venetia smiled at him.
As he collected all her luggage from the courier, she bade farewell to Sister Marie.
“It was so kind of you to come with me, Sister. I only wish I was coming back with you. I shall miss you all so much and all my marvellous lessons.”
“And we shall miss you, but I am sure that now you will shine in the Social world, just as you shone in ours!”
“I think it most unlikely! Please give my love to everybody and

I think you yourself must tell the members of the clan that your engagement has been announced in London.

Venetia had not really thought about it before, but now she told herself that actually she was shocked b