Stasia laughed again. “Well, Shrimpy seems like a silly nickname for someone named Charles. It doesn’t make sense, and he’s actually rather quite tall, so how he ended up with such a name is beyond me!”

“Once again you lack the wit to get the joke,” Zella scoffed. “His name is Shrimpy because he is very tall. It’s like calling a portly man Slim, or calling you Belle!” she added with a wicked grin.

“Oh, you!” said Stasia, leaping out of her seat and pulling the bows out of her sister’s ringlets.

“That is enough! Both of you, stop this at once!” This time it wasn’t Nanny Pinch who intervened, it was Lady Tremaine. Neither of the girls had ever heard their mother raise her voice to them, and it caused them both to stop their antics at once and stare at her. “I think Nanny Pinch is right. I have decided it’s best if the two of you stay at home. How can I expect you to accompany me to the country if you can’t behave like ladies?”

Both of the girls burst into tears, wailing and pleading with their mother to let them go. “I’m sorry, girls, I have been far too indulgent with you, and it is time for you to grow up. It’s my fault really; I’ve spoiled you, but it’s time you learn that there are consequences to your actions.” Lady Tremaine thought she was doing what was best for her girls, who were far too used to getting their way. It was time she did something about it.

“Mother, please! Don’t leave us alone with Nanny Pinch! Please. We won’t see you for ages!” screamed Anastasia.

But Lady Tremaine was resolute. “No, my dear. I’ve made up my mind. I will be going on this trip without you. You will be in good hands with Nanny Pinch. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a trip to prepare for. I suggest you go up to the classroom and finish your studies,” said Lady Tremaine, trying her best to fool her girls into thinking she really intended to leave without them. The fact was, she was just trying to scare them into behaving.

“The classroom? But, Mother, what of our shopping trip? What about our new dresses?” screeched Drizella. Both of the girls were panicked.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this to us, Mama! I hate you!” said Anastasia, screwing up her face.

Lady Tremaine wasn’t used to taking this sort of line with her daughters, and she didn’t find it easy. In fact, she found it exhausting. It was causing her head to hurt, but she made her face passive and remote, and held her ground.