Lottie saw Ellie and her friends huddled together with Samuel poised nearby as she went to stand beside Professor Devine, anticipation spreading over the room.

Professor Devine turned to her, her silk cloak sweeping a wave of expensive perfume in Lottie’s direction. ‘Lottie, this is excellent. If you’re ready, we’d be delighted for you to present your William Tufty tribute.’

‘Yes, I’m ready but –’ Lottie looked out over the crowd of students gathered, singling out Ellie instantly like the moon in a clear sky – ‘I have something I’d like to say about it, if I may.’

This seemed to please the professor, whose lips twitched into what could almost be described as a smile.

Beneath the platform a slow wave of hush spread over the students. All the students had one thing in common: Rosewood, a world built by her ancestor, and now, standing on the podium, Lottie felt an obligation to continue the work that Liliana had started.

‘Before I present the tribute to our school’s founder, I have a few words I want to share.’ Waiting until everyone was listening, she twirled the ends of her hair.

‘William Tufty believed deeply in the importance of humanity bringing out the best in each other. This is why they established the three pillars that each house is built upon. Righteous, resolute and resourceful. Each has its own merit, but when you combine the three, amazing, magical things can be achieved.’

Lottie saw Binah nodding along.

‘Tufty also believed in duality, in the power of shouting about your beliefs, and staying quiet to allow others to come forward.’ She stopped, pulling the dust sheet away to reveal her piece.

A great gasp, like a firework whizzing up into the air, flew across the hall as students and teachers looked at Lottie’s work. Slowly the sound was replaced with murmurs of wonder and delighted chirping.

Held in a gilded frame that shone the colour of the stars, the work was painted in a pre-Raphaelite style to pay homage to William’s hidden identity and the many secrets he’d scattered among the school. The colours were rich marigolds and gothic golds that moved together in a Catherine wheel of colour. Two figures blended into one another – the masculine figure of William Tufty and the feminine figure by its side, its face obscured by beautiful shades of gold.

Once the whispers died down, Lottie continued. ‘This duality is what I wanted to show in the painting. The two sides of our founder in harmony. They are wild and measured, passionate and tranquil, loud and soft. You might say they are a vixen and a delicate mouse, one of my favourite rhymes growing up.’