It’s not a typical public school where she attends each day. It’s also not a typical homeschool where I create the curriculum. Instead it’s like a private school using distance learning.

She has teachers, tests, grades—everything another first grade student would have.

But she does it on her own time. Or she’s supposed to.

Dear Mr. Rochester, We are very concerned about Paige’s many absences and her ability to catch up with the work required for her curriculum. Call the administrative office right away.

On a late Thursday afternoon, I leave Paige playing with the kitten, still unnamed, using a cat toy with a string on the end we ordered through the housekeeper. I use that time to step into the next room and call the school.

“Mrs. Rochester?” There’s shuffling on the other end of the line. “Are you her mother?”

“No, no. I’m her nanny. I’m going to be working on her schoolwork with her.”

“I don’t see you here in this file.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I’m pretty new here. Just trying to figure out what she’s supposed to be working on. I understand she’s a little bit behind.”

There’s a muffled sound. Possible rude laughter stopped with a hand over her mouth. “A little behind? Paige is in danger of failing the first grade. Mrs. Rochester—”

“Uh, that’s Ms. Mendoza. Or you know what? You can just call me Jane.”

“Ms. Mendoza. Jane. I really would prefer to speak with Mr. Rochester—” More shuffling. “Her uncle, is he? He and I spoke when she enrolled in the school, but he’s been impossible to get in touch with since then. He’s really the only one authorized to discuss her with us for privacy reasons.”

“I understand.” I can’t exactly explain that Mr. Rochester has been impossible to get in touch with for me as well. In fact I haven’t seen him since that night he caught me in the attic. It’s almost as if he doesn’t live in the mansion. “I’m sure he would love to speak with you about Paige. Her education is very important to him.” This is a bold-faced lie, if the fifty-one unread messages are anything to go by. “But he’s indisposed right now. If she has any hope of getting back on track for the year, basically I’m all you’ve got.”

There’s a pause. Then a sigh. “She’s very far behind. In every subject. The only way she can catch up is by doing all the work she did not turn in.”