Nora caught me watching and asked with her eyes what I thought. I gave her a warm smile and a satisfied nod. It really looked beautiful.

It had been her idea to have the young girls do something together, and I appreciated it. How much happier would my early years at court have been if we’d tried to build something as a group instead of feeling like we had to compete all the time?

As I watched, lulled into a stupor by the twirling gowns, a page approached. “Morning post, Majesty.”

“Thank you . . . It was Andrews, was it not?”

He smiled. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He moved on quickly, and I scanned the names on the letters to see what had come. The first several were from lords, and I’d need to see my council before responding to any of them. At the very back were three meant not for the queen, but for Hollis . . . well, maybe one of them was meant for the queen. I tucked inside the low wall of the palace and bent over, reading away.

Your Majesty,

You will be pleased to know that the last teaching position was filled this morning. We now have suitable instructors for all subjects. As of last week, all the rooms in Varinger Hall have students assigned to them, so in the next week or so, we will begin the courses you laid out. The staff has been preparing around the clock, and while it’s not the work any of us signed up for, everyone is delighted to be useful again and to see the manor full of life.

The first girl arrived this week. We have three orphans coming, and she is one. She was so timid, but the maids have taken her in like a little kitten, and I feel certain once she’s able to meet her classmates, she will blossom.

The manor is in good hands. I am seeing to all the grounds and house, and the headmistress you chose is an agreeable woman who is very organized. I feel certain that if you get to visit, which we all very much hope you do, that you will be pleased with this school. We will keep you informed of any issues we have as things begin, but I’m very hopeful for the future of this project.

It is a brilliant idea, Your Majesty. One day, Coroa will be filled with schools like these, and the future citizens will have you to thank for it.

We pray for your health and reign. Visit soon.

Your humble servant,

Hester

Finally, that giant old house was serving some kind of purpose. I wasn’t sure if a live-in school for country children would work, but we wouldn’t know if we didn’t try. I had no illusions of myself being someone who walked into war or saved countless sick . . . but I could do little bits of good a little bit at a time, and I hoped that when the end of my reign came, that would be what people remembered.