Page 89 of Harpy of the Ton
“Children, is this true?” Bella asked.
Jonathan’s cheeks flushed, and he looked away.
“Don’t askthem,” Mrs. Chantry said. “They’re incapable of telling the truth, the vile little beasts.”
Vile…
Swallowing her guilt at having used that word herself, Bella took a step toward the teacher.
“Please explain what gives you the right to describe my children asvile.”
“They refuse to listen. They’re unruly, disruptive…”
“In what way?”
“They won’t stop asking questions.”
“Isn’t school a place to ask questions?” Bella asked. “To learn?”
“Children don’t learn by asking questions—they learn by being told what to do.”
Bella let out a laugh. “You can’t tell children what to do!”
“You can, Mrs. Baxter, if you set a good moral example—in which you’re sorely lacking.”
Bella curled her hands into fists. “What right have you to speak so?”
“Someone has to say something about those brats,” Mrs. Chantry said, “not to mention their slattern of a mother.”
“Slattern!” Jonathan cried.
Roberta gave him a push. “Shut your mouth!”
“Desist, you brat!” Mrs. Chantry advanced on Roberta, hand raised. But before she could strike, Bella grasped her wrist.
“Don’t youdaretouch my children,” she said through gritted teeth, “unless you’re prepared to get what you mete out in return.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m defending my daughter against a bully,” Bella said. “Children, wait outside.”
“But Mama…” Jonathan whined.
“Outside!” Bella yelled. “Now!”
The children slid off their seats and exited the classroom.
Bella released the teacher’s hand. “Leave my children alone.”
“With pleasure,” Mrs. Chantry said. “They’re no longer welcome in my school—at least then I’ll not have to deal with their whore of a mother.”
“Whatdid you call me?”
“You heard,” the teacher sneered. “The whole village is talking about how you abandoned your husband. Ran off with a lover, no doubt, to satisfy your base urges. Then, fool that he is, he took you back when your lover grew tired of you.”
“That’s a lie!” Bella said. “Nothing but vile gossip you’ve heard—or peddled yourself. I suppose it’s impossible for you to entertain the notion that thehusbandcould ever be at fault?”
“A wife’s duty is to keep her husband satisfied, and maintain the moral standards of the home,” Mrs. Chantry said. “You, Mrs. Baxter, have failed on every count. Perhaps you’re not satisfying your husband. Have you thought of that?”
