It was quite the rage in her parents’ circle to educate their daughters at convent school, for all that none of them were Roman Catholic. It produced a demure, innocent and unworldly debutante, properly obedient to duly constituted authority, but nonetheless more than ready to take the reins of a large household. Curious thing that, though truly she had already served her apprenticeship by the time she got her scanty few years of education…
Thomas, well, Thomas was an education of another kind. All that she hadn’t known, and to which books only alluded sidelong… well, the drinking and gambling, that was spelled out quite plainly, even in Vanity Fair if you read it with a knowing eye, and in Balzac without too much obfuscation at all. Novels were an education in life, so no wonder they were banned at the convent.
E. P. Beaumont 
Such a rich voice here. Great six!
thanks for the chuckle – there’s a quote – can’t remember it – something about how fiction makes one more empathetic (excuse the spelling) no wonder novels would be banned. too much education would they contain.
Makes me wonder if she remembers previous reincarnations.
So much to like in these six. The subtle edge of bitter irony in her voice is especially terrific.
Great snippet. Back for more next week!
Great characterization – sounds like her life has changed quite dramatically. I like the way you explain the two kinds of education.