Chapter Text
"I can't stay here anymore," thought Constance out loud in an almost murmur. "There's nothing left for me here. If Mr Hallow shall be changing everything I'll never be able to adapt to the new regime. I know only one song and can dance to no other." With that, Constance got up from her desk in her chambers and crossed to the door but before she could reach the knob she heard a faint knock. "It's me Constance, will you let me in?" Amelia's voice drifted in in that sweet and motherly tone she used on everyone, even the formidable Constance Hardbroom. She continued on her path to the door and opened it to find Amelia in her night gown and holding a lamp.
"I thought you might want to talk after what Mr Hallow announced this afternoon?"
"I was just going to come see you actually Miss Cackle."
"And? You don't seriously intend on leaving us do you? You mean so much to us all Constance. We'd never be able to cope without you. You keep the girls in line and . . . "
"You mean I frighten them into listening. I know what they think of me Miss Cackle. Trust me, they wouldn't miss me." Constance interrupted. "I know they all hate me. I know what they say when they think I can't hear them. I think it would be for the best if I left as you move to the new school." Amelia stood open mouthed and just staring at Constance. "Bu . . . B . . . But, you can't leave us." Amelia tried in vain. She knew that once Constance had made up her mind that was that. Trying to change her mind would be a waste of time and effort but Amelia couldn't just lie down and watch Constance walk away from a job she knew was her life.
"We WOULD miss you though. I would miss you, even Miss Bat would and Miss Drill would certainly miss you. I'm sure that the girls would all miss you as well. They know you do what you do for their own good and safety. It's just that their young girls and they all believe they're invincible and know better. They'd all be devastated if you left them. I'm sure even Mildred Hubble would be sad to see you go." Amelia couldn't stop now. She was in full flow but just as she drew a breath to continue her plea, Constance interrupted again. "I'm deeply sorry Miss Cackle." Then she disappeared with that little crackle that always followed being the only sign that Miss Hardbroom was ever there having the conversation at all.