Welcome to the Convent of Saint Morrigan

Telling the girls to leave their luggage in the hall, Sister Mary led them to a set of double doors made of dark wood. Knocking first, she opened it and stepped inside, gesturing the girls to follow her.

"Mother, I have brought our charges as instructed. Their luggage is in the hallway."

A woman in her late thirties sat behind a desk and surveyed the group of girls as they shuffled in, her face showing little expression. Sister Mary introduced them by name, and the Mother Superior nodded at each in turn.

"You may sit," she said, gesturing to some chairs. "Welcome to the Convent of Saint Morrigan. It shall be your home for the next year. I understand you are not necessarily devout. That is as may be, but while you are here, you will act according to our rules. It is a simple life, and an honest life, and perhaps some of you may decide to remain among us."

The girls squirmed a little in their seats as the Mother Superior spoke, showing various degrees of disinterest. She smiled thinly.

"Firstly, there are parts of the life you are used to which are not permitted here. Namely, your electronic devices, phones and the like. Such distractions are not permitted, and in any case would soon be useless for our convent has no electricity. We are lit by lantern and candle, heated by fire and brazier, and cook by wood stove."

Her thin smile widened slightly at the evident dismay from the girls. There were whines of protest and anger, and the Mother Superior waited until they quieted to begin again.

"Secondly, while you are here you are to remain within the confines of the Convent. This is defined by the walls of the fields. Leaving the confines without permission is not allowed. Not for you, nor for any of the Sisters of the Convent."

The girls stared back at her with wide and dismayed eyes.

"Thirdly, while here you will be expected to contribute your labour. You may cook or clean or tend our gardens, or such other tasks as may arise. This will not be onerous, and will not distract from your studies."

"Finally, you will dress in modest clothing. Such display of yourselves as I see on some of you is not only unbecoming, it is an affront to this order. If you have no appropriate clothing, some will be provided for you. We do not expect you to dress as nuns, but among you only Belinda is attired in a manner acceptable to our teachings."

She paused, looking the girls over.

"Have you any questions?"