Charlotte knew that Mr. Withers would notice that she was excited, despite her best efforts against it, and, even worse, she knew that the punishment would take even longer because of it. As she was dragged to the bench, she caught a glimps of her sisters Anne, who was tending to Mrs. Beckham, and Emily, who was still kneeling on the floor. Charlotte knew it would be hardest on Emily, the youngest and least-experienced of the three.

Emily wanted to see what was going on around her, but dared not move. She knew that her time would come, and come soon.