Regiment of Women by Clemence Dane

Rediscover the brilliance of Regiment of Women in the Mermaid Collection - classic books by popular pioneering female authors republished to delight new generations of readers.
 
Set in a small town in Edwardian England, Regiment of Women is a page-turning and beguiling novel about the complicated relationship between a teacher and pupil at a private (and elitist) girls' school .

'I understand her.  You don’t. She likes to be top dog. She’ll do anything for that.  She likes to know every woman and child in the school is a bit of putty, to knead into shape.’
 
Miss Clare Hartill, teacher at a girls’ boarding school, has a bewitching ability to get her own way, whether it is among the staff or the pupils who’ll do anything to please her. When nineteen-year-old Alwynne Durand is hired, Clare takes this innocent and enthusiastic but undisciplined young teacher under her wing. Soon, the pair are spending every moment together, with Alwynne growing as dependent on Clare as she is drawn to her beguiling wit and charm.

But when tragedy touches the school, Alwynne begins to question Clare’s attentions. Sometimes, she thinks, her new friend can be cruel. Torn between a Clare she loves and a Clare she fears, Alwynne must decide between loyalty and independence – before Clare chooses for her .
 
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'Imagine if Miss Jean Brodie was a lesbian. . .Clemence Dane’s witty 1917 novel set at a girls’ school has just been rediscovered. Regiment of Women is an absolute joy' - Laura Hackett, The Times