Shy Masha Fredericks leaves her home at the age of 9 to be educated in the prestigious Smolni Institute for Nobel Girls in St. Petersburg. Growing up through the years of 1814 to 1823 at the school, Masha makes friends, has adventures, meets royalty, and brings to life the world and wonders of pre-revolution Russia. Life at Smolni has its ups and downs, challenges and joys, and on the brink of graduation Masha's life changes forever and leaves her facing an uncertain future.

• - * - * EXCERPT * - * - *"Smolni!" Olga Kirilovna announced.

Masha sprang to the window. The carriage was crossing a vast square toward the white and pale-yellow building of Smolni. "Oh, it is big!" Masha gasped, staring at the majestic pillared portico in the center, supported by an arcade. The two wings of the building ended in similar porticoes, but on a somewhat smaller scale.

The carriage rolled up a raised, semicircular approach and stopped.

"We are late!" Olga Kirilovna lamented, climbing out of the carriage and ordering the driver to wait for her. "I sent a note to Madame Adlerberg yesterday saying that we would be here at nine, and now it's almost ten."

"Perhaps she won't take me," Masha suggested hopefully. As they entered the hall, they were confronted with an imposing figure in a green uniform, his chest decorated with a row of medals. Masha stepped back fearfully.

"A general," she whispered, full of awe.

Olga Kirilovna snorted. "General indeed! He is simply a doorman. Must have served in the army before." But her tone was respectful as she asked the man to announce her to Madame Adlerberg.

He gave Masha a kindly glance from under his gray eyebrows, but before he could speak, a lady appeared in the hall.