I was finally left alone. After the Count and Countess came to an agreement, they gave me one last warning and took their leave.
I have to say, I was dead wrong for taking up this kinda task. Forget being elegant, I don't even know how to formally talk to high-ranking Nobles. I don't know how to service tea, I don't know court language, and I barely know about the current news.
Letting out another deep sigh, I stared at the white ceiling and decided I had no other option. I'd do what I do best. Study and adapt. Mrs.Maddie who was staying close by finally entered the room once the count was long gone.
"Beatrice, Ahin, Estell." Mrs.Maddie stood firm as she looked me dead in the eye with furi. Out of reflex I sat up straight and fiddled with my fingers. "In the 17 years of my service, I have never, ever taught you to be anything else but to be well-mannered and how to be a composed young lady." She said tracing her words with hand gestures. "What if you were sent to the Retire Chambers? What were you thinking?!" Her last sentence came out close to a whisper and kinda turned from anger to worry.
The frail old woman wasn't the one standing in front of me this time, but a stern and disappointed teacher. A small smile crept on my lips when the image reminded me of my History Professor who emphasized the need to handle ancient text with care. We were basically taught not to make him look bad. From what I remember, Beatrice was on the shy side but I don't remember her being timid. I just wanted to test the waters on how I could go about surviving in this place.
The Retire Chambers… The words echoed in my mind as memories of Beatrice's experiences flooded my mind. Unnecessary isolation when Beatrice was caught slacking on anything she needed to be worthy of being the Crown Prince's wife. Wrong posture, spelling difficulties, something as small as using the wrong fork for a fucking salad. Beatrice was limited on food and forced to restudy the area she lacked. Barbaric.
I couldn't help but smile at the old lady as I watched her calm down. Mrs.Maddie's worry was nothing but her love for her lady. I'm pretty sure she's also from the same island as Julie. "Mrs.Maddie. You don't have to be so worried about me anymore. I'm gonna take care of all of us from now on. We, can't accept any kinda bullying. Even if it's family.". Mrs.Maddie lowered her hands from her hips and was still looking uneasy.
"Lady Beatrice, I do understand that you've suffered. A young flower who needs tending to, has yet to be watered by your own Father. Still at this point in time you, your mother, and I can not go against the Lord's word." She shook her head slowly as she continued to hold onto my hands.
"I'm not sayin' I'd be the one.". Mrs.Maddie looked confused as she looked back into my eyes. "Then- whoever do you mean young lady?".
"My husband to be of course."
________________________________________
About 3 hours have passed and I was pretty caught up on news around this place. The Empire has been under the Ottomlands rule for the past 10 generations. The family is known to carry the blood of Virtus, which is strength given to them by God.
There's a total of 6 Members in the imperial family. Emperor Ottomland, Empress who is the 2nd Prince's Mother, 1st Prince Lorcan who's the Archduke, 2nd Prince Alfrid who's also the Crown Prince, some Concubine and her daughter Princess Amanda.
Apparently, the emperor is in the process of giving the crown Prince regional power. This places him directly under the emperor in terms of political power. The Nobel Houses even split into three parties, the people who believe the firstborn is entitled to the throne and those who believe Prince Lorcan isn't even carrying Royal blood. And then there's the third. The ones who want to destroy the Ottomland line, the ones who find them corrupt.
Shit.
I threw my head back and stared up at the ceiling, memories started to flow. The first empress passed away from a witherin' sickness, leaving the emperor destroyed. That should have happened when the Archduke was... 11 years old? "Poor baby…"
I heard a knock on the door and told them to come in since I thought it was Mrs.Maddie. Lifting my arms I did a sweet full spine stretch, nothing like gaining a humpback when studyin'. I have to say, Beatrice's back was pretty straight and her body over all else was snatched and healthy. It was Mrs.Maddie who entered the room but someone else stood in front of her. A servant?
The lady was wearing more fashionable clothes than other maids and had a superior vibe. Giving myself more time, I realized that it was one of Helena's close maids, she walked into the room and stood tall. "The Countess has told me to inform you the Archduke will be arriving in approximately 15 minutes.". Mrs.Maddie and I exchanged glances as a panicked look washed over her face. Helena's maid turned to leave but I wasn't haven' it.
"Ms.Marin." I spoke slow and firm. "How long have you been working at the Estell estate?". She tensted up since it was the first time I, Beatrice had directly spoken to her. " I believe 30 years, Young Miss.". She was hesitant but pulled through with a straight answer.
"Goodness me, that's more than 2 times my age." I wasn't lying. Adding both my ages wouldn't have even reached hers. "And after all that time", I had a firmer grasp on the pen and stared into creep into her soul windows. "You can't still properly address a Noble and probably adjust your damn tone..". Mrs.Maddie's Jaw dropped in complete disbelief. When her brain finally chipped in Ms. Marin's calculated demeanor completely fell. She stood there only for a few and then fixed her mouth to shun me.
"I said." I tilted my head a bit because I was tired of waiting, "It seems you haven't learned". Ms.Marin's head shot down as she slitly bent her knees and held back her timid voice. "I apologize young Lady. Ple-Please excuse this old servant." I couldn't help but smile. She was weak, yet took the chance for a little bit of bullying when she had the chance. Pathetic.
Getting up from the chair I walked Gracefully, towards Ms.Marin and lightly patted both her arms with cupped hands. "Now now Ms.Marin, we're basically Family,- In terms of we've been in this house for years, of course. We should be more comfortable around each other. Yeah? But- I really want you to remember your-core etiquette, mm." Ms.Marin nodded her head in agreement and slightly bowed again. "I do apologize young Lady it won't happen again."
"Good. Good, now, You can go tell father, and the lady of the house that I'll be ready.". Ms.Marin took one final glance at Mrs.Maddie before she turned and left the room. Smile, all I could do was smile, I felt great! I chuckled to myself and slightly went on my tippy toes. I look over at Mrs.Maddie who is deep in thought about what just happened. "Oh come now. We have much to do". Mrs.Maddie sighed and simply stood by the side of the loveseat. Returning to the chair, I picked up another news outlet that was titled "Prince Lorcan's upcoming return that was rushed because of his ill fiancé".
Very interesting.
Image connected.
After a while, I heard a knock on the door. Mrs.Maddie stood up while straightening her skirt and gently patted her white hair down. "Come in."I stood up from my seat and slowly walked towards the door. The two doors swing open, a tall but buff figure slowly walked into the room followed by an older servant behind him.
"Hello, Husband."I smiled.