I gently opened the door, hoping I hadn't arrived late.
"My lady," a voice, tempting with irritation, was heard from behind. "You're late again…" I stumbled and turned to see the baroness, Lady Primrose, behind me.
"I apologize for being late, Lady Primrose."
"Apology accepted, Lady Celeste," Lady Primrose said. "With the harvest festival and debutante ball rolling around. We'd better prepare for it diligently since this will be the first time you step out of the castle walls."
Lady Primrose was subsequently a ruler of high society. She was elegant, beautiful, and knowledgeable. She was a baroness who inherited the title from her late husband, the baron. She was independent and lively. Something I could never dream of achieving.
"Lady Celeste, we shall start with dance lessons and will be moving on to high society etiquette." Lady Primrose stated firmly. "Now, I'll start the music, please be ready."
The music started. Slow, deliberate, and steady. I moved as she had taught. Heel, toe, turn. My spine stayed straight, my chin lifted just right. Each motion was smooth. And then, just as we got to almost the end, my heel got tangled with the hem of the dress. I let out an undignified voice that sounded like a scream mixed with a squeak, my arms flailed around like a scrambling bird trying to fly. I tripped and dodged a chance to kiss the polished floor, with my right arm barely clinging to the nearby chair. The music stopped. I looked up to see Lady Primrose staring right at me, trying to hold back her laughter with a serious face.
"Lady Celeste," She began, trying to hide her small laughter with a composed demeanor. "Gowns…are serious conspirators."
I couldn't help but burst out laughing. "It's comforting to know that this isn't personal," I said, composing myself with a slight grin plastered across my face.
"May I try again? I will try my best not to offend my dress."
"Yes, you may, Lady Celeste. But we should move on to high society etiquette first, since you might…uh…need time to recover." She said with a smile.
Lady Primrose offered some advice and talked about some of the high society etiquette that I needed to know. Considering it a break from the embarrassment.
"Etiquette is an important thing for a noble lady. You must be well educated in this." She began, explaining what to do when faced with each situation. "Now! Quiz time!
"If a marquess invites you to dance, and you have already accepted another partner. What do you say?"
"I would thank him for the honor and express my regret, stating I am already engaged for the set," I respond.
"Then. What if the duke speaks to you in public?"
"I listen," I answered. "Answer briefly and do not interrupt."
"Very good," Lady Primrose praised. "Let's continue with dance practices."
She gathered the scattered papers. Then the music started again. This time, I moved gracefully, trying my best not to get my gown tangled up again. And the music stopped.
"Very good," Lady Primrose applauded. "You're learning as quickly as ever. We will continue the day after tomorrow." Lady Primrose dismissed the class.
I strode back to my room, in need of a change of clothes. I changed into a softer light yellow dress, which was more comfortable than the devilish gown.
I took the chance to head straight to the library while waiting for Nathaniel to be done with his duties. The library was quiet and peaceful as always. All the books on the shelves were mostly read by me. But my favorite was a fairytale novel. It was about a fantasy novel. The book was quite old and dusty. But the same title still shines.
True Love Oath