35 Etiquette lesson (1)

That evening after Amelia had finished eating her dinner Gordon sought her out with news of having found an etiquette teacher.

"I didn't have much time and ended up asking one of our staffmembers, it was the best option considering we need someone trustworthy. But I assure you that I have not taken the issue regarding your teacher lightly so please don't misunderstand. This person is beyond capable."

Gordon looked a bit embarrassed when delivering the news. Although Amelia could understand why he might consider the outcome to be a failure she herself was rather relieved to hear that someone who was already working in the estate was going to be her teacher. Afterall anyone had yet to treat her harshly since she arrived.

"There's one more thing" Gordon became visibly tense. "His Grace has asked to see you for supper tomorrow evening. We will set a table in his chamber."

Amelia had been expecting to be called to the duke since their meeting the previous week but despite this her stomach still dropped.

"I see. Thank you for informing me." She forced herself to smile as it'd be foolish to show the extent of her discomfort.

Because the following day was likely be a tough one she prepared for bed as soon as she finished speaking with the butler. But she couldn't actually fall asleep for hours, with her thoughts restlessly wandering. In the morning the bags and dark circles under her eyes were so painfully noticeable that Olivia nearly shrieked when their eyes met. The maid muttered and groaned the entire morning as one attempt after the other to get rid of the dark shadows inevitably failed and she had to settle with applying a thick layer of powder to Amelia's face.

In the end it probably wouldn't matter how Amelia looked though since her previous teacher had always found something to complain about, no matter how insignificant. Perhaps her dull appearance would even function as a distraction from all her mistakes.

'That would be something now, wouldn't it?"