Chapter Eight

That morning Caroline is awoken by a lamp light filling her bed-chamber. She tries to ignore the light and continue her slumber, but Milly’s shrill voice fills her ears, forcing her dull blue eyes open. “My lady, you must make haste. The Viscountess is ready to start your lessons.”

“Lessons?” Caroline asks, looking around the room. “The sun is still rising, it is far too early to learn anything-”

“I’m afraid she insisted, you meet her in the dining room before half-past five.”

Caroline glances at the clock; it was already a quarter past five. “Fine, fine I’ll get up now if I must,” she groans while sitting up on the side of the bed. “Fetch me something appropriate to wear.”

“Right away.” Milly bows before walking over to Caroline’s wardrobe. She comes back only five minutes later with a dark brown dress in hand. "I heard that the Viscountess prefers darker colors, so I decided to go with this brown one. It’s not typically something I would choose but it’s better to please the Viscountess than to risk-"

"I'm sure whatever you picked out is fine," replies Caroline while standing. "Help me get dressed."

"Yes, my lady."

Caroline quickly gets dressed and runs over to the dining room. Upon her arrival, she is scolded for her tardiness. “You're late.”

“I-I’m sorry-”

“Nevermind, let’s just get started; we’re on a schedule Ms. Boushley.” This being both her first day, as well as her first grievance, Caroline was politely forgiven. Well at least the Viscountess had thought so. Caroline on the other hand was somewhat taken aback by her terseness and disdain. Caroline was then put right to work, with the first lesson being taught on proper dining etiquette. Caroline made a few mistakes but nothing great enough to anger the Viscountess. Afterward, they’re set to try dancing. However, before Caroline can showcase her coordination or lack thereof, Milly interrupts them.

“Lady Boushley, the dressmaker is here.”

“Dressmaker?” Caroline asks, confused; no one had told her that she was coming.

“Yes, they need your measurements for your wedding dress.”

Caroline looks to the Viscountess for a response. “You mustn't keep her waiting, child; we’ll continue the lesson afterward.”

Milly escorts Caroline to a small room down the hall. Inside, a small lady who appeared to be quite old and a younger brown-haired woman who looked to be around Caroline’s age waited. Caroline assumed the older of the two was the dressmaker, and the younger to be the assistant.

“Greetings, Madam...” Caroline curtsies.

“My name is Madam Brooks; my assistant will be taking your measurements today,” the old woman says in a raspy voice. Her assistant looks rather distracted and doesn't make any movements. “Kim!”

“Yes, Madam-”

“Take her measurements!”

“Ah yes, right away!” She nervously runs to grab a few things before beginning.

The dress fitting is quite an awkward affair, but the supposedly stunning, and now properly fitting, the dress is said to be done in a week or two. Afterward, Caroline went to meet with the Viscountess for the remainder of the day. They had gone over a variety of matrimonial topics, such as the dance for the wedding, etiquette, who would be at the ceremony and how to address them, etcetera. After the lesson was complete, the two had dinner together. The meal was unsatisfactory, to say the least.

Milly had helped Caroline change for the night, before leaving for her own quarters. Normally Caroline had been able to fall asleep quickly, but tonight her stomach rumbled, keeping her awake. Dinner had not been to her taste, so she had not eaten her fill. After tossing and turning for quite some time, she decides to test her luck in the kitchen.

As Caroline walks further down the hall, she hears moans of sorrow. Fearing someone may be hurt she follows it. The cries lead her to the Viscountess' bedroom. She reaches for the knob, but a voice calls out to her before she can turn it open.

"Lady Boushley." Caroline whips her head around, to see the dark-haired maid, who had accompanied Milly the other day. She had not had the chance to catch her name. "Do you need anything? Why are you wandering around this late at night?"

"I wanted a bite to eat."

"Then I'll fetch it for you," she says while holding out her hand to her. "Please allow me to escort you to your room first."

Caroline accepts her hand great fully, "Thank you, Ms?"

"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Elisheva Tartal. The other two maids who served you the day of the Viscountess' arrival are Winnie Usoro and Iris Vozenilek." She curtsies.

Caroline smiles. "Thank you, Ms. Tartal." Elisheva nods in response. She escorts Caroline back to her room before bringing her a snack from the kitchen. After her stomach is full, Caroline is finally able to fall asleep. The Viscountess’ tiring lessons were scheduled to continue on for many more weeks to come.