Neave(Nay-ah-vey)
Valance(Val-ann-sa)Like Balance with a V.
Chapter 6:
On the day of Lady Waters’ garden party Korina woke to find the Baroness standing over her, drinking tea. For a moment she thought she was dreaming. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before asking, “Am I dreaming?”
“Clearly not,” said the Baroness, “If this were a dream I’m sure I’d have somewhere better to be” The Baroness finished her tea and then opened the curtains. The room lit up some but not much. Korina sat up and yawned again, thinking it must be the crack of dawn.
“Come now, enough lazing about. We have far too much to do today,” said the Baroness. She pulled Korinas’ blankets away and dropped them to the floor as she left the room. She no doubt expected Korina to follow shortly. Korina groaned and had a feeling it was going to be a very, very long day and that it was…
Lady Waters’ garden party wasn’t until the afternoon. It was only suppose to be a light event, of little important but the Baroness still wanted Korina to do her best. She planned out every second of Korinas’ morning, from the moment she rose until the moment they were set to leave.
The first thing she had Korina do was take a bath, not just any bath but a cold one. She wanted Korina to be refreshed and sparkling. She wouldn’t let her get out until every inch of her was clean.
After the bath, Korina was allowed a small piece of buttered toast before the Baroness had them do a quick refresher. The Baroness had her walk around the manor, with two books on her head and asked her question after question.
When she was satisfied with Korinas’ answers, the dressing began. The Baroness had the servants running all over the place, fetching her this and that. They went through three different outfits before the Baroness finally decided, on one she liked.
Once dressed the Baroness had Korina sit at her vanity. Even though Korina knew how to do her own hair and makeup by now, the Baroness insisted on doing it herself. It took the Baroness nearly two hour to do Korinas’ hair. She twisted and braided it in ways Korina had never seen before. She added flowers here or there, along with beads and pearls. When she was finished it took her another hour to do Korinas’ make up.
At first it was annoying and painful at times but as they drew closer and closer to the party, Korina found her mind wondering and she began to worry. Her skin felt like it was tinging and she began to pick at her nails. She worried, what if she forgot everything, the Baroness had taught her? What if she remembered but still made a fool of herself? What if she disappointed the Baroness and her Grandmother. Most of all, what if she let her father down?
Her mind spun and spun, Korina looked at the Baroness and she didn’t seem worried, at all. She seemed determined and focused on what she was doing. Korina wondered if she ever had doubts… fears. The Baroness always seemed so confident and in control. Korina wondered if she could...would ever be like that.
The Baroness noticed she was staring at her and asked, “What?”
“Nothing,” said Korina looking away, embarrassed.
“Ah ah ah,” said the Baroness. With almost lightning speed, she grasped hold of Korinas’ chin and turned her to look back “Out with it. If there is something on your mind, it’s better to get it out here and now,”
“I...I was just thinking.” said Korina. She couldn’t shift her head but shifted her gaze. “Well I was just wondering, if you ever had doubts or fears. You...always seem like you’re in control...like you know what you’re doing...I was...just wondering if I could ever be like that,”
“No,” said the Baroness sharply. She let go of Korinas’ chin and continued to apply make up, adding, “If you have to ask, then the answer is always going to be no,”
Korina didn’t understand but the Baroness was in no mood to explain. She made a few more tweaks here or there and then grasped hold of Korinas’ chin once more. She turned her head from side to side before pulling back and letting out a sigh, “This will have to do, I suppose. Now stop focusing on me and focus on what you should be doing.”
The Baroness stood and moved behind Korina. She motioned for her to look into the mirror. Korina saw her reflection and her eyes widened. She looked amazing but at the same time, she didn’t recognize herself. Korina lifted her hand to touch her face, to make sure it was really her but the Baroness slapped her hand away and hissed, “None of that now,”
The Baroness leaned down low, so that her face was next to Korinas’ and instructed. “Look into the mirror and focus...smile,”
Korina smiled but could see the Baroness was not happy. “Too much,” Korina changed her smile, lessening it, again the Baroness was not happy. She rolled her eyes, “Too little,”
Korina gave her a dirty look and the Baroness pinched her. Korina cried out but the Baroness moved on, “We don’t have time for your rebellion, now smile,”
She smiled and then smiled again, and yet again. Finally when Korina did the smile the Baroness wanted, she said, “Hold it! Right there, close your eyes,” Korina closed her eyes and the Baroness breathed into her ear, “Now...focus on how this feels. Keep your face like this. Right here, right now,”
Korina kept the smile and Velona looked into the mirror. He smiled to himself, pleased with his work. When he turned back to Korina, he realized how close they were. He could smell her, even with her bath, she had an odor. His back tensed and he felt himself stir. He closed his eyes and groaned without thinking, seeking to control it.
Korina heard the Baroness make a weird noise and opened her eyes turning. They were so close that when Korina turned, their faces brushed against one another. Korinas’ eyes widened as she realized her mistake. She quickly apologized and pulled back, “Sorry I didn’t mean to. Are you okay?”
“YES! I am fine,” said the Baroness bitterly, “But you reek. We’ll need to apply some perfume,”
“But I took a bath...” said Korina.
“It’s not enough,” said the Baroness. She picked up a bottle of perfume and sprayed Korina, heavily. Korinas’ eyes began to water and she sneezed several times. She wasn’t a fan of strong smells. The scent of a few flowers lightly carried on a breeze was nice but not an entire field of them shoved up your nose.
The Baroness set the bottle down and checked her own makeup, in the mirror before she turned to Korina and said, “It’s time, let us go,”
Korina felt her stomach sink and her knees buckle. She suddenly found, she couldn’t get up and chewed the inside of her cheek. The Baroness sighed and reached out for her. She helped Korina to stand and somehow guided her out of the room.
Korinas’ feet felt heavy with each step but the Baroness insisted she not dawdle, “Come now, stop dragging your feet. While it is fashionable to be late, it is not respectable to be the last to arrive.”
The Baroness let go of Korina and took several steps. Korina stumbled forward and tripped over a wrinkle in the hallway rug. She lost her balance and fell forward. The Baroness turned, just in time, to catch her.
Korina quickly apologized. This was now the second time the Baroness had caught her. The Baroness looked down at her and sighed. Korina got her footing once more and they continued down the hallway. When they got to the staircase Korina paused.
The Baroness went down two steps and turned, “Come now…really this is becoming childish,”
“I…I’m sorry...I’m nervous...What if I mess up?”
The Baroness sighed and looked out across the staircase before she responded, “Then everyone will laughed at you, you’ll be disgraced in polite society, and your grandmother will be forced to send you away, to live out the rest of your days in shame. Now hold on to the handrail. I’m not going to catch you again,”
The Baroness continued down the stairs. Korina just stood there. Her mouth open in astonishment. How...how she could say such things at a time like this? When-
“KORINA,” called the Baroness her tone sharp and commanding. It was clear she meant business. Without thinking Korina grasped hold of the handrail and rushed down the stairs, after her.
When they got to the entrance hall, her grandmother was pacing back and forth. She seemed just as nervous as Korina, if not more so. She looked to Korina and then to the Baroness as they both curtsied to her, “What took you so long?”
“You know as well as I do Countess Bray beauty takes time, especially when one needs to find it,”
Korinas’ grandmother looked her closer.“Where is her rouge! She has no rouge!”
“It is fine,” said the Baroness, “Rouge is not her color. It takes away from her eyes, which is by far her best asset,”
“Yes...yes,” said the Countess agreeing. She took another look at Korina and then raised her hands into the air “But her hair,”
“I did it myself,” said the Baroness, taking the Countess hands in her own. She held them tightly, assuring her. “Do not worry Countess. Trust that I know what I am doing and that all will be well,”
The Countess looked worried but sighed after a moment, “You’re right. You’re right,”
“Shall we,” said the Baroness. She moved taking the Countess arm and escorted her to the front door.
Korina followed after them, wondering why the Baroness couldn’t have said something like that to her, when she’d been worried. The front door opened and they all made their way out to the awaiting carriage. Before Korina got in, she took a look around and thought if all else failed at least today was a beautiful day.
Once they were all in the carriage, it departed and a lengthy lecture began on what Korina was and was not to do. She’d already had this conversation more then a dozen times, with them, by now. At this point it was easier to say what Korina was allowed to do, stand, sit, breath, and say up to three words at any given time. Oh and of course, she mustn’t forget to smile...smile...smile… The ridiculousness of it almost made her chuckle but she didn’t dare.
Instead she sat and attempted to listen to them, though after a few minutes, their voices blended into one and she soon found herself droning them out. Her mind drifted to her stomach. It felt as if it were about to boil over, at any moment. She wished she’d eaten a bit more this morning but at the same time, it was probably for the best as she found herself getting sick.
With each passing minute they were drawing closer to the garden party and it was only becoming more and more clear that today was her true test. Everything with her grandmother and the Baroness had only been but a warm up, until now. The realization had her stomach doing somersaults and she wondered if the Baroness had taken this into account, with regards to what she’d been allowed to eat. Of course, the Baroness thought of everything and probably knew this was going to happen.
Korina sighed and again tried to focus on what her grandmother and the Baroness were saying.
“Always be aware of your surroundings. Who is there and what is going on,” said her grandmother as she lightly fanned herself.
“Yes, you never know who is watching you.” said the Baroness. “Your grandmother and I are not the only ones of importance today. Any faux pas big or small, will be noticed and decide how people see you,”
“Especially in the beginning,” added her grandmother.
Korina nodded but the Baroness wasn’t happy with that, “Are you listening to us!?”
“Yes,” said Korina.
The Baroness glared at her for a moment as if she didn’t believe her but continued, “Now if anyone should ask you about when you arrived?”
“I arrived not long ago but am not much for travel. I only just now managed to feel up for company,”
Her grandmother smiled but the Baroness scowled. “Do your best to keep your responses as short and precise as you can. Remember, it is better to be seen rather then heard,”
Korina nodded and then for the Baroness said, “Yes,”
The Baroness paused for a moment thinking. Korina wondered if the lecture was finally over but the Baroness continued once more “I doubt it will happen but if you should happen to get separated from either of us. Do not move an inch until we find you and above all, say nothing, whilst we are not in your company,”
“Of course,” said Korina.
The Baroness looked like she wanted to say more but the Countess reached out her hand, “Let us have some quiet and allow Korina to prepare herself. We’ve done what we can,”
Her grandmother still seemed a bit shaken, Korina wondered if her request for silence was more for her, then Korina. Still she took it, allowing herself to relax if only for a moment. She enjoyed the peace and quiet, staring out the window.
The carriage began to slow and Korina realized they must be arriving. Her heart suddenly began to pound in her ears and she felt dizzy. She wondered if her corset was on too tight. Her skin tingled and she felt hot. She began to fan herself as she continued to look out the window. She expected to see a house in the distance, a garden but she just saw landscape, the rolling hills of Crestmoore.
She furrowed her brow curiously and the Baroness took notice. She too looked out the window and was surprised to see only countryside. The Baroness grimaced and peeked her head out of the carriage, looking to see why they had slowed. A moment later, they stopped all together but were clearly not there yet. The Baroness pulled a string within the carriage and a bell rang on the outside.
One of the coachmen jumped down from his seat and came over to the window. He bowed and the Baroness asked, “Why have we stopped?”
“There appears to be a bit of a line,” said the coachman.
“A bit of what?” said the Baroness. She motioned for the coachman to open the door.
He opened it and then said louder, “There appears to be a bit of a line, Baroness,”
Velona had heard the coachman just fine, the first time but what he’d said made no sense. Velona lifted his dress above his ankles and stepped out of the carriage. Lady Waters Garden party was not a highlight event, at most there might be ten people in attendance and maybe three of them would be of importance. Last year there had only been five people and Velona had held the highest title.
Most people of importance, would have shrugged such a party off but Velona knew there was always a potential to learn something. Smaller parties were of course better then bigger ones when it came to gathering information. They allowed you to talk more intimately, where as the larger parties often had people rushing about and conversations could be interrupted or worse overheard.
Velona turned on the dirt road, to see what the coachmen had been going on about. Sure enough there was a line, more then a bit, in his opinion. They were not far off from the Waters estate and he could see the carriages all turning down the Waters’ road.
This was quiet peculiar. Velona watched the line slowly move and then turned to see a carriage coming up behind them and yet another in the distance. Had something happened at the Waters’ that he was unaware of? Velona did not like inconsistencies.
He ran his tongue across the top row of his teeth and then got back into the carriage. The coachmen shut the door behind him and Velona turned to the Countess. She looked lost in her thoughts and he wondered if she’d even noticed they’d stopped. He reached out to her, brushing her hand lightly, to get her attention and asked, “Has something happened at the Waters’ Estate?”
It took a moment for the Countess to come out of her thoughts. It would appear Korina and her grandmother shared more then a few traits. “What...” she said, “Has something happened?”
She looked around, realizing they were stopped, though a few seconds later the carriage started to move once more at a slowed pace. Velona did not enjoy repeating himself but kept his smile and once again asked, “Has something happened at the Waters’ Estate?”
“No...I don’t believe so, why?” asked the Countess concerned.
“It appears everyone in Crestmoore seems to be on their way to the Estate,”
“Everyone,”
“Yes...there is quite the line of carriages,”
“Oh my,” said the Countess. She began to fan herself faster.
“Perhaps someone has passed away,” suggested Korina. Velona struggled not to cringe at her statement. She was truly an idiot.
He didn’t even look at her responding, “No, that is not how these things work. If you’ll recall your “training.” When someone passes, there is a time for mourning at which point no one is to call upon the Estate.”
“Oh….right… Well maybe it just happened and no one knows,”
Velona turned to her, ready to snapped her head off but paused when his eyes fell upon her. He’d seen her earlier, all day in fact but in the shade of the carriage she looked…quite. His nostrils flared. He didn’t have time for this. He turned away and swallowed hard, “If that were the case, surely a servant would approach each of our carriages and inform us. Do try you use what little thoughts you have...”
Korina frowned. He was beginning to get a headache. He didn’t like not knowing what was going on. Today was suppose to be light...a simple test of his skills but it was becoming more and more complicated by the second.
“Well,” said the Baroness breaking the tension in the carriage, “I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see,”
“It would appear so,” said Velona sliding back in his seat. He lifted his own fan and attempted to remain clam.
The three sat in silence as the carriage slowly moved. For Korina it felt as if she were being slowly tortured. They were to arrive and yet had not. Her heart rose and sunk, with the anticipation. Eventually she found, she just wanted to get it over with and yet when the carriage finally arrived she found herself getting sick once again.
“Finally,” said the Baroness. She put her fan away and sat up. The door opened and she was the first to get out, quickly followed by the Countess. Korina linger in her seat but not for long as the Baroness commanded “KORINA!”
“Coming,” said Korina. She took a deep breath and then climbed out of the carriage. Her hand shook as the coachman helped her down. She took in her surroundings, nearly blinded by the sunlight. There was greenery everywhere and a light breeze carried the faint smell of flowers.
Her eyes settled on the path before her and she found it was unlike any walkway, she had see thus far in Crestmoore. Most walkways were made of cobbles stone and ornately laid brick but this one, was laid in loose white stone. With the sunlight, it almost seem to glow and felt bright and welcoming. Korina forgot where she was for a moment.
Her grandmother looked to the Baroness and nodded before she said, “Shall we then,”
Korinas’ lifted her gaze a bit higher, to see half a dozen people, slowly making their way down the path, to the open front doors of the Waters’ Estate. Her stomach boiled once more and her throat felt dry. Their carriage pulled away as she watched her grandmother and the Baroness turn and begin their walk down the path. Somehow Korina managed to follow them, though she found, she couldn’t feel her feet.
Almost everything, felt like a blur of colors and light as it swirled around her. She felt herself overheating and worried she might faint. When they were nearly to the doors, the Baroness stepped back beside her and took up Korinas’ arm. Keeping her gaze forward, the Baroness instructed, “Head held high.” Korina lifted her head and the Baroness continued, “Pretend you’ve done this a thousand times and sure enough one day you will have,” Korina looked at the Baroness and wasn’t sure, if she’d just said something supportive or not. The Baroness continuing to look forward and hissed, “Smile, Smile,”
“Smile,” repeated Korina looking forward. The Baroness glared at her, for a moment as they stepped through the doorway.
The Waters’ entrance hall, was smaller then both her grandmothers’ and the Baronesses’ but had been done up, quite nicely. There were flowers everywhere, with beautiful fabrics hung about. The floor had been shined, to the point where, Korina could see her reflection when she looked down.
The servants were finely dressed, standing in rows on both sides. At the end of the entrance hall there was a woman, all dressed up, in lace and bright colors. Her hat had to be at least two feet tall, with a feather at the top. She greeted each of the guests as they approached her, having a word or two with them before they moved off to the side. From her training Korina assumed this was Lady Waters’.
When it was their turn to greet her, Korinas’ grandmother went first. She stepped up and Lady Waters, quickly curtsied to her. “Countess Bray, what an honor it is, for you to grace my humble home with your presence and your... granddaughter,” she said looking past the Countess hopeful. Korinas’ eyes caught Lady Waters’ for a moment and her entire face lit up, with excitement. Korina was unsure if it was because of her, or if Lady Waters was just happy to see everyone.
“Yes,” said Countess, motioning to Korina, “This is my granddaughter Lady Korina Andon. I do hope we haven’t inconvenienced you, showing up on such short notice,”
“Oh not at all,” said Lady Waters. She stepped forward and it was clear, she wanted to greet Korina but suddenly noticed the Baroness at Korinas’ side. “Oh,” she said quivering for a second. She quickly curtsied to the Baroness, “Baroness Corday so good to see you again,”
The Baroness nodded but said nothing. Korina realize she should curtsy to Lady Waters’s and quickly did so. Lady Waters’s curtsied to her as well and Korina realized in that moment, that they were both of the same social rank. She felt foolish that she hadn’t put it together until now. Growing up a Lady had also just been a woman or a girl to her. Now it meant status…
Korina and Lady Waters both stood up straight and again Lady Waters’ took a step forward. She looked Korina up and down, happily greeting her “Lady Andon...Lady Andon. What a pleasure it is to finally meet you,”
Korina sheepishly smiled, “And you as well,”
“Why you are but the spitting image of your mother,” said Lady Waters.
Korina opened her mouth but found herself flustered. She wondered if this woman had known her mother. The Baroness subtly pinched her and Korina quickly collected herself, “Thank you,” And then she stepped it up a notch, “Truly for welcoming me, into your magnificent home,”
Lady Waters’s eyes, nearly became the size of saucers and she blushed, “Oh my, how sweet you are. The granddaughter of Countess Bray, is always welcome in my home,”
“Thank you,” said Korina.
“Tell me,” said Lady Waters’, “How is your mother these days?”
Barley a foot in the door and she was asked the question. Before she could respond, the Baroness stepped up, “I dare say we shouldn’t keep you Willamina. You have a bit of line forming,”
Lady Waters’ looked past them and saw more guests were arriving. Her cheeks grew quite rosy, “Yes, it is quite the turn out this year, isn’t it. Was a bit of a scramble getting everything together but when I heard Countess Brays’ granddaughter was coming.” said Lady Waters, turning to Korina. “Well I just had to pull out all the stops. It being your first event in Crestmoore and all,”
“Oh my, thank you,” said Korina, feeling awkward. She’d never been to a party before and for someone to go to such lengths, on her behalf. She didn’t know what to think.
“Yes,” said the Baroness stepping in again, “You truly have outdone yourself Willamina, but let us not keep you.”
“Oh...oh…yes,” said Lady Waters’, she seemed anxious to let them move on. She quickly took up Korinas’ hand, without warning. “I do hope we shall get to talk more, Lady Andon. Perhaps you can meet my daughter, Wendy. She is about your age,” Lady Waters’s paused, looking around for her daughter, all while still holding on to Korinas’ hand.
“Perhaps,” said the Baroness pulling Korina along.
Lady Waters’ had no choice but to let Korina go. She curtsied once more and seemed flushed with excitement. When they were several steps away, she called out after them “Again, it was nice meeting you,”
Korina turned her head slightly and thought to say ‘and you’ but the Baroness pulled her along hissing “Don’t you even dare.”
Korina quickly looked forward and continued to walk with the Baroness. All things considered, she thought Lady Waters’ had been rather nice and not what she’d expected, with all the training she’d gone through. She half expected everyone to be like the Baroness or her grandmother. It was nice to see someone semi-normal.
The Baroness had a sour look on her face as they walked several feet and then waited for her grandmother, to catch up. Korina thought to point out that the Baroness should smile but could tell she was in no mood.
“Can you believe her?” asked Korinas’ grandmother, joining them.
“She gets worse every year,” said the Baroness, “Do you believe, she just touched her, without any inclination,”
“It was fine, really,” said Korina.
Both her grandmother and the Baroness gave her a look but did not respond. The Countess went on, “And raising her voice at the end like that. I am glad I sent Korina to you. Such behavior. Take note Korina, that is not how a Lady acts,”
“Of course,” said Korina feeling down. She really didn’t think Lady Waters’ had done anything wrong but knew it was a losing battle, when it came to her grandmother and the Baroness.
The three continued to walk together, down a long hallway. Her grandmother took up Korinas’ other arm and commented, “I do say though, this is quite the turnout. Is it normally like this?”
“Oh no…” said the Baroness. “It would appear she used the arrival of your granddaughter to garner interest,”
“Shameless,” whispered her grandmother. “Though I am surprised, she was able to throw all of this together, in a week,”
“If you take notice, some of the decorations appear to be from the Viscounts wedding, a few weeks ago,”
“Oh yes,” said the Countess looking about. “Now that I take a closer look,”
“Still,” piped in Korina, thinking it shouldn’t matter where she got the decorations, “It all looks rather amazing,”
Again they looked at her and then each other before the Baroness said, in an insulting tone, “Yes, you would think so, wouldn’t you,”
Korina fell back a bit, her smile drooping. The Baroness squeezed her arm and she quickly picked up her pace and smile.
“Well what shall we do now?” her grandmother asked, “This is far more then we anticipated. Shall I make an excuse?
“No it would only draw unwanted attention. We’ll just have to persevere and keep a closer hold on things,”
“Of course, of course,” said the Countess, with a sigh.
Korina let out a sigh of her own, realizing the hardest part of today might not be surviving the party but pleasing her grandmother and the Baroness. They approached the end of the long hallway and found themselves at another set of open doors, that led into a larger room. It was full of people and as they entered, they were announced, by a man just beyond the door. “Presenting Countess Bray, Baroness Corday and Lady Andon.”
Everyone in the room, stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to Korina. She found it hard to swallow as she took in all the new faces, and watched them begin to whisper. Perhaps… perhaps she was wrong.
There were so many people, so many, Korina had never seen so many, in her entire life, let alone in one room. They came in waves, greeting her grandmother and the Baroness but it always led to an introduction, to Korina.
She found herself curtsying, every few seconds. She caught the first two or three names but found it hard to keep track. After a while, faces began to blur into one another and there were so many questions. Korina felt as if she were being swallowed up.
Her grandmother and the Baroness, did their best to divert and distract when they could. Korina mostly smiled and nodded, smiled and nodded, a few times she even laughed. At one point, she looked into the crowd and saw a familiar face, Duke Kerr. Their eyes met for but a moment and Korina lost herself in his gaze. Everyone else faded away and she longed to go to him and speak with him, once more.
The Baroness noticed Korina was distracted and gave her a rather sharp pinch. She nearly cried out in pain but didn't dare cause a scene. Instead she looked away from the Duke, and took a moment to collect herself. When she looked back, he was gone. Korina felt disappointed and then she recalled their first meeting. She knew the ways of Crestmoore now and realized just how rude she'd been. Perhaps it would be best, if she did not meet with him, again.
Korina attempted to focus and was grateful, when the crowd around her began to lessen. A few people lost interest, but most went off to gossip. When Lady Waters, was finished greeting her guests, she gave a small speech and then various activities began, disbursing the rest of the crowd.
Lady Waters, made it a point to introduce her daughter to Korina. Lady Wendy Waters, was a bit larger than most girls. The Baroness was only too happy, to later use her as an example as to why Korina shouldn't eat, whatever her heart desired. Korina didn't mind Wendys’ size, They only got to speak for a few minutes, as the Waters needed to attend to their other guests but Korina found Wendy, to be just as pleasant and happy as her mother.
When Korina was alone with her grandmother and the Baroness once more, she took a moment to relax. All together, she thought she was doing a good job. However the Baroness was only too happy, to point out Korinas' mistakes. It was not acceptable, for her to stare off into space. She needed to listen more, talk less and laugh at the appropriate moments. The Baroness probably had more things to point out but thankfully, a servant appeared.
Apparently a guest had arrived and was looking for the Baroness. She excused herself and told the Countess, to keep a close watch on Korina. When it was just the two of them, her grandmother said Korina was doing decent enough. They shared a smile and then walked about, talking to a few of her grandmothers' acquaintances. Korina found them all to be, quite nice, nearly every one of them pointed out, how much Korina looked like her mother.
After a while it must've been too much for her grandmother because she excused herself, saying she needed to powder her nose. Korina went with her and noticed, her grandmother's eyes were a bit misty. Korina asked her if she was okay. Her grandmother waved her off, saying she was fine, she just needed a few minutes alone, to touch up her makeup. She told Korina to wait for her and quickly left.
Alone Korina found eyes on her once more. She could see people whispering and a few looked like, they might approach her. She knew she wasn't supposed to move, when her grandmother and the Baroness weren't around but above all, she wasn't to speak to anyone.
Korina knew if she stayed where she was, someone was bound to talk to her and it would be rude not to respond. She had no choice but to move and quickly left the room. She did her best to find some place safe, she could wait until her grandmother or the Baroness returned. However every room she entered had someone in it. She kept looking and passed through several rooms before she turned down a hallway and someone, suddenly, grabbed her arm.
Korina turned, fully expecting the wrath of the Baroness. However, she was surprised to find, it was Wendy Waters that had grasped her arm. She smiled at Korina, excitedly. "Hello again, Korina is it?"
"Yes," said Korina. She quickly curtsied.
"Oh, right," said Wendy, letting go of Korinas' arm. She curtsied and apologized."Sorry, I forget sometimes,"
"It's okay, I'm still getting used to it myself." said Korina.
"Really, are things different from where you come from?"
Korina paused, thinking over her answer. She wasn't supposed to talk about her past. Her grandmother and the Baroness, wanted people to assume, she'd had somewhat of a proper upbringing. Korina wasn't ashamed of her upbringing but answered as she was taught. "A little, I suppose, but not much"
"Oh my, you must tell me and my best friend, Lady Jane Bonnet all about it," said Wendy, even more excited. "Have you met Jane yet?"
Korina had met so many new people, she wasn’t sure if she had or not. "I'm not quite sure,"
"Than I shall introduce you," said Wendy, grabbing onto Korina once more. She pulled her along, wanting to show her off. Korina scrambled to think, of a way she could politely decline the offer but her mind was suddenly devoid of all thought.
"Excuse me, Lady Waters," called a familiar voice, from behind. Both Korina and Wendy turned to see Duke West Kerr. Wendy quickly let go of Korina and both girls curtsied before him. When they stood again, Wendy's mouth quivered. "Y...Yes Duke Kerr, how...how may I be of assistance,"
Duke Kerr smiled pleasantly, "I wondered if I might have a word with Lady Andon?" he flashed Korina his smile."We are old acquaintance,"
"REALLY," said Wendy. She was almost as surprised as Korina was. Wendy looked at her even more enamored than before. She turned back to Duke Kerr and said "Of course, do as you wish." and then quickly backed out of the room, nearly falling over herself, before she rushed off, to tell Jane what had just happened.
Alone with the Duke, Korina found her face growing hot as he said." I hope you don't mind, my interference but you looked as if you needed a break."
Did she ever, thought Korina. She looked up at him and said" Thank you," Perhaps a bit too enthusiastically.
"You're welcome," said the Duke.
Their eyes locked once more and the two just stared at each other for a moment. Korina knew she wasn't suppose to talk to a man on her own but found she didn't care. At this point, she'd probably already broken at least a dozen rules. Besides she needed to apologize for the other day. Even though her grandmother had, she had not.
Korina shifted her gaze and said, "I'd like to truly apologize, for the first time we met. I was rude and it was quite unacceptable."
The Duke continued to stare at her for a moment. Korina wondered, if she'd apologized properly enough. After another moment the Duke spoke, "I can see you've had lessons."
"Yes... I mean... No." She pursed her lips, trying not to mess up any further. Korina didn't know why but all her training, seemed to fade away in his presents. She tried to apologize again "I am sorry, I was inappropriate and I know better now."
"Don't," he said and she looked at him again, "You don't need to apologize, for being yourself. Meeting you the other day, was like a breath of fresh air."
Korina found her face growing hot, once more. She had to look away again, "I... oh," She didn't know what to say or how to act. She'd never felt like this around anyone. She felt quite embarrassed. She closed her eyes, trying to get a hold of herself.
The Duke leaned in closer, "Relax, you needn't put on airs around me. I rather dislike all these social rules and pleasantries. When it's just you and me, I prefer you speak as you wish, if you don't mind."
She didn't mind at all. Over the last few months, she'd wondered countless times, why things had to be in such a way. Why couldn't people just be themselves and speak openly as she had all her life. She opened her eyes and saw he was closer. Her throat felt suddenly dry and she began to fidget with her fingers, twisting them.
The Duke stepped back putting some distance between. "Tell me, how have you been enjoying Crestmoore so far?"
"It's been..." She paused, knowing what she was suppose to say but instead said how she felt, " Honestly it's been a lot to take in,"
The Duke smiled heartily."That it is. I've lived here all my life and still haven't managed to get used to everything."
"Have you really?"
"Yes, I am considered somewhat of an outcast because of my choices. I don't always follow the status quo"
"Perhaps that is not such a bad thing, if you're happy." And then Korina added, "My mother made choices as well." She paused, wondering why she'd brought her mother and her choices up, especially in Crestmoore. The Baroness had made it clear, her mother was considered a pariah because of what she had done. Yet Korina couldn't help but feel West was a kindred spirit. Still, she didn't know him well enough, to know, how he felt about such a thing.
"Hmm," he said after a moment, "Is she happy?"
Korina opened her mouth and then paused before saying. "She was."
The Duke studied her expression, "I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, it was a long time ago."
"Still, it must be hard, no matter how long it's been." He seemed sincere.
"Thank you," said Korina, surprised by his reaction. The Duke thought she was a breath of fresh air. Korina found, he was unlike anyone, she had ever met.
The Duke studied her expression and then said, "Forgive me, for putting you on the spot like this, but would you like to meet my daughter?"
"Your what?" said Korina, thinking she'd heard him wrong.
"My daughter Lady Libby Kerr. I would like for the two of you to meet."
"Oh...of course," said Korina. Her chest ached, she didn't know he had a daughter. She hadn’t really thought about it. If, he had a daughter that meant, he must also have a wife. Of course someone like him would. Even then, even if he hadn’t been married and had a daughter, the Duke was well above her status. She never stood a chance.
Korina furrowed her brow, wondering why she was thinking about all this. It was only their second time meeting and yet again, she was thinking of marriage. Though she supposed that was what she was here for.
Duke Kerr nodded, "If you would please wait here. I shall collect her and return. I won't be but a moment."
Korina just smiled awkwardly and nodded back. The Duke left and she wasn’t even alone for a minute, before the Baroness came up behind her.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you." The Baroness paused, looking around. "Where is the Countess?"
"She went to fix her makeup," said Korina.
"Why are you not with her?" asked the Baroness.
"She asked me to wait."
"Right here, she asked you to wait, right here?"
"Not exactly here-"
"What did I tell you," said the Baroness upset. "I told you, not to move an inch, if you were ever separated from us,"
"Yes, but you also told me not to talk to anyone, above all. If I'd stayed where I was, someone was bound to approach me." said Korina.
The Baroness glared at her but moved on. “Come now, there is someone I wish for you to meet," The Baroness grasped on to Korinas' arm, to escort her but she would not move. "I can't just yet. I'm supposed to meet someone else first,"
"Who! I thought you moved so you wouldn't talk to anyone?"
"I did... I did but I ran into someone, while moving."
Again the Baroness asked, "Who?"
The Duke returned, with his daughter. They stepped up to Korina and Baroness "Lady Andon, may I introduce you, to my daughter, Lady Libby Kerr,"
Korina quickly curtsied, followed by the Baroness. When they stood up right, the Duke and his daughter, acknowledged them both, with nods. The Baroness seem flustered, "Duke Kerr, Lady Kerr, what a pleasant surprise,"
The Duke looked to the Baroness, "Baroness... Corrinet, is it?"
"Corday, my Duke, you were very close."
The Duke nodded. Korina noticed he held himself differently now, he seemed more proper. She took a moment to glance at his daughter. Lady Libby Kerr, looked young but not too young, perhaps twelve or thirteen. She had beautiful curly hair and a small pretty, round face.
When Libby spoke, her voice was quiet, and a bit timid. "Hello, Lady Andon, Baroness Corday." She smiled at Korina and then the Baroness. Korina realized, Libby had greeted them out of order as the Baroness was of higher title. Thankfully, the Baroness didn't seem to care, greeting her, "Hello, Lady Kerr, it is nice to finally meet you."
"Hello," said Korina, "It is a pleasure, to meet you."
"And you as well," said Libby excitedly. Then she quickly turned to the Baroness, "Both of you," There was a moment of silence and then Libby spoke again, to Korina, "I hear, this is your first outing."
"Yes, yes it is." said Korina
"I've only been on a few myself, they can be quite overwhelming," said Libby. Korina could see, she was shy but trying. Perhaps she was even, still learning the ways of Crestmoore. It made Korina happy to know, she wasn't the only one.
"Indeed," said Korina. "May I say, you are very well spoken." She looked to the Duke and he nodded,"You are as well."
"Thank you," said the Baroness before Korina could respond. They all looked to the Baroness and she smiled " I hope you don't mind but I must take Lady Andon. Her grandmother, the Countess Bray, needs her at once."
"Of course, I understand" said Duke Kerr.
"Perhaps, we can talk more another time," said Libby.
"I would enjoy that, very much." said Korina.
"As would I," said the Duke.
Korina and the Duke locked eyes once again. The Baroness curtsied and then prodded Korina to do the same. Once she did, the Baroness pulled her away. They quickly walked down the hall and into another room.
The Baroness then pulled her aside and asked, "How did that come about?" she seemed upset.
"What do you mean?"asked Korina.
"You know what I mean! An introduction to Lady Libby Kerr."
"Oh," said Korina. "I know her father."
The Baroness' eyes grew wide. "You know the Duke of the West, a descendant of one of the four founding families, of Crestmoore!?"
"I didn't know all that, but yes."
"How! How and when!"
"We met when I first arrived," said Korina sheepishly. "It rained and my carriage got stuck in the mud. He came along and helped get it out."
"And this is the first I'm hearing about it!" The Baroness' looked irate.
"I didn't know who he was and the rules back then.” Korina scrambled to explain. “My grandmother already apologized and I apologized again today. He said it was okay. He even said I was like a breath of fresh air." Korina stopped talking. The Baroness' face twisted with rage. She was hoping to make things better but perhaps she said too much.
She fully expected the Baroness' wrath but it was her grandmother whom the Baroness' was angry with, for not telling her. Her grandmother found them a few seconds later. She seemed better now. They curtsied and she greeted them. "There you've gotten off to. I was looking all over for you."
"Yes," said the Baroness' in a sharp tone. "I too was looking for you, just a moment ago and was quite surprised to find Korina on her own. The Duke introduced her, to his daughter, since they seem to have some what of a past."
Her grandmother looked unwell again. "Oh my, that is quite something. The Duke is here and with his daughter. I myself have met her once before, when she was but a small child. How has she grown?"
Korina could see, her grandmother was trying to slip out of this awkward situation but the Baroness' wasn't having any of it.
"Vira," the Baroness' hissed. Korinas’ mouth parted in disbelief. The Baroness had called her grandmother, solely by her first name, "I should have told you, yes," said her grandmother looking about. "But it was nothing, really. I handled it."
Again Korina was surprised. It had not been nothing, when she had first arrived. Her grandmother had been quite upset with her. Of course, now she knew why but at the time she didn't understand.
"It was nothing!” snapped the Baroness “You handled it!”
Korina knew that tone. The Baroness' was ready to unleash. She'd done it more than once to Korina. However, she was cut short as a woman approached them. Both her grandmother and the Baroness' turned to the woman, curtsying. Korina had never seen her grandmother, curtsy to anyone. She found herself curious and kept standing.
The mysterious woman and Korina locked eyes. She wasn't much older then Korina. There was something about her but Korina wasn't quite sure what. She just had a strange feeling. The woman
continued to stare at her, raising an eyebrow, slightly.
Her grandmother stood from her curtsy and noticed Korina had not done so. She quickly motion for her, to curtsy. Korina realized her mistake and curtsied lower than she needed. The woman smiled down at her. Korina found she didn’t like her smile, there was something mischievous about it.
The mysterious woman, acknowledged them and then fanned herself.
"Duchess Stokes, how are you this fine day?" Her grandmother asked.
The Duchess, said nothing to Korinas’ grandmother as if she weren't even there, her interest seemed to lie with the Baroness. The Duchess looked at the her with piercing eyes. Then she looked at Korina, once more. "My, my who do we have, here?"
The Baroness's face, twisted unpleasantly as she made introductions. "Duchess Stokes, may I introduce Lady Korina Andon. She is the granddaughter of Countess Bray."
The Duchess's eyes lit up for a second. She closed her fan, "I was not aware, the Countess had a granddaughter,"
"Yes, she is my daughter, Dillies'." said the Countess.
"Dillie...Dillie... Dillie Bray...ah yes." said the Duchess, tapping her fan to her mouth. She looked at Korina, dully and then turned to the Baroness."So, this is what you've been spending your time on..."
The Baroness nodded, "I've assisted some, yes,"
"Have you, now." The Duchess twirled her finger at Korina, "Come now, let me see what Avianna, has accomplished." Korina looked to her grandmother and then the Baroness, they both nodded, reluctantly, Korina spun.
The Duchess looked her up and down. "Tsk...Tsk...I do hope, you didn't waste too much time. I suppose she's here to marry, it being the season. Bold, given her mother's reputation, don't you think?"
Korina glared at the Duchess, the Baroness had warned her about this moment. Though they
had prepared, it took a lot for Korina not to snap and respond unpleasantly.
The Baroness, smiled and said. "Oh, it's no worse then some of the other reputations. And
speaking of, that reminds me! Has your husband come home yet? Word is, he's "forging" quite
the reputation himself... Though one perhaps not well suited, to a married man."
The Duchess scrunched up her nose. It must have been a sore subject for her, good thought Korina, let's see how she likes it.
The Duchess opened her fan and began to fan herself as she said, "Hmp, you’re one to talk. I think your husband has been gone longer then mine. When was the last time he was home? And what exactly is he doing again? At least mine is away on business. It must be so hard just being left behind.
"You would know better than I would, my dear and your husband is away on “business” is that
what you're calling it? I do believe my husband, encountered yours, more than once and saw his "business." Tsk, Tsk, I must say...quite distasteful. Of course if you would like the details, feel free to speak to my husband, unlike yours, he's in the next room."
The Duchesses’ face dropped, unpleasantly and she stopped fanning herself. "I would but I have more important matters, to attend to, then your husbands’ tall tales."
"Oh yes, I forget you don't get out much these days, do you. I'm sure you want to make the most, of what little time you have before your mother-in-law calls you home. How is she these days? Such a shame, a woman of her stature, becoming so diminished, still, she manages to hold on, year after year after year. It must be an honor, to be the only one, she allows to care for her, these days. You truly are a saint, giving up all your time, to take care of her."
Korina bit her lip. She didn't know, the Duchess had a sick mother-in-law. She was reminded of her own mother. Toward the end, Korina and her brother, did everything for her, while their father worked in the mine. It was hard seeing someone you loved, so frail and fragile, watching them slip away, more and more, each day. She looked at the Duchess, differently now. Korina didn't like her but just the same, she could understand, what she must be going through.
She bowed her head and said, “I'm sorry to hear, your mother-in-law is sick. I hope she gets well soon,"
The Duchess and the Baroness, looked at Korina as she spoke and then turned to each other, exchanging a private look. The Duchess smiled, while the Baroness grimaced and looked off to the side. After a moment, the Duchess turned back to Korina and said, “How sweet… Thank you, Lady, Andon is it?
“Yes,” said Korina.
Again the Duchess looked her up and down. She scoffed and then gave the Baroness a look "Do remind your husband, not to spread rumors. It would be a shame, if we would have to reevaluate our business holdings, over a... misunderstand." Then she turned and walked off.
Korinas’ grandmother let out a heavy sigh and the Baroness clicked her tongue, closing her eyes. She took a moment, to collect herself before she smiled, once more. Korina wanted to ask about the Duchess but before she could, the Baroness snapped. "You would do well, to steer clear of that woman,” Korina nodded and the Baroness, nearly stormed off.
Korina and her grandmother, practically had to run, to keep up with her. They moved on, and made there way to the ballroom, the largest room, in the Waters’ estate. There were several groups of men and women, talking and laughing, enjoying themselves. They walked up to a group of gentlemen. The tallest turned and smiled at them before he excused himself, from his conversation. He approached them and Korina curiously, wondered who he was.
The Baroness smiled at the tall man and then turned to Korina. With everything that had gone on, she nearly forgot, there was someone, the Baroness wanted her to meet. "Lady Andon, allow me to introduce you, to my husband, Baron Valance Corday."
Korina quickly curtsied, to the Baron. He smiled down at her and said, "It is nice to meet you, Lady Andon."
Korina stood upright and nodded "It is nice to meet you as well."
The Baron nodded back to her and then turned, to the Countess. He bowed before her and she
acknowledged him. "Countess Bray, you are looking more lovely, than ever."
Korinas’ grandmother smiled widely, "It is nice to see you again Baron Corday. Will you be
staying long?"
"I hope so. I have concluded most, if not all, my business, for the time being."
"Good, good, perhaps you can start working, on a family," said the Countess.
"Perhaps," said the Baron. He gave a sly look to the Baroness. She let out a small chuckle.
Some light music, started to play. The Baron offered his hand to the Countess, "Would you care, to dance?"
"Oh no," said the Countess flattered. "I am in need, of a bit of a rest. I think I shall sit this one out. Thank you for the offer,"
"Anytime, it would be my pleasure." said the Baron. Then he turned to his wife and offered out his hand, once again,"Shall we?"
The Baroness took his hand and nodded "We shall." The two stepped out onto the dance floor and began to dance.
Korina went with her grandmother, to some tables and chairs that had been set up in the corner of the room. They sat down and were promptly given tea and an assorted tray of biscuits. Korina slowly sipped her tea and watched those that were dancing. She found she knew the dance but had never seen it performed by so many people.
She spotted the Baroness and the Baron as they made their way around the room. She watched
them for a moment. Korina had known the Baroness was married but hadn't really thought, of what he might be like. He seemed nice and tall. The Baroness was a tall woman herself but standing next to the Barron, made her look of average height. They looked like any other happy couple.
The Baron seemed taken in, by the Baroness. He looked at her as if, she were the only other
person in the room. The Baroness glanced at the Baron, every so often but mostly looked around the room.
Korina looked away from them, after a while and found herself, idly looking about. After a few seconds, she realized, she was looking for the Duke and his family. She was curious to see, what his wife looked like. She lightly tapped her fingers on the table, looking but didn't see the Duke or his daughter. She supposed his wife could be in the room but didn't know what she looked like.
Korina continued to scan the room and noticed the Duchess. She was standing with her back against a wall. A few women were around her but she was watching, the Baron and Baroness, intently. Again Korina found herself curious. She wondered what her connection to the Baroness was.
"Grandmother." said Korina, after a moment.
"Mmm," said her grandmother, looking up from her tea. She looked tired.
"The Duchess, we met earlier-"
"You are to stay away from her." Her grandmother remarked before taking a sip of her tea.
"Yes, I know but I was curious. The Baroness and the Duchess, seem to dislike each other,"
Her grandmother set her teacup, down on the table. "Oh yes, they have a history."
"Really!" said Korina
"Yes, I don't know everything but... I heard they attended the same etiquette academy.
Apparently they were rivals and competed over everything, including titles. As you know Baroness Avianna married Baron Corday and Duchess Neave married Duke Stokes. At first glance it might appear the Duchess won but overall, I believe the Baroness got the better deal."
"How so?" asked Korina.
"You heard, the Duchess Stokes, mother-in-law is ill."
"Yes."
"In truth, there was an accident, some years ago."
"Accident?"
"Yes, there was a fire. The Stokes Manor burned to the ground. Duchess Thora Stokes and her son, barley made it out alive. Though rumor has it, the Duchess was badly burned. Of course no one really knows for sure. Since that day, she doesn’t allow anyone but close servants and family to see her."
"Oh my," said Korina.
"Yes..." said her grandmother, stirring her tea. "Such poor luck, the Stokes...”
Korina wanted to ask more about it but Lady Waters and her daughter approached the table.
"How are you finding everything?"
"Good, very good." said Korina.
"Adequate," her grandmother simply said.
"Oh good, good," said Lady Waters, "We were just about to do some light sharing and were wondering, if Korina had any talents she might like to share."
"She plays the piano." Her grandmother offered.
"Oh, we would be honored, if you would play something for us." said Wendy Waters, excited.
Korina was sure they would be but felt ill being put on the spot. She had prepared for this
but didn't think, she would have to play on her first outing.
She took too long to answer so her grandmother did. "She'd love to." Her grandmother nodded to her. "Wouldn't you dear."
"Yes, it would be my pleasure." said Korina.
She stood shakily and they moved off into a smaller room. There was a nice fireplace and several couches and chairs. An assortment of instruments was throughout the room. Korina walked over to the piano in the corner. Again it was different, from what she was used to. It was better than the one she grown up with but not as good as the Baronesses' or her grandmother's.
Lady Waters, instructed several of her servants, to inform the other guests, Lady Andon would be playing the piano. They rushed off and Korina felt her stomach drop. She sat down at the piano and tried to focus on the keys as people started to shuffled into the room.
She looked up every so often, with each person that entered, the room felt, smaller and smaller. She heard many a whisper and received, several curious looks. The Baroness and Baron entered the room after a bit and Korina gave the Baroness, a nervous look. The Baroness simply smiled and nodded back to her.
After a few minutes and a dozen people, Lady Waters told Korina, she could start whenever she liked. Korina let out a small sigh and stood. She thanked everyone for their time and announced her song before she curtsied to the room. When she came up, she didn't dare make eye contact with anyone, turning she quickly sat back down.
Her fingers trembled as she moved them to the piano keys. The room grew quiet in anticipation, except for a few coughs here or there. Korina closed her eyes and began to play from memory. Her fingers drifted about, moving gracefully. Though she could hear the others in the room, every so often, one voice in her mind, soon blocked them out. She could hear the Baroness instructing her, to focus, to listen that nothing but the notes she was playing matter.
Soon enough, even the Baronesses' voice faded to the back of Korinas’ mind as she lost herself, in the music. She messed up here or there but didn't let it stop her. She kept playing, kept going through each and every note until she hit, the very last one.
When she was finished, her fingers went still, resting on the keys. Her heart beat like the wings of a butterfly, in her chest. There was a moment of silence, of worry as she wondered how she’d done. A single clap, broke the quite and then a wave of applause, flooded the room.
Korina opened her eyes and turned, looking around her. She sought out the Baroness and her grandmother, wanting to see, how they'd thought she'd done but her eyes found the Dukes'. He was standing in the doorway, his daughter at his side. The Duke nodded to Korina and gave her a wink.
She smiled and nodded back.
She continued to look for her grandmother and the Baroness. When she found them, she couldn't tell if they were pleased or not. She stood after a moment and again curtsied to the room before she went to stand beside her grandmother, who was sitting in a chair.
Lady Waters stood, more cheerful than ever. She continued to applaud Korinas' performance before she asked, if anyone else would like to share. Another woman stood and played the harp. The beauty of it was lost on Korina as were the four poem readings and three piano performances that followed. Korina found herself dazed, lost in the exhilaration of her performance and the relief
that it was over.
Soon enough the sharing was done and people began to leave the room. A few complemented Korina on their way out, pulling her from her daze. She nodded and humbly thanked them. When it was just Korina and her grandmother, the Baroness approached. She fanned herself and said, "I suppose, it's about that time. I think she's done enough for today."
"I couldn't agree more." said her grandmother, standing. "Best not to overdo it."
Korina looked at them and couldn't believe it was over. She had prepared for so long, of course this was not the main event. The Debutante Ball, was yet to come but still, at least she had survived her first outing, her first real test. Her cheeks flushed with excitement.
They left the room and found Lady Waters. They thanked her, for her hospitality and said their goodbyes. Lady Waters, nor her daughter were happy to see them go so soon. They attempted to get them to stay, offering more events and refreshments but the Baroness and Countess were adamant, it was time to go.
They went outside and waited for their carriage. Korina learned, the Baroness would not be returning with them. She only wanted to see them off. She would be staying for a while longer and then leave later, with her husband. She informed the Countess, she would be taking the next day or so off, from personally training Korina but insisted, Korina keep to her schedule and routine at home.
The carriage arrived and Korina wondered, if the Baroness, was going to say anything else. So far, she’d only pointed out Korinas' mistakes. She wondered if she'd done anything today that had pleased her, even in the slightest. She looked to her hopeful but the Baroness just smiled pleasantly as she always did.
The Countess slowly got into the carriage. Korina sighed and turned to get in after her but the Baroness called out. "Korina, you forgot this."
Korina turned back, to see the Baroness holding out a small velvet pouch. She looked at it but shook her head. "That isn't mine."
"Is it not?" said the Baroness.
Before Korina could respond, the Baroness closed the distance between them and physically put the pouch in Korinas' hand. Korina held it confused, the Baroness simply nodded and turned, walking away, without any explanation.
Curious, Korina opened the pouch and found, there were several chocolates inside. She beamed and quickly popped one into her mouth. She closed her eyes, losing herself to the taste and sensation, thinking this must be the Baronesses' way of telling her, she done a good job.
Her grandmother called to her and Korina opened her eyes. She turned once more and got in to the carriage. Before the door shut, Korina looked out and saw the Duke and his daughter, they must have been leaving as well. She waved to them and they waved back. Her grandmother looked to see who Korina was waving to and waved as well. The coachman shut the carriage door and a moment later, they were off.
Her grandmother folded her hands in her lap and said. "Quite an eventful day. Indeed. Indeed. I am glad to see the Duke, accepted my apology, for the other day. I must say, I was surprised to see him and his daughter, out and about. They aren't very social, not since the passing of the Dukes' mother. She was an old acquaintance of mine. It's hard to believe, it has been five years now and so soon after the passing of his wife."
Korina was looking out the window, only slightly paying attention as her grandmother spoke. She quickly turned her head to clarify, what she thought, she'd just heard. "His wife... The Dukes' wife passed?"
"Yes, yes poor thing. She got sick with... pneumonia, I think it was. Didn't last the winter."
"Oh..."said Korina, pulling back in her seat.
The Duke was so young, to be a widow and his daughter. She must have been younger then Korina was, when she’d lost her own mother. Her chest ached for them, knowing how hard it was, to lose someone so precious and then to lose another so soon after.
She clutched a hand to her chest, thinking of her own family. Her mother had passed away and then her brother had died suddenly, a few years later. Like the Duke and his daughter, it had just been Korina and her father, for so many years.
She thought of her father now and worried yet again that he had not responded to any of her letters. She worried something awful, might have happened. That he might be too sick, to respond. She clenched her fists and vowed to write him, when she got back to her grandmother’s estate. She'd make it clear, if he did not respond within a months time, she'd be coming home, marriage or no marriage.
Thank you for reading^^ |
