“Her posture,” she decided. “I am certain that could improve.”
“You think so?” the Dowager replied. “Then you must focus on it. We do not have much time.”
“You do not have to worry about a thing,” the woman assured, confidence laced in her voice. “I shall make sure she is a well-polished lady by the time I am done with her.”
Sophia had never felt so exposed in her life. She felt as though all her flaws were laid out in the open for judgment. However, at least the judgment did not feel hostile. It was for her improvement. That was the only solace she had on this occasion.
“Oh, I did not introduce you both,” the Dowager said, directing her gaze back to Sophia. “This is Mrs. Harington. She is the best etiquette instructor in London. Why, she is always busy, and it is a wonder that she made time to arrive here today.”
“Oh, please. Do not embarrass me, Duchess Anna,” the instructor replied. “You know that I am always available whenever you decide to summon me.”
“I am glad to hear it. If we are to train the future duchess, then we need the best there is.”
Sophia gulped. She was still determining if she was expected to make any contributions at this point.
“My dear, why don’t you take a seat?” the instructor suggested to Sophia.
Sophia nodded and took a seat on the sofa in front of her. She made an active effort to keep her shoulders straight, as though she was balancing a basket full of goods on her head.
“A lady’s posture is one of the most important things about her. One could argue that it is the most important,” Mrs. Haringtoncontinued. “It tells you all you need to know about her and her upbringing.”
“Absolutely,” the Dowager agreed.
“Lady Sophia, you must maintain a poised composure at all times. You must sit up straight, shoulders back, and chin parallel to the ground.”
Sophia straightened her back up even further, even though her spine felt as if it would snap in half if she applied more pressure on it. Discreetly, she crossed her fingers.
Am I good enough now?she thought to herself.
“Very good,” the instructor affirmed. “I can work with it. But now, we must see your walk.”
“Yes, Lady Sophia. You must get up and walk to the end of the room and then back,” the Dowager agreed.
Sucking in a deep breath, Sophia did just that. She remembered how self-conscious she had felt at the ball. This seemed to be even worse.
Sophia began to take measured steps across the room. Once she returned to her original destination, the two ladies shook their heads.
“No, no,” Mrs. Harington interjected, looking disappointed. “You see, you must not be in a rush. You are to be the future duchess. A duchess is never in a hurry. Everyone else must wait for the duchess, not the other way around.”
Sophia felt her cheeks redden. Owing to her nervousness, she must have walked faster than she usually did.
“I can try again,” she offered in a meek voice.
“Please do.”
“Remember, a lady must never stomp her feet as she walks. She must glide across the room. She must move with purpose. She must be exuding grace and charm with every step.”
Sophia tried to remember all the things that were being told to her. Sucking in a deep breath, she walked again, but this time, taking much slower and more purposeful steps.
“Very good!” Mrs. Harington praised her immediately, but the Dowager was not so quick to be impressed.
“This is only the beginning,” the Dowager said. “There are many things that you must learn, Lady Sophia, if you are to become a part of this family.”
“I assure you that I will try my hardest.”
“You must, there is no other choice.” The Dowager’s words were stern. Sophia realized that her mother-in-law was going to be tough to please.
However, Sophia had always been eager to prove herself. She was not going to back down from the challenge now that she found herself in this situation.
