“Shall we continue with the other lessons?” Mrs. Harington asked, pulling out a small fan from her bag and handing it over to Sophia.
“Now, the language of the fan is one that you must learn by heart,” Mrs. Harington explained. “A lady can use her fan to convey many important things.”
Sophia surveyed the fan in her hands. It had a floral pattern and seemed to be the result of the highest craftsmanship. She opened it and delicately fanned it across her face, the cool air serving as a much-needed relief from the heat that had risen in her cheeks.
“You see, your pace is far too fast than what the situation demands,” Mrs. Harington corrected. “A swift flutter suggests excitement or intrigue. What is there to be so excited of in this moment?”
Clearly nothing at all,she thought to herself but chose to smile politely instead.
“My apologies, Mrs. Harington. What do you propose the right way of doing this is?”
“Well, you must acquaint yourself with the different gestures that you can communicate with this little fan in your hands,” she said, pulling out another fan for herself. “You can use it in conversation when you are surrounded by watchful eyes, simply putting it in front of your mouth to convey messages that you do not want to be heard.”
Sophia nodded, looking down at her hands.
“A slow, leisurely wave could mean to indicate boredom. You may use it to communicate when you need to exit a conversation,” Mrs. Harington continued.
Sophia resisted the urge to wave it slowly in front of her face. She could feel the Dowager’s gaze on her from the corner of the room.
“Your mannerisms are the first thing that anyone notices about you: how well-groomed you are, how you hold your cutlery, and how graceful your walk is. Through all of these things, you represent not just yourself but your family.”
Sophia nodded once again, feeling the weight of expectations on her shoulders get heavier with each word uttered.
“Absolutely,” the Dowager jumped into the conversation. “Right now, I may consider you a duchess in training, but you mustlearn quickly. My son is adamant about marrying you as soon as he can. Once you become his wife, you will be a member of this family. You will be representing us at every gathering you attend.”
“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Harington agreed. “And you will be expected to attend many gatherings. Would you attest to that experience, Duchess Anna?”
“Oh, when I first became the Duchess, it seemed that every day there was a new social event which I was expected to be at. I had an army of maids at home, and they all would assist with what to wear. Appearances are important.” The Dowager turned to Sophia, her gaze flickering over her scar for just a moment, “And I expect you to do everything to appear perfect at all times.”
“I…” Sophia stuttered, taken aback. “I assure you, I am a fast learner and will not disappoint you.”
The Dowager stared back at Sophia with a stern expression, but something in Sophia’s face must have convinced her of her sincerity, and she softened.
“I only tell you this for your own good. Soon, you will be subjected to scrutiny unlike any you have received in your life. I know because this was my experience. The ton is quick to judge and slow to forget. You must remain one step ahead of them at all times,” she explained earnestly.
It was at moment that Sophia found herself developing a soft spot for the Dowager. She realized that the woman did not haveany foul intentions for her. On the contrary, she was just trying to protect her from what she had likely experienced. It was not meant to be personal.
“Thank you, Duchess Anna,” Sophia said, her words coming straight from the heart. “I shall do whatever I can to learn at a quick pace.”
The Dowager nodded her head.
“I should hope so. I will leave the two of you to have your lesson now for the rest of the afternoon. Later, perhaps, Lady Sophia, you can join me for a cup of tea before I send you back to your residence.”
Sophia nodded and watched the Dowager leave the room. Learning what she just had, she realized that the Dowager’s walk was graceful and purposeful. She exuded a strong aura. Sophia wondered if she would be able to do the same thing after her training was completed.
Their lesson continued on. Mrs. Harington was a strict instructor, but it was clear that she knew that she was doing. The woman looked to be in her fifties, but the way she carried herself almost hid the fact that she was old.
“We must now work on your conversation skills.”
“Ah, of course.”
Sophia was not a huge fan of social interaction. She had always considered herself to be a timid wallflower, choosing mostly to listen rather than assert her own opinions.
“A duchess is at the helm of a thriving social circle. She must have a large network of friends with whom she must maintain good relations,” Mrs. Harington proposed. “Would you like to guess how she must maintain those good relations?”
“By remaining active and attending events she is invited?”
“Close enough,” Mrs. Harington noted, “but a duchess must host her own events as well in order to solidify her raised status amongst her peers.”
