Evelina curtsied. “Good morning, Your Grace. I believe punctuality to be a virtue in both tutor and student.”
The ghost of a smile played on the Duke’s lips. “Indeed. Well then, let us not delay further. Eliza?”
From a corner of the room, a small figure emerged. Eliza, the Duke’s daughter, approached with hesitant steps. She was a delicate creature, with her father’s dark hair and wide, wary eyes.
“Eliza,” the Duke said, his voice softening almost imperceptibly, “this is Miss Balfour. She will be your new tutor.”
The girl curtsied, her movements precise but timid. “How do you do, Miss Balfour?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Evelina smiled warmly. “I am very well, thank you, Eliza. I look forward to our lessons together.”
The Duke cleared his throat. “I shall leave you to it. Miss Balfour, I expect a full report in my study afterward.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Evelina replied with a nod.
Before he left, the Duke turned to his daughter. “Eliza, I trust you will apply yourself diligently to your studies with Miss Balfour.”
“Yes, Father,” Eliza murmured, her eyes downcast.
With a curt nod, he strode out of the room, leaving Evelina alone with her young charge.
Eliza remained standing, her eyes trained on the carpet. Evelina’s heart went out to the shy girl, recognizing in her the same reticence she often saw in her younger sisters.
“Eliza,” Evelina asked gently, “might I inquire as to what subjects you enjoy most?”
The girl’s eyes flicked up briefly. “I… I am fond of music, Miss Balfour.”
Evelina’s smile widened. “How wonderful! I, too, have a great love for music. Do you play an instrument?”
Eliza gave a slight nod. “The pianoforte, Miss.”
“Splendid! Perhaps we might include some musical instruction in our future lessons. But for today, I thought we might begin with some basic etiquette. Would that be agreeable to you?”
Another nod, accompanied by a whispered “Yes, Miss Balfour.”
“Excellent,” Evelina said, her tone warm and encouraging. “Now, let us start with the art of conversation. In polite society, it is essential to be able to engage in pleasant discourse on a variety of topics. Can you tell me, Eliza, what subjects you find most interesting?”
Eliza hesitated, her fingers twisting the fabric of her dress. “I… I enjoy reading, Miss Balfour.”
“Reading is a most admirable pursuit,” Evelina declared, her eyes lighting up. “What sort of books do you prefer?”
“I like tales of adventures,” Eliza admitted, a hint of enthusiasm lacing her voice. “And… and sometimes poetry.”
Evelina nodded approvingly. “Both excellent choices. You know, Eliza, the ability to discuss literature is a valuable skill in Society. It allows one to demonstrate both intelligence and refinement. Perhaps we could practice by discussing a book you’ve recently read?”
For the next quarter-hour, Evelina gently coaxed Eliza into a conversation about her favorite novel, a tale of seafaring adventures. As they talked, she noticed the girl’s posture gradually relaxing, her responses becoming more animated.
“Very good, Eliza,” Evelina praised. “You see how easily conversation can flow when one speaks of something they truly enjoy? Now, let us move on to the art of proper introductions.”
Over the next hour, Evelina guided Eliza through various aspects of etiquette—how to greet guests of different ranks, the intricacies of dinner conversation, and the art of graceful movement.
“Now, Eliza,” Evelina continued, demonstrating a particularly elegant curtsy, “when greeting a member of the Royal Family, one must curtsy quite low, like this. Would you care to try?”
Eliza mimicked the movement, her brow furrowed in concentration. As she rose, she wobbled slightly, a look of dismay crossing her features.
“Do not fret, my dear,” Evelina said quickly. “It takes much practice to perfect. Why, when I was your age, I once attempted such a deep curtsy at a garden party and fell right into a rosebush!”
A tiny giggle escaped Eliza’s lips, her eyes widening in surprise at her own mirth.
