Anything but a Lady
“Are you thinking about him again?” My sister accused.
I glanced at Sarah’s posed reflection in my dressing mirror. She methodically worked a brush through my long brown strands.
I grunted. Shrugging as if I wasn’t always thinking about him.
I had spent my whole life as Lady of Drake Manor. Which meant endless days spending time with people that cultivated every word to some social end or another. To say I found those types exceedingly tedious would be a gross understatement. I was merely enduring the preparations for this meal so I could get through it and out to the stable barn.
I’m not made of the same stuff they are. I recognized, as I thought of all those socialites that charmed so effortlessly.
Which immediately made a handsome face appear in my mind’s eye. He’s not like that.
I had no talent for blending in with socialites. I was forever in trouble for things I said. Words which often dropped out of my mouth without any proper inner-monologue first.
At least that’s what Sarah always says.
My sister was the opposite of me in every way possible.
She always behaves.
Truthfully, I found the chaos that ensued vastly amusing.
Perhaps that’s why I keep doing it.
“I think,” My sister remarked as she plaited my hair. “that sometimes you just like to see the appall on mother’s face and to make papa sputter.”
I grinned in the mirror, my eyes sparkling at her reflection. “It’s only amusing when his neck here,” I gestured to my neck. “jiggles.”
Sarah bit her lip and gave me a shameful look. She knew precisely what I was speaking of but knew it would be truly awful if she laughed.
“You can’t keep sneaking out to visit the horse master. Daddy knows, you know?”
“I don’t care.” I shrugged. “
“You’re going to make mama actually faint one of these days.” Sarah warned me.
“Well, dear sister, one must have goals.”
She shook her head. Not finding it anywhere near as funny as I did.
“Come, Sarah. A bit of humor won’t shatter your porcelain face, I vow it.”
She spent far too much time worrying about everyone else’s approval. Which left it up to me, to ensure it was spoiled for the both of us.
“You vow many things.” She glanced up from her nimble fingers. “None of them ever end well.”
“Look at you.” I teased. “Ever-the optimist.”
“You’re oozing sarcasm again.” She sighed. Her shoulders slumping. “Must you goad everyone!”
“Would you prefer it, if it were only you?”
“I’d prefer I be the exception.”
I harrumphed.
“Would it kill you to take anything seriously?” She pleaded.
“Depends on the day.”
“Let’s start with today. Father is having a new suitor over…” She eyed me. Feeling out my response. “Quite wealthy stock, if one is to believe what one hears.”
“I never believe what I hear.” I countered. Understanding dawning. “Is that why I am to be stuffed in a new gown with my hair done?”
I shot her a betrayed look, since she was the one doing the ‘stuffing’ and hair.
“Mama said if left to your own devices, you’d wear your most worn dress and scruff your hair with mud in the courtyard.”
I gasped in appall. “Where would she get such a ridiculous idea?”
“Perhaps it is a fear created because that is precisely what you did last time.”
I fluttered my lashes. “Truly? I fail to recall said event.”
“As you do all of them.” She muttered dryly.
I giggled. “Sarah! Truly! A bit of laughter won’t kill you.”
She finished braiding my hair. Dropping her hands to my shoulders. “You’re too beautiful to make this so hard on them, you know.”
Sara had a way of adopting mother’s tone when she quoted her.
“Well, dear sister,” I rose. Mimicking those official notes. “I supposit that beauty should not be the only quality desired by a man.”
“You think your wicked wit and bladed tongue should be something they yearn for?”
“More than my submission.” I pushed in my dressing table chair.
She sighed. Rotating on her heel. “I can see you’re going to be fully unreasonable tonight.”
“Well, sister,” I declared. “I don’t like to do anything with partial dedication.”
“Pffft.” She shook her head.
I snatched up my coral-colored paint disc and smeared a blotch on my lips. Rubbing them together.
When Sarah glanced back and saw me, she made a disapproving sound. “You know mama hates that color.”
“Yes, But I love it.”
Sarah wanted me to be just like her. Demure, flawless and affianced.
I’m never going to be that.
Before I went to the Dining Hall to face my fate for the evening, I went to the front door and opened it. Leaning against the frame to get a few whiffs of fresh air. The lawns carried in the scent of wildflowers in the most pleasant way.
From the shadow near the stables far to my right I saw movement. Which drew my attention to the silhouette standing there. As he moved I saw light slash across the square lines of his jaw and cheek.
I recognized the handsome familiar features, and felt the quick rush in my chest.
He nodded to the Dunmouth carriage in the drive.
I rolled my eyes heavenward and slumped. Depicting my deep excitement to meet this newest suitor.
He flashed white teeth in the shade and withdrew toward the back of the stables. Returning to his duties.
I was instantly bereft as I watched him go. I’d far rather be out there than in here.
I swished into the Dining Hall of Drake Manor. Purposely stalling to avoid greeting whatever artificial young man this was.
When I finally looked at him, I knew immediately he’d be as predictable as all those before him.
Compliment. I ticked off my list.
“Why Miss Drake, the summer sun quite suits you.” Lord Dunmouth said. Despite that we knew my skin was far too sun-kissed to be considered customarily pretty.
Which just makes his compliment more manipulative. I thought.
“Thank you.” I dipped my head to hide my immediate annoyance. I took the seat he held out for me.
Small talk. Would be his next move, I guessed.
“Did you notice how fine the weather?” He scooted his own chair in near mine.
“No.” I said flatly. “I found it rather hot. I’ve found myself sweating all day.”
“Kylie!” Mother squawked as if someone had stepped on her toes, rather than simply saying something unladylike.
“Yes, mama?” I blinked innocently.
