“A Lady does not slump. Stand up straight.” Clara snapped. Lilly stood up squaring her shoulders and glared at the woman. “Now then, we will begin again on proper etiquette in public.”

Lilly rolled her eyes and walked behind the slender woman into the dining room. The apartment was large and comfortable, even more so than her home and felt just as much like a prison. The dining room was big enough to fit a small army. She walked directly to the window looking out over the garden courtyard. The spring blooms were just open, the colors were bright and crisp. The new leaves framed all of the flowers almost inviting her to them. She tried to pay attention to mistress Clara’s lecture. When she gave her word she kept it. But the fact that she was completely alone now made her stomach churn.

She had been with the woman all day and barely got a chance to settle in before starting her lessons. Most of which she already knew. “Lilly!” She blinked.

“Sorry mistress Clara.” She apologized miserably.

The woman crossed her arms looking stern which seemed to be an almost permanent stance for her. “It’s rude not to listen when someone is trying to teach you something.”

Lilly looked back out the window and sighed then turned to go to a chair so she could listen attentively and not be distracted. “I apologize, please continue.” It felt like a mask was bring put over her true self. But then she thought perhaps it was like this for everyone, to grow up and be expected to do certain things and be a certain way.

Clara sat down across from her crossing her ankles perfectly just like her mother always did, her back straight, somehow looking relaxed but formal. “Perhaps we should take a break. We’ve been inside all day. How about we go for a walk.” Lilly smiled and nodded trying to remember to keep her composure.