Royal Pain in the Ass

Chapter X

Chapter X: Etiquette

I was sitting at the table in a straight back chair wearing a dress that Carolynn had purchased for me. It was a pastel blue sun dress that fell just below my knee. I was wearing closed toe heels and hose. I hated hose, they just weren't comfortable to me.

"Juliet," came a shrill scold.

I took in a long slow breath, as my jaw clenched and my lips pursed. "Yes, Madame Hubert?" I asked, sounding as polite as I could manage through clenched teeth.

"That is the wrong fork!" I sighed and felt myself slouch. "Sit up! Ladies do not slouch!"

I rolled my eyes. I couldn't stop myself.

"Juliet! If you do not take this seriously, I cannot help you! You will never be a lady at this rate." With that Madame Hubert left in a huff.

I made a face at the door as she left and let myself slouch all the way down in the chair. "Oh my god! I am never going to get this!"

"You really suck at this," came a soft familiar voice. I turned to see Gwen.

"Ugh, did you see that? Why do you need three forks anyway?" I groaned.

Gwen smiled. "Would you like some help?"

"Oh god yes,"

"Mum insisted on me going to finishing school. She figured it would help with the whole knowing how everything works. And she's old fashioned on what she perceives as a lady."

"Oh dear god, you are a godsend." I got up and hugged her. Gwen let out a soft laugh.

By the grace of God and three hours later Gwen had taught me the different silverware and proper ways to eat. I didn't have all of it down, but I had a good start, or at least I thought so.

"So, they're going to announce you then?"

I nodded. "After the paparazzi there's no choice now. The world knows about me." I hung my head. "I really messed up. I got Ian and Lana in all sorts of trouble and I don't want that to happen again. It's one thing if I mess my own life up, it's another if I start ruining other peoples." I looked Gwen in the eye. "I won't do that. I don't want to be responsible for this. I have to figure this out."

Gwen smiled. "It won't come overnight, and you aren't a natural."

"Oh trust me, I know."

"The finer points won't come easy, but you've got heart. You're a good person in general. That's even rarer than any kind of noble blood." Gwen pulled me into a hug. "You'll get it." Gwen held me at arm's length. "Have you been out since the incident?"

I shook my head. Since 'the incident,' as everyone was referring to it now, I'd been on lockdown. I hadn't been allowed outside without an escort, let alone off the grounds. I'm stuck on Eastgate estate until everything has been sorted out, by order of the king.

Gwen gave me a knowing look. "Come with me." She led me through the servants' quarters and out to her house. It was a modest two story with ivy and roses trailing up a trellis. "It's not much in comparison, but it's home." She offered with a modest shrug.

"I love it. That house is too big."

She ushered me inside and the house looked lived in. There was a fire going the smell of dinner permeated the air and I soaked it all in. There was a blanket strewn across the couch and a thin woman who had Gwen's blonde hair was sitting in a chair reading.

"Gwen honey, oh, you brought company,"

"Mum, you haven't properly met Juliet yet, Juliet, this is Mum."