Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-seven

Celeste's smile faltered as she caught the seriousness in Victoria's tone.

"If you can't manage that, I won't be able to continue entertaining your visits," Victoria said firmly.

Celeste's eyes widened, panic flashing across her face. "I... I'll do better next time," she said quickly, not ready to lose the one person who had shown her genuine kindness.

Victoria's expression softened slightly. "Good," she said with a nod.

Celeste sat quietly for a moment, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve before speaking again.

"But... I don't think I know how to be kind," she admitted quietly.

Victoria gave her a reassuring look. "That's okay. It's something you can learn. Start by treating people the way you'd want to be treated. If you don't like being ordered around, don't order others around. If being disrespected or dismissed bothers you, then make sure you don't do it to someone else."

She paused, letting her words settle. "It might sound simple, but it takes effort—and more importantly, it starts with your willingness to try."

Celeste gave a small, thoughtful nod, as if turning the idea over in her mind.

Victoria offered a quiet smile and poured herself some tea. The conversation had been a step forward—she could only hope the seed she'd planted would take root and grow in time.

✦ ✦

Later that evening, Celeste returned to her estate after stopping by the bookshop. Tucked under her arm was a slim volume titled The Art of Being Proper.

As soon as she stepped inside, she went straight to her room and opened the book, eager to start. Her eyes scanned the first page:

When meeting someone new, always begin with a polite greeting and introduce yourself clearly.

She scoffed lightly. "Obviously," she murmured—though, in truth, she had never really bothered.

Just then, a knock came at her door.

Startled, Celeste quickly closed the book and tucked it beneath her pillow.

"Come in," she said, smoothing her expression.

Her maid stepped in, head slightly bowed. "I noticed you've returned, my lady. Shall I help you change?"

Celeste nodded.

As the maid moved efficiently to unlace her dress, Celeste glanced at her reflection in the mirror, then shifted her gaze to the young woman standing behind her.

Should she try what she read in the book? After a moment's thought, she realised something painfully obvious—she didn't even know her maid's name. She'd never bothered to ask. Usually, she just snapped her fingers or called out, "Hey, you." In truth, they were practically strangers. So maybe this was the perfect place to start.

"Umm... hello," Celeste said, a little awkwardly.

The maid paused, surprised. "Pardon, my lady—were you speaking to me?"

"Yes, um... Nice to meet you," Celeste said stiffly. "You already know who I am, of course, but I realised I've never asked your name. I'd like to know it."

The maid froze before suddenly bursting into tears and dropping to her knees. "My parents died and left me to care for my younger siblings. They're still minors—helpless on their own. They need me. Please don't dismiss me!"

Celeste stood frozen for a moment, unsure what to do with the sobbing girl at her feet. Her attempt at politeness had somehow sparked a full-blown panic.

"Oh heavens," she muttered, crouching down awkwardly. "Stand up! I'm not firing you. I was just trying to be... nice."

The maid looked up, eyes still watery and filled with confusion. "You weren't going to fire me?"

"No!" Celeste said quickly. "I didn't realise asking for your name would scare you half to death."

The maid blinked, still wary. "Then... you really just want to know my name?"

"Yes. That's all." Celeste sighed. "I am trying this new thing."

The maid hesitated, wiping her cheeks. "Oh, okay... my name is Clara, my lady."

"Clara," Celeste repeated, nodding slowly. "See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Clara let out a nervous laugh. "I... suppose not, my lady."

Celeste stood up and cleared her throat. "Alright, let's never speak of this again. And... thank you, Clara."

Clara nodded, stunned that she was actually thanked. "You're welcome, my lady."

As the girl returned to helping her change, Celeste sighed; changing is going to be tasking.