Midnight Affairs

Part 3 - The First Lesson

The next morning rose quickly, with sunlight appearing through my curtains. Edith, bringing in my morning tea as usual, set out my gown and shoes for the day. 

'Good morning, Miss. You have your first lesson with Aaron this morning after breakfast. I believe he would like to meet you at the garden fountain' she said, smoothing out my bedsheets. 

I looked up at her for a brief moment when she said he wanted to meet at the garden fountain. It was the exact place we met yesterday for the first time. Although Edith did not know this information, she looked back at my quizzingly, almost sensing my thoughts, so I quickly cleared my throat and asked about my Mother. 

'She is well this morning, Miss. She has an important meeting with the priest today' Edith smiled. 'Let's get you dressed Miss' She added, with a small nod. 

I got out of bed and she helped me dress into my gown, tightening my corset more than usual. Was she preparing for how I must dress when Charles is back? He had said about me looking more presentable.

Once I was finished dressing she dismissed herself to get on with her chores, so I decided not to disturb Mother and get on for breakfast. I went to our dining area, where I was served grapes, water, tea and toast. I only ate a little, being anxious for my first lesson. 

Why was I even feeling anxious? I do not know how he managed to get so under my skin - but he did. Hopefully these lessons were going to be a way where I could shake this feeling. 

After eating I ran into Trudy on my way out the door. 'Oh - Trudy' I called. She stopped and came over to me with a small curtsey. 'Yes, Miss?' She asked. 

'Oh, could you please tell Mother I am going to my lesson now?' I asked. She smiled and nodded 'of cause I can, Miss. Have a good lesson'.

With that I left the house, passing Edith also on the way out. I walked back down the garden path and towards the fountain I met Aaron yesterday. When I arrived he was not in sight, so I sat down on the small concrete bench to wait for him.

'Fancie seeing you here' I heard him chuckle from around the corner. He then appeared, smiling and bright eyed. I cleared my throat and sat up properly. 

'Yes, hello Aaron' I said plainly. 

'You look beautiful today, Miss Elizabeth' he smiled.

'Thank you. I am here for my lesson with you' I said, a small sigh in frustration with the small talk.

'Very straight to the point, I like it. Yes, Elaine asked me to teach you how to be a good wife' he explained. 'So here we are, and I am lucky to be accompanied by you'.

'Yes, thank you. Should we get started then?' 

He perched on the side of the fountain as he had done yesterday, keeping eye contact he asked 'So today I thought we would discuss speaking only when addressed' 

This was not the lesson I wanted today. 

'So for example, if you are in a meeting with Charles, as his wife, and they are discussing politics or business ideas, you must not join in unless Charles or one of his associates require you to. Let us practice a moment, so I will be Charles, you be you. We are in one of my business meetings discussing a new system to help our people. I say we should not help our people and it is up to them to help themselves - forget our charity work for this year'.

'But that is not right! You must help the people, they look up to us to help them-' I started.

'AHHHHHH- wrong' The most annoying sound - like a buzzer - came from Aaron as he smirked.