Partners In Crime

Chapter 12

"-I believe that to be the importance of learning!" 

A loud noise of clapping came from the audience as one of my former classmates, Jack Allerton, son of the Count Allertonk of Somerset, finished his speech. 

I was the only female in the group, making it a lot more nerve-racking, considering that the audience consisted of mostly noblemen and a few noblewomen. 

The idea of a woman receiving education, as well as, being intelligent enough to take part in such an event, could be heart-stopping for the older members of the assembly.

"No need to worry, Lady GS. You are here for a reason, express that reason. Besides, your family is very well respected among our guests." Jack approached me after his speech, embracing me into a hug.

"I appreciate your kind words, Lord Allerton." I smiled at him.

"Lastly, please give a round of applause for our best performing student, the pride of the Durham University. Lady Y/N GS, the youngest daughter of the Royal Duke F/N GS and Dutchess M/N GS." The spokesman introduced me, followed by loud cheering.

How surprising... I expected a lot less noise.

I walked towards the middle of the stage, accompanied by cheers and stares from the audience. Waiting for complete silence, I studied my surroundings. I noticed William sitting with the rest of the professors in the front row, watching me carefully with a smirk forming on his lips. My family along with the Moriarty family sat not too far behind him. 

Once it had finally quieted down, I was ready to begin my speech. 

"Best of the mornings to you. First I would like to say that it is an utmost honor to attend this school and I am nothing but grateful to achieve such an opportunity. Secondly, I would like to thank you all for coming here and listening to my fellow peers speak with great respect about their passion, their majors, and their experiences throughout their journey of becoming successful leaders in our country." I faced the side of the stage where the rest of the students stood, extending my arm towards their direction as the audience clapped.

"Not many individuals obtain the privilege of having an option to acquire education, but for those who do, I highly recommend making use of that privilege to your best abilities. It is not about extending the quantity of your intelligence. It is not about getting a higher pay career... It is about being educated, cultured, and enlightened on topics that you would, normally, never so much as think about. I've spent years upon years, studying foreign languages with their origin, and needless to say, I am captivated upon visiting countries with those languages at least once in my lifetime. Being taught math, I am more understanding of our economy. Being taught history, I feel more connected with our country. Being taught science, I am beholden for the soil, the water, and the fresh air that our mother earth provides us with, in order to assure that we will live a long life. The one in question is the one with beauty. One who wishes to be informed on topics that exceed beyond the borders of Great Britain is one who will succeed in life. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the importance of school. I thank you all for listening." I bowed down to the audience as I finished my speech. 

There was an awkward moment of silence, shortly followed by one, two, three slow clapping sounds and progressively turning into ten, twenty, thirty, pairs of hands clapping loudly. 

Some stood up, while others used their handkerchiefs to wipe their tears. 

Never would I ever expect to witness such scenery. It was odd. Not at all what I had anticipated. 

Whether I should be glad or concerned was a question lacking the right answer. 

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"When were you planning on telling me?" Ellie stormed in, knocking over props and customs made by the opera class.