How Did We Get Into This Mess - KOTLC Oneshots

It's A Pleasure

Don't talk without being addressed directly. Sit straight, and clasp your hands whenever you aren't using them. Smile sweetly, but don't show your teeth. Never leave the house without a gentleman escorting you. Don't show your legs. Don't be seen in public with the same outfit twice. Act smart, but not too smart. Only associate with those beneficial to your status.

"These are only a fraction of the rules pertaining to you," Della stated. "You shall live by them in wealth and happiness." Lady Della's hair was coiffed to perfection, the lace parasol she was using for emphasis delicately pure. 

Sophie nodded, smoothing her taille.  A taille was a jacket type piece of clothing with long sleeves and a standing collar. It was tightly fitted to Sophie, though she rather liked it. At least more than the other elaborate gowns Della would have her wear.

"You have noble blood, so you are to be taken in by a noble family. Worry not, your peasant caretakers will be well compensated. Grady and Edaline Ruewen were of high standing until they withdrew from society. Your debut ball-a winnowing gala is a few years off, so you'll have to integrate yourself with important people to make up for lost time." Della pursed her lips. "My daughter, for example. Is this clear?"

Sophie nodded yet again.

"Good. I understand all this must be very overwhelming for anyone, but you have to overcome. Your schooling will be at Foxfire, our most prestigious academy. Assuming you pass the entrance exam without prior teachings. Heed my words Miss Foster. For if you finish your schooling, you will not only be a lady by blood. You will be a lady by name and expected to act accordingly."

"Of course, Lady Della."

Sophie couldn't believe the pace at which things kept happening. First, she was swept out of the Grand library and whisked away from her family, and now she was to live with strangers, going to a school for nobility?

Before she knew it, her first day at the academy was bearing down on her, a visiting dress upon her figure. The whalebone corset she could do without. Sophie picked up her skirts for better mobility, dropping them as soon as she saw classmates staring on in horror. At least she had learned what not to do.

She suffered through many classes, one or two bearable. Though Alchemy was proving to be the worst by far. So far Sophie had followed her instructions to a T. Though the acronym W.H.A.P. had none. Perhaps she was supposed to whip?

Angling a whisk, Sophie behan to mix her creation.

Lady Galvins screams directed Sophie's attention to her mentors cape, which had been splattered by the potion! The acidity burned the cape- and to Sophie's surprise her own hand. She had been sent off to something called The Healing Center, though she had to admit she was utterly unaware of her position.

"You must be lost."

The deep voice drew her eyes to the right, where she saw a blonde boy sprawled across a bench. His suit was untucked, collar open an extra button. The cuffs of his sleeves were rolled up, the disheveled expensive look screaming popular.

"However did you know," she asked, eyebrows drawn together.

He smirked.

"It's the middle of class. Either you're lost, or you're ditching. And you don't seem one to ditch."

Sophie couldn't help but be the tiniest bit offended by his quick judgement.

"Why couldn't I be ditching," she inquired, throwing all of Della's rules out the window. 

"Are you?"

"No," she admitted.

"You're the new girl, aren't you," he said, leaping up to gently bring her hand to his lips as she sighed, nodding.

"I'm Keefe Sencen. It's a pleasure."

(Enjoy this tiny 19th century au as a filler! Any sokeefe prompts for me?)