"A lady must learn to recognize a courtship and how to appropriately respond."
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After two centuries, Amaryllis has more history with the Mikaelsons than most could even dream of. When she returns to New Orleans at the c...
《i don't know what i'm supposed to do; haunted by the ghost of you》
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Over Two Hundred Years Ago
I took one look around the busy street before stopping. "You told Nik you were taking me for an 'educational meeting', but we're standing in the middle of the street. Rebekah, what are we doing?"
She beamed at me. "Well, I decided your first outing as a high-class vampire should be with your best female friend in order to teach you about important societal things."
"You must be joking," I deadpanned.
She laughed, a bright, clear sound that caught the attention of those around us. "Unfortunately, we live in a world where understanding society is everything." She leaned into me, whispering almost comically, "You must even learn courtship."
"Surely you're joking. There's no way such a stiff, awkward form to a relationship is truly that pivotal for me to learn-"
She grinned at me, that mischievous glint back in her eyes. "It is quite pivotal, Amaryllis! A lady must learn to recognize a courtship and how to appropriately respond. It is a bit of an art, I suppose."
I stared at her, unamused. "The art of courtship? You sound ridiculous."
"I suppose it is, in a way. I can break it down into simple steps for you, if you would like?"
"That might be the only way I understand."
"Well first comes an introduction. A formal one, at that. The two parties are always introduced by a neutral third party."
"Alright, that seems easy enough."
"Now there are many ways for a relationship to proceed. Typically you begin spending time together at events, whether that be parties or balls or large luncheons. Next is time one on one, with a chaperone, of course-"
"Naturally," I mumbled sarcastically. None of this came naturally to me.
"Typically by this time intentions are becoming more clear. The gentleman might present gifts to the lady to supply for her wants and needs. The two go on personal excursions in order to be seen together publicly and talk of marriage and raising a home will begin."
I stared at Bekah, bewildered. "So soon? Is that not considered inappropriate?"
She shrugged. "It depends entirely on the man, to be quite honest. Some prefer to discuss such things up front and others simply hint at the ideas."
I sat for a moment, considering. "I'm assuming you're glossing over details?"
She hesitated. "Sometimes men are not so- upfront when they are courting someone. And courting itself is not exclusive. Anyone may court a lady, it is up to her whom she wishes to entertain."
