First at Last (Updated Version)

Chapter Twelve

I awoke the following morning to a knock at my door. I looked around, surprised to find that I was no longer sitting in a chair by the fire; I was lying in bed, alone. William was nowhere to be seen. I went to the door and unlocked it.

Agnes strode in, eyes sparkling as she smiled at me. "Good morning, Miss," she said, setting down my breakfast tray on my bed.

"Good morning, Agnes," I replied, smiling, a little surprised by her enthusiastic countenance. She was usually quiet and timid.

She curtsied to me and exited so that I could eat my breakfast. After breakfast, I bathed and dressed in a simple pale-blue gown and a servant tied my hair back to keep it out of my eyes.

I went to the library for my lessons, where Miss Grimoult droned on while I struggled to stay awake. She smacked my wrist a few times for dozing off, even. It was so boring, anyone would have trouble staying awake.

I stopped paying attention partway through and stared out the window, at the dust swirling through streams of sunlight.

"Erika Lovet," Miss Grimoult snapped, sharply enough that I did not think that was the first time she had tried to get my attention. "Have you heard anything I've said?"

I looked up at her, wincing. "Not really, Miss Grimoult," I said truthfully.

"Well, since you are not listening in the least, this is a waste of time. You are dismissed." She shooed me toward the door.

I apologized and thanked her for her time before I hurried out of the library. I ate my midday meal in the kitchen, watching everyone work. The meal was a small platter of soft cheeses, fresh bread, and fruit.

I had a lovely conversation with Chef Louis as he prepared our dinner. He talked quite a lot about his home life in Renwick—a country just North of Belhaven. He talked quickly and amicably about his life in Renwick as he kneaded bread dough, seasoned the pork roast, and chopped vegetables, pausing only briefly to direct servants every so often.

Louis talked with me for some time before one of the younger house servants entered the kitchen. "Miss Lovet," she said, her voice soft. "Your mother is asking for you in the ballroom. She will not wait long."

I'd completely forgotten about my dance lessons! I stood so quickly I nearly knocked my lunch off the table. "Thank you," I said quickly. I thanked Louis and hurried out of the kitchens.

Mother and Monsieur Dupont were waiting for me when I entered the ballroom. Mother glared at me when I entered, arms crossed over her chest, looking very cross. "You are late. Where have you been, Erika?"

"I am terribly sorry for being late," I said breathlessly. "I was in the kitchens." I turned to Monsieur Dupont. "Good afternoon, Monsieur."

He nodded curtly at me, his eyes narrowed. "Good afternoon, Lady Erika."

And so when my dance lessons. I had to admit, I was much better than I had been at my first lesson several weeks ago. Now, I only stepped on his feet when I was not paying attention. But this dance, I hardly made any mistakes, besides an occasional misstep.

Mother watched me dance, her eyes narrowed, lips pursed in a thin line. When the musicians finished playing the song, I turned toward her, proud of my improvements. "What did you think, Mother?" I asked eagerly.

"You need more practice," was all she said.

My shoulders drooped a little, my smile sliding off my face.

Then, her eyes lit up. "Ah, Alice, there you are."

Alice entered the room, looking mildly annoyed. "You called for me, Mother?"