Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74

~Chapter 36: Soren Cole~

The next morning, Jiu practically played with his food; his mind distracted with thoughts of his nightmare. Leora hadn't seemed to notice and was eating rather absentmindedly herself. Suddenly, the dining room doors opened and Henry walked in with a large grin; talking to the sullen man Jiu had seen the night before. He'd been dressed much nicer and his hair looked a little less shoved on than when he'd gotten out of the carriage. His cold gaze wandered to Jiu, and caused the ghost to gulp when he was returned with those tunnel-like eyes. 
"Ah, and this is my sister, Leora," Henry gestured to the girl sat at the table, who had not yet looked up from her plate," And beside her is her model, Jiu, from China. This is Soren Cole, Leora's new tutor."
Soren raised an eyebrow, looking straight at Jiu," Ah, the infamous, curious boy in the window."
Jiu chuckled nervously," Sorry about that."
"No apology needed."
Soren's stern gaze shifted to Leora as she glanced up, assessing her with a critical eye. He inclines his head slightly in acknowledgment. Leora didn't respond, clearly she felt like a tutor was unnecessary
Soren's lips pressed into a thin line at Leora's lack of response, a look of mild exasperation crossing his features. He cleared his throat, his voice taking on a tone of gentle chastisement.

"I understand, Miss Leora, that you may feel a tutor's presence is...unnecessary," He turned to Henry, his voice low and measured," I see my services are indeed needed here. Lady Leora seems to have developed some... strong opinions about the value of etiquette lessons."
"Well, there was a previous tutor," Henry muttered," But he ran off from the manor, after bleeding. Leora wasn't very fond of him."
Leora glanced warily at her older brother," I wasn't the one who hurt him, if that's what you're implying."
Henry scowled at his sister, clearly not buying it.
"I take it you weren't fond of him because he was trying to teach you things you didn't want to learn? Or was there more to your displeasure than that?" Soren hummed, his voice low and monotone.
"It started that way," Leora stated, collectedly, meeting Soren's cold gaze with her own," We didn't see eye to eye, I was monitored 24/7 like some kind of outlaw. He became violent with his punishments, and from that point it was an anger to survive, in my case."
Soren's lips pursed in distaste at Leora's revelation, his brows furrowing in disagreement," I must say, Miss Leora, your experiences with this tutor sound utterly reprehensible. However, I assure you that I have no intention of micromanaging your life or resorting to violence."
"Then, whilst I may not respect my brother's choice for a tutor; I can respect you Mister Cole," Leora nodded thoughtfully.

Jiu frowned," Besides, even the previous tutor admitted it wasn't Leora who caused him to bleed. He said it was a little boy."
"A little boy, you say? And what became of this boy? And how did this tutor come by his injury?" Soren glanced back and forth across the table.
Henry shrugged sitting down, gesturing for Soren to join them for breakfast," There are no little boys living here, you see, Soren. Leora and I are the only heirs, we did have a cousin, but he unfortunately passed away. Our parents and aunt are dead, and our grandparents only remain on the third floor. The servants are all teens and above, but the boy that the previous tutor entailed was much younger. There's a running theory among servants that it was a ghost. I think it's such a silly conclusion, don't you? As the Victorian era, we should have moved ahead considering all these new sciences, yet we still cling to the paranoia are parents set in place that it's 'ghouls'. Quite silly, if you ask me."
Soren listened intently, his expression thoughtful. He takes a seat at the table, helping himself to some breakfast.
"A ghost, you say?" He speared a piece of bacon with his fork, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he listened to Henry's dismissive remarks about ghosts," Surely, we should not discount the unexplained too hastily, Lord Henry. Science, while undoubtedly enlightening, has yet to illuminate every corner of our existence."

Jiu was surprised; a man as educated as Soren Cole was not fully opposed to the idea of his own existence? How peculiar.
"Exactly," Jiu nodded," For people originally to think of ghosts and whatnot, there must be some form of reason and truth."
Soren nodded thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming with intrigue," Indeed, Mr. Jiu. The belief in spirits and supernatural entities is deeply rooted in human psychology and culture. Perhaps there is more to this supposed 'ghost' than meets the eye.
his gaze sharp as he looks at Leora. And what do you think, Lady Leora?"
Leora glanced at Jiu, who gave her a subtle smile.
Leora sighed, turning back to Soren," I don't know what I think, Mister Cole."
Clearly she didn't want people to even consider the fact that Jiu may be a ghost. Soren's gaze narrowed slightly, as if he can sense that Leora is holding something back.
"Well, perhaps we shall discuss this further later. For now, let us focus on your lessons," He took a bite of his breakfast, his manner becoming more brusque.
"Ah, of course!" Henry nodded, eagerly," Please set in place your rules and what not."
Soren swallowed his bite of food, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin before speaking," Very well. First and foremost, Lady Leora is to be in the drawing room each morning at precisely 9 o'clock for her etiquette lessons. No exceptions."

Leora sulked a little," That's early."
Soren's eyes met Leora's, his expression unyielding," Early or not, it is non-negotiable. Oh, do not look so forlorn, Miss Leora. Etiquette lessons are not so dreadful. Besides, it is crucial for your upcoming debut in society."
"'Debut'?" Leora scoffed," I would much prefer it if I could stay how I am."
Henry rolled his eyes heavenward," And I would value it if you did not make a fool out of me at my wedding, Leora."
"Well, then, it is high time you learn how to conduct yourself like a proper young lady, is it not?" Soren stated, gentling his voice," Think of it this way, Miss Leora. Picture yourself as the belle of the ball - charming all who are present with your wit, poise, and elegant dance moves. Is that not an enticing prospect?"
"Not particularly," Leora huffed, childishly.
Soren sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose," Very well, if you insist on being difficult. But mark my words, young lady, you WILL learn to waltz and curtsy like a proper Victorian damsel before I am through with you. Additionally, you are to refrain from speaking with Jiu during your lessons, unless absolutely necessary. Your focus should be solely on your education."
Jiu blinked in shock at the accusation.
Soren addressed Jiu directly, his tone firm and lifeless, yet not unkind," No offense intended, Jiu, but distraction can hamper Lady Leora's progress. Surely you understand the importance of her education?"
Jiu nodded, distantly," I can... understand that."

Soren nods approvingly at Jiu's acquiescence before he continued, counting off on his fingers," I expect you to attend all your lessons promptly and with an open mind. Secondly, I request that you communicate any difficulties or concerns you may have, whether they be academic or personal."
"I consent," Leora nodded, setting down her tea cup thoughtfully.
Then he turned his attention back to Leora.
"Your lessons will span from 9 AM until noon. Afterwards, you will have one hour of supervised free time."
"Only one!?" Leora yelped
Soren held up a hand, silencing her protests," After that, you will have lunch, followed by an hour of quiet time in your room. Your waltz lessons will commence at 2 PM and end at 5 PM."
Leora whined," Three hours of dance?"
Soren's expression became stern," Yes, and afterwards, you will have dinner with the family, at which point you are expected to practice your manners and conversation skills. Your bedtime will be 9 PM sharp."
"I usually go to bed at 10pm," Leora grumbled.
Soren's gaze turned stern as he fixed Leora with an unwavering stare," As I said, your bedtime will be 9 PM sharp, Lady Leora. Any attempts to defy this rule will result in consequences. Are we clear?"
Leora puffed her cheeks and nodded, sulkily.

Edward walked in, gracefully, to collect their plates.
"Ah, Soren, this here is Edward; the family butler," Henry gestured to Edward," He's the reason Leora has a good academic record, whilst never having a governess. He's mainly the butler though, so if you need anything, give him a shout."
Edward smiled, politely, bowing. Jiu couldn't help but notice a small flush growing on the pale, sullen man's face. Soren immediately rose to his feet, as if he'd just been met with Queen Victoria herself, surprising the butler a little; before he gave Edward a courteous nod, his demeanor shifting to one of polite professionalism.
"A pleasure to meet you, Edward. It seems you've managed admirably in a challenging role. I look forward to working alongside you to ensure Lady Leora's education runs smoothly.
Edward shook his head, humbly," It's nothing as great as you say."
"Modesty aside, Henry's praise speaks volumes. I'm confident that with your help, Lady Leora's education will be in capable hands," Soren cracked a small, genuine smile.
Edward let out a small chuckle, blushing a little.
Soren cleared his throat, his professional demeanor slipping back into place," Now then, if there are no further questions, Lady Leora, I expect to see you promptly at 9 AM tomorrow for your first etiquette lesson."
"Yes, yes," Leora puffed her cheeks.
Henry smiled," Follow Edward, Soren. He will take you to the room you'll reside in."
Soren inclines his head politely to Leora before turning to follow Edward," Thank you, Lord Henry. I shall settle in and prepare for our lessons tomorrow. Good day."

They watched as Soren followed the butler out; the door shutting behind them.
"I don't like this," Leora sighed.
Henry arched an eyebrow," You don't like anything."
Whilst Soren was strict and seemed unapproachable; Jiu couldn't help but feel that there was more to the tutor than met the eye. And he liked that about him.