No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Six

Louis took it upon himself to teach me history, something that came easy to him, considering he had lived through a lot of it.

He included the history behind the first book I had ever read. He had asked me the basis of my knowledge and I saw no reason to be dishonest.

'An average Khalinyne will have at least a hundred and fifty years of life. I was born when Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed queen. Though her reign did not last long. James became king in 1603 and his bible followed.'

Rosa showed me how to use this knowledge, but also how to hide it. She also taught me banter. 

That said, while most of my formal education was overseen by Rosa and Louis, Andrea took it upon himself to teach me skills that most upper-class ladies most decidedly did not have.

'Throwing knives?' I look at the selection Andrea has laid before me outside, a safe distance away from the stables and indeed, people.

'We will start there. But regardless of sex, everyone should know how to defend themselves.'

'I don't think Louis would approve.'

Andrea smiles. 'There is a martial glint in your eye, you don't need to disguise it here.' He hands me one of the smaller ones. 'Aim for where the paint ends on that post.'

I should feel disgusted with the blade in my hand, but I don't, I feel excited. All those ribbons and bows were restraints.

'Straight back, breathe in, keep your eyes open and throw.'

I do so and my first try is quite close to the target, and my second and third are millimetres away from each other.'

'Brava. You have a talent here.'

X

My first appearance in public was not a major event; it was considered proper that we should build up to one. I could see that they thought I should deserve one, my behaviour had to be impeccable, to even merit an invitation to something.

I did not mind in the slightest, I simply performed as instructed and spoke the words.

Our collective wardrobes were impressive, but not overshadowing of the present company. Rosa and I wore simple jewellery.

As a young child not yet fourteen, I was merely favoured over and petted like one of their lapdogs.

I would not have been surprised if one of them whistled to attract my attention. In any case, the event, whatever it was, went well and our little group would be furnished with many more social invitations over the coming year.

X

While I wasn't feted with the others, Andrea continued to teach me. Throwing knives, fencing, even pistols. Louis, as expected, wasn't pleased but just ignored what was happening outside.

On occasion, Andrea took me hunting out of the city, riding horses and taking aim at pheasants and other birds. I might have been in disguise and unable to speak of my achievements with any of the group, but I enjoyed myself immensely.My first appearance in public was not a major event; it was considered proper that we should build up to one. I could see that they thought I should deserve one, my behaviour had to be impeccable, to even merit an invitation to something.

I did not mind in the slightest, I simply performed as instructed and spoke the words.

Our collective wardrobes were impressive, but not overshadowing of the present company. Rosa and I wore simple jewellery.

As a young child not yet fourteen, I was merely favoured over and petted like one of their lapdogs.

I would not have been surprised if one of them whistled to attract my attention. In any case, the event, whatever it was, went well and our little group would be furnished with many more social invitations over the coming year.

Of course, Rosa's engagement was the main goal. Once that had been achieved, the others had more movement available to them.

At every social gathering, Rosa was introduced to an interminable number of would-be suitors. With all of them, she was gracious, witty and the very definition of doe-eyed beauty.

Christophe and Andrea were in public, her brothers, but also chaperones. Louis watched on over all of us, the kindly and wise grandfather.

In this maelstrom, entered the Comte L'arosse. None of us had really expected a titled suitor, but none was going to refuse.

He asked and was accepted. He was thirty years of age; he had inherited his fortune and was on the verge of inheriting more.

Just to add to the seemingly almost immoral amounts of riches attached to his grace the Comte, he owned large amounts of land all over France and a lot of it was farmland, which was very rewarding in its yield.

The Comte's family paid for the wedding and after the honeymoon, which was two long weeks, I joined the new Comtesse and the Comte at their estate in the outlying region, just outside Paris.