Decorum

"Now ladies, you must sit up straight, cross your legs, and remember that you need to remain ladylike. Smile prettily-there, that's it- and remember to never, ever, state what you think."

Welcome to Mrs. Radbury's Etiquette Academy. Edith Radbury, the founder of this institution, is a rather uptight woman who believes every lady and young woman should be mild-mannered and have a good, proper understanding of the arts of sewing, piano performing, and etiquette. Therefore, after granted a large sum of money from her late great uncle, Mrs. Radbury proceeded to create a school for all the young ladies who wished to be elegant, attractive, and virtually gullible.

Caledonia Raina Williams, known as Calla, strongly disagrees with the regulations stated prior to her introduction. Calla believes that women should have the right to state what they think, marry who they wish to rather than for the benefit of fortune and reputation, and keep their heads clear of anything that would do them harm. Unfortunately for her, in the year of 1786, her fantasies are far from reality: women are to look pretty and behave.

Nicholas Johnson, a seventeen year old, timid, respectful chap, serves in the American militia. He was inspired by his aunt- an empowering woman by the name of Elizabeth Radbury, whose sister founded a school for young ladies.

Follow the story of Calla and Nicholas as they journey through a time where women's rights were not properly acknowledged, and experience their thoughts and emotions through the narration of a Wattpad member @whataweirdbird.

"We are to do not as we are told, but as we believe. Our decorum should not be defined by the standard of the past, but as the coming of our future."