“Of Etiquette and Identity.” Cont...Pt2

Chapter Ten: “Of Etiquette and Identity.”
Several days had passed since Resena’s birthday party and now she was finally beginning her preparations for the wedding. Julius hired a charm and etiquette instructor to help Resena prepare. As she sat in the grand room, Resena began to feel anxious thinking back on the conversation she and Julius had the day after the party.

“You want me to take to charm classes?” Resena asked as she stuffed her mouth with more pasta.

That Sunday, Resena woke up late after spending time with Julius until the early morning. Now, they were enjoying a late lunch in the courtyard.

“I think it would be good for you. Now that we’re officially engaged, you’re going to have to interact with high society. You’ll be invited to gatherings, tea parties, etc. This way you won’t feel out of place.”

Resena processed what Julius was saying as she ate. It was true, she did often feel out of place when speaking with nobles and the upper class, and although she was well versed in literature and languages from the many books, she would read at the Lanster Estate, she has no expertise in the subject of proper etiquette.

Smiling. “I think that is wonderful idea.”

“Then it’s settled. I have a tutor hired for you at once.”

Bellman walked into the grand room as Resena stared out the window.

“My lady, Mrs. Catherine Rouleau is here.”

Resena immediately stood up; Julius informed her of the instructor he’d hired to help with her training. Catherine Rouleau was one of the empire’s most prominent etiquette instructors. Het training consisted of clients from the imperial palace itself, so Julius was sure she would be the best to coach Resena.

“I’m ready.” Resena nodded to Bellman nervously.

“Don’t fret my lady, I am confident you will do well.” Bellman smiled at Resena bringing ease to her inner thoughts as she waited for Catherine to enter the room.

“Mrs. Rouleau, may I present the young mistress, Ms. Resena Blackwell.”

Catherine stared at Resena for a few moments before she began to speak.

“Well, the rumors are most certainly true; you are absolutely beautiful.”

Blushing. “Thank you, Mrs. Rouleau. I appreciate that compliment coming from someone such as yourself.”

Resena bowed her head in curtsey just as Carla and Sabrina taught her that morning. Smiling, Catherine began to walk towards Resena with a look of assessment on her face.

“Let’s see, you have good posture, but it could use some improvement. Very nice curtsey, and good voice tone. Tell me child, have you had any training at all?”

“I’m afraid I haven’t since I was a small child.”

“I see.” Catherine walked a full circle around Resena before looking at her directly. Resena could feel the goosebumps on her arms and neck rise up.

“All in all, you’re not completely dreadful. The main focus will be to raise your confidence. Julius informed me a little about your background these past few years, you have deepest sympathy. However, you are now a young woman of high society, one who is marrying one of this country’s most eligible bachelors. All of society will be wondering why he chose you. Many of the young women will be wondering if that choice was adequate. We mustn’t give them reason for pause.”

Resena could feel her eyes began to water, it was true, many people would begin to wonder why someone as magnificent as Julius would choose her as his bride. Fear began to creep in her mind. Was she good enough for him? This was a question that stirred inside her every day from the moment he’d asked her to marry him. Catherine could see Resena’s face begin to fall.

“None of that my dear. You are a Blackwell; one whose parents were the cornerstones of this great nation! By the time I am finished with you, everyone will be wondering why you are not marrying the crown prince himself!”

Catherine’s words jolted Resena. Was she really that good? Resena could not help but smile and laugh as Catherine made her proclamation.

“That! That will be your signature smile and laugh! That is what you will use to captivate your audience! Very beautiful!”

Resena listened on as Catherine went over outline of their training for the next several weeks. Each week they would work on a different course from speech etiquette to table and dining. Catherine also made suggestions regarding her dressing and outings.

“You must get into the habit of dressing a bit more extravagant. And you must start going out more, the public should see more of you before the wedding, so they are aware of who you are BEFORE you become Duchess Spencer. We’ll need to give you and identity that all the kingdom will know you by.”

“An identity?” Resena stood in confusion, exactly what was her identity? After so many years of living with her aunt and cousin, she’d begun to think it was one of uselessness.

“Absolutely. Take your parents for example. Dr. Blackwell was known as ‘the gifted hands’; and your mother was known as ‘the golden saint’. These were their identities, and when anyone would come across them, they would immediately know who they were and what they stood for!”

Smiling thoughtfully, Resena began to think of her parents. Would she truly be able to have an identity of her own? The thought pandered through her mind well into the evening as she sat with Julius for dinner.