him.â A faint blush crept up, as Iâd never been good at dissembling.
She raised an eyebrow and put the dress back in the wardrobe. âI understand. Heâs a Hussar. So very attractive, but a little dangerous, non ?â
Ah, the Hussarsâlight cavalry regiments known for their loyalty, courage, and daring, but also for their womanizing, risk-Âtaking, and a healthy view of their worth in the world.
âThey fearlessly take what they want or feel owed,â Michelene continued.
âPerhaps that is only the French Hussars,â I said. âNot the English.â But sheâd put her finger on it. He was an attractive, but also a potentially dangerous, quantity. Certainly a man very much different from those Iâd experienced.
In another context, time and place, set of circumstances, that would not have been altogether unwelcome.
Michelene continued on as if she hadnât heard me. âHussars would scare many women, especially women who have been rather, what is the English word, protected?â She looked puzzled. âCoddled!â She clicked her fingers as she said it. âNow, I am very fatigued, and I should like to rest in my rooms for a while. I will be but a moment away if you need me, and will be back later this evening to undress your hair and help you prepare for bed.â
âThank you.â I smiled. âBut I do feel that the gray gown needs to be returned. If I am invited to Graffam, we can purchase a new gown then.â
She frowned.
I continued softly, but with an effort to assert my authority, âThat will be all for now.â
She offered a patronizing, sophisticated smile and left. Instead of mistress of the house, I felt like an imperious little girl pretending to tell her governess what to do.
T he next morning, after breakfast, a new silver salver rested on the large table in the main hallway, reflecting the glory of the mid-May sunshine. I looked questioningly at Landreth, who was supervising some workmen near the sitting room.
âThatâs the salver for calling cards, miss,â he said. âIâve taken the liberty of having it placed here again, as you will surely be receiving callers.â
I nodded slowly. âThank you, Landreth.â I walked closer to him and lowered my voice. âIâm sorry to trouble you, but could you kindly inform me of the protocol for callers?â
âYou donât know, miss?â His tone was bewildered and, perhaps, a little suspicious.
I shook my head. âIf I had intended to adopt a false identity, surely I would have familiarized myself with the appropriate etiquette before embarking on such a deception.â
âIf you were of the right station, miss, then yes, you would have known to do so.â
I looked at him and he at me, a standoff. âBut you do not find me to speak in an uneducated manner, do you?â I gently put forth.
âNo,â he said. âBut neither did she.â We both knew whom he meant by she .
Had she not known calling protocol either? Or had she spoken more coarsely than heâd first considered?
I could see Iâd need to share with him what Iâd already told Michelene. âI assure you that my mother raised me in all ways as gently English born, from the taking of tea to the playing of instruments, such that were available, to the appropriate manner in which to interact with household staff, â I said quietly, âcaring for their comfort as well as my own. However, some customs seem tohave held a different protocol among the English in India than the English at homeâcalling among them. I should genuinely appreciate your guidance.â
He nodded, apparently satisfied with my explanation. âDuring the week, ladies come by to leave cards, and from time to time, once you know the environs, you shall do the same. Youâll choose a day when youâll accept visitors and on all other days only your
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