“Marigold, are you paying attention?” Chided my nurse maid Edith. Her hair was held in a shrouded bun. I was barely to her slim waist as she looked down at me.

I was thinking about Shadowlily. A real fey creature from the stories was now in my room! Excitement filled me now that I knew magic was real.

Edith cleared her throat, “a lady responds when she is asked something.”

“I’m sorry,” I said bashfully. “Can’t we do this some other time. Can’t you tell me stories?”

Edith sighed, “your mother will want to see your work on being more graceful when she returns. You have to learn to curtsy properly.”

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I fought off my own sigh. I pinched my skirt just below my hips and dipped like I had been told.

Edith shook her head. “Your skirt is too short for you to lift it. Let your hands be free. Remember the right foot goes behind the left foot, not in front of it.”

I nodded and moved my right foot backwards behind my left and slowly bent my knees. It was hard not to grab my skirt the way others did. I stood back up and smiled.

Edith returned the smile, “just remember to bow your head whenever you curtsy for someone of higher status like the Duke and Duchess.”

My stomach growled loudly and I felt my face flush with embarrassment. I looked away feeling guilty.

Edith stifled a giggle and instead cleared her throat. “We should work on your table manners shouldn’t we?”

A thought occurred to me, “Could I have a little food while we practice?”

Edith smiled warmly as she reached for my hand. I held hers as she guided me towards the dining chambers.