Chapter 5
Monday morning came brightly and the beams of yellow sunlight matched the color of the curtains it poured through. Rebecca was the first woken by the bright beams and set to getting herself ready quietly. If she was finished, she could help the others get ready once they woke, making sure all were on time for the first day of classes. She washed her face and body from the cool water from the pitcher on her wash stand. The water was refreshing and helped to wake her up. Grace and Hannah were now sitting up, rubbing their sleep filled eyes, ready to get out of bed, Emily still slept. Rebecca checked her small watch broach and saw that it was eight o'clock, Emily definitely needed to be woken if she was to be ready for breakfast, which was served promptly served at eight thirty.
"Emma, you must wake up, we have to be downstairs in half an hour." Rebecca said quietly, knowing her sister needed to be woken gently.
"Oh, oh yes." Emily woke quickly, rushed to her wash stand and cleaned herself quickly. A dress was chosen and Emily practically jumped into it, and then sat, allowing Rebecca to fix her hair. Rebecca pulled her hair into a tight twist, allowing the curls to peek out of the top. Then she wove a ribbon into it, making her look very special for the first day of lessons.
"Time to go." Hannah smiled, looking at the clock on the mantle.
"Is anyone else nervous?" Emily asked as they traveled down the stairs.
"A bit." Grace confessed.
"We will all be fine, I am sure of it." Rebecca said, trying to be positive.
They sat down at the table nearest the door and sighed in relief at making it there on time. Breakfast included oatmeal with fresh fruit and corn muffins with strawberry preserves. The conversation was somewhat sparse as most of the girls were more nervous then they cared to admit. The school was split into four groups, which would decide the order in which they had their subjects for the rest of the year.
Abigail, Emily and Victoria were all in one group while Rebecca was alone, as was Hannah. It appeared as though the groups were decided by age. Rebecca didn't pay attention to the other girls in her group and walked alone to her first subject, rather quickly, for she did not want to be late. She took a seat in the middle row and watched the door as strange girls walked in. All of the desks were filled, except one, when Mr. Kingley, the French instructor walked through the door. He was followed closely by Miss Weldon who's face was bright red and was gasping for air.
Rebecca smiled and nodded toward the empty desk in front of her. Miss Weldon smiled graciously and moved to the seat quickly. Mr. Kingley smiled and nodded, accepting her lateness as a first day occurrence, a first day occurrence only. He was pleasant to look at and had an even more pleasant voice, especially when he was speaking French.
"Ladies, I hope you will enjoy your year with us. My job is to help you to become fluent in French, as all ladies of consequence should be. I expect your best effort in this class for it will not be easy. In the end you will be able to tell secrets in French at balls that no one else will be able to interpret." he said playfully to put his new pupils at ease. The smiles were evidence that he had been successful.
While Rebecca was in her French class, Emily and her cousins were enjoying their lesson with miss Tucker. Their first day would be spent in the herb garden, Emily was ecstatic. Today they would be learning which herbs would help cure which maladies.
"Are we going to have to touch the dirt?" Victoria said quietly, obviously astonished that she would be asked to do such a thing.
"Oh come on Victoria, it will be fun." Emily said, pulling on a crude pair of gloves, ready to get her hands in the cool dirt.
Emily was the first to volunteer for everything and became a quick favorite of Miss Tucker. Victoria however, refused to participate, not that anyone was surprised. Victoria had proven to be more spoiled than ever once school began, hardly paying any attention to her cousins, unless it suited her. Emily suspected that Victoria had inherited that from her nasty Aunt Caroline, who had wanted to marry her own father, and didn't want her Aunt Jane to marry Uncle Charles, hateful woman.
"How have your lessons been?" Grace asked, seating herself next to Rebecca for lunch.
"I've just had music and drawing, I loved every second of it." Hannah beamed. She was a very talented artist, so she cherished the chance to put a paint brush to paper.
"Oh, I have that after lunch." Rebecca said, interested to hear about it.
"I have etiquette next." Emily groaned. "What am I to do? It's going to be awful, I'm practically a man when it comes to manners."
"Come, come Miss Emily, you are hardly a man when it comes to manners, Father has certainly made sure of that." Rebecca laughed.
"You will be fine." Grace said. "I've just come from there, you merely go over serving tea and drinking it. Can you manage that?"
"Oh I do hope so, that woman scares me." Emily whimpered, showing her youngest child, immature side.
"You will be fine. She is a bit stern, but not mean." Grace assured her.
A bell was ringing at the head table, and the girls rose dutifully. Lunch was over and they were to move quickly to their next subject. Rebecca walked quickly, anxious for her music lesson to begin, her favorite thing in the world. Emily however walked as if she were on her way to her own funeral.
"Good afternoon ladies." Miss Siddel said, practically singing the words. "Today will be somewhat of an exhibition day. If any of you are artists and have brought sketches or paintings, you may go get them now."
Two girls stood and bobbed curtsies then bounced out of the room. The returned quickly, each holding a leather portfolio under one arm. They re-seated themselves and Miss Siddel moved forward. "Now girls, I will call on each one of you to come display a talent, no need to be shy my girls. If you truly have not been taught an instrument or voice, or to draw, well we will change that by the end of the year. Now..."
Miss Siddel began to go down her list and called girls names alphabetically. Only three girls were called before Rebecca, each performing differently. One played the harp, she was very talented. Rebecca could not help but thing of angels as she played. Next a piano player who pounded the keys as if they were insects waiting to be crushed. Then a flutist, she was graceful and played intricate runs that were perfect and peaceful, and then Rebecca's name was called.
"My sister usually accompanies me on the piano, but I fear she is in another class. So, I believe I can sing acapella, forgive me if my pitch falters."
"No need to worry my dear, go right ahead."
Rebecca softly played a G on the piano-forte so she would at least be singing in the right key. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and began her piece. The first not was a bit to loud, but then she eased into the rest of the song. She was waiting for Miss Siddel did not stop her so Rebecca dutifully sang the entire song. When she finished her song, she opened her eyes, Miss Siddel's mouth was agape, as were so many others. Rebecca felt her cheeks grow hot and felt as though she couldn't move, could she truly been that bad?
"Miss Darcy! I have heard that song a great many times, but...never... It was magnificent! And I am sure having someone accompany you would make it even more wonderful. I have never had a student who possessed such an extraordinary voice." she praised.
The flush in Rebecca's cheeks grew hotter. "Thank you for your compliment, but I am sure you exaggerate."
"I assure you, I do not." she said, most seriously.
"Thank you Miss Siddel."
After Rebecca's performance, everyone was quite frightened to stand in front of the class and exhibit. They were afraid that they would not be as good as her and in truth, none of them were. Rebecca felt badly for doing so well, but she had not meant to offend anyone. The afternoon carried on and lessons for the day had finally ended. Now each girl was required to spend time silently, but they were not to be idle. Books could be read, letters written, paintings worked on or instruments practiced.
Emily decided to practice the piano-forte, one of her favorite things. Her father always told her that she had inherited her skill from her Aunt Georgiana which made her very proud indeed. Her Aunt Georgiana was the most skillful pianist she had ever met. While Emily went to find a place to practice the other three girls remained in their room.
"Hannah, what are you laughing at?" Rebecca asked as Hannah began to laugh, seemingly at nothing.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."
"No, you didn't, I just, well it didn't seem as though you were doing anything, then you started laughing."
"Yes, was truly very strange." Grace added, looking up from her own desk.
"Tis nothing I am just reading a letter from a friend."
"Ah, now I understand completely." Grace nodded. "Do continue, but be sure to keep your laughter quite, we do not want Lady Hastings to come and scold us."
"Of course not." Hannah went back to her letter, which was indeed from a friend, a gentleman friend, Samuel in fact.
Dear Hannah,
I hope you found your room and roommates to your liking. My roommates have remained the same every year, so it is easy to adjust. I hope you and my sisters will plan on attending the University's beginning of the ear ball. And if I may be so bold, I would like to ask for your hand for the first dance, if you are not already otherwise engaged. I do hope that your school has not been teaching that laughter is improper, for I do admit, I dearly miss yours. I look forward to seeing you, and hearing that laughter on Saturday. Until then dear cousin.
Samuel Darcy
Hannah sighed as she read the last two sentences over and over again. Despite the fact that she had known him all of her life she was beginning to find him quite endearing. Somhow he could make her smile with no effort and for that matter, he made her blush quite easily as well. After thinking about her handsome cousin for a bit longer she wrote back to him, accepting his offer for the first dance, and assuring him that laughter had not yet been made improper.
"Hannah, it's nearly six o'clock, we must be downstairs in half an hour." Rebecca said from her vanity.
"Ah, yes thank you for the reminder, I have just to sign my name."
"I can't believe you have been writing that letter for two hours. If you hadn't told us you were unattached, I would definitely think otherwise." Grace laughed.
"I promise, I am completely unattached."
"Yes, she would have told us if she was, Hannah is not the best liar." Emily smiled form her own vanity.
"I hope dinner tastes better tonight than last night." Hannah commented quickly, trying to change the subject, knowing she couldn't last for to much longer on the previous one.
"Doubtful." Emily sighed.
"Oh well, it's better than the food at home." Grace laughed.
"Really?" Rebecca said, surprised.
"Oh yes, our cook is terribly old, but my mother doesn't have the nerve to let her go. So, we will be eating bad food until she dies, or until she quits, which I doubt will ever happen."
"Aw, I'm sorry. When our cooks start making horrid food, our Father gives them another job that isn't so important. That way, he isn't putting anyone out." Emily explained, smiling as she thought of her dear father.
"Well that is a fine idea, I only wonder if my mother would be willing. I will suggest it in my next letter."
The girls finished getting ready and began down the stairs toward the dining room. On the way they saw a girl huddled into a corner, crying softly. Rebecca recognized her as Miss Weldon at once and bade the others on without her.
"Miss Weldon?" Rebecca tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
"Oh, hello Miss Darcy." she said, trying to wipe the fresh tears from her face.
"Whatever is the matter?"
"It hasn't been a good day. You saw, I was late for every class, which I got scolded for. I am also not very good at any of the subjects. Then, my roommates did nothing but tease me while I read in my room. I hate this place."
"I am sorry to hear that you've had a rough day, but lets not make it any more difficult by being late for dinner. You can sit with me. Now wipe those tears from your face. We will find a solution with you problems with the subjects as we eat."
Rebecca took Miss Weldon's hand and pulled it into the crook of her arm and walked her down the remaining stairs. They entered the dining room, relieved that they were not the last ones to arrive. Two seats were still open at the table where her roommates were seated. Miss Weldon was introduced and was quickly made feel welcome by the group.
Dinner passed easily and the girls were thoroughly entertained with each other. Once the plates had been cleared, the doorbell was rung. Everyone stayed still, not knowing what to expect. Two young gentlemen were ushered into the dining room, each carrying a box tied up with a wine colored ribbon.
"Good evening ladies, we would ask for a brief audience with you." the more handsome gentleman said.
"We come with tidings from the University.." the other said.
"This Saturday our University will be hosting it's annual beginning of the year ball. We come bearing invitations for each one of you and hope that each one of you will be in attendance." he smiled, he had a wonderful smile, bright white teeth and perfectly straight. All of the girls were swooning at the sight of them.
The boxes were placed on the head table and bowed to the ladies. As they stood the more handsome of the two halted, his gaze caught on one lady, Rebecca Darcy. Who was she? He couldn't manage to take her eyes off of her. She was beautiful. His companion eventually grabbed his arm, pulling him from the room. The ball, he thought, he would see her at the ball, and he would dance with her.
"Miss Darcy, do you know him?" Emily asked, feeling awkward having to ask formally.
"No, why do you ask?"
"Because he was staring at you, shamelessly." Grace laughed, amazed that Rebecca had not noticed his dark eyes glued to her.
"Oh please, he couldn't have been. He doesn't know me and it would be very improper."
"It was improper, yes, but he was staring, I assure you." Hannah laughed, enjoying her cousins embarrassment.
"I can't imagine why, have I dropped something on my dress?" she said in innocence as only Rebecca Darcy could. As she examined her dress for stains or crumbs, she truly had no idea how beautiful she was.
"Can you not? I can, it's because you are beautiful. And you are the kindest person in this school, but I have a feeling it was the beauty that drew his eyes." Miss Weldon smiled, so thankful for Rebecca's friendship.
Rebecca blushed from the compliment and ceased searching her outfit. Certainly no gentleman would think such a thing without being introduced. The girls set to laughter after seeing Rebecca's red cheeks which only made them grow worse. As the laughter subsided they looked up to see a visitor standing beside them, Miss Siddel.
"Hello ladies." she said sweetly.
"Oh, hello Miss Siddel. Is there something you need?" Hannah asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact there is. I was wondering if I might speak to the two Miss Darcy's in the parlor after dinner. I have a question I would like to ask you."
"Oh, yes of course, we would be glad to join you." Rebecca answered for both of them.
"Thank you ladies, forgive me for the interruption." she curtsied and left them to return to their laughter. A few more minutes were spent at the table and then the ladies were dismissed and made their way to the parlor. Rebecca and Emily saw Miss Siddel sitting in a corner and joined her, curtsying, then taking seats beside her.
"Thank you for coming ladies, I just have one thing to ask you about, it should not take long."
"Take your time Miss Siddel, we are at your disposal." Rebecca said politely.
"Well, I was quite amazed by both of you when you exhibited your talents in my classroom. Rebecca, I have never heard a more sweet and beautiful voice in all my years of teaching. And you expertise on the piano-forte is hardly equaled by anyone else. You are both very talented girls."
"Thank you Miss Siddel." Emily smiled, she was proud of her piano playing, always had been.
"Considering your talent, I wanted to ask if you would both exhibit for our first dinner party of the year."
"Dinner party?" Rebecca questioned.
"Oh yes, we host four dinner parties a year in which each girl is permitted to invite one boy from the University. Then everyone goes to the parlor, where several girls will be chosen to exhibit. And I would like for you two to be among those chosen to perform."
"We would be honored Miss Siddel." this time, Emily answered for both of them.
"If you'd like to pick a new piece to perform, I have plenty in my office. And I would be glad to help you prepare. Perhaps we could practice one day a week during your quiet hours."
"That would be very kind of you. We would be grateful for your help, and any comments you might have to make us better." Rebecca smiled.
"Then it is settled. How about Thursday."
"Certainly."
"Alright ladies, thank you for your time, I have kept you quite long enough. You are welcome to go back to your friends and I will see you both on Thursday."
"Thank you Miss Siddel." The stood and curtsied and took their leave of Miss Siddel. Hannah had saved them seats and they moved toward them, explaining the good news. Both Rebecca and Emily were excited, but Rebecca found herself more nervous than excited. Luckily there were several weeks to prepare before the first dinner party.