Page 11 of One Scandal Too Many
Miss Spencer was the only daughter of a diplomat. She had traveled to many different countries with her family, but she longed to remain in England. That was why she had taken the position as a teacher at the Havenwood Academy. Normally, this class was one of Charlotte’s favorites, mainly because she adored Miss Spencer. However, she had no desire to properly learn everything regarding deportment.
“Today, we are going to practice how to respond to awkward social situations,” Miss Spencer began. “There are times that they are unavoidable, and you will need to know how to extricate yourself with ease and grace.”
Charlotte barely refrained from rolling her eyes. There were far more instances of social disgrace than she liked—her own scandal being one of them. Not that it had been terrible. She hadn’t been caught with a rogue and ruined. But she had donesomething potentially disastrous, both to herself and her family. Her father had let her know that in no uncertain terms. She was the family disappointment, and she had to pay her penance.
“I’m going to give you an example of a situation, and I’d like you to tell me what you would do,” Miss Spencer began. “Are there any questions so far?”
No one spoke up. Charlotte didn’t blame them. She had her own reasons for remaining quiet. Mainly, she had no desire to have everyone staring at her as she spoke. She never liked having all the attention focused on her. A classroom setting was no different.
“No one?” Miss Spencer lifted a brow. “All right, then. Let’s begin.”
Miss Spencer went through a series of scenarios, and some students gave ideas as to how they should respond. Charlotte remained quiet. Her mind wandered far too often, and it kept stopping on one thought, or rather one person—the Marquess of Easton.
“Now that I’ve given you some examples, I want you to keep a few things in mind.” She glanced at each lady in the room before she began to speak again. “A lady is always in control of her emotions. Any outburst is unacceptable. It is best to keep yourself reserved and present an icy politeness. This will help in your endeavor to weather any situation.”
“What if that tactic fails?” Lady Georgina Williams asked. Charlotte was surprised. The shy girl had actually decided to participate in class.
“Remember to remain calm,” Miss Spencer told her. “Think before you do anything. Take several breaths if necessary, and make sure you’re poised at all times. Once you have control over yourself, then make an appropriate response.” She smiled. “Even if that response is to walk away. I know the urge to give in to the vapors might seem appropriate, but do try not to faint ordemand smelling salts. I’ve always thought that as crude as some other awkward situations.”
Charlotte could not agree more. She had always thought a lady giving into bouts of hysteria gauche—though she didn’t think that proper deportment was always necessary either. She had no desire to hide her emotions from everyone. Charlotte would much rather remain true to herself. Otherwise, why bother at all?
“Now I want you to form groups of three,” Miss Spencer told them. “I am going to give you all an assignment to work on together. Next class, you will present your project and see what we can learn from each other.”
Jaclyn walked over to her and frowned. “We need a third.”
Charlotte and Jaclyn always did group projects together. However, they always had difficulty finding others to join them. She didn’t know why. They were not mean to anyone. They were just... close. “We should invite our new roommate to join us.” She waved at Georgina.
The timid girl strolled over to them. Georgina had been with them for a couple of days, and she had not opened up much. That should change with time, but they didn’t have much to work with at the moment. “Hello,” she greeted them.
“How are you adjusting?” Jaclyn asked her.
“It’s all right.” Georgina stared at the floor. They had to do something with this girl. Her shyness would make things awful for her.
“Have you had many awkward social situations?” Charlotte asked Georgina. “Is that why you were sent here?”
Georgina didn’t speak for a few moments. “Yes,” she mumbled. “That is part of it.”
Charlotte met Jaclyn’s gaze, and they spoke without saying a word. They both agreed in that moment to help Georgina. Thegirl was frightfully timid. The ton would destroy her. “What can we do to help you?” she asked her.
“There’s nothing.” She glanced up and nibbled on her bottom lip. “My father insisted I have a season. I...” Georgina frowned. “It didn’t go well. I locked myself in my bedchamber and refused to eat. I wanted to go back home to the country. The ton, the season... it isn’t for me. I hated it.”
“Because you’re so shy?” Jaclyn asked.
Georgina sighed. “Yes. I was, am, a wallflower. Almost no one asked me to dance, and those that did...” She shook her head. “I couldn’t talk to them. I mumbled and sometimes tripped over my own feet.”
“That would be disastrous.” Jaclyn took Georgina’s hand in hers. “But we can work on all of that. This school will do wonders with your awkwardness. This class is designed to make sure you never feel like that ever again.” She smiled. “And you have me and Charlotte now too. We will work with you, and before you know it, you’ll be the belle of the ball.”
“I doubt that,” Georgina said. “I’d still be a little shy, I’d think.” Her cheeks pinkened a little as she kept her attention on Jaclyn and Charlotte. At least she had stopped staring at her feet. That was a start.
“Perhaps,” Charlotte said. “But no one can be gregarious all the time.”
She liked Georgina. She would be a nice addition to their school, and Charlotte could always use another good friend. Between her and Jaclyn, she’d always have someone she could lean on. Not that Georgina offered. At least, not yet. But she didn’t doubt for one second that they would be grand friends in no time at all.
“Now that we have this assignment,” Jaclyn said. “We will have more time to become more acquainted.”
“We should go to the garden,” Charlotte said. “It’s a beautiful day, and we can discuss what we are going to present to the class.” She laid a hand on Georgina’s shoulder. “And do not fret. We will take the bulk of the presentation. We will only have you do what you’re comfortable with.”
“Thank you,” Georgina said. “I do appreciate your kindness.” She gave them a small smile. “If only others in the ton had been that generous.”
