forum Old-timey mansion w/ a bunch of aristocrats doing stuff [Closed] [Stalkers Welcome]

Started September 09, 2018 by Deleted user

tune

"Yes." She rang the bell beside her chair, notifying the servants to fetch her some tea. "You know why you are staying in my home, correct?"

"Yes." Cordelia sat down. "To learn under you on how to be better nobles, so we can rule justly and fairly."

"Correct." One of the newer servants, Yolanda, came up carrying a platter holding tea, cookies, and finger sandwiches. Perfect. "Help yourself to some tea, dear. How well do you know the people of your region?"

Cordelia reached over and grabbed a finger sandwich and poured herself tea. "I love going to all the festivals and socializing with the people of my region, but I feel like I could be doing more," she said.

Giovanna nodded. It took many full grown adults time to realize that they could be doing more, and this girl just out of childhood knew it. "And you've had a full education? Which subjects were you proficient in?"

Corbin released a sharp and reluctant huff. “I should get some sort of bloody pass,” he grumbled to himself as he gingerly stood up.

"Become a house servant," She teased. "Are you new here? I haven't seen you around. I'm Bianca, by the way." She wove a lock of hair back into her bun hoping Matteo would skulk up out of nowhere to terrorize them.

Corbin shook his head slowly at that joke. “I am new here. I’m just stationed here for the time being while the royals are here,” he explained.

Bianca nodded. She had heard that the Mistress would be beefing up security around the manor. "And your name is…" She tilted her head as she waited for an answer.

Giovanna nodded. It took many full grown adults time to realize that they could be doing more, and this girl just out of childhood knew it. "And you've had a full education? Which subjects were you proficient in?"

"I was proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in two languages, arithmetic, and analytical math, astrology and some basic earth sciences." She took a small sip of her tea. "If I may, will we be learning any subjects during our stay here?"

“Corbin Abbot,” He answered. “And you?” He asked. God, he was burnin pg up in this uniform. He reached up and pulled his usual royal guard helmet and ran a hand over his stubble before smoothing his hair back.

“Corbin Abbot,” He answered. “And you?” He asked. God, he was burnin pg up in this uniform. He reached up and pulled his usual royal guard helmet and ran a hand over his stubble before smoothing his hair back

"Bianca. It's nice to meet you!" She said, holding out a hand for him to shake. "You should probably put the helmet back on if you don't want to get killed by Matteo when he comes around. He's a rea-" Matteo stepped from around the corner, making her cut off her sentence with a squeak.

"What are you doing here?" He asked pointedly, raising an eyebrow.

"I was proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in two languages, arithmetic, and analytical math, astrology and some basic earth sciences." She took a small sip of her tea. "If I may, will we be learning any subjects during our stay here?"

"Yes, though they will be more focused on strategy and history, although you will also be taking etiquette, dance, and diplomacy lessons." Giovanna was pleased with these first few nobles. They were knowledgeable and well-meaning, with minds fit for their class. "I hear your parents have talked of arranging a marriage between you and the honorable Lord Hendrik?"

Cordelia quietly inhaled and looked down, closing her eyes. She looked back up and smiled, trying to keep her movements controlled. "Yes, that is correct," she said, taking another sip of tea.

Giovanna cataloged the brief intake of breath, filing it away in her head. She would need to write down Cordelia's hesitance to marry her husband to be so she didn't forget it. Her mind was going soft in her old age and she cursed it every day. "And how do you feel about your husband to be?"

"He is a lovely, honorable, confident man who I am sure will rule justly," Cordelia replied without skipping a beat.

"I'm sure he is," Giovana said mildly, sprinkling a bit of sugar into her tea. This girl was quite good at concealing her emotions after a brief shock. "Do you think you will rule beside him?"

"I am sure of it," Cordelia said with a small nod of determination.

"I have heard Lord Hendrik is quite conservative, girl." She sipped at her tea, setting the cup back onto the saucer with a light 'clink' sound. "Just how will you manage to rule beside a man who had no respect for you?"

"By any means necessary." Cordelia had only met Lord Hendrik a couple of times and she was not fond of him. He was not respectful, or particularly smart. It had simultaneously been the most boring and the most enlightening conversation she had ever had. She could see the dullness in him, but she had also seen the deeprooted cruelty toward anyone he deemed different or below him. Cordelia placed her cup on her saucer as well. "Actually Your Grace, I hoped to seek your guidance in this . . . challenge."

Giovanna arched her eyebrow, leaning forward in interest but making sure not to seem too interested. "What exactly is it that you want, child? I'm not but an old crone, you'll need to elaborate."

Cordelia sat up straighter. "I want to be able to rule, actually rule. I do not want to be there for the sake of looking pretty next to Lord Hendrik and hosting parties. I want to make a difference. And as tyrannical, as it may sound, I want power. And I promise to use it wisely." She sat back a bit. "I realize it may be challenging, but I am not expecting a miracle. Just your help and advice would be more than necessary Your Grace," Cordelia said quietly.

Giovanna allowed herself to grin. She remembered when she was that young. When she had nothing but her husband's position and a healthy dose of ambition. "I like you, girl. You remind me of myself when I was your age. I will advise you. Come to this parlor after dinner tomorrow, and we shall begin lessons. You will not tell your parents."

Cordelia nodded solemnly. "Of course not. Thank you, Your Grace. This means so much to me."

"Good." Giovanna took another sip of tea and stood to look out the large window behind her. "It will be a hard road girl, but I think you would do well to walk down it. Is there anything else you would care to tell me?"

“Do you know how long we mean to be here?” Cordelia asked, then took a bite of her finger sandwich.

"I believe your parents have you slated to stay here for a year, though they are open to taking you home earlier or later," She answered, staring down at the lawn where the gardener had begun clipping the hedges. "I would advise them to keep you here longer if I found you an apt pupil."