Chapter 5 Lessons #2
Richard accepted both the reassurance and the suggestion, although he also realized the men wanted to speak more of the matter without him present. He would find out more about how they intended to deal with his aunt later.
~o~
"Thank you for the roses, Lizzy," Madeline Gardiner said in a pleasant tone. "That was a kind way to welcome me to your home. I can see you took some pains to gather them."
Lizzy smiled at the pretty, young woman who was her new aunt.
"They are damask roses, Aunt Madeline, like your family name.
I did not know how to cut them correctly at first, and I made a mess in the garden.
Papa allowed me to try again, and Mr. Johns, the gardener, along with my friend, Richard Fitzwilliam, helped me cut the bouquet. "
"Did you learn how to cut roses properly so you will be able to do it on your own another time?"
"Yes, Aunt Madeline, although Papa says I must ask permission before taking flowers from the garden again, even if they are meant to be a gift."
"I already knew that," Jane said quietly from her place in the row of girls facing their new aunt in the back sitting room.
"Well, Jane, you are older than Lizzy. We each have to learn such lessons in our own time," Madeline said kindly.
Jane drew herself up proudly at the comment, tossing her blond braids slightly as she did. "I am older than she is," she said. "I am nearly ten years old while she is not quite eight. And Miss Stanton says Lizzy is a slow learner when it comes to manners and proper behavior."
"Does she?" Madeline asked in mild tones, although the look she gave the governess, who stood with the nursery maid at the back of the line of little girls, was anything but mild. The woman squirmed slightly, looking as if she would like to put a hand over Jane's mouth as the older girl continued.
"Oh, yes. She says Lizzy is the most challenging charge she has ever taught and it will be a miracle if she can make a proper lady out of her."
Madeline gave Miss Stanton another hard look, then looked more kindly at her five new nieces.
"I do not think it will be as difficult as all that.
Each of you still has many lessons to learn before you become the kind, accomplished young women I know each of you can be.
For instance, Jane, you will learn that saying unkind things, whether you are using your own words or just repeating the words of another, can be very hurtful.
It is not the way for a proper young lady to behave towards others, and particularly not towards your family. "
"Then why do Mama, Aunt Grace and Lady Lucas constantly talk about other people that way?" Jane looked smug, clearly thinking she had scored a point.
Madeline raised an eyebrow speculatively as she considered the young girl. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Lizzy was watching the interaction with a similarly raised eyebrow and curious expression.
"Well, for now let us just say that they are not young ladies anymore, and different rules apply to them than will apply to you and your sisters when you come out.
" She saw Lizzy smile slightly, while Jane's smug look faded.
"Now, while I hope to spend time with all of you during my visit, it seems Kitty and Lydia may be ready to return to the nursery.
Mary, did you wish to join them, or would you like to come out into the garden with me and your older sisters? "
The middle girl shrank fearfully behind Lizzy. From a distance the two could be taken for twins, although up close the difference between them was plain to see in their expressions. Where Lizzy looked bright and adventurous, barely six-year-old Mary seemed painfully shy.
"Nursery," she whispered, ducking closer behind Lizzy as she did.
"Mary does not like to go outside very much," Lizzy explained. "She was stung by a bee last year and her arm swelled up. Ever since then she has not wanted to play in the garden."
"A bee sting can be very painful. I understand, Mary. We will have some time together later on, in a place where you feel safe."
Mary looked at her aunt gratefully as she followed her younger sisters and Miss Parks, the nursery maid, out of the room.
"I prefer not to go outside either," Jane said. "Mama says it browns the complexion. Miss Stanton is teaching me a new embroidery stitch and we will work inside." She curtsied to Madeline before joining the governess at the door.
"As you wish, Jane," Madeline said, letting the impertinence slide, well aware her oldest niece was not pleased with her earlier chastisement, gentle though it had been.
Miss Stanton also curtsied, and the two went off to the small schoolroom together.
Turning to Lizzy, Madeline asked, "Are you willing to venture out into the garden with me, Lizzy?
Or was that idea completely doomed to failure? "
"I am always happy to go out into the garden," Lizzy said brightly. "And I want to share it with you. I am very glad you are now my aunt."
"I am glad as well, Lizzy. Let us go brave the bees and you can show me the roses and tell me how you hurt your hands."
"I am not certain I can tell you all of it without saying something unkind about a family member." Lizzy said seriously.
Madeline chuckled. "Well, so long as what you say is vital to the story, you speak truthfully and without intent to harm, then I think we can let it pass this time."
"I will do my best. I am trying to behave properly, no matter what Miss Stanton says," Lizzy told her.
"I believe you, Lizzy. You will do fine. Now, let us go see those roses."