Chapter 171
"You are not doing as I told you, Rose. I can see the books slipping already. If they fall, I will add another to it so we can better show how many times you have failed. Do not laugh," Madeline told Anna. "You’re bad at this."
"Must there be a certain way to how we walk?" Rose questioned, moving slowly to not drop the books on her head.
"Yes. You should be able to curtsy just as I showed you without letting any of the books on your head drop. This shows that you must pace yourself when you walk. When you are among your peers you need not rush to go anywhere. Your back," Madeline said, carefully touching Rose to straighten her back. "Do not slouch. The posture bothers me."
Anna bit into one of the slices of apple brought to her. "I do not miss these days of having to learn how to properly walk or dance. It is draining. You have a wonderful excuse for holding this off, Rose."
"I want to learn it quickly. There are only a few minutes left,’ Rose said, eyeing the large standing clock in the room. "Then it is my spelling lesson."
Anna still found it hard to believe that Rose could not read or spell many words. "You make me question all that I know. Many say a man would not want a woman who doesn’t know how to read or write yet you managed to find a prince to like you. Have I been doing this all wrong?"
"It is too late for you to break your old habits. I will have you play the piano when it comes time for Rose’s dancing lessons. I can’t have you getting bored."
Anna regretted coming to sit in the room since her mother was finding something for her to do. "Mother," she whined. "I was only here to offer support to Rose."
"And you will be doing so by providing her music. She has not heard you play. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see Anna display her musical talents, Rose?" Madeline asked.