Chapter 5 Learning Being noble

Three months into life at the Bloise estate, Elza was beginning to master the rules of etiquette, though every step came at a price. Lady Katherine's methods were unforgiving; any misstep, no matter how minor, earned Elza a sharp slap on the hand. Lady Katherine insisted it was the "noble" way to learn, but to Elza, it was little more than cruelty dressed up in silk and lace. Every correction, every scolding word, only deepened her hatred for the old woman, who seemed to delight in reminding Elza of her commoner roots.

But Elza was determined. She would prove Lady Katherine wrong. Each time she was corrected, she absorbed the lesson with renewed focus, driven by an anger she'd never felt before. This wasn't only about fitting in anymore; it was about showing everyone, especially Lady Katherine, that she belonged here-no matter her background.

One evening, a servant came to her room, informing her that the Count and Countess had requested her presence for dinner. It was rare for them to ask her to dine with them, and Elza felt a flicker of excitement, thinking perhaps this was a step toward the real family life she'd dreamed of.

She entered the grand dining room, her posture perfect, and took her seat. The Count and Countess glanced at her, exchanging a silent look. The Countess's eyes held the same cold pride that Elza had come to recognize-a gaze that assessed her more as an asset than a daughter.

"Elza," the Countess began, a faint, forced smile on her lips.

"We'll be dining with the Marquess and Marchioness of Milan in two weeks. A significant occasion for the family."

Elza felt her stomach clench, sensing an unspoken expectation lurking behind those words.

"You've shown some improvement in your lessons," the Count said, his voice brusque. "But two weeks from now, you'll be expected to interact with other noble families. The Milans are influential, and it's vital you... represent us well."

Elza nodded, trying to mask the nervousness that began to creep over her. "Yes, sir. I'll be ready."

The Countess leaned forward, her gaze steely. "We'll expect perfection, Elza. Lady Katherine has told us of your progress, but this is a different setting. You'll be dining with the most refined families in the region. If you embarrass us..." She trailed off, the threat implicit. Elza knew what she meant-if she faltered, they would distance themselves from her, as if she were nothing more than an unfortunate experiment.

"Yes, Countess," Elza replied, her voice steady. "I'll make sure everything goes perfectly."

"See that you do," the Count said, a glint of warning in his eyes. "Our reputation depends on it. We took you in, after all-out of the goodness of our hearts," he added, with a hint of pride, as if that gesture should be enough to secure Elza's gratitude forever.

Elza forced herself to swallow the bitterness that rose within her. They didn't see her as family; they saw her as charity, a way to showcase their magnanimity to the noble world. She was nothing more than a display, a token of their so-called kindness.

But she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her falter.

----

The grand dining hall of the Marquess and Marchioness of Milan's estate was alight with chandeliers, casting warm, golden hues across tables draped in fine linens. Elza entered, feeling every bit of tension in her posture as her gaze drifted over the room filled with nobles. Her gown was pale blue, elegant yet modest, her hair pinned up just so, her hands gloved and clasped tightly. She knew that every move she made would be scrutinized-not only by the Count and Countess but by all who doubted her right to be there.

She took her seat, acutely aware of the curious eyes that followed her. A few of the younger noblewomen eyed her with surprise and faint curiosity. While some of them whispered and cast sidelong glances, a couple of others offered her tentative, friendly smiles. Elza felt an odd mix of nerves and hope, the tension between belonging and isolation tugging at her heart.

As the meal progressed, one noble girl sitting near her, Lady Anabelle, leaned over with a warm smile. "Elza, I've heard you're new to our circles. It must be quite a change, isn't it?"

"Yes," Elza replied, cautiously returning the smile. "It's a... very different world. But I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Lady Anabelle's eyes softened. "Well, we all start somewhere. If you ever need any advice or just want company, you can always join me and my friends." She gestured to a couple of other girls nearby, who nodded politely.

Elza's heart lifted at this, a small glow of warmth cutting through her usual defenses. But just as she was starting to feel at ease, another voice interjected, sharp and filled with veiled disdain.

"I imagine it must be challenging, adjusting to such... refined settings," said Lady Eveline, a young woman with a faintly mocking smile. She sipped her wine, her gaze cool. "Not everyone can manage it, you know."

Elza forced herself to smile, refusing to let the comment sting. "It certainly takes effort, but I'm learning as much as I can."

"Oh, I'm sure you're trying your best," Lady Eveline replied, her tone laced with a condescending kindness. Her friend, seated beside her, snickered softly.

Elza felt a flush rising to her cheeks, but before she could respond, Lady Anabelle jumped in, her voice smooth and confident. "It's wonderful to see someone so dedicated. I'm sure Elza will do beautifully-she has the heart for it, after all."

Lady Eveline's smile faltered just a bit, and she turned back to her plate, muttering something to her friend.

Elza glanced at Lady Anabelle with gratitude. It was strange to feel both kindness and cruelty in a place that had always seemed so impenetrable. Lady Anabelle's kindness made her feel that perhaps, just maybe, she could find a place here. But the quiet, mocking remarks from the others reminded her that she was still a stranger, someone they would judge and test at every turn.

The meal continued, each bite punctuated by conversations that danced around her, as if she were some rare and peculiar thing in their midst. Some nobles asked her questions about her upbringing, their tones curious but not unkind, while others made thinly veiled comments about her origins, brushing off any attempts she made to answer.

Yet, through it all, Elza kept her composure, leaning on the rules and manners drilled into her. With every insult masked as a question and every genuine kindness, she felt her resolve strengthen. She may not have been born to this world, but she was here now. And somehow, against all the doubts and whispers, she would prove that she belonged.

As the evening wore on, Elza observed the nobles around her with newfound insight. She noticed how the most influential among them weren't always the wealthiest or the most refined.

They were the ones who commanded attention, who had loyal friends, who others seemed drawn to out of respect-or even fear.

Elza realized with a thrill that if she could gather allies, powerful friends of her own, she could rise above the whispers, the judgments, and the sideways glances. She could command the same respect, or perhaps even more.

It was clear now: friends meant power. She needed allies to shield her from the disdain of those like Lady Eveline, and perhaps even to influence others. And if she played her cards right, she wouldn't be mocked-she would be feared.

But Elza knew her ambitions would have to wait, at least for now. In order to secure her place, she would need to be introduced formally to society as the Count and Countess's daughter. The grand debut was only a month away, a spectacle planned to present her as the Count's "generous adoption," but she intended to seize it as her own launching point.

Until then, she would wait, learning every subtlety of nobility, perfecting her mannerisms, and planning her entrance into the social world. And when the time came, she would ensure that no one-not even the Count and Countess-could deny her place in the world of nobility.