Page 2 of Scarlett

“I will pray your father recovers quickly so he can see how well you are prepared for the next social event.”

By Scarlett’s expression, she didn’t agree. But although she frowned, she remained silent.

Lady Price motioned to her attire. “You are welcome to keep the clothes. They were to be donated and now they’re yours.

Scarlett nodded. “Thank you, I will then.”

“Today we will discuss proper dining room etiquette,” Lady Price began. The lesson would be long as Scarlett had not been able to come the prior week due to her father’s illness.

The young woman straightened. “I have to admit, this will all be for naught if father doesn’t recover. Besides, I doubt anyone will invite me to any events, being no one really knows me.”

“Pick up your tea and sip like this,” Lady Price instructed, picking up her cup and sauce while crossing her legs at the ankle. She waited watching Scarlett mirror her actions. “It’s not like you to be down in spirits. I understand your father’s illness is worrisome, however, you must remain positive. It will help him to know you believe he will get better.”

Scarlett’s hand trembled a bit as she attempted to place the cup down gently. Thankfully none of the tea spilled over the side of the cup. “I have a confession.” She looked out the window seeming to consider what to say.

“I don’t think my father will recover and it becomes more clear by the way the doctor only checks him and doesn’t prescribe more than medication to make him comfortable. I overheard my stepmother ask him bluntly the other day what the diagnosis was. The doctor said he fears the worst.”

Scarlett let out a long breath looking to Lady Price. “Whatever will I do? I’ve only just recently moved here and began to know him.”

Lady Price knew that Scarlett’s father was dying. It had been kept from the young woman by the stepmother who wished for her husband and newly found daughter to have time together without the burden of Scarlett having to fight against sadness.

“You will continue on with the life your father wants for you. It was his idea that you come here and learn the proper ways of society. You will live with your stepmother until you marry and then you will have a family and a perfectly happy life.”

A soft smile lingered on the edges of her lips as her pupil took a fortifying breath.

Shoulders squared, Scarlett picked up the cup. “The garden is beautiful. I can’t help but admire the placement of the flowering camellias. The colors compliment perfectly.” The young woman was a quick study, learning the subtleties of polite society conversation.

Her beauty alone would garner attention from men. Her dowry, although modest, would attract a husband, who would possibly not be wealthy but of good social stature.

Lady Price followed Scarlett’s line of sight to her blooming plants. “It’s taken me years to figure it out. Now tell me, what brings you to Philadelphia? I hear you lived in the south. It must be a culture shock for you.”

Having to consider her reply, Scarlett did as instructed and looked down to her lap with a soft smile. “After my mother died, I moved here. Although I do adore the south, Philadelphia has so much to offer. I look forward to learning more about this city and getting to know people such as yourself.”

“Very good. Keep the answers to the truth, but not divulging too much. They will not be asking much more as it will be impolite to do so. Although, I must warn you, they may fill in the blanks with assumptions.”

Scarlett sighed, her gaze taking in the room. Lady Price knew what she saw, wealth and opulence.

Thick carpets on marble floors, lavish ceiling to floor drapery, and well-appointed handmade furnishings. Everything was imported from Lady Price’s home country of England. She’d meticulously chosen each piece, from the art to the china and silverware.

The paintings on the walls had been purchased during travels she and her late husband had enjoyed. The oils, many of which were priceless, were all something they’d actually loved, not just purchased because of who the artist was.

Funny how, although beautiful, her home felt empty since losing her husband. Nonetheless, the constant charitable causes and now tutoring of Scarlett kept Lady Price busy so that she was able to function day to day.

Then there was the Matrimonial Gazette, a mail order bride venture with a friend out west.

“Scarlett, what exactly do you wish for?” Lady Price studied the forlorn young woman. “If you had your choice of a future husband, what would he be like?”

Scarlett bit her lip in thought, something Lady Price had tried unsuccessfully to break her out of. “He would be strong and proud. He would also be a man who knows how to treat a woman without insult or harshness. I wish for a husband who wants children, a strong family man who works hard, but doesn't ignore his home life.”

“In other words, the perfect man.” Lady Price chuckled.

Scarlett shook her head. “Oh, I know the perfect man doesn’t exist, but one can wish.”

Her earnest expression made Lady Price laugh. “Yes I do believe in wishing and praying for exactly what you want in a husband.”