as I enjoyed the view. Maybe Regency England wouldn't be so bad after all.
He turned back to me as he reached the parlor door and nodded. Not knowing what to do, I simply stood and managed a silent wave. His form began to disappear into the hall, but he gave me one last look over his shoulder that was undeniably familiar. My belly swirled and tightened with confusing awareness. With a lingering gaze and slight nod, he left. Slowly, I sat back down on the settee and wondered just what parts of my story were missing. How can different pieces fit together when they were made in different eras? And what would happen if all the puzzle pieces began to fit? That question bothered me most of all.
Chapter Five
"I need help," I said to the maid, Libby, as I slipped into my room and closed the door behind me. She was remaking my bed after my earlier efforts. Apparently I didn't know how to do it correctly.
"Oh, miss, you gave me a fright! What can I help you with?"
Looking into her wide blue eyes, I searched for a hint of distain, mistrust, or anything that would make her untrustworthy. She noticed my perusal and seemed hurt. She didn't back down but waited for me to come to a conclusion. She seemed honest, and she didn't have that air of jealousy or selfishness about her some girls had. I'd always been good at reading people. Hopefully it would serve me well here in London.
"I need a crash course in etiquette."
"You need help with manners, miss?" Her expression was disbelieving and dubious, as if unsure whether she should question me or simply obey.
"Yes. I'm sure you're aware I can't remember a thing, and I believe I just made several social—" What was the word? "—faux pas with the Marquess, Morgan Ansley."
Her eyebrows shot up at the mention of his name, and I wondered if she would offer any insight into the intriguing Marquess. "Of course, miss, I'd be happy to instruct you."
I breathed out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you."
****
"No, miss, that is the marrow spoon."
"The what?" I asked, afraid of the answer.
"Marrow," Libby stated. "As in the middle of a bone."
"I eat that?" I asked, shuddering at the thought. Oh, whatever happened to french fries?
"Of course! It's a delicacy."
"Do I like it?" I felt stupid for asking the question, but I was curious.
"No. You do not." And with that simple answer, Libby's face broke into a grin, and I knew we were destined to be friends.
"Must I eat it when it's offered?"
"Yes, but only a bite or two to be polite. Then you may fill up on whatever you wish."
What a relief. I didn't want to be eating marrow for dinner or lunch or at anytime really. The thought set my stomach on edge. "What's next?" I asked, placing the spoon back where it belonged. Thankfully, Nanna had helped me understand formal place settings, but that spoon had thrown me for a loop. Dinner I could handle, but afterward… that was going to be a different story.
"Well, miss, the gentlemen will retire to a separate salon than the women and enjoy brandy, cigars, and conversation. The women will drink sherry in a sitting room and play piano, converse, and engage in other activities."
I could play piano, so that would be helpful, although the pieces I knew by heart hadn't been written yet. Smiling to myself, I imagined sitting with all those proper British ladies and pounding out "Heart and Soul" on the piano. Tempting.
Libby pulled me from my daydream. "Come, miss, let's practice conversation." Once she'd realized the depth of help necessary to render me capable in polite society, she had thrown herself into the task with gusto. As I stood and walked with her to the sitting room, she began to frown. "May I speak frankly, miss?"
"Always. You don't need my permission. Please just be honest."
"Your posture is horrid." Her mouth pinched as she looked me over, apparently finding my stance severely lacking. Nanna had scolded me many times over my posture when I'd been a child, but I thought I had remedied it. Apparently I was mistaken. How could one slouch in a corset, anyway? If I tried I'd simply fall over.
"Like this. Tuck your belly in, throw your shoulders back, and pinch them. Keep your hands at your side. That's it." She nodded as I followed her instructions.
I felt like I was in a commercial for the