At the same time, she was cognizant that allowing her frustration to win out—if it became habit—put her at risk of becoming a bitter old woman. Then she would be little better than the countess.

Selena's voice of authority seemed to have penetrated Rebecca’s mist of selfishness, because after considering for a moment, she asked, “Do you really think this will help me to make the match I wish for?”

"I can make no promises, but I do believe it will help," Selena replied, glad that her charge seemed to have caught on at last. “Remember what Sir Lucius warned you against at the ball. This is what we are training for.”

“To gain a marriage contract with Sir Lucius?” Rebecca clarified.

Selena immediately realized her mistake and taxed her ingenuity to address such obstinacy. "You are still thinking of him and him alone? But you have already received much attention, and this was just a small assembly. Imagine how much success you would have if you were to go to London,” Selena said. "Don't you dream of making a splash there, where the world is at your feet? You could make a very good match, if that is your mission." She felt a twinge of guilt at appealing to Rebecca’s shallower tendencies, but she shoved that aside. It was pure survival at this point.

"I suppose so," Rebecca said. “But I have never seen such a handsome man as Sir Lucius, who has perfect address, who is titled and already wealthy. And it would be such a conquest to turn his head. All my former classmates would be so jealous. Plus, I’m not sure another such man as Sir Lucius exists."

Selena privately agreed and could not argue. But perhaps, with time, Rebecca’s head might be turned by another young man. “Very well, if that is what you wish for, let us work on making you a suitable wife for him," Selena said.

It caused her a pang, but she tried to convince herself that she meant it, too. As it stood, Sir Lucius had given Selena no indication, other than a smoldering look and a request to stay, that he considered her a potential candidate. She may as well carry out her unenviable task of training Rebecca to satisfaction.

Selena’s words worked like a charm, and Rebecca suddenly became much more complacent. She began listening attentively and even seeking praise for her efforts. Selena had her demonstrate her walk and her speech, then instructed her on what needed improvement. She had Rebecca exhibit what she knew of watercolors, which was even less than Selena. Her charge knew absolutely nothing of French.

"What were you learning in that school?" Selena asked her in puzzlement. It seemed Rebecca had not picked up on any of the womanly arts.

"Oh, I did not pay much attention. I did whatever I felt like, and I believe as long as my trustees continued to pay, the school mistress was happy to let me do what I wished. It was only when I left without telling them where I was that they decided the reputation of the school might be compromised.” She rolled her eyes. “That’s when they decided they wished to send me away. Very poor spirited of them, I must say. I am sure many of the girls admired such a bold move as I had made. They are probably still there being forced to learn their lessons, and look where I am!”