Thread: Such A Nonsensical Thing, Little Girls (PocketFullOfPosies)

As he watched her, as he observed his young niece in all her glory, the improper way she sat, how she chewed upon her nails, how she fidgeted, how the look in her eyes betrayed the direction they faced, for it was very obvious she was not truly paying attention, he felt encouraged. Each served to further underline the obviousness of her issues and the many tasks he had set before him. She was more a boy than a lady. He half expected the blonde to pull a frog from her skirts or to recite some raunchy rhyme young men were so known for. The boots had made him sigh, slight and to himself, eyes closing for a quick moment before opening back again, setting to his task. But then she came at him unexpectedly, innocently, for sure, but no less harsh in its delivery You're my uncle? ... Simon's eyes closed. Partially, temporarily, combined it was no more than the length of a few blinks, but they closed, soon opening again. She didn't mean it like that, he knew. His hands came together, fingers sliding into one another, and he forced a smile with the exhale of breath. Any falter in his face was as brief as the rest had been. Yes, Lydia... I am your Uncle Simon. It had been so long, especially for her. In truth, he wished it had hurt more. It had stung, but the past decade away from his family dulled such a blow to a regrettable degree, ironically enough. His clasped hands raised, a finger from each stretching up to rest against his chin. You were just a little girl when you saw me last. You always came running when I arrived at your home, hugging my leg for minutes at a time, making me walk with you like that, carrying you. The forced smile became a little more genuine. I would always be sure to stop at a bakery before I arrived to bring a dessert of some sort for the house, to be polite, but I would get an extra treat just for you. It was our secret. And we were caught when you learned to search in my pockets as soon as I arrived. His lips turned even warmer, accompanied with a small laugh. Your mother scolded me for that. You got away scott free though. As a matter of fact, even better, I think that was the day of your sixth birthday?... I remember because I got for you a little rocking horse that you could ride on. Would she remember such things? Maybe. They brought some warmth to him, at least, recalling them now, even if she didn't. But with the next breath he shook his head softly, Simon sitting up straight, then coming to a stand. They could reminisce later, if she cared to. For now there needed to be firmness. Discipline. Rules. It wouldn't do to go off track. Slow, heavy footsteps took him around the bend of his desk, his hands clasped behind his back. Anyway. Shall we talk? A smile, warm and friendly. Simon came to stand at the head of his desk, leaning casually back against it, fully aware of what he was doing. It was a technique he was writing about for his first book, about being in control. This way, rather than being seated behind his desk, he was both closer to his patient and standing, the second of which giving him height, and height equalled power. It was subliminal. It didn't need to be acknowledged. These were truths that simply were, and being aware of and knowing how to utilize such truths were important tools. You are going to become a lady here, Lydia. Proper and sweet. Not... he smirked, chuckling, gesturing to her with a hand, this. I have already talked with some of the workers in the house. Tomorrow morning you will report to Eleanor in the kitchen. You will help her with making breakfast, and return to her at the times she says to assist with lunch and supper. When she does not need you then you will find Miranda, whom I am sure would like your help washing the floors and dusting. These may not be as appealing to you as playing in the dirt and dancing in fountains but they are necessary for you to learn the fundamentals. A classy lady does not do such things, but first you will learn a woman's role, and second, once I believe you ready, you will be relieved of certain duties and gifted with nicer things. Until then we will work on your manners, on your speech, on your posture, and above all, your attitude. He gestured with his chin, with an incline of his head and a wander of his eyes over to a large grand piano in the back of the room, books set upon shelves on either side, a large window behind which reached from the floor to the ceiling of the first floor, sunlight pouring in. The finish was black. The seat was black. Everything about it was gorgeous and new. There are two things on top of the piano for you back there. One is a box with some clothes in it. Don't get too excited, as they're all quite simple. Servants clothes, things that will get you through the next few days until I bring you shopping for something new. What you have now... Like it or not, you cannot argue that your current attire is in any way appropriate for a lady or servant. Simon smirked, arms folding across his chest. The other item waiting there for you is a pair of books. Dictionaries. I will turn around, Lydia, and when I do I want you to remove what you have on now... those silly boots included... and put on one of the outfits in the box. Place your things on the floor for now. The same maid I had bring you here should be finishing up in your room by now, gathering the other items you brought with you, clothing and any other inappropriates, so that I may inspect them and decide what, if any, you actually need. Anyway, once changed I want you to let me know so we can start with your posture. Once you can balance both of those books on your head for ten seconds, without using your hands, mind you, I'll allow you the rest of the day to yourself. ...Fair?