'No, no, no, Lily! Good Lord, what do they teach you
These days? Back straight, girl, your posture really
Must improve. I love you, really, but your taste in clothes is just
Appalling. I shall need to take you shopping one day.'
My back straightens, seemingly of it's own accord, though I know
It is in response to her despair. My face splits into the brightest,
Fakest smile it has ever worn, and yet it passes. 'Laura, what
Is the point of this?' I ask. Much though I love her, she seems to be
Wasting her time trying to acquaint me with etiquette.
I can feel her exasperation at my words, yet also the faint
Amusement that accompanies it. She answers in memories of
A time long past. My smile tries to fall, but does not succeed.
My mind grimaces in acceptance, and she continues to tidy me up.
Only when she starts to talk of the lengths of my skirts
Do I find it necessary to interrupt. I hear things like
'Impractical' and 'would get me strange looks' escape
Half-heartedly from my lips. We both know that I don't mean them.
Similarly we both know that, however much I may protest at her
"New Lily" project, I understand that it will be necessary for me to learn
What she is prepared to teach which, in truth, is not very much.
Posture, clothing and make up (which I do not often wear much of)
Have been the only things on her list. Manners and etiquette, she says
She will leave to those better able to teach.
Today's session is at an end, and she turns to me and says,
'Next week, we shall have a crash course in polite conversation.'
I groan. Who knew anything could be worse than a crash course in appearances?
Author notes
The "New Lily" project isn't really going according to plan. She can make me wear make up and stand up straight, but she has not found "appropriate" clothing, though she is considering my red dress. It is fun, though, however much I complain.
But I still don't understand. She was hardly the person she's trying to make me into... Ah well.
Adding your comment: