“But not the whole of what you’d intended.”
Julia nodded numbly, expecting further criticism.
“It is difficult to be accepted by all. I certainly do not claim to be an expert but we can do better.”
Julia turned into the parlor and glanced around. “Even so, the people who matter to Valentine’s career like and accept you. I couldn’t help but notice how you adroitly dropped his name into every conversation today.”
“I make a point of currying their favor for his sake whenever I can. I’ve known of his intentions with regards to his career for a very long time. It wasn’t easy at first but I learned to frequent the craftsmen’s shops, buy their wares, and praise them at dinners. I discuss topics relevant to the running of the household with wives and sprinkle in a recommendation or two.”
Julia nodded. “Teach me how to do that?”
“I don’t think that is something I can accomplish over tea. You have to practice.”
“Then what do you recommend? I’ve unintentionally made things very difficult for your brother and I want to make it up to him.”
Melanie nodded. “Well, my first piece of advice is: walking is not a race.”
“I don’t walk too fast,” Julia protested, hands punching her hips.
“You do.” Melanie gently nudged her hands from their position. “And don’t stand like that either. It is not at all ladylike.”
Julia uncurled her fingers and let her hands drop. “What else?”
“Walking first.” Melanie turned her toward the other end of the hall and nudged her to pace the length. She did but when she turned around, Melanie was shaking her head. “Slower this time.”
“I have long legs,” Julia grumbled, stumbling through the mincing steps Melanie demanded she limit herself to.
“Shorter than mine, and I can manage perfectly well without sprinting everywhere I go.”
She glanced up at Valentine’s sister and although she wished to refute the claim, she had no choice but to agree with her. Melanie was half a head taller than herself and she always appeared so graceful. So perfectly poised. If Melanie could walk this way, so would she. Eventually. “I see your point.”
“I’m not asking you to do what I would not do myself. You don’t have to listen to me at all if you’d rather not.” Melanie worried her lower lip, frowning. “But you did ask for my suggestions and this is where I feel you should begin.”
“No, I will manage.” Julia tried again and managed a fair imitation of Melanie’s stride, enough so the woman actually smiled when she turned around.
“Much better. Sometimes it is preferable to walk at a slower pace. For instance, to make a journey longer for extended conversation; to show yourself off to your advantage; to hold a conversation where you have a chance to bring Valentine’s interests into the discussion.”
She pac
ed up and down the hall again, earning generous smiles from Melanie. And it was easier to walk slowly while speaking. After recent events, Julia had preferred to go unnoticed about Brighton. The number of smirks that had been aimed her way was infuriating and she’d adopted the habit of hurrying from engagement to home without stopping.
When tea was brought into the parlor, she was satisfied with her progress and flopped down on a well-padded chair with a groan.
Melanie raised a brow. “That won’t do. Only ever do that around your closest friends.”
She laughed. “I thought I had.”
Melanie let her remark pass without comment. She sipped her tea and Julia studied her poise. Perhaps she had been a little too casual at times.
“I thought I would only have to please Valentine,” she murmured.
“Who’s to say I am not already pleased?” Valentine cut in. “Hello, you two. What a happy surprise to find you here, and together.”
Julia flushed pink at being caught speaking of her intended and glanced down at her teacup as Valentine kissed his sister’s cheek. “Were we not to meet this morning?”
“You didn’t come,” Melanie said softly.
“You had already gone out,” he countered.