Shay

"You're not Hannah's real sister." The Lady Amanda Neilson spat the words out of her mouth and looked down her sharp nose at Shay. "My mother says you're not even related. Apparently, your real mother was a street whore."

Shay held her tongue. This wasn't the first time the supposed Lady Amanda had abused her. On that first time, Shay's reaction had been completely different. She had taken a handful of mud and rubbed it into the girl's face. Of course, this didn't go down well with the head mistress, and Shay had spent a month working in the laundry as punishment.

When she received the letter from Uncle Thomas telling her he was very disappointed in her, it had crushed the last of any self-will she had left, to resist the changes people wanted from her. She was determined to hold her head high and prove to him, and every one of these snobs that she could be as much a lady as they were.

"What? Has a cat got your tongue?" Amanda put her hands on her hips and flicked her flame-coloured hair behind her shoulder.

"I am every bit Hannah's sister, even if we are not born of the same parents." Shay lifted her chin proudly. "It takes more than blood, to be a sister of the truest kind."

"Oh. And what is that supposed to mean?"

Shay smiled. She could see confusion on her tormentor's face. Amanda might have been a true daughter of the ton, but she lacked in intelligence. Being at school had enlightened Shay in this regard. She realised she was smarter than most. They may have proper parentage and the bluest of blood in their veins, however, all that respectability didn't often pass to their brains.

"It means you may have a sister born to the same parents, but you never bond with them as you should. Hannah and I are deeply connected."

"Oh. I doubt that." Amanda folded her arms across her chest and smirked. "Hannah says your best friend is a stable hand, and you both enjoy the company of swine. I suppose that is where you learnt the art of throwing mud in one's face."

Shay bit down on her tongue again. Why would Hannah tell this horrid girl about Jack and Mrs. Picks? She was not going to lose her temper. She had taken a silent oath to make Uncle Thomas and Aunt Rebecca proud. She wanted to return to them a poised young lady. She cocked her head and smiled. "Would you like me to do it again? I can see it made a mass improvement to your looks."

Amanda glared, so Shay stamped her foot as if to rush at her. The Lady Neilson screamed and spun on her heels. She darted across the grass toward the school buildings looking over her shoulder in fear. Shay laughed, and then let out a deep sigh. If only they would leave her alone. She didn't know how she was going to bear living here for another two years. Now to find Hannah, and ask her why she had told snooty Neilson about Jack and Mrs. Picks.

*

"It wasn't said like that, Shay." Hannah put down her embroidery and stood up. "I was telling a group of them how good you are with the animals, and that Jack had taught you most of what you know. I was telling them, because I am so proud that you love and care for each and every one of the creatures at Lytton House." Hannah wrapped her arms around Shay and drew her into a hug. "I was trying to prove to those stuck-up missies, that life was better enjoyed if a person carried no prejudice." Hannah stepped back and still holding onto Shay's shoulders looked into her eyes. "Most of them are jealous of you. Especially the Lady Amanda Neilson."

"Jealous?" Shay's mouth dropped opened. "Why would she be jealous? She's the daughter of a Barron or some such person."

Hannah turned Shay to face the mirror. "Seriously, Shay. Take a look at yourself. You're beautiful. The most stunning girl in this school."

"No, I'm not." Shay hung her head and fiddled with her fingers.

"Yes. You are." Hannah forced Shay's head up. "Please look at yourself. And I mean really look, not just a glance, as you usually do." She smiled through the reflection in the glass. "What do you see?"

"Messy blonde hair."

Hannah lifted one side of her mouth and cocked an eyebrow. "Beautiful thick, wavy, blonde hair. What else?"

"Murky green eyes and fat lips."

"Large emerald eyes, with thick black lashes that are full of life. Plump red lips and perfect white teeth." Hannah grinned and folded her arms. "Next."

"A shapeless body with a flat chest." Shay was finding it hard not to smile.

"A small slender figure with breasts on the verge of blossoming." Once more Hannah smiled and nudged her head at the mirror's reflection. "You wait. You're going to have the loveliest pert breasts in all of the land. Men will come for miles to catch a peek."

"Hannah." Shay blushed and gave her a playful prod.

"I mean it, Shay. Those girls are jealous. They see what I see, and know that while you are unwed, they will have a hell of a time trying to find a husband."

"You swore." Shay covered her mouth with her fingers and gaped at Hannah. "If Papa heard you."

"Shush. That stays between these walls." Hannah giggled, drew Shay to her once more and whispered in her ear, "You called him Papa. He would be so happy to hear you say that."

"Did I?"

"Yes. Perhaps one day you'll say it to his face." She kissed Shay's forehead. "Now you ignore those horrible girls. We are here to learn and enjoy life in Paris. If they get to you again, I suggest you try swearing, but not in front of them."

"Hannah!" Shay gasped.

"It feels good to say it." Hannah laughed loudly.

"What would Mr. Witherspoon think of you if he heard?" Shay giggled and whispered, "Hell. Hell. Hell."

"I would like to think he might see me as a strong independent woman. If he wants to marry me, he'll have to accept everything about me." Hannah tilted her head in a demure way. "What do you think of this look?" She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, and then back at Shay. "I'm sure I have mastered flirting and next time I see him I shall do this." Again, she tilted her head and looked at Shay from under her lashes.

"I think you have it," Shay said and burst into laughter.

Hannah is so good with Shay.  I love their relationship.

Photo taken from Pinterest.