Chapter 171

"You are not doing as I told you, Rose. I can see the books slipping already. If they fall, I will add another to it so we can better show how many times you have failed. Do not laugh," Madeline told Anna. "You're bad at this."

"Must there be a certain way to how we walk?" Rose questioned, moving slowly to not drop the books on her head. 

"Yes. You should be able to curtsy just as I showed you without letting any of the books on your head drop. This shows that you must pace yourself when you walk. When you are among your peers you need not rush to go anywhere. Your back," Madeline said, carefully touching Rose to straighten her back. "Do not slouch. The posture bothers me."

Anna bit into one of the slices of apple brought to her. "I do not miss these days of having to learn how to properly walk or dance. It is draining. You have a wonderful excuse for holding this off, Rose."