After finally finishing on his checking and organizing of the readings tests he had given to the girls this morning, Louis decided to let himself reward himself and relax for a short amount of time here in the vast library. Just to simply read a few good books, sit on one of the chairs and all of that, nothing else.<br/><br/>After that, he would probably go back to his bedroom and spend the majority of the evening trying to prepare some more lessons for English.<br/><br/>Yes, Louis Benedict, the tutor of the girls, still made them study and learn even during Christmas. He was certain that they didn’t like him that much because of it but he could bear with that. It was in the name of making them the bright, intelligent things they were expected to be in a few short months.<br/><br/>What he really wanted to do is introduce them all to a new lesson plan on nothing but on the proper handwriting and the methods of it. Though they were excellent spellers, like Evie, they had the loopiest handwriting he had ever seen on paper. There was a fine, fine line between cursive handwriting and loops lumped into shapes…<br/><br/>He pulled one book out, noting it was history and wondering if the girls should know that as well, before he cracked it open and read a few lines. The warmth of the library filled him up, comforting him as the impending holidays became closer and closer. It made him forget about his sister from time to time.<br/><br/>The young man paused in his reading to look out at one of the windows, admiring the view outside of it. The way the outside lights lit the dark atmosphere, the way the snow fell and spread itself across the land. Maybe he’ll ask permission from the Lord or Lady to take the girls out tomorrow to give them a ‘lesson-on-foot’ or ‘leçon-à-pied’ for English or math for the girls.<br/><br/>Taking note of that, he returned to his reading and immersed himself into the history and past.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Annalisa was in the kitchens with the other staff members, not really eating her meal but instead nibbling and sipping to prolong her time with them. Just so she could sit and enjoy the soft chatter and noise the other members of the staff were generating. One of the few (and there were few) downsides of being a girl here was that you were by yourself a lot of the time with one person (for her studies in being a good slave) or all alone (in order to do the chores required by her). Well, she shouldn't complain of it so much, since it was something she was almost used to by now.<br/><br/>Besides that, she needed the lessons. Especially on etiquette for her talk and use of slang from the streets made her 'not so desirable' as the family and the teacher for manners, Miss Edwards, kept telling her. If she wished to be in a nice home with a couple or person, she needed to be perfect in her talk, walk and manners.<em>So be it</em>, she thought to her.<em>Being in such a nice place like this requires effort and this is one of them. It could be worse. The family treats me kindly at least and prepare in genteel but firm manner.</em><br/><br/>She looked up to see the other girl, Evie, and felt sympathy for her. She had heard that Evie had broken one of the vases earlier today and would be dealt with punishment soon enough for her blunder. It wasn't Evie's fault, it was a mistake anyone could have made. Hopefully, the family will not be too harsh with the destruction of the pricey item. In hopes of cheering her spirits up, she gave a smile to the woman and waved a greeting.