Catherine had never heard someone describe themselves like that. She wanted to protest, but then she remembered that the girl was barely literate. She put the creamer down. "I'm certain you'll be successful in that department, Ellie... May I call you, Ellie? You're a pretty girl and you strike me as sensible and serious." She picked up her cup daintily while covertly assessing her guest's tea manners.

Ellie blinked at the compliments and beamed. It wasn't that she didn't believe the words, she just liked hearing them aloud?

"Really?" She asked. Slurp.

Catherine was satisfied with the effects her words had brought about in the girl. For a moment. Then she winced at the vulgar noise. There was a lot of work to be done.

"Oh yes," she said. "And with a bit of polishing, why, when the time comes, I don't see why you might not marry above your station and find yourself in a more position. But, my dear, you really mustn't drink your tea like that. Good manners are key to impressing a gentleman."

Ellie's cheeks reddened "Oh...." She lapsed into the uncomfortable silence of someone who made a mistake.

"Here," Catherine quickly said, eager to ease her young guest's discomfort. "Hold the cup like this." She put her cup down and reached over to guide Ellie's fingers to the appropriate position around the delicate handle of the cup, as if the poor girl's very future depended on their placement. "Now when you bring it to your lips, slowly lift it and part your lips. Slow is key. Pour, don't slurp."

Her fingers felt odd, holding the cup the rich girl way. Drinking tea slowly, delicately, and silently Ellie felt ridiculous.

Catherine relished in her accomplishment. "Excellent! That's much better!" she praised.

Ellie's eyes narrowed over the rim of her cup. No slurping meant that judgement filled the silent void. She could drink tea like a posh 'un, but was it really better?

Catherine was oblivious to any judgement. For how could anyone judge etiquette? "Now, since the table is low, it is acceptable to take the saucer from the table and hold it in you lap. That way, you don't have to bend forward so much." If Catherine bended forward too much, she couldn't breathe and would pass out.

"Beggin' yeur pardon, Miss but this seems far more complicated than necessary... everythin' just so. Sittin' up straight. It's plain exhaustin' to be posh."