Catherine couldn't help a small displeased frown. She had a long way to go with Ellie, not because the girl didn't know how to ride. Catherine had expected that and wasn't all too troubled by it. Many ladies didn't. There was nothing wrong with being afraid of horses either. A gentleman might find it a rather endearing feminine trait. It was the way Ellie responded that displeased her.

"We'll see. You needn't worry about that for now. We'll focus on the basics, and maybe we can work on a more common accomplishment. I could teach you a little piano. And we'll see how your singing is. But really, Ellie, you mustn't respond so..." She didn't know how to describe it. "... much."

Ellie's pleasant expression disappeared at the rebuff and her shoulders dropped.

"Oh... I understand, Miss."

Miss Catherine's really was a different world. You couldn't laugh - really laugh - at a nonsense suggestion like a fisher girl knowing how to ride a horse.

"I'm sorry. I am trying. It's all so new to me. The singin' and the piano does sound nice though."

Catherine pale cheeks pinkened. There was a pang of guilt when she observed the girl's dampened mood. But - Catherine quickly reasoned the uncomfortable sensation away - it was in Ellie's own best interest. She was acting as a friend to Ellie. A better friend than Ellie's fishlass friends who had probably encouraged vulgar manners all her life because they didn't know any better. Catherine knew better. So how could she leave poor Ellie in the dark?

But the drooped shoulders judged her. "I'm certain you'll be good at singing," she was quick to comment, hoping it would make Ellie (and herself) feel better. "You have a pleasant voice. Do you sing at all?"