"But Frau Matowski, I am almost fourteen, and I can dance. I have been taught to dance by the best teachers for many years. I want to learn to dance like them." With that she pointed back up the hall, towards the four girls still in their white ewe outfits, circulating with the other students.
"Well, the classes are open to anybody. They start again in just two weeks. Can you come to this hall after school Monday, Wednesday and Friday?"
"Two weeks! Can't I start immediately? Can't you give me private lessons? Please."
I looked to the duke and his wife for direction. All I got was two pairs of grinning eyes. Apparently they were accustomed to their daughter's behavior and were watching to see how I handled her. "Well, I have a small studio attached to my home where a few of my students and my family and I train to maintain condition. If Your Graces wish, I am willing to add your daughter to the class." Looking up to see His Grace's gracefully nodding head in acceptance, I asked, "You don't mind your daughter wearing the training clothes? Or being exposed to similarly dressed males?"
"The clothes are necessary for the activity. As long as she does not walk around the streets dressed like that—" the duke pointed to the four ewes "—then I have no problem. As for practicing in the presence of men, other than your family, I believe a Herr Carl Schockley is the only other male member of your practice group?"
I was bemused by his knowledge of my arrangements, but after I nodded that yes, Carl was the only other male, all was revealed. "Helene has vouched for him. So, if you will please make arrangements with Helene, Elisabeth Sofie will turn up when and where you request. Thank you for your time Frau Matowski. Dear, Elisabeth Sofie, come, it is time we left."
As the ducal party left the school hall I sighed with relief. An amused Helene Gundelfinger looked on. "It's all right for you," I said, detecting the smile. "You're obviously used to dealing with nobles. That's the closest I've ever been to one. I didn't make any mistakes, did I?"
"No, Bitty, you didn't make any mistakes. It was good of you to talk to Elisabeth Sofie as you did. Still, I expect she will be trying to dance on her toes."
"They all do. I remember rushing home from watching my first live performance, and trying to stand on my toes. The warning was meant more for her parents, so they know what to watch out for. But what do I call the girl when she turns up to class?"
"As her teacher you may call her Elisabeth Sofie; it will be a symbol of your authority. I will accompany Her Grace and her servants to the first session to introduce her and see that she is settled. Thereafter, only her servants will accompany her."
"Servants? As in, more than one?"
"Surely. Her Grace is a young lady of good blood from a wealthy family. The family cannot afford to take risks. There must be no suggestion of impropriety, or her marriage prospects will be damaged. She must be accompanied by her maid, at least one footman, and of course, her coachman."
"Coachman?"
"But of course. You can't expect Her Grace to ride or take the common coach. It would be unsuitable."
"But what am I going to do with all her servants while I teach?"
"They will wait. The coachman will return at the appointed time to collect her; however, Her Grace's maid must be with her at all times. The footmen may be left anywhere convenient. They are used to waiting. Now, as payment for you allowing the duchess to join your private classes, I suggested a couple of gulden a week. However, my friend Carl Schockley pointed out that the other students didn't pay more than a token, and that maybe the equivalent of about ten dollars a session would be acceptable?"
I thought about that. Nearly two hundred dollars a week for adding Duchess Elisabeth Sofie to the private classes would have been useful. However, it would have stunk of taking advantage of someone just because her family had money. On the other hand, ten dollars a session was more than what students paid to take my normal classes at the school. "Ten dollars a session will be more than sufficient. It is more than the school charges for a student to come to my other classes, but with a much smaller class I will be able to give her more individual attention."
"Good, that is settled. Now, the duke and his family are spending this Christmas in their castle just outside Saalfeld. It is about an hour's drive by carriage from Grantville to their home. I understand you will want a full rehearsal. Will it be possible for the servants and younger children to watch?"