Six The Musical One Shot

You enjoyed reading, but there was only one issue with that hobby- you couldn't actually read very well. You could read a few words but most of your ability to tell the story came from relying on the pictures along with having had someone read you the story before. Since you were a child, you enjoyed stories, liking the fantasy worlds you could go to and being able to dream about something far from your own life. As you weren't from the most well-off family, you weren't overly educated, it was just a blessing that you were able to become a lady in waiting to the King's sixth wife.

Catherine was a kindhearted woman, literate and talented with her words, if only you knew more of what she wrote than what she told you verbally.

Even without the education, you tried your best to teach yourself what some words meant but it wasn't something you could really do. Whenever you weren't needed, you tried to read, rather ashamed that the woman you worked for had sch a way with the written word and you could barely make out a handful of words. You didn't want Catherine to know, but you couldn't be so lucky, as she walked in whilst you were struggling to read one of the books that had been originally bought for the King's children when they were young.

"Oh, I did love that novel when I was a girl," she smiled fondly. "What is your favourite part?"

You hesitated, not particularly knowing what was going on in the book past what you could gather from the pictures. How were you meant to admit that to her? She would think you were stupid and could dismiss you for your lack of education. No one wanted a lady in waiting whom lacked even the most basic of education.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

A sigh escaped you. "My apologies, my lady," you said, your head hung in shame. "I only know how to read a few words, I've been trying to teach myself, but it is almost impossible to find a place to start."

"You cannot read?" She questioned.

"Not really no," you frowned. "I have always enjoyed learning of different stories, but my family never had the money to get me a tutor. It was a surprise that a woman of your status would employ me, I was just glad you never asked me to read your writing. I have always wished to read it, but I feared your reaction if you learnt that I couldn't."

Catherine gave you a gentle smile, resting a hand to your shoulder, a calm air falling upon you both.

"I would never dismiss you for not knowing to read," she smiled. "If you could have read my writing, you would know of my passion for women's education. It is the key to independence. I find it a great shame that young girls aren't taught the beauty of reading, not only to enjoy it but also to be able to be free from the grasp of educated males around them."

"I did not know, my lady."

"It is okay Y/N," she said softly. "May I teach you to read? If you do not want to learn, or have me teach you, that is fine. I can find you a tutor if you'd prefer, but if you would like, I can teach you."

A smile curled onto your lips. "I would enjoy that, my lady."

"Please, call me Catherine."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.

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