Harper originally thought it would take Mavis at least some time to hire a qualified nanny for her. But she was surprised at the sight of Mary. She couldn't imagine what it took for Mavis to invite Mary. Although she wasn't a maid in the Imperial Palace anymore, she had served the emperor's late mother for more than thirty years. Therefore, she was an experienced nanny. Even the empress had to show due respect to her.
"Pleasure to meet you, Nanny Mary." Harper bowed to her politely. She really respected those who had outstanding abilities.
"My Lady, it has been a long time since I last saw you. You don't look well," Mary said with a smile, which brought a sense of relief to Harper.
"I heard from Grandma that she would find a nanny for me, but I didn't expect that it was you. To be honest, I'm a little flattered," Harper said with a smile. "I am not a talented girl, so please do your best to instruct me. Don't hesitate to let me know if I make any mistake."
When Mary saw Harper behave so polite and eager to learn, a gleam of doubt came into her eyes. The last time she saw Harper, she told her it was no good to be too overbearing. At that time, Harper just snorted and left arrogantly. But now, the girl in front of her looked completely different, as if she had changed into another person.
"My Lady, you have changed a lot." Mary was quite relieved. If Harper was still as arrogant as before, she wouldn't teach her even if Matthew ordered her to do so. But it was a good thing that Harper seemed willing to change her arrogant behavior.
"I have already died once, so I ought to change myself. I want learn the imperial etiquette as I don't want to be a rude lady anymore. Please help me, Nanny Mary," said Harper in a humble tone.
"Well, you only have a month. I have to remind you first that what you can learn in this short period totally depends on your own." Mary was very pleased to see the change in Harper. Now that Mavis had offered her many benefits, she was also supposed to give the best instruction to Harper. Besides, Matthew wanted her to see if Harper could be useful. She couldn't afford to be soft-hearted to Harper in the following month.
A month passed quickly and the day of Harper's departure finally came. Mavis looked at Harper, who was standing near the carriage quietly. Although she just quietly stood there, the passersby couldn't help paying attention to her. Having Mary instruct Harper kept the worry from Mavis' heart. The experienced nanny would not hold back in teaching Harper. Under her great tutelage, Mavis was sure her granddaughter would learn a lot.
"Grandma, let me help you." Mavis went into the carriage with the help of Harper. Her every move and smile exuded a charm that no one dared to criticize. Even Mavis was impressed by her.
"Harper, sit with me." Mavis stopped Harper and asked her to take the same carriage with her. To be honest, she only wanted to know if Mary would even consider taking Harper under her wing. But to her great surprise, Mary only thought for a moment and agreed to her proposal. Mary had once served the emperor's late mother. After the dowager empress passed away, the emperor allowed Mary to retire from court life comfortably. Even at present, all the servants in the imperial palace would show due respect to her.
"Yes, Grandma." Harper agreed to her request and sat quietly beside her. The more Mavis looked at her, the more satisfied she was. She had high hopes for Harper and she believed that many men would fall for her. Surely, Mary would know the best way to cultivate a girl's etiquette and manners. After all, Mary had stayed in the Imperial Palace for decades now.
"I once thought that you would soon give up under Mary's strict guidance, but you finally proved yourself. Good girl!" Mavis complimented Harper on her great performance sincerely. While saying that, she held Harper's hands slightly. She knew how strict Mary was, but she never heard Harper complain. And Mary had never said anything against Harper. Maybe Mary had a soft spot for Harper. 'If I send Harper to the Imperial Palace, she will surely be selected as an imperial concubine and become a good helper to my daughter, ' Mavis thought.
"I know how difficult it was to pull strings just to have Nanny Mary take me under her wing. I could only study hard to repay your kindness. And by the way, I haven't thanked you yet, Grandma!" Harper was about to kneel down before Mavis, but the latter stopped her.
"I know you are a filial girl. We are coming home now, and you shall not fight with your father and Sue. Is that clear?" Mavis said in a grave tone. "Your father doesn't like anyone to contradict him. Keep your head down and obey whatever he has to say."
"I understand," replied Harper.
"That's great. Then I am relieved," Mavis said with a smile. Although she didn't get along well with Charles because of Harper, he was his only living son. Besides, she couldn't live in the country house all the time. So she returned home when Charles sent servants to pick her up.
At the gate of Chu Clan mansion, Felicia was unhappy to see that Mavis was coming back. Her presence only meant Harper was in tow. Thinking of her punishment caused by Harper, Felicia became furious again.
"Felicia, when you meet your sister later, remember to apologize to her," Sue said in a soft tone. She knew what kind of person Harper was. She intended to make Charles dislike Harper forever. If all went well, he would disown Harper and even when Mavis would be unable to protect her.
"Yes, Mother," Felicia reluctantly agreed. Behind her stood Yvonne Chu, daughter of Carrie, one of Charles' concubines. Yvonne Chu remained silent all the time. She knew exactly just how cruel and heartless Sue was. She was going to be old enough to marry soon. And if Sue randomly assigned a wedding for her, she would have to accept her fate without complaint.
When Mavis' carriage appeared at the entrance, Charles stepped forward immediately. "Mother, you are back at last."
The carriage door opened as Harper helped Mavis out of the carriage. She wore a green dress, looking elegant and lovely. At first sight, Charles didn't recognize his daughter.
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