CHAPTER SIXTY TWO – LACK OF FINESSE

Charlotte stiffened but remained silent as Margaret continued in a maddeningly patronizing tone. "There's a certain polish, a cultivated elegance that's expected of a woman in your position now. The way you speak, the clothes and jewels you wear, even the people you associate with - it all sets you apart as one of the elite. As it stands, you rather...stick out like a sore thumb, I'm afraid." They meandered along the gravel path as Margaret's criticisms intensified. "That coarse New York accent, for instance - you simply must work on elocution if you wish to be taken seriously. And I'm sorry to say your style is distinctly...off-the-rack, if you understand my meaning. No prestigious jewelers or haute couture houses in your wardrobe, I'd wager." Charlotte felt her cheeks flaming, but she kept her voice determinedly even. "Thank you for your candor and advice, Margaret. I will certainly take your perspectives into consideration as I work on assimilating." Margaret fixed her with a lo