Finishing school Stories

London, 2013. The traditional Swiss and European-type finishing schools of yesteryear had long provided young ladies with an irreproachable foundation in all aspects of social etiquette, entertainment, and lifestyle appreciation. As women transitioned from the dining room to the board room, most of the traditional feminine institutions closed, leaving both women and men to learn 'it' on their own. Minding Manners was the...

Post-coffee-break lessons the following day began with embroidery. Simone thought of it as an old maid’s pastime and was not expecting to enjoy it. However, she quickly appreciated the skill and artistry involved; so much so that she swore loudly when, towards the end of the lesson, she accidentally stabbed her finger with the sharp needle and got a small blood stain on her design. The teacher, Miss Baker, glared at her....