May I ask a novice question?

Thanks for considering to answer it by reading it! I am a novice, 3 months in and started because I wanted to defeat a fear of water and to switch major aerobic excercise from running (which was damaging to my back) to swimming. I've fallen in love with the sport and I think....I think it might actually look like I'm not longer trying to drown myself while I freestyle. I'm slow (100yds in 2 min 29 sec or 500yrds in 13 min 20s) but I'm pretty steady. I am signed up for a lap swimming class that will start on the 7th, I'm very excited at the prospect of having a coach to help me work on my techinque. However, until then, what in the world should I be doing with my legs? I'm finding my ankles are getting pretty sore at then end of my work out (I do a solid hour) and I question myself on whether my legs should be straight out and in a scissor motion or closer together w/ my feet doing most of the fluttering. Any direction would be greatly appreciated!! Sheala