Once Uncle left, Lucy slept the day away. Early morning, as Mom had her morning tea, and snacks the maid calls out "Lady Zi arrives" Lucy glances at the woman, but her eyes are drawn back to the lemon cake on the table. I want it! I want lemon cake, too! Lucy sighs. Mom didn't bow, or anything. Is that just for the first wife? Lucy yawns, as they exchange polite greetings. She also has to endure being held. She has such calm eyes. Lucy watches her leave, wondering. What would give someone such deep peace? Can I get a little of it over here?
The Second Madam stomps in next. "Health, and happiness to the Second Madam" Mom greets. Her blue eyes held distain as she glanced dismissivily at Mom. Lucy frowns. Second Madam snatches her from the cradle, and glares down at her. Lucy's breath caught as the Madam's eyes came into focus. So bitter, so much hate!
What made it worse was the fake smile plastered on the Second Madam. I don't like you. Go away. Lucy wails in the Second Madam's face, making her jump. Second Madam bounces her. "Shh, child. Poor child" Second Madam says hypothetically. "It's a shame." Second Madam says, giving Mom a sideways glance. She shakes her head. "Such a shame. I hope your blood didn't hold sway" Second Madam says, seemly concerned.
Hearing the condescending tone, Lucy wishes her arms weren't trapped by the swaddle so she oculd slap her. I will remember this! Fed up, Lucy opens her mouth, and screams! Screams as she hadn't since she rejected the wetnurses. Lucy refuses to stop screaming, until Second Madam hands her back to Mom. In Mom's arms, Lucy continued to whimper, and fuss. At least until Second Madam left the courtyard. Lucy quit her acting, when she's gone. I have to rememeber that hateful woman! Lucy vows, engraving it on her heart.
***
Finally, the vist Lucy had been waiting for. Lady Isabella and Second Young Miss. Finally! My sister is here! Lucy stared at the toddler, who was in her mother's arms. Cute, really cute! Lucy ignored the knitty gritty talk. Big sister Lena was around 1 year old. Lucy giggled. At my age, imagine calling a one year old Big sister! Unfortunately this visit was the shortest. Lady Isabelle never even held Lucy.
Consort Ba Yu and Young Master came next. Big brother was 5 years old, he bows politely but keeps back, as Consort Ba Yu, and Mom banter with barbed words. This was the most hostile Lucy had ever seen her Mom. Lucy even lost interest in her brother in favor of listening to their sugary words that anyone with a brain would know were insults.
Consort Chen brought Eldest Sister. Big Sister Rosemary was 3 years old. She was like a little doll, wearing a sheer veil. "May I hold Third Sister?" Rosemary asks. She sits, as Mom places Lucy in her lap. Lucy looks up at those eyes, surprised by the emotion in them. Rosemary holds Lucy tight, and whispers into her ear. "Don't worry. First Sister will protect you! Always!" Aww! Lucy reaches up, and pats Rosemary's face gently. First sister, I'll protect you, too!
Lucy's reservations melted away. This sister forced her way into Lucy's heart, with that one sentence