The next day, Minnie, Rachel, and Regina all sat on the balcony of the second floor to enjoy tea and treats. Rachel had arranged it to clear the air after what happened yesterday at the dress shop. There were many things she wanted to tell her daughter, many things she wanted Regina to understand about society but she could not open her mouth about it in case Minnie found out.
Even though her husband Nathaniel was supposed to be the head of the house and make all the decisions, Minnie had taken it upon herself to hold onto that position. Rachel was supposed to be the one telling the workers how to decorate the house, what to prepare for dinner, and punishing them when they step out of line. Instead, she was always mute while Minnie ran things. It was frustrating and suffocating as if she was still under the care of a parent.
Rachel wanted to get Regina away from this house and all of its secrets. To marry someone with a lot of influence where she would not have to listen to Minnie's commands. Rachel felt annoyed she was always made to be the villain when Minnie had done far worse things. However, to not break the happy image of their family, she kept her mouth shut around her children.
If only she had succeeded in the past getting rid of the problem at hand. Rachel glanced at Minnie who was overseeing the property. One failed attempt and the woman was still here. It might not hurt to try again. "How do you like the tea, Regina?"
"It's good but why are we drinking tea on such a hot day? The dress I have on is not helping. A nice cool lemonade would've been better," Regina stated, fanning herself to get rid of the heat she was experiencing. The sun was peering down on them but her mother and Minnie were acting like everything was fine. "It's a nice hot day. Too bad Aurora wasn't invited to have tea in the comfort of her own but who needs her here right?"
Rachel sighed having to go through this with her daughter again. "Regina-"
"Did you hear Minnie that there's a tea party at the Johnsons today? I'm surprised you are not in attendance," Regina said, starting to work her magic to get her mother and Minnie out of the house.
"Of course I know about it, child. Nothing misses my eyes and ears. Why did you bring it up?"
"Their granddaughter is in my dance class and when they thought I left I heard them discussing you. I can't tell you exactly what they said but I know lady Rosa will be there and a couple of other names I know you are not particularly fond of. Since you will not be there, Lady Rosa will have this opportunity to sway some of the other ladies in her favor," Regina watched Minnie's reaction and sipped her tea but instantly regretted doing so. 'This crap is hot as hell,' she cursed in her head.
She was trying to get Minnie to consider going to the tea party so that she and Aurora could freely enter the attic. The price to pay was burning her tongue.
"Since when did you care about these kinds of things Regina? It doesn't matter if Rosa will be there and Minnie won't be. Most of the women here listen to Minnie and those who don't know to tread lightly. One little tea party isn't much of a concern to us. It will always be those at the bottom getting together to talk about those at the top. Such is life," said Rachel. Why waste any energy on those women?
"Lady Rose is said to be bringing along Mary who has some interesting stories to tell but as mother said it should not concern anyone here. Though it would've been a nice surprise for them if you randomly showed up. A nice show of how people will always flock to you. I would give up my allowance to see their expressions," Regina chuckled, continuing on to entice Minnie. She knew her grandmother loved putting on a good show and being petty.
"Duncan!" Minnie called the family butler.
"Here milady," he replied, hustling to the balcony to hear her orders. Duncan was the family butler for more than thirty years and was well-liked by Minnie for his ability to carry out her orders efficiently. Minnie had personally kept him in the household even though there used to be rejection from other family members.
"Have the maids prepare a dress and jewelry fit for a tea party and the carriage ready in an hour for us to leave. See to it that the maids do their task well while I am away. I don't want to have to fire anyone again. I hate to see stains in the sheets."
"Yes, milady."
"Are you seriously going to that party just because lady Rosa and Mary will be there? It's not worth your time," Rachel said in disbelief Minnie had changed her mind to go. "Are you going there to confront them?"
"Confront them?" Minnie covered her mouth and chuckled. As usual, Rachel never understood her actions. "I don't care to speak to the two of them however, I am awfully bored. You need to work on your tea party skills because the sun is too hot for one outdoors. I am going to the party to entertain myself and watch them fidget unsure of what I might say. Go get ready Rachel."
"But I don't-" Rachel tried to object, but one glare from Minnie was enough to silence her.
This was why Minnie wanted to go to the party now. To show all those women there who might have the slightest thought of siding with lady Rosa, how much influence she had over others without having to speak. The only queen Minnie saw in the kingdom was herself.
Meanwhile, Regina was jumping for joy on the inside that Minnie and her mother were both going to leave home.