London
Sunday, 17 April 1953
"Oh, is it not lovely?" The Beacroft girls all circled Josie and Sophie, admiring their engagement rings.
"We had no idea Arthur and Albert Fitzgerald were going to propose last night. Although we knew it was something that would happen sooner than later, it seems they are quite smitten by us." Josie said cheerily, her head seemed to be up in the clouds, and Alice rolled her eyes in irritation.
The five were having brunch on the terrace at the twin's home, Varanda Hall.
"Congratulations, cousins. I am so happy for you," Annalise said, hugging them both. "It is what you wanted, after all, to settle and start families of your own."
"I cannot believe you are betrothed to twins like yourselves," Elizabeth said incredulously.
"Yes, and we would both have beautiful twin babies." Sophie squealed loudly like they had any control over the matter.
"Ah yes, before I forget, Lizzy, congratulations on your pairing as well, mama told us last night." said Annalise.
"Thank you." Her rosy cheeks turned a deeper shade of red.
"Now, what's left is for Alice and Annalise to find suitable matches of their own," Josie said.
"If she can lower her standards, that is." Elizabeth deadpanned, referring to her older sister. "Alice keeps hoping she will meet the prince. Although no one can confirm he has returned."
"Maybe that is all it is, dear cousin, just rumours." Sophie tried to convince her. Alice blew the heat softly from her steaming cup of tea before taking a sip. "You all may be content to settle for mediocrity." She set down her teacup with a loud thud. "But I…I have my eyes set on perfection."
A fortnight after Josie and Sophie's proposal, their engagement party was planned. Everyone participated, working hand in hand to organize the first joint engagement party in the family since Alice's failed betrothal. This was no easy feat. On the contrary, it was exceptionally tasking. This was because the girls who were identical twins looked alike, talked alike and even dressed alike. So it was no surprise when they insisted on having the same engagement party on the same day. They wished to share their special moment with each other, which meant there had to be double of everything.
Lady Helen's garden was beautifully decorated to suit the perfect romantic atmosphere Josie and Sophie created and wanted their guests to feel. Annalise always thought her aunt Helen had the most beautiful garden she had ever seen. One of the reasons was that she saw her aunt's deep love for the garden and her constant care for it. Still, most importantly, when they married, it was a gift from Sir William, her husband. Hence, she cherished it very much and had always claimed it was one of her many blessings.
Annalise arrived early at Varanda hall to help her aunt and cousins with any preparations that may spill over at the last possible minute. She was greeted with the hustle and bustle of servants putting the finishing touches on their work. In their busyness, they brushed passed her, taking items into the house while others moved things out. This was just an engagement party, she thought. What would happen when it was time for the actual wedding?
Thankfully, she met Josie and Sophie fully dressed when she arrived in their rooms, and for that alone, she was grateful. "You both look gorgeous," Annalise said to her cousins, who looked bridal in their soft, matching flowing lilac dresses. Josie and Sophie smiled widely as they admired themselves in front of their vanities.
"Indeed they do." Lady Helen said proudly as she held baby Tim in her arms. Henry, her toddler, circled her seeking his mother's attention.
"Is there anything I can do to help Aunt Helen?" Annalise asked. Lady Helen seemed to think for a bit before replying.
"Go to the garden and see if Emmett needs any help. I have entrusted him with a great deal of work, especially the ice sculptures that the girls requested.
"Alright then, I will be back momentarily." Annalise started to leave but was stopped by Henry's cries for attention. The three-year-old clung to his mother's skirt and tugged it repeatedly.
"Oh, you," Annalise sighed, looking at her baby cousin with sympathy.
"Come here." She bent down to pick him up, and he ran into her arms eagerly. "Let us go to the garden." She cooed in his ear.
"Garden, garden," Henry repeated with glee, clapping his tiny hands as they left to find Emmett.
"Place one at the centre and the other in front." Annalise heard Emmett give out instructions. "And please do be careful. Mother would have all our heads if anything were to go amiss."
"Pweety lights," Henry exclaimed in his baby voice, pointing at the hundreds of candles lit as the sun set. Emmett turned around as soon as he heard his little brother.
"Oh, how lovely to see you both." He moved closer to kiss Annalise on the cheek and ruffled his baby brother's hair. Henry squealed in delight. "The guests will arrive soon." He said.
"Everything is ready, is it not?" Annalise questioned him. Before a response could leave his lips, a servant informed him that their guests had already begun to arrive.
"Well, it is now."