Mary had just finished tidying up the house, casting one last glance at the neatly arranged living room. She made her way towards the front door, where her brother, Adrian, sat on the wooden steps.
"So he was here all the time while I've been working tirelessly for hours, doing all the heavy lifting, and I even hurt my hand in the process," she thought to herself. A frown settled on her face as she moved past him without giving him a second look. But then she paused, sensing something was amiss. Adrian hadn't teased her or called her attention to him.
Turning around, her eyes fixed on her brother as he sat with his head down. "Adrian?" She called his name, receiving only a hum in response. A hint of worry crept into her, though she concealed it. She took another step closer to where he sat. "Are you okay?" She asked.
Adrian let out a deep sigh and raised his head to look at his sister, who now stood a few inches from him, wearing a concerned expression.
"I was just thinking," he muttered, "when you finally find a suitor."
"Oh, please, Adrian, you don't need to worry about that now," Mary replied, a hint of annoyance in her voice at the topic he had brought up.
"You don't understand, Mary," he said with desperation in his voice. "Father is being persistent. I don't want you to end up with a lowlife who can't match your worth. I want to protect you, being your big brother, but at the same time, I can't defy Father. He might marry you off to just anyone." Adrian's grip around Mary's arm tightened. He had been trying to convince his father to wait for the right man to come for his sister's hand in marriage, but a year had passed.
"You don't have to worry about me, Adrian. I've found a man who is just right for me. He's a bit occupied right now, which is why I haven't introduced him sooner," Mary said, trying to reassure her brother, and it seemed to work. Adrian's eyes widened, and his face brightened. However, this was a lie; no man had shown interest in her, except one her father wouldn't accept. She only had eyes for Robert, who seemed interested in Aurora. But she was determined to prove that Aurora didn't care enough about him, and that's why she needed her at the moon festival. It was the only way her plan could work.
"That's good to hear. As much as I'd like to meet this fellow, there isn't much time," Adrian said, releasing his grip from her shoulder. "Where are you off to?" He noticed his sister's attire for the first time.
"I'm going to see Aurora. She was supposed to come over a few hours ago to discuss our dresses for the moon festival, but there seems to be a delay on her end."
Adrian settled back on the steps, his shoulders relaxing, and his legs spread open. "Okay, but hurry back home. I heard there are vampires on the loose, but it's a shame they won't be able to feed on your blood," he said, running his fingers through his hair before leaning further back on the step.
Mary's brow furrowed with curiosity, and she couldn't help but ask, "How so?"
"Because yours tastes sour," he said with a mocking chuckle. Mary's face tightened, clearly unimpressed by his supposed joke. She shook her head and left without saying anything further.
At Aurora's cottage, she had just helped herself to some leftovers. Her father was out in the field, leaving only her and her mother at home. As Aurora sipped from a hot porridge, she heard a knock on the front door. Just as she was about to get up to answer, her mother interjected, "I will get it myself. You stay here."
Aurora's lips pressed together, and she savored the spicy taste of the porridge, upset by the interruption. She watched her mother open the door, and a familiar figure walked in, rekindling her excitement. She had been wondering how to tell Mary she couldn't come and had been hoping for her friend's presence. It felt as though the universe was on her side.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Elboit," Mary greeted politely, wearing a friendly smile.
"Good afternoon to you too. You look so beautiful," Eleanor replied, examining the young girl who had matured into a pretty lady in less than two years. Eleanor, busy with work to cover up a debt, hadn't paid much attention to the girl living a few miles away.
"Thank you, Mrs. Elboit," Mary responded, her smile widening as she felt genuinely flattered.
"How are your mother and father? It's been a while since I heard from them."
"Mother and Father have been doing well and are in good health."
"That's good to hear," Eleanor said, her lips parting to say more. However, it was Aurora who interrupted, her patience waning as she eagerly waited for her friend's arrival.
"Mary!" She yelled excitedly, briefly glancing at her mother before focusing on her friend.
"Why didn't you..."
"We should go to my room. I have something to show you," Aurora responded hurriedly, avoiding Mary from revealing their plans. Without wasting time, with the bowl still in her hand, she pulled Mary by the arm with her free hand and led her to sit on her soft mattress. "Where were you?" Mary asked.
"Shh!!!" Aurora hushed her, signaling for Mary to lower her voice while listening at the door for any signs of eavesdropping. Hearing nothing, Aurora pulled her friend to sit on her soft mattress. "Mom said I can't go," Aurora finally revealed, her expression filled with disappointment.
Mary gasped softly. "Is it because of the vampire situation?" she inquired, and Aurora nodded in confirmation.
Mary pondered for a moment, and seeing her friend's willingness to go alone, Aurora, Mary shook her head. 'That won't do,' she thought to herself, before suggesting, "We made a promise to go together, and besides, it just wouldn't be any fun without you. If you don't go, I won't." Mary's words brought a warm smile to Aurora's face, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. Mary's dedication to their friendship warmed her heart, and she appreciated the bond they shared.
Aurora squeezed Mary's hand and whispered, "You're such a great friend, Mary." She knew that the moon festival meant a lot to Mary, and the fact that her friend was willing to stand by her side, even in uncertain times, touched her deeply.
Mary maintained her smile. "We'll find a way to persuade your mother," she assured.
Aurora sighed in frustration and slumped onto the bed, her gaze drifting to a dress she had chosen for the event. Regrettably, it seemed it wouldn't be worn. 'Another time, perhaps,' she thought as she tenderly touched the soft fabric.
Mary, her determination growing stronger, suddenly suggested, "Why don't you consider sneaking out?"
Aurora's eyes widened, and she sat up abruptly. "Are you out of your mind?" she exclaimed, looking at her friend. "If my mother catches me, I'll be in deep trouble."
"I'm not entirely sure about this," Aurora admitted nervously, her grip on her dress tightening. This was uncharted territory for her. "Isn't there another way?" She looked to Mary for an alternative but received a resolute shake of the head.
"Trust me, Aurora, I've done this countless times," Mary reassured her. The revelation left Aurora stunned; she had never known the extent of her friend's daring actions. What must have driven her to sneak out so often? If Mary had succeeded, perhaps it would work in their favor.
"Okay, I'll do it," Aurora agreed, realizing it was just for one night. With a widening smile, Mary proceeded to lay out the plan she had in mind.
Mary's resolve remained unwavering. "Then we'll make sure she doesn't."