The day dawned bright and fair at the grand estate of DeLaCroix Manor, where the sound of laughter echoed through the air. In the secluded garden, two little girls, Emma and Victoria, adorned in delicate lace and ribbons, frolicked among the blooming flowers. Their innocent giggles filled the tranquil space as they chased after one another, their laughter mingling with the sweet melodies of birds.
Emma and Victoria giggled as they darted through the vibrant garden. The older one , Victoria, slightly behind, called out, "Emma, slow down!" But Emma just stuck out her tongue mischievously, fueled by the thrill of the chase.
As Emma continued her sprint, laughter echoed through the air. Suddenly, a playful scream erupted from Victoria, and she tumbled to the ground. Emma, concern flashing in her eyes, swiftly backtracked to her fallen sister.
Victoria, grinning slyly, pretended to be hurt, wincing as she lay on the grass. Worry etched on Emma's face as she knelt beside her. Just when Emma was about to ask if she was okay, Victoria burst into laughter, leaping up and pouncing on Emma.
Caught off guard, Emma burst into a fit of laughter herself as Victoria began to tickle her. The garden echoed with the joyous sounds of their shared laughter.
" Haha...okay, okay stop now or am going to pee on my dress" Emma shouted out still laughing, Victoria withdrew her hands and laid down beside her sister ,both huffing and puffing from exhaustion.
Emma turned to look at Victoria " You cheated again, that's not fair" she said with a cute pout on her face, Victoria shrugged and poked Emma's cheek with her finger " It's not my fault, you ran too fast and it isn't cheating it's called being smart".
Emma snorted " Ha..fool yourself " running her hand through her auburn hair she sighed lightly " Now my braids are all lose , mother's going to scream if she sees this mess".
Victoria glanced at Emma then raised up her hand to block the sun rays from her face " I'll fix you up before we go inside, mother won't know "
Meanwhile, in the Manor, Lady Elvira, the mother of the mischievous pair, was giving out orders to the servants as the hallow ball was around the corner and she needed to make sure everything was in place. The atmosphere shifted when she received news of her daughters' escapades from the senior maid, Mathilda. With furrowed brows and a determined stride, Lady Elvira made her way to the garden, to see the two girls laid down on the grass and in dirt- stained dresses.
"Emma! Victoria!" Lady Elvira's voice cut through the air, halting the girls in their tracks. They turned, eyes wide, as their mother approached with an air of stern elegance. "You mustn't play in the dirt. Your aunts are arriving, and you both need to present yourselves appropriately."
The scolding was delivered with a mix of authority and maternal concern. The girls hung their heads, chastened and apologized " We are sorry Mother".
Lady Elvira glared at them " You always say that .. this better be the last time... Go get cleaned up" and with that she ushered them away from the garden. Emma glared at the senior maid as she knew that she was the one who whisphered about their little trip to the garden to their mother.
In the brightly lit hallway, Elvira strolled back alongside her confidante, Mathilda to the drawing room.Their hushed whispers carried the weight of shared frustrations. "Those girls are incorrigible, Mathilda. Always finding mischief where none should be," Elvira lamented.
Matilda nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with shared exasperation. "Indeed, My Lady. We must find a way to curb their wild spirits, or society will surely frown upon us."
Arriving at the door of the drawing room, she pushed the door open " The wicked sisters have arrived yet my husband is no where to be seen" Elvira commented lightly while staring at the women sitted inside the drawing room, Mathilda walked closer to the lady and whispered " I received news that he would be arriving late my lady" .
Elvira frowned in anger " Be sure to inform me of his arrival...now go see to it that the girls are well dressed" she ordered. Mathilda bowed " yes my lady " and left.
As the day wore on, the sun casting long shadows across the mansion, Elvira found herself in the guest room with her husband's sisters Julianne and Adele, and a tension-laden atmosphere. The sisters, clad in fashionable attire, exchanged knowing glances as they aimed to unsettle Elvira.
" Where are the girls" Adele inquired immediately Elvira walked in.
Elvira knowing that the woman was out to insult her calmly replied " They were playing in the garden, but have been sent to their respective rooms to get dressed".
" Did you say playing in the garden? Covered in dirt " Adele asked, her face scrunched up in disgust.
"Elvira, my sweet sister, do teach those unruly children some manners. It reflects poorly on us all," Julianne remarked with a falsely sweet smile, a hint of mockery in her tone.
Adele chimed in, "Yes, and you wouldn't want DeLaCroix Manor to become the subject of local gossip, now would you?"
Elvira chuckled internally at the attempts to belittle her,with a steely gaze, she addressed the women, "I'll manage my household as I see fit. Your concern is neither warranted nor welcomed. DeLaCroix Manor is my domain, and I won't let idle gossip dictate its course."
In that moment, Elvira's resilience shone brightly .
Juliane and Adele were stunned as Elvira had never been this outspoken before. Adele, most especially hated her to the core and wished to tear her limb by limb, tightening her grip on her tea cup she said to Juliane " Imagine the audacity, Juliane. She speaks to us without caution... I wonder what nonsense she has taught the girls".