Little Emma dashed through the
bustling hall, narrowly avoiding colliding with servants carrying trays and furnitures. She squealed in delight, her tousled curls bouncing with each step. Dodging around a corner, she burst into the grand piano room, where her sister Victoria was engrossed in a piano lesson.
"Victoria! Victoria!" Emma panted, breathless from her sprint.
Victoria, immersed in the melody she was learning, glanced at Emma with a raised eyebrow but continued playing.
The stern governess, Mrs. Olivia, shot Emma a disapproving look.
"Emma, you know better than to interrupt lessons" scolded Mrs. Olivia ,her strict tone cutting through the music.
"But, but, Victoria , the roses...."
Emma exclaimed, excitement bubbling within her. Victoria's fingers hesitated over the keys, and she turned to Mrs. Olivia, pleading with her eyes. The governess, however, shook her head firmly, dismissing Emma "Emma, you'll have to wait until the lesson is over. Now out with you!" Mrs. Olivia shooed her away, a no-nonsense expression on her face
Dejected, Emma retreated from the piano room, casting one last hopeful glance at her sister. She knew the news could not wait, and with a sad pout, she made her way to the garden.
She strolled to the garden and sat down on the swing , occasionally sighing to herself " Am so bored!!" . After sitting around for a minute bored she decided a song she always heard the maids sing when they were in the scullery, her childish voice weaved through the air as she sang the haunting melody. Her auburn hair framed her face and her feet tapped along the music.
Unbeknownst to her , a little girl with her curious eyes, peeked from behind a gnarled tree trunk. As Emma reached a certain crescendo in her song, the girl couldn't resist but softly sing along.
" I ...I know that song "
Emma startled by the unexpected interruption spun around , her eyes wide with mock fierceness "Who dares to interrupt the daughter of a Marquis in her private concert ".
The girl shrank back with a hint of fear in her eyes , stammered " I- I'm sorry my lady, I didn't mean to intrude ". Emma channeling a dramatic flair , felt proud at being addressed as a lady and raised her imaginary scepter " I could have your head for such insolence! how dare you sneak up on me!".
The girl's eyes widened further, and she took a step back. "My lady please forgive me. I only wanted to let you know that I knew the song and also mama would be very sad if am killed " her voice going lower and lower as she spoke.
Just as the girl began to grow visibly frightened, Emma couldn't suppress her laughter any longer-term and the fierce act dissolved into genuine amusement. "Oh, dear, you should have seen the look on your face! I was just teasing. No need to be frightened."
The girl now realizing the playful nature of Emma's theatrics, hesitantly smiled.
Emma kept on laughing then asked "Wow, you were really scared huh?.. do I look scary" , the little girl nodded fearfully.
" Huh? My sister Vi thinks the opposite...by the way what's your name" Emma inquired.
" Madeline Miller".....
Emma smiled at the girl and stretched out her hand " Am Emma DeLaCroix, will you play with me?" .
Victoria sat in front of the paino, the morning sun screamed through the lace- curtained window casting a gentle glow over her golden locks. Her fingers danced gracefully across the black and white keys producing a captivating melody.
The governess seated nearby was entranced by music and her gaze fixed on Victoria's nimble fingers . After a few minutes, Victoria stopped, the final notes lingering in the air leaving a moment to serene silence. The governess still captivated, met Victoria's gaze with a smile and rose from her seat clapping "Wonderfully done Miss Victoria, " .
Victoria bowed at the woman's compliment with a smile on her face "May I be excused now Mrs.Olivia ?" She asked.
Mrs Olivia nodded and waved her off. Victoria ventured beyond the music- filled room,Victoria sought out her sister Emma in the vast estate. She asked some of the maids and they informed her that Emma was last seen on her way to the garden.
As she approached the serene garden, a scene unfolded before her: Emma engrossed in play with an unknown girl.
"Who's your new friend" Victoria inquired with a polite smile. Emma ran to her and cheerfully introduced her new friend " Her name is Madeline, her mother works as a maid here". She said ecstatic about the idea of having Madeline and Victoria becoming friends.
Victoria, observing the interaction, couldn't shake an unsettling feeling as she sensed an enigmatic aura surrounding the girl but pushed it aside as she thought it was merely an overactive imagination. Suppressing her unease, she asked Emma more about their newfound friendship. Emma, oblivious to any suspicions, narrated tales of shared laughter and common interests.
Yet, Victoria's intuition persisted, prompting her to scrutinize Madeline's every move. As the trio continued their play in the garden,