Sadie's gaze lingers on Elise's shadowy silhouette as she vanishes into the velvety embrace of the early May night. The air is laced with whispers, the remnants of conversation from the departing guests, yet Sadie's attention remains elsewhere. Though duty tugs at her like an insistent hand, urging her to join her father in the regal expanse of the Great Hall, she finds herself drawn elsewhere.
The refuge of her mother's rose garden beckons, its allure irresistible. Despite the buds not yet opening their full splendor, the garden surrounds Sadie in a cocoon of tranquility. The delicate rustle of leaves mingles with the heady perfume of marigolds and pansies.
As she walks, her steps guided by the moon's soft glow, Sadie pauses at the threshold of memory—the twin cherry trees that stand watch at the path's edge.
Memories flood her head and heart. She recalls her mother's laughter, tinkling like wind chimes on a summer breeze, and her father's lively voice, resonating through the air like the melody of a beloved song.
"There you are, my dear. I've been looking for you." Edwin's firm but gentle voice shakes Sadie from her memories. "Come, our guests are leaving, and you must say farewell to a few."
"Of course, father," Sadie replies.
She forces a small smile, her heart heavy with the weight of the evening. A brisk breeze blows across the lawn and seeps into Sadie's bones, causing her to shiver.
Edward senses her chill and immediately wraps a protective arm around her slender frame.
"Are you cold, my dear?" he inquires, concern etched in his features as they begin to make their way down the path lined with fragrant lavender.
"A little," Sadie admits, her voice a soft murmur, as she nestles into the protective embrace of her father.
"Did Charles manage to locate you? He left the table in search of you." Edwin asks.
At the mention of Charles, Sadie's heart skips a beat, a subtle tremor coursing through her veins, betraying the uneasiness within.
Edward's concern deepens, etching lines of worry across his brow as they make their way toward the grandeur of the great hall. The mansion's extravagance glows in the flickering glow of gas lamps, casting shadows that dance upon the polished surfaces of Caen stone and marble. Within the vestibule, a select few guests linger, their figures bathed in the warm embrace of lamplight.
"Another splendid evening, Edwin," Arthur Shaw, Edwin's business partner and closest friend, praises, his voice resonating with admiration as he clasps Edwin's hand in a firm shake.
"Indeed, quite splendid," Alice adds, her gaze softening as she wraps Sadie in a tender hung. Leaning close, she whispers, "Your mother would be so proud of you, Sadie."
"Thank you both for gracing us with your presence. Arthur, I shall expect you promptly Monday morning."
"Indeed."
As the final guest bids farewell, Edward embraces Sadie, kissing her forehead tenderly. With the sharpness of a caring father, he holds her at arm's length, studying her with pride.
"You look so much like your mother right now," Edward murmurs. "How I wish she could see the remarkable woman you've become."
"Me too, Father," Sadie responds, her voice trembling.
"She would be overflowing with pride, just as she always was," Edward adds, his own emotions threatening to spill over as he sees the tears welling in Sadie's eyes.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Sadie breaks down, her sobs echoing through the now-silent night. Edward holds her in a comforting embrace, offering her solace as she pours out her heartache onto his protective shoulders.
Gently stroking her hair, Edward whispers soothing words, his own sorrow mingling with hers. "It's alright, my dear. I miss her too."
Eventually, Sadie's tears subside, and Edward loosens his embrace, releasing her from the tight hold.
Gazing tenderly at his beloved daughter, Edward exhales a soft sigh. "This has been so tough on you. Please, what can I do?"
Sadie, appreciating her father's concern, stands on her tiptoes and places a soft kiss on his cheek. "I am fine father. I promise."
"Alright, my darling, try to get some rest. Charles has expressed a desire to call upon you tomorrow afternoon and take you for a stroll."
With a delicate effort, Sadie conjures a faint smile, a fleeting gesture she knows her father yearns to witness. She nods her head in acknowledgment, the soft echo of her footsteps reverberating against the marble floors as she ascends the staircase.
From below, her father's voice drifts upward like a gentle breeze, carrying with it a sense of concern and paternal warmth. "Would you care for Ms. Brooks to attend to you in preparing for bed?" he offers, his tone infused with solicitousness.
A rosy hue blush blooms upon Sadie's cheeks, a shy response to the mere mention of Elise's name that surprises her. Swiftly composing herself, she murmurs, "Yes, that would be most appreciated. Thank you, father."
"Of course, my dear," Edward's voice resonates, a reassuring echo, as Sadie seeks solace within the tranquil sanctuary of her bedroom to await Elise.