CHAPTER NINE
"Louisa, could you please pass the butter?"
Margaret and Louisa were seated in their usual seats at the usual time on the breakfast table, but today, something was strikingly different.
In a surprising turn of events, they were conversing politely, passing items to each other with a grace that was a stark contrast to their usual mealtime antics.
“Would you like a mix with the milk, as usual?”
Margaret, usually the one leading the chaos, gave a warm smile now as she shook her head. “No, thank you. Just the butter.”
Louisa, her blue eyes wide, seemingly trained to the change in atmosphere, carefully handed the butter to Margaret, avoiding any of the expected spills or mishaps.
“Why, thank you, sister.”
In turn, Margaret received it with a smile, spreading it on her toast with precision and care, again, a far cry from their usual hurried and messy ways.
As they nibbled on their toast and sipped tea, the two maintained their new found composure, each bite taken with elegance and each sip with grace.
The clatter and spills that often accompanied their meals were more than notably absent, replaced by a serene and refined air that enveloped the breakfast table. It was a delightful sight, yet worrying and thought-provoking.
With their golden curls neatly pinned back, and their lace-trimmed dresses spotlessly fit, they whispered various topics with impeccable manners, all while eating smoothly and properly, much to the amazement of their uncle seated with them.
Colin stared at the girls in wonder and contemplated whether to question their behavior. At last, as Margaret took tiny bites out of her favorite bakeries, unusual to her expected immediate wolfing of the food, he couldn’t keep quiet any longer.
Looking on in astonishment, he remarked, "Margaret, Louisa, my dears, you both are quite the picture of genteel behavior this morning.” He squinted his eyes at them suspiciously. “I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by this sudden grace and poise."
With a twinkle in her eye, Margaret replied, "Why, Uncle Colin, we thought we'd challenge ourselves to be proper young ladies today. It's rather enjoyable for everyone, don't you think?"
Louisa, her dimples deepening as she smiled, added, "Indeed, Uncle, we wanted to show you that we can eat and converse quietly just like the characters in our favorite stories. It's quite fun, actually."
She turned to her sister with joyous eyes. “I always wanted to try this approach. It’s so much fun!”
Colin chuckled softly as Margaret squinted eyes of betrayal at her younger sister. If he hadn’t known them beforehand, it would be abundantly clear that Margaret was the instigator and ring leader of all their crimes.
The girls went on eating, and despite his confusion and slight worry, he couldn't help but appreciate the effort and charm displayed by them. For once, the breakfast table was a delightful scene of refinement and elegance in the heart of their home.
"Good morning everyone, what a lovely morning it is, is it not?"
Jane’s melodious voice echoed through the breakfast room, seeming to bounce off the tapestries and clink through the fine china, creating a delicious tune.
“Good morning, duchess!” Margaret piped up immediately, her smile wider than most Colin had seen before.
“Duchess?” Jane pushed her head back in surprise, a smile slowly spreading across her face.
“It’s good to see you this morning, Your Grace!” Louisa said to her.
Her laugh was genuine as she nodded at the girls as well. “And it’s very good to see you both this morning as well!”
Demure in a delicate gown of pale blue silk, embellished with fine lace that cascaded down the bodice like a waterfall, the light dancing upon her fabrics, only enhanced her ethereal beauty.
Colin felt a rush of emotions as he beheld his radiant new wife. Her presence was captivating, the smile on her face like sunshine on a rainy day.
The air crackled with unspoken tension as he struggled to tear his gaze away from her. For a fracture of a second, his breath caught in his chest, confused by this sudden bodily reaction, completely lost in the sight of her.
Jane lifted a curious brow then and he finally realized she was awaiting a response. He cleared his throat and with a subtle nod, finally acknowledged her greeting.
"Indeed, the morn is fair, duchess. The young ladies are displaying an unexpected but welcomed decorum this day." His eyes were alight with surprise and pride as he returned his gaze to the girls.
