Louisa's voice rang out in a victorious squeal as they finally reached the gardens. "I can't believe it, we did it!"
Her excitement bubbled over, causing her to bounce up and down with unrestrained joy, a sight Jane could not help but find enchanting.
“Yes, we did! You see that?” She could barely contain her laughter and excitement herself.
Amidst Louisa's exuberance, Margaret did not restrain her own delight, joining in the chorus of squeals that filled the air.
Caught up in the infectious energy of the moment, Jane added her voice to the symphony of jubilation, grabbing both girls’ hands and bouncing around in a circle of shared triumph.
In the secluded beauty the three of them reveled in the freedom of the moment, their laughter mingling with the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
Jane began a playful dance with both little girls, the sun casting a golden glow upon their laughter-filled faces. The girls' eyes sparkled with mischief as they twirled and spun.
After that, they engaged in a series of lively games, the little girl’s youthful spirits egging Jane to find more entertainment with the passing moment.
As they frolicked amidst the blooms and verdant pathways, she encouraged their competitive spirits as well, igniting a fire of determination in both of them as they played.
"Faster, Louisa, you can do it! That’s right!" She urged, her voice a blend of encouragement and playful challenge.
Louisa, her cheeks flushed with exertion, pushed herself harder, determined to outpace her sister in the race they were partaking in.
Margaret, not one to be left behind, reveled in the fray with gusto, her laughter ringing through the air as she raced ahead of her little sister without restraint.
"I'm coming for you, Margaret!" Louisa exclaimed, her eyes alight with the thrill of the chase.
“Hurry up then, will you?” Margaret called back, laughing as she raced towards the finish line.
Jane, her heart brimming with affection for the girls, cheered them on, reveling in the bond of the moment, and the good memories that was blossoming between them.
The sun was finally set high in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden. Thus the trio paused, breathless and exhilarated, their hearts remaining intertwined in the moment of pure, unbridled joy.
Jane knew that this day would be etched in their memories forever. She felt as though she was reliving her days with Sarah, and each second felt precious.
With a wide grin, she huddled the girls close again. “All right, this would be our last game today. We’re going to-”
"What’s going on here?"
The tranquility of the gardens shattered as the abrupt arrival of the too familiar stern voice bounced around the area, sending the trio into a startled frenzy immediately.
Colin's tone was laced with unmistakable fury, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of annoyance and disbelief as he looked upon them.
Caught red-handed, Jane and the girls stood frozen, their faces a canvas of shock and apprehension.
“I asked a question, what is going on here?” Colin bellowed again, sending shivers down their spines.
Jane, her voice tinged with sheepishness, attempted to offer an excuse, "We... we were just enjoying the fresh air, Your Grace." She let out a forced laugh. “It is my fault. The air inside was a bit humid, so I simply thought…”
But before she could finish her sentence, his thunderous voice cut through the air, drowning out any attempts at justification.
"Why would you disobey me?" His words reverberated with authority; his frustration evident in every syllable.
He stepped closer, shrinking their figures as he towered over them. In the moment, he was a formidable figure of authorityand discipline, his gaze piercing through their guilt-ridden expressions.
As Jane and the girls stood under him, the weight of his reprimanding aura hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the consequences of their defiance.
Colin's fury blazed like a wildfire, his voice thundering through the garden as he demanded again, "Tell me, why are you out here? I explicitly forbade it!"
His eyes bore into them, a mix of disappointment and anger spread across his features. Jane, shrunk in his gaze, tried to defend them again.
