Sensing the shift, she arched an eyebrow, hoping her sister could see the scheming on ground. However, Sarah remained oblivious, cooing at the girls in repetition.
“I want to see the rest of the manor. I am intrigued.”
Before Jane could intervene, their father's commanding voice cut through the room. His authoritative tone left no room for negotiation as he rose to his feet.
With a furrow forming on her brow, Jane rose from her seat as well. There was no reason to refuse.
"Shall we venture outside then?" She declared. Sarah, ever the agreeable soul, nodded in acquiescence and stood up gracefully, ready to follow.
"Can we come outside with you, Duchess?" Margaret's plea was accompanied by earnest eyes. With a light laugh, Jane graciously consented, nodding in agreement.
“Of course, as long as you behave.”
"Surely, thank you," The young girl expressed her gratitude with a wide grin. Louisa, following suit, added her own thanks, a smile playing on her lips as well.
In a fleeting moment, Jane caught a glimpse of another quick scheming look passing between the sisters, and she wondered what they were up to.
Suddenly, Margaret reached out and clasped Sarah's hand, surprising her momentarily. Recovering quickly, Sarah chuckled and leaned down towards her. “What can I help you with, darling?”
Her question was met with an over-the-top pleading performance. Margaret batted her lashes as she expressed her wish to walk alongside her.
Louisa, not to be left out, seized Sarah's other hand, joining in the request, her gaze pleading as well. "I wish to accompany you as well, Lady Sarah. Please?"
"Very well, let us walk out together," Sarah's laughter bubbled joyfully as she blindly agreed to the girls' request.
Succumbing to their infectious enthusiasm, she allowed herself to be led outside ahead of Jane and their father, the trio's laughter intertwining harmoniously.
Upon stepping into the fresh air, Margaret turned and gave her a wide smile. Her tone was polished and polite as she requested again, “Would you please, oh please join us to play?”
“Oh…” Sarah was initially hesitant, but as she caught sight of Louisa's imploring expression, her words trailed off.
Her laughter, tinged with a hint of uncertainty, filled the air as she nodded, yielding to the girls' plea once more.
"All right, I shall partake in your play," She conceded, her tone a blend of amusement and acquiescence.
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the estate, illuminating the delicate flowers in the garden as the game began.
To everyone’s surprise, Margaret's eyes sparkled mischievously as she retrieved a gnarly worm from the flower bed, a sly grin playing on her lips.
"Lady Sarah, run!" She exclaimed, holding the squirming creature aloft.
Sarah's shocked gasp filled the air as she instinctively began to step back, her eyes wide with horror.
Undeterred by her reaction, Margaret advanced, the worm a peculiar offering in her outstretched hand. Louisa's laughter bubbled forth, a symphony of devious amusement that echoed through the morning air.
“Girls…”
Jane called out in this moment of stress, raising a quizzical brow at the unfolding scene, sensing the dynamics shift in this new relationship.
From that pivotal moment, a playful teasing dynamic had emerged. Margaret and Louisa, emboldened by Sarah's expected and welcomed reactions would clearly only find delight in teasing her further.
"Oh Lady Sarah, what a fright you are!" Margaret cackled and teased as she chased.
“Girls, stop that now! You two-”
Jane tried to come to her sister’s aid, but was cut short by her father’s sharp demand.
"While your sister has the children occupied, come walk with me. There are matters we must discuss," Henry's tone brooked no argument, his eyes fixed on her with a stern gaze.
