He seemed to be getting a kick out of annoying her.
“You must tell me what it is.”
“And why is that? Must you know everything in advance?”
“Yes,” she insisted, her tone betraying the frustration that she was feeling.
He laughed gently. “Well, alright then. If you are really so insistent on knowing, then I should tell you that I sent out an urgent message to the Trowbridges this morning, asking them for their company at the park.”
“Oh.” Her lips curled into a smile. That was great news. “Is Esther going to be there?”
“And the children, as well. If all goes well. I was thinking how the twins have not met them formally, and this is a good opportunity for them to do so.”
Frances was impressed by his thoughtfulness. After all, he cared to make sure that the twins were integrated amongst the people that they cared about most. It was something that a father would have done for his children.
“That was quite the foresight. I cannot believe I did not think of it myself.”
“Well, you must start giving me more credit, Frances Grant.” Christopher winked.
Frances blushed and turned to look out the window. Meeting his gaze when he had just called her that would only make her more flustered.
When they finally arrived at the park, the twins were more excited than ever.
As they started their walk, Esther and Phillip joined them, adding a cheerful energy to the group.
“Finally! You are here,” Esther greeted with her radiant smile. She waved at the twins, causing them to shyly hide behind Frances. “Good morning, everyone!” She turned her attention to the twins. “Are we ready for a day of fun?”
“Yes, Aunty Esther,” Frances responded with a playful tone, winking at the twins, who were peeking from behind her with curiosity. “We’re just getting started.”
“Oh, you make me feel so old when you call me that.” Esther giggled.
“I suggest that you get used to it.” Frances nodded.
If she was the godmother to the twins, then her sister was the honorary aunt.
They began their walk in the park. Christopher and Phillip were already deep in conversation. Edwin, the quieter twin, looked up at the trees in awe, while Ernest kept a watchful eye on every passerby.
It was their first day out of the manor after a long time, after all. Their curiosity was natural.
“Here we are,” Christopher announced, finally turning to the twins, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “What do you think, boys?”
Ernest’s eyes widened as he took in the scene. “It’s… big,” he murmured, awestruck.
Edwin nodded, clutching Frances’s dress but smiling shyly. “Very big.”
Frances knelt beside them. “It’s just like a storybook, isn’t it? Full of wonderful things to see and do.”
“Well, your cousin Theodosia is going to show you a wonderful time today.” Esther smiled.
Theodosia, with her bright eyes and curls bouncing around her shoulders, greeted the twins with excitement. “Oh, I have been waiting to meet you for a long time.”
The twins stared in wide-eyed fascination as she stopped in front of them, a friendly grin on her face. She was slightly older than them and seemed every bit the older sister.
“I’m Theodosia. And this is my little brother.” She gestured towards the tiny boy clinging to her skirt, who peered curiously at the twins.
“Good day,” Edwin said softly, his shyness momentarily forgotten as he eyed the smaller child.
Ernest, ever the more adventurous twin, pointed to Theodosia’s dress. “How can you run in that?” he asked with genuine curiosity, his brow furrowing as he looked at the intricate, lace-trimmed fabric.
