Chapter 9

"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.

Jane's smile widened as she turned to face the girls as well, her voice gentle yet playful, "Is that so, my dears?"

The little girls, in a chorus of excitement, greeted her eagerly, "Yes!" Jane laughed as Margaret continued, "It is indeed a lovely morning!"

"Okay, who are you and what have you done to Margaret?" Jane teased.

"I'm just trying to turn a new leaf, that's all," came the reply with carelessly shrugged shoulders.

Acknowledging their enthusiasm, she reciprocated their greetings with warmth, "Well met, my darlings."

A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she winked at them affectionately. Expressing her pride in their good behavior, she continued to commend the girls as she settled in her seat, her tone filled with maternal affection.

More to Colin's astonishment, Margaret spoke up with joy and genuine excitement in her tone, "You must keep your promise now, dear duchess. We behaved well today, like we'd agreed."

Oh, a bargain had already been struck. That makes sense.

He thought to himself.

Echoing her sister's sentiment, Louisa chimed in eagerly, "Yes, yes, Lady Jane, you promised!"

Jane's laughter tinkled like crystal as she popped a small piece of cake in her mouth, feigning contemplation with a hand on her chin, "Oh, my dears, I seem to be at a loss. Pray, enlighten me. What is this promise you speak of?" Her theatrical gesture betrayed her sarcasm.

Louisa's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice tinged with urgency as she spoke, "Lady Jane, have you truly forgotten?"

Margaret's expression was a mix of disappointment and determination as she interjected with a slight pout, "You promised, Lady Jane. You said we would play after our lessons today." She frowned.

Jane's laughter danced through the room again, enchanting Colin's ears. With a nod towards the girls, she reassured them, "Of course, my dears, I remember."

A playful glint in her eyes, she pointed a finger in jest, teasing, "You may play, but only if your good behavior continues."

The girls' joyous outburst filled the air, their excitement palpable. Raising a playful brow at their exuberance, Jane observed as Margaret gently tapped her sister, prompting them to regain composure instantly.

The girls, now poised, offered her a respectful nod. In an overly hushed tone, Margaret expressed their elation. "We are truly overjoyed by this, duchess. We appreciate you keeping to your word."

Louisa, following her sister's sentiment, chimed in with a sudden maturity, "Indeed, Lady Jane we are."

Colin sat transfixed, his gaze locked on the unexpected scene unfolding before him. The sight of his nieces, transformed into paragons of decorum, filled him with more astonishment than he could describe.

Perplexed, he pondered the enigma of his wife's influence over the girls. He marveled at the genuine affection shining in their eyes, a testament to the bond they shared with her.

As he observed the graceful, continued interaction between her and the girls, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind. Colin's heart swelled with admiration and bewilderment at the mystery of her gentle authority.

The realization dawned on him that her approach must be one of kindness and understanding, for the girls responded not out of fear but out of genuine fondness. Still, it felt all but too sudden for such magic to have occurred.

What has this woman done to my nieces and who are those girls?

Colin was shocked and impressed with what he was witnessing. Jane had managed to influence the girls for the better within only a few days. And all because of a simple deal like this? She must have some experience as a diplomat for there was no other explanation.

The more he observed the interaction between his wife and the girls, the more his heart swelled with emotion. One he couldn't place exactly. Was it admiration? Bewilderment? Or worse, fondness?

Jane chuckled at the girls' antics once more, telling them, "Go on, enjoy your food. We'll have fun in the garden later."

The girls squealed softly, exchanging excited glances before nodding eagerly at her. "Yes!"

Louisa spoke, barely containing her excitement, "We can't wait to play outside with you."

Margaret chimed in, "It's going to be so much fun…I hope."

Not being ready to accept the jealousy that grew as he sensed a mysterious undercurrent in Jane's interaction with the girls without him, he interjected in a tone that brooked no argument, halting their expressions of gratitude.

"Absolutely not. There will be no playing outside." He declared firmly, his voice cutting through the room like a sharp blade.

An immediate silence enveloped the table like a heavy mist, each person's gaze turning towards Colin, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Jane, her eyes now filled with confusion turned to him. "Why? What seems to be the issue?" She questioned, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise and slight annoyance.

Colin, resolute in his stance, shook his head, his words carrying an air of authority. "It should be evident. I cannot permit such behavior. Ladies should not engage in activities that soil their attire."

He scoffed and shook his head. "Louisa and Margaret are not babies. It's silly for them to be ‘playing' anyway. They have better things to do, like focus on their studies."

"They simply are not allowed to do anything else. Else, it'd be inappropriate." He proclaimed matter-of-factly, then let his gaze return to his plate as if to emphasize his point, leaving no more room for the conversation.

After his decisive statement, a thick tension hung in the air. The once harmonious breakfast scene now fractured, a clear clash of opinion creating a rift in the formerly genteel atmosphere of the room.

Jane's brow furrowed in contemplation, and he could see the disappointment and confusion on the girls' faces. .

"And who, pray tell, decides what is appropriate or inappropriate?"

Her voice was steady yet laced with subtle defiance. Her raised brow spoke volumes, adding to the heaviness of the question hanging in the air.

Colin's eyes widened in astonishment at her audacity to question him. "Is it not common knowledge?" He retorted, his tone edged with disbelief, "That ladies must maintain cleanliness above all?"

Undeterred by his stern stance, Jane held her ground, her words a gentle yet firm rebuke. "Fortunately, the girls are within the confines of their home, so none of that is of importance here, Your Grace."

He attempted to speak but she cut him short before he could carry on, "And aren't Margaret and Louisa all but ten and eight? They are, indeed, babies, don't you think?"

Dismantling his stance, she carried on, "It makes no sense to have such rigid views in a place that should be their haven. Confining ladies to the absurdity of the constraints of societal norms that stifle their natural inclinations, in their own home?"

"What absurdity? How is it wrong to train them to be respectable ladies of society at a young age?" His eyes were nearly popping out their sockets at her countering. "And is it not said it is best to teach the woman in the confines of her home so she can be accustomed to such behavior when she steps out in society?"

He glared at her, daring for another response, and Jane delivered instantaneously. "Train her? You speak as though women are mere chattel for you to groom and send off for benefits."

Colin lifted a brow. "That is not at all what I said. You-"

"I'd have you know, Your Grace, if there was anyone to be able to speak on matters such as this, it would be I, as I have lived in their shoes, and I have more than enough experience as a woman myself to say what is proper."

He scoffed and eyed her curiously, more than surprised at her ability to banter. "And that's because you have been such a picture of perfection in society?"

Jane's jaw dipped slightly, "Excuse me?" She laughed incredulously, "No matter, the point is I am a woman. Thus, I know more about what is expected and what could affect our performance in the long run."

Her eyes were demanding as she argued on, "The girls can enjoy a bit of playtime, and they will be fine. A few minutes of leisure surely would not wreck their chances at finding grand suitors in the future."

The air in the room grew heavy with tension as they continued their heated debate. Despite the measured tones, their voices clashed like thunder in the midst of a storm.

Colin's tone was firm, his words cutting through the charged atmosphere as he lifted his hands in the air, cutting Jane short on a rant. "I have made my decision, and it stands final," he declared, unwavering in its resolve.

"My nieces shall not waste their valuable time playing around in the grass like the common folk."

Jane, undeterred by his finality, pressed on with her argument, her words a mix of anger and bewilderment. "Your Grace, you told me to take care of your nieces, and that is exactly what I am doing. You must understand that I know what I am doing," She implored, her voice tinged with urgency, "I beg you at least let this day be, we can discuss this later. I have a made a promise I must keep."

"I shall discuss nothing with you for I have no need to do that. I make the decisions." His patience wore thin as she persisted, his expression hardening with the passing second.

"Enough, Jane," He bellowed sharply. His authoritative tone left no room for negotiation, and emphasizing the finality of the decision, he dropped his utensils and noisily rose from his seat.

As he strode away, the echo of his footsteps filled the room, leaving Jane with her responses unsaid, her gaze fixed on the empty space he had occupied moments before.

The tension lingered in the air still up until he reached the door, and Jane had to hold herself from screaming after him.

Her eyes followed his departure out the door and she waited for the minutes to pass, ensuring he would not make a return.

Then, with a mischievous glint dancing in her gaze, she beckoned for the girls to come close. As they leaned in, she lowered her voice conspiratorially, the air thick with secrecy and excitement.

"Don't worry," She whispered, determination ringing in her tone. "We're going to sneak outside once we've finished here."

Margaret's eyes sparkled with delight, her excitement bubbling over as she exclaimed, "Lady Jane, I never thought I'd say this but…you're the most amazing lady I've ever met!"

Surprisingly, Louisa was the one who hushed her sister, worry and caution in her expression as her eyes darted towards the door.

Jane's laughter rang through the room, a blend of amusement and camaraderie as she reassured Margaret, "And you're just as astounding, my dear."

With a sly smile, Jane urged the girls, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "Hurry up, my dears, so we may have more time for our little escapade."

The girls, their faces illuminated with the thrill of the forbidden, exchanged knowing glances, a silent agreement passing between them.

"Yes!"