2- Ribbons and Rebellion

 Emma sat down on her bed surrounded by an array of dresses, her face a canvas of frustration. The maids had chosen a dress of exquisite silk and lace, adorned with delicate ribbons—a dress befitting the occasion.

However, Emma, a headstrong spirit, insisted on wearing a gown of her own choosing, one that spoke to her rebellious whims.

"I won't wear this!" Emma declared with a stamp of her foot, sending ribbons fluttering through the air. "I want the blue one with the flowers!"

The maids exchanged helpless glances, well-acquainted with Emma's spirited

nature. In their attempt to avoid a tantrum, they hurriedly went to fetch Victoria, the older and more composed sister. As Victoria entered the room, she was met with a scene of turmoil—ribbons strewn across the floor, and Emma's determined pout.

" Miss Victoria, Miss Emma refuses to wear the dress we've chosen. It's a delicate situation, and we thought your influence might help," one of the maids explained, casting a hopeful glance toward the older sister.

Victoria sighed, her sense of responsibility taking over. "Emma, dear, the blue dress is more complicated and takes time to wear and you know mother awaits our presence. The dress the maids selected is lovely, and I'm sure the blue one can be saved for another day"

Emma pouted stubbornly and sat still on the bed. 

Victoria become angry at Emma's unnecessary stubborness and glared at her fiercely " Don't make me repeat myself" she said with an air of authority.

Reluctantly, Emma agreed, and with

the help of the maids, she was adorned in the chosen attire.

As they descended the grand staircase, the contrast between them was evident. Emma, with her twirls and playful skips, exuded youthful exuberance, while Victoria maintained a dignified poise, her steps measured and purposeful.

As they walked down the hallway they bumped into Mathilda, the maid tasked by Elvira to fetch them. Mathilda eyed them, impressed at their choice of dressing "Your mother is waiting. Let's go" she said.

Emma snorted at her and walked off.

Mathilda looked at Victoria in confusion, Victoria simply laughed " Well I guess she's still mad at you for telling on us" . Mathilda shook her head and chuckled, the young mistress was indeed a drama queen " I guess I'll have her favorite snacks delivered to her room later ".

Meanwhile In the drawing room, where the air was thick with tension, Elvira sat facing both sisters, Julianne and Adele. The atmosphere crackled with thinly veiled hostilities as the aunties sought to assert their influence.

As Emma,Victoria and Mathilda arrive at the door of the drawing room, they overhear Adele trying to belittle their mother.

Emma, with her impulsive nature, burst into the room, defending her mother with fiery determination. "Leave Mama alone! You're not being fair!". 

Adele was stunned as she didn't expect the little girl to speak to her with such guts " See, just like I said. Their mother has taught them no manners. No man would accept a woman with that type of behavior " She said pulling out her kerchief and dabbing it on her forehead.

Victoria glanced at her mother trying to figure out what had happened, Elvira simply gave her a look that said " You should know this women are troublemakers" . Sighing to herself she attempted to play the mediator. "Please, let us not ruin this gathering with unnecessary strife. Family should stand united."

Emma stared at Victoria in confusion wondering if her soul had been switched as Victoria was never the peacemaker unless she had an ulterior motive.

Adele took a sip of her tea and scoffed, staring at Elvira as she spat out " At least one of your daughters are sensible". Elvira rolled her eyes at the woman's remark 

Victoria smiled brightly at Adele " Aunt do forgive my sister, My mother and I would make sure she's on her best behavior next time you visit ".

Adele snorted proudly and ignored her. Juliane chuckled lightly with a more composed demeanor " Now that's settled, girls come over let aunty take a good look at you" she said , a hypocritic smile on her face.

Emma snubbed her and went to sit beside her mother, Juliane's smile cracked as her face turned red from embarrassment and anger. Victoria laughed awkwardly and went to hug her , Juliane feigned a warm smile as she embraced Victoria. "My, how you've grown," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. "Soon, you'll be a fine match for a respectable gentleman."

Victoria smiled back falsely "Thank you, Aunt Juliane. It means a lot coming from you.", Juliane gave her a forced smile while internally plotting to marry Victoria off to one of her conniving henchmen to ensure control over the influential Marquis's position.

Emma was now convinced of the fact that everyone in the drawing room had lost it as she couldn't fathom why everyone pretended to get along when animosity lurked beneath the surface. The drawing room became a stage for a silent war of politeness, and Emma wondered why they couldn't just speak their minds.

Marquis Paul descended from his carriage, his eyes reflecting the weariness of his journey. Approaching the imposing manor, he was greeted by the stoic butler, Alfred "Good evening, Your Grace. I trust your journey was satisfactory?" inquired Alfred with a respectful bow and took his bag .

Paul nodded, his gaze sharp " Alfred where is Lady Elvira?" he inquired, concern etching his features.

"Your Grace, Lady Elvira is in the drawing room with your sisters," James replied with a bow.

 Paul groaned unhappily "Oh, bother. My sisters are back," he muttered to himself. "My wife is going to kill me for leaving her alone with those two."

Entering the grand foyer, he handed his coat to a waiting maid, who curtsied

"Your Grace, Lady Elvira is in the drawing room with the young misses."

Frowning slightly, Paul strode purposefully into the manor, the grandeur of the entrance hall enveloping him.

As he strolled through the corridors , he encountered his daughters, Emma and Victoria,both with different expressions on their faces, one calm the other exasperated. Emma's eyes lit up at the sight of her father, and she joyfully ran towards him, jumping into his arms.

"Papa! You're home!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

Paul chuckled, hugging her tightly. "Indeed, my dear. How have you been?"

Emma's expression shifted, and she frowned. "It's been dreadful, papa. Aunts Adele and Juliane have been bullying mother since they arrived. It's unbearable!"

Paul's groan echoed through the corridor. "Just what I needed to hear. Lead me to the drawing room, Emma. Let's see what trouble your Aunts have brewed this time."

Emma took her father's hand and led him towards the drawing room while Victoria followed behind closely. As they approached the door, muffled voices and the clinking of teacups became audible. Paul took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the storm within.

Upon entering, Lady Elvira looked up, relief evident in her eyes. "Paul, you're back. Thank goodness."

He kissed his wife on the cheek before turning his attention to his sisters, Adele and Juliane, who were sipping tea with an air of entitlement.

"Ah, My dear brother returns," Juliane smirked, glancing at Paul over her teacup.

Paul forced a smile, masking his irritation. "Indeed. What brings both of you here?" Adele chuckled. " Incase you've forgotten, the hallow ball is around the corner. We came to celebrate it with you as a family ."

Paul rolled his eyes internally. "How considerate of you."

Emma piped up, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Father, they've been making Mother's life miserable. Constant criticism and snide remarks!".

Paul's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. "Adele, Juliane, I appreciate your presence, but it seems your visit has been rather taxing on Lady Elvira. I suggest we maintain a more harmonious atmosphere during your stay."

Juliane scoffed, "Oh, Paul, you always were the serious one."

Ignoring the remark, Paul turned to his daughters. "Emma, Victoria, go spend some time in the garden. I need to have a word with your aunts."

As the girls left the room, Paul faced his sisters with a stern expression. "This nonsense ends now. My home will not be a battleground. Behave yourselves, or I'll have to reconsider the length of your stay."

His sisters exchanged glances, despising Elvira more as they thought she turned their brother against them.

Paul, with a sense of authority, turned on his heel and left the room with his wife, leaving both his sisters speechless.