Liebe Pfingstrose

Before the Ton

Lotus Flower a symbol of strength, resilience, and rebirth

~Peony~

I have always found it quite difficult to begin a story, especially when they are about my life. I have to do it quite a bit for my niece and nephew. So I'll try to start back when my whole life shifted in the most dramatic way and inevitably ended here, stepping out of the carriage with my deceased Uncles to be escorted into the London Social Season by my Aunt Violet, Cousin Anthony, alongside my cousin Daphne. Well my mother Aster, grew up here before marrying my father Pierre, he was the Duke of Clarence, and she was the daughter of a lord from Surrey and was my aunt Violets younger sister and my father had recently returned from France, quickly following their love match of marriage, my older brother Anton was born, 5 years ago he met his wife Olive through the British social season, as the daughter of the Earl of Sussex they were like my parents the perfect love and social match, and shortly after had Dahlia and Louis, my nephew and niece. So now at 20 years of age, it may be my turn to travel to London to secure only what I plan to be a love match.

4 years ago however was when, as aforementioned, my life changed. I remember it as if it were yesterday.

*Third Person*

"Maman, do you and Papa have to go" a young girl of merely 16 ran out of the large castle doors, yelling to her mother, running after her before she made it to the carriage. "You should stay, celebrate the birth of Augustine" Peony had expressed her negative feelings regarding their trip many times before.

"Yes dear, we must, the King of Norway has requested our presence for his wedding. You know papa met him at school." Her mother said she was clearly excited to get to see some of the worlds, growing up she had gone to see a bit of England, and the parts of France she traveled to with her husband.

"My darlings we must be off," The duke said, coming up behind his daughter and wife, his salt and pepper hair glittering in the sunlight. He looked to his wife and motioned her to get into the carriage to have a moment with his daughter. Aster to her moments to give her daughter a tight hug and a quick promise of their return. With that, her husband helped her into the carriage, before turning to his daughter

"My dear Pivoine, as on my other travels I must ask what you would like for me to bring back?" He said, gently holding his daughter to his chest. She listened to the soothing beat of her father's heart before replying.

"The first branch that you brush your coat upon." He drew her away from his chest with a curious gaze. "That way, every time you look at it you shall think of me." The middle-aged man gave a nod at the thoughtfulness of his daughter.

"In return, you must promise to continue to write your stories my Pivoine. I want to read them upon my return." The father told his daughter.

"My dear, are you ready?" The duchess stuck her head out of the carriage door.