Secrets of the South

Chapter 3 : A Splash of Frienship

The sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Sophie's room as she prepared for another day in the enchanting south of France. Marguerite, her loyal personal maid, assisted her in dressing for the day. It was their fourth summer together, and Sophie was now thirteen years old, a bit more grown up than the girl who had first met James and Theo.

"Mademoiselle Sophie," Marguerite began, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "you seem to enjoy the company of those boys, James and Theo. How has this summer been for you?"

Sophie paused for a moment, considering her response as Marguerite adjusted her dress. "Well, Marguerite, it's wonderful to have friends to spend the summer with. But sometimes, I can't help feeling a bit lonely being the only girl. You see, they enjoy doing boyish things, and I'd rather do girl stuff, but I have no one to do it with."

Marguerite nodded, understanding the predicament. "I see, Mademoiselle. It's only natural to want some companionship that shares your interests."

"That's right," Sophie replied with a sigh. "I wish I had a friend who enjoyed the things I do."

Marguerite's eyes twinkled with a secret. "Mademoiselle Sophie, there might be a solution to your loneliness. I've heard some whispers in the village that a new family, the de Fleurvilles, has just purchased a chateau nearby. There's talk of them having a daughter, although I cannot say for certain."

Sophie's curiosity piqued, she looked at Marguerite with renewed hope. "A daughter? That's interesting. Do you know anything more about her?"

Marguerite shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Mademoiselle, but it might be worth investigating. Perhaps you could meet her and see if you have common interests."

Determined to discover more about this mysterious girl, Sophie decided to take matters into her own hands. After getting dressed, she sat down at her desk and penned messages to James and Theo, asking them to meet her in their secret treehouse.

In the treehouse, perched high among the branches, Sophie revealed the news to her friends. "Boys, there's a new family, the de Fleurvilles, who've bought a chateau nearby. There are rumors of a daughter, and I'd like to meet her."

James, always the adventurous one, flashed Sophie a smirk. "Sounds like a grand idea, Sophie. New friends mean new adventures!"

Theo, however, looked hesitant. "But what if we don't like her, and she wants to stick with us all the time?"

Sophie pondered Theo's concerns but before she could respond, James chimed in. "Theo, there's only one way to find out if we like her or not, and that's by meeting her. Besides, Sophie deserves to have more friends, especially here."

Theo's reservations eased, and they decided to embark on their quest to meet this mysterious girl. With a hired carriage, they made their way to the de Fleurville's chateau. As they passed by the garden, Sophie's heart skipped a beat when she spotted a girl who matched the description. She instructed the driver to stop the carriage, and they disembarked.

Approaching the girl with newfound confidence, Sophie introduced herself, with James and Theo by her side. James offered his charismatic smile, while Theo, surprisingly, smiled shyly.

The girl responded with a smile of her own, her eyes shimmering in the sunlight. "I'm Roseanne de Fleurville, but my friends call me Rosie."

Rosie had long, strawberry blonde hair that flowed like a cascade of silk, soft features, and pinkish lips that seemed to radiate kindness. Her light brown eyes were inviting, and Sophie felt an instant connection. Rosie appeared very nice and friendly, just the kind of friend she had hoped for.

With warmth in her voice, Rosie accepted Sophie's invitation to join them by the lake the next day. As they walked away from the chateau, Sophie couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the adventures and friendships that lay ahead.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The sun danced on the surface of the lake as Sophie got ready for another day of adventure. Marguerite, her loyal personal maid, assisted her with the yellow dress she had chosen for the occasion. As Marguerite worked, Sophie eagerly recounted yesterday's events to her.

"You see, Marguerite," Sophie said with excitement, "I met Rosie yesterday, and she's absolutely lovely."

Marguerite smiled warmly, her hands deftly preparing a picnic basket. "It sounds like you've made a new friend, Mademoiselle Sophie. How delightful."

As they continued to prepare their picnic, Sophie couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. She thanked Marguerite for her assistance and hurried off to the lake, eager to see Rosie again.

Upon her arrival, Sophie spotted Rosie approaching and greeted her with a warm hug. "Rosie! I'm so glad you could make it today."

The boys, James and Theo, were already frolicking in the water, their laughter echoing across the lake. Rosie and Sophie settled down, laying out the picnic and engaging in conversation.

Rosie shared with Sophie how her parents had decided to spend the summer here, away from Paris, and she admitted to feeling a bit lonely because all her friends were back in the city. Sophie nodded in understanding, feeling a kinship with her.

"I know exactly how you feel," Sophie confided. "I was lonely too until I met James and Theo. But don't worry, Rosie. We're friends now, and you won't be alone here."

A strong connection seemed to be forming between them, the beginnings of a promising friendship.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of James and Theo, dripping wet from their water antics. A mischievous grin played on James's face as water droplets fell onto Sophie, causing her to shriek in mock disgust.

"James, you rascal!" Sophie scolded, laughing despite herself.

He swiftly hoisted Sophie over his shoulder, her protests of "Put me down!" only fueling his laughter. With a gleeful toss, he sent her splashing into the lake, fully clothed. She resurfaced, sputtering and dripping, and a playful water battle ensued.

Theo and Rosie watched their antics from the shore, sharing a laugh. Theo remarked, "They're always like this."

Rosie chuckled, her laughter a soothing melody. The two of them began to chat, their voices filled with warmth and camaraderie. Soon enough, they decided to join Sophie and the boys in the water, and the lake became a playground for their shared joy.

Their laughter echoed through the air, a testament to the newfound bonds of friendship that were forming among them.

Their moment of fun was brought to an end by the arrival of their mothers on a barque. They called them to leave the water and prepare for supper. Madame de Fleurville joined the group, and they all made their way to the de Fleurville's chateau, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they shared a meal together, the beginning of what promised to be a wonderful summer filled with new friendships and cherished memories.