Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 49: Preparing the Garden Party~

Lewis sat on a bench in the garden by the tables set up, reading a love story to the three girls listening eagerly on the floor. Both Emily and Leora sat upright with wide eyes, whilst Catherine lazily listened, laying on the grass, running her fingers through the dirt. All of them had chosen to wear fantasy props for fun: Leora a pair of fairy wings, Emily and pirates hat, and Catherine a strange flat cap, in an ugly red colour. Lewis glanced down at them from his book, before smiling, marvellously.
"Hang on a moment, girls; I think this moment is photo worthy," He set the book down and went to the camera he'd set up for the party.
"There he goes again, taking more photos," Emily sighed.
Leora giggled," Oh don't be like that, Em. I think the photos are rather charming; especially on a day like this."
Catherine hadn't noticed, still playing with the dirt, languidly. Leora smirked and gently shook her.
"Cathy, he's taking a photo!"
"Oh!" Catherine giggled at her absentmindedness, immediately sitting upright.
The girls giggled, gently hugging each other close as Lewis went under the covers of the camera to take an image. With a bright flash, the moment was captured in an instant.

As he did, the servants started rushing out to set the table; looking quite worried.
"Father, a magic trick!" Catherine requested.
Both Emily and Leora nodded, eagerly, looking up at him expectantly with bright eyes. Lewis smiled and walked over to them, gesturing for them to stand.
"How could I deny such gorgeous girls the pleasure of wonder?" He smiled.
From his jacket, he pulled out a set of cards, and asked them each to pick a card. From there he did his standard tricks, which all of them had seen before, yet none of them were ever bored of them. As he did, Mistress Mohan walked out of the patio, glancing around the site bitterly; looking for perfection.
"Here, stand back, girls," Lewis grinned; holding a heart cut up on a piece of card," Leora, stand opposite me and pull."
Leora pulled the heart, laughing in wonder as they slowly revealed a long paper chain of them; about a metre long. Mistress Mohan marched over to the middle of it, and tugged at the paper, sharply; breaking it in an instant.
"No more foolish play, Leora!" She snapped.
Lewis glanced away, uncomfortably; his daughter's immediately pouting alongside him.
Leora glared at her grandmother," You spoil everything!"
"I wouldn't have to if you actually did what you were supposed to, you stupid girl."

Leora sniffled, staring at the short chain of paper hearts and rushed over to her cousins; as they moved to console her.
"She's spoiled it, I'm sorry," Leora muttered.
"It's not your fault," Catherine consoled.
"Besides," Emily smiled with a whisper," Father can make another."
"Girls!" Mistress Mohan raised her voice, storming over to them," What on earth are you wearing!?"
Lewis frowned," The girls were just playing, Mi-"
"There will be no time for this foolish playing!" Mistress Mohan snapped, storming over to them," You all look a state! Leora, turn!"
The girl miserably turned, allowing her grandmother to seeth at the fake fairy wings protruding out of her back. Mistress Mohan then stormed over to Emily, recoiling in disgust at the pirate hat on her head. She then made her way to Catherine, expectantly gesturing for the girl to hold her hands out. Catherine nervously did so, and Mistress Mohan took them in an instant; pale at the sight of the dirt covering her nails.
"Change, the lot of you," She grumbled, looking almost lightheaded from the idea of anything being out of order.
From the patio, more servants stumbled out; starting to bring out the foods and refreshments to adorn the tables for the guests. Both Emily and Catherine rushed into the manor, not wanting to irritate Mistress Mohan further.

However, Leora thought there was no point. After all, she was too busy barking orders at all the servants.
"Put them in colour order, and arrange them by taste! Yes, savory first, then sweet! Make sure that jelly is on there properly, now! Who has put the knives and forks in the wrong order!? Were you born in a pig stye? Where are the tarts!? We must not forget the tarts!"
Leora crept over to her uncle, who was making himself busy with his sketchbook on the bench. She peered over his shoulder with a smile.
"Can I join, Uncle Lewis?"
Lewis smiled, grandly, petting the bench beside him," Of course, dear. Here, sit. I've just been doing a study on ivy you see..."
Jiu had finally returned from the village with the roses he and Archie had got. Mistress Mohan had strictly commanded for white roses only, as they had the true essence of a wedding and the purity she strived for.
"You!" Mistress Mohan commanded, beckoning him over to the table," You have the roses for the bouquet, I trust."
Jiu miserably shuffled over, holding them out for her to see," Yes, Madam."
Mistress Mohan scanned the contents, her hawkish gaze scrutinizing and stern. Suddenly, like a bird of prey swooping in for its kill; she dug out a rose from the bunch and held it up for him to see. Red petals.