Too Pensive to Notice

Prologue

London, April 1814

"I know you have always been up to the challenge, but I really cannot allow you to do this,'' Ophelia said with fake concern on her face.

"Are you backing down Ophelia? Remember you are the reason why she is doing this.'' This came from Renditia who was trying to balance her cup of tea on the saucer with one hand.

"I will always accept a challenge and carry it out with dignity," Elizabeth intercepted, "even if that meant social ruin.''

Prudence, looking at each of the ladies with a mocking glance said, "You are all being extremely dramatic about this. I am sure Elizabeth will perform the plot perfectly without anyone noticing.''

Ophelia gave Elizabeth an "I dare you" look and directly switched her gaze unto Renditia who was happy to having achieved her aim.

"See, I told you I could balance it." Renditia said to no one in specific. "Now back to our topic, are you sure you will do it Elizabeth? I am betting one month's allowance on this and you do know the Spanish book fair is next week.''

"I hereby declare myself a thief in the Loward's ball.'' A screeching cheer came from both Ophelia and Renditia after Elizabeth's declaration. Prudence just rolled her eyes toward the girls and declared that the only reason she was participating in this was the dullness of this year's season.

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation and then Andrew, Elizabeth's brother, came in.

"Good afternoon ladies - and Elizabeth, what are you all doing in the company of my uh sister?''

"Andrew dear, don't you have to go bet on a horse?'' Elizabeth asked with a sarcastic smile.

"You two are a joy and I am so glad I had such loving children,'' Elizabeth's mother suddenly announced from the doorway and took everyone by surprise.

"Mother, have you been here for long?''

"Just long enough to hear my own two apples scornfully attack each other.''

Elizabeth wondered why her mother still referred to them as fruits even after she had reached the age of, preferably unknown to the public, twenty one and her brother three years her elder.

"Hello mother,'' this came out from Andrew, who was situated right in front of his mother.
His mother, clearly devoted to each of her children, gave him a brilliant smile and turned her gaze to the ladies uttering her greeting. The ladies unanimously greeted her back and Prudence asked after her health. After a brief chat, Elizabeth's mother left the room and announced that she would be seeing them all at the Loward Ball later this week.
"Do you think she heard about our plan?'' this came out as a whisper from Renditia to Ophelia.
"What plan?'' Andrew, who was now seated comfortably on the largest sofa and was munching the last piece of cake, announced.

"About our plan to go shopping this afternoon; we haven't told your mother that we will be stealing Elizabeth for yet another afternoon,'' Ophelia swiftly lied.

"You ladies really like spending time with my sister?'' He asked as he made an effort at whispering so that Elizabeth wouldn't hear him, even though it came out as a bellow.

"Oh stop teasing your sister Andrew you know we adore her, and as soon as she marries, you will miss her greatly yourself.'' Prudence answered him with a confident voice, having had an older brother who had been married for two years now and was "greatly'' missed by the whole family.

Elizabeth felt like she had been quiet for a long time and she ought to retort, just so that no one would think her a mouse. This was highly doubtful knowing that she always spoke her mind and quite frankly to anyone's face. "I believe that the girls would love to hear about your first encounter with ...''
"Hmmm I believe the girls would prefer your company my dearest,'' she was interrupted by Andrew and as soon as he said his sentence, he slipped out of the room bidding everyone a haste goodbye.
The girls laughed aloud and continued their scheming and plotting. And also came up with a "life altering decision''