Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 4

Before the twins went to sleep that night, they went through their new wardrobes, planning their outfits for the week. While Isabel began to feel her nerves at the thought of entering a ball for the first time with so many eyes on her, Miranda was exuberant! Her mind wandered to daydreams of romantic encounters, dancing by moonlit lakes with a true love, or being rescued from some terrible fate. She giggled at a particularly scandalous girlish fancy, twirling as she clutched a blue gown, making Isabel glance at her with a raised eyebrow. 

"What are you dreaming of?" 

"Ah nothing, just a daydream. You know, when I fall in love it will be with a true romantic, who is thoughtful, and will treasure me, and want to spoil me with gifts and compliments; not that I am so material that I expect gifts and compliments or think myself deserving of gifts and compliments, but it would be preferable that my partner in life think me deserving of such things. 'His reputation couldn't risk being seen with me'...really! I can't understand why he takes such delight in my distress!" 

Isabel, holding a copper silk dinner dress to her frame, laughed outright. "Gracious, he wounded you deeply this evening!" 

"He did not wound me!..." She handed the blue dress to her ladies maid to put away and pulled out a pink taffeta. "It is just frustrating that he still treats us like his little sisters. We are not little anymore, we are of age to be considered women and should be treated as such. He is so childish, he will never find a wife!" 

"He only teases us because we are his family and he is comfortable with us. And do not be cruel, I'm sure he will find a wife someday." 

"Yes, and I hope soon, it would be perfection to have a sister-friend living so nearby; and it would be good for him to have a woman's touch." Miranda discarded the pink taffeta and hopped onto their bed, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. 

"Em!" 

"In his house! And manners! Heavens Izzy, what were you thinking!" She chucked a pillow at her sister. 

"I do agree with you though, about having a sister-friend in Thornhill." the elder tucked her knees under her chin. "It must be lonely for him, living there by himself all those years since his parents died." 

"Yes." Miranda agreed thoughtfully, then smiled. "It is no wonder he has spent nearly every day with us since his parents passed." They crawled under the blankets and snuggled there as they spoke. "Ooh Izzy! We should find him a match! What fun that would be!" 

"Yes! I think we know him well enough to choose him a suitable wife, then we are certain to like whomever he marries! I think this will work, as long as you cease matchmaking for yourself long enough to matchmake for him!" 

"Oh hush you, I am not so desperate for a match as you seem to think I am!" Ignoring her sister's cry of 'you are!' she continued overtop her. "Oh I cannot wait for tomorrow night!" Miranda let out a rapturous sigh. 

"I can! I am sick thinking of it!"

~~~

They rose early the following morning, discontent to tarry in bed when anticipation kept them from slumber. At the unholy hour of nine they were bathed and perfumed and finishing dressing themselves. Isabel tucked some lace behind the square neckline of her day dress as Miranda's ladies maid prettied her hair and smoothed her pleated pale-blue skirts.

The day seemed to fly by with the flurry of last minute set-up. Draperies were being hung on balconies and pillars, flowers were brought in to decorate the entry hall where there would be refreshments and places to sit, massive bouquets adorned the grand ballroom and banquet hall. Guests had been arriving all day and rooms and meals were ready for them.
Aunt Lawrence was busy instructing staff, Isabel and Miranda helping her to test pastries and check and re-check lists until the clock struck one-o'clock. The twins had a casual one-o'clock lunch together in their room; Isabel finished first and left to find Aunt, and Miranda stayed to watch the maid's progress on ironing their presentation gowns.