Page 30 of A Duke for Stealing
“Well,” she said at last, “It would be fun to have a party, I suppose.”
Rose’s smile brightened as Diana let out a sigh of relief. When Rose stood, she offered her hands to the girls and was delighted when they each took hold.
“What shall we do first?” She asked, leading them toward the table of treats. “Shall we have dinner? The cook has made some special treats. Or play a few games? We have cards, marbles, charades…”
“Pick out our crowns,” Leah stated.
The little girl let go of Rose’s hand and reached toward the bright blue and gold paper crown with little sparkling ribbons hanging from the opposite side.
“I want this one,” Leah said confidently, placing it upon her head.
“A marvelous decision,” Rose praised. “It matches your gown perfectly!”
Leah gave a nod of agreement and flipped the glittering ribbons as if they were hair. Rose couldn’t help but laugh.
“Am I beautiful?” Leah asked, then twirled.
“Oh, very much so,” Rose agreed, then smiled down at Diana.
“Your turn, darling,” she gently urged. “Which crown would you like?”
Diana put a finger to her lips as she studied the many colors left available upon the table. After a moment, she reached for a lavender purple one, with sprigs of baby’s breath and small stems of the actual lavender flower fastened to the paper.
“Oh, yes,” Rose praised as Diana sat it atop her head. “Very much your taste, I believe.”
“Do I look beautiful, too, Lady Rose?” Diana asked as she set the flower crown atop her head.
“I do believe you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen,” Rose answered fondly.
Diana’s face brightened, and she positively beamed at Rose.
“Your turn, Lady Rose,” Diana said excitedly. “Which one shall you pick?”
“Oh, I do know,” Rose said, looking over the leftover assortment. “Would you girls mind terribly choosing one for me?”
Leah and Diana huddled together. They whispered to each other and pointed to each crown, as if the decision was one of great importance. Rose stood back and watched with fondness. So far, she’d only seen Leah chastise her sister, not work with her, and it was lovely to see them getting along so very well.
“We choose this one,” Leah said after a while, picking up a bright pink crown laced with silver ribbons.
“Why, it even matches my gown!” Rose exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “What an excellent choice.”
“Come now, Lady Rose,” Leah insisted, “Kneel down so we may crown you.”
Rose giggled as she followed Leah’s orders, and the twins placed it upon her head.
“How do I look?” She asked as she stood back up.
“Quite well, actually,” Leah replied.
“Verypretty,” Diana added, smiling up at Rose.
“Thank you, thank you,” Rose sang, swishing her skirts. “Now, what shall we do next? This party is all about you two.”
The girls decided to start the night off with some cards, and with their paper crowns perched upon their heads, they nibbled at their dinner.
“So girls,” Rose spoke gently, “I should like to know more about you.”
Leah gave her a wary look as she nibbled on her cake.
