Madison could still remember that night from four years ago, her parent he,d a party to bind over with family friends . A lot if people came, most if them she didn't know. Kail was the only boy who was there along with his sister Lacy. He was 14 at the time and Madison was was 12. He hardly spoke to her , but she saw him walk around the estate and talk to her parents and other guests. His sister Lacy was rather kind when she was in conversation with Madison.
Madison looking back at the memory, started to wonder how the two were now. And felt a thrill of seeing the two…..if she could.
She opened the letter , she couldn't recognize the handwriting.
She read it:
Dear Miss Bellgrove,
I hope this letter has reached you. I send my greetings, and I hope you are well and beaming with health as I am.
I write to invite you over to visit my family's town house at Delshell street . As I intend to introduce you to my children who I hope you will be familiar with during your visit.
I wish for you to come and stay for about half a month, where we will be having various activities to explore the beauty of Hamshare. And also to build a relationship with me , and my family as we also see you as family .
I pray you consider , as this trip is meant to ease away the dull regularity of the world and also to help you explore. And feel free to bring anybody along as in this case the more the merrier.
If you decide to come please mind to arrive by next week Monday , which is when me and my family will be expecting you.
Sincerely,
Sir Joe Daniel.
"This is quite in expected" Madison said blankly . She had never known the father of such a family she hardly knew would want her to come as a guest and spend time to know her. It filled her with excitement.
"So do you want to go?" Madison's mother was looking at her, expecting an answer.
"Yes I agree, I feel like this trip will help me." Madison said smiling.
"Well let's just hope it helps you find a husband." Her mother said
Maddison' cheeks turned red. She had told her mother that she need time to find a husband. But it was clear to her mother that the short time she needed was like forever.
"Please be patient with me mother."
"Whatever Maddy , you keep saying that. Well let me tell you , young men are being taken very second so you better act . Because I am not letting my daughter marry an old man."
"Even if he's rich?"
"If he's rich it's good, but marry a man you love not to fill your fathers satisfaction."
Maddison knew why her mother had said that , her father had been hoping for her to marry one of his business partners so making deals would be so easy.
"Janet will also accompany you."
"Why?" Madison simply asked.
She had 3 sister , and she was the last but one. Her sister Janet was the second born.
She looked at her mother, but her mother was looking at her craft.
"Because she also needs a change of scenery like you do."
Madison didn't need to look at her mother to know it was a lie. If it was just a change of scenery surely all her sisters would also be allowed to go. But she knew it was because among the four sisters , only her and Janet made no action to look for a husband. And when it came to Janet and her lack of enthusiasm , there were arguments between her and their mother.
"Ok I will tell her when she comes home." Madison said , she suddenly hoped he would catch Janet soon when she returned from her shopping.
"No need Maddy , I will tell her . After all , you are leaving next week."
Maddy hesitated but agreed.
Janet and Zoe came home hours later before dinner. The two girls were laughing, and giggling as they looked in their shopping bags to take quick looks at their new treasures.
Dinner was silent, Madison was eating her roasted lamb and tart, Zoe eyed her vegetable before casting it aside and fixing her focus on the tart, Janet ate only vegetables and saved her tarts. And their other sister Eliza ate her food leaving the tarts out as she has no intention of eating it.
The father of the girls ate silently minding his own business , he never looked at his daughters. But his wife looked at each of her daughter with a disapproving gaze, she clearly did not like how her daughters were eating and casting part of the meal out.
After dinner the family were in the parlor. Their mother had already told Janet of the planned trip. And Janet found Madison that evening in the parlor and said:
"We are going on a trip, mama said I would have to go with you."
Madison looks at her sister trying to guess what she was feeling.
"Are you angry?" Madison asked.
"God no! Just surprised at the sudden adventure."
"Well this trip will be exciting."Madison said her voice steady even thigh inside she felt excited on her new journey to a town and her disinter accompanying her.
"I also am excited for this trip. But when do we leave for the journey?"
"Next week."
"My, that is only 2 days away!"
"Quite the surprise."
As the night unfolded Madison couldn't help but think:
"Quite the surprise indeed."