Streams of Starlight

3. A De'Chagny Family Outing

When spring arrived, the Countess had designed that all of us children would go on an expedition to the estate's small lake at the back of the property. The lady's maids and nannies prepared a delicious lux picnic for young and older.

The oldest, Phillipe, who was back for the weekend had been held back from seeking his father out for some hunting causing him to be in a very dark mood.

As became the custom after I met the twins, I had been dressed up by them that day as well.

"She looks like 'une fleurette'." Genevieve smiled across from me, we had all rode in the same carriage while the Countess rode in a separate one. "Phillipe, don't you think so?"

Chantel was leaning over the nanny's lap where I sat giggling as she rubbed her nose against mine, "The prettiest flower in the world!"

Her voice reverberated in the small space and I glanced over at the young master noticing he didn't even flinch as stared out the window of the carriage.

As soon as we came upon the end of the lane, the rest of the way had to be traversed by foot.

As soon as my nanny stepped from our carriage I spoke up. "Descendre s'il vous plaît." My consonants were still a bit rough and I winced a little as I heard the almost 't' sound at the end.

"You'll dirty your pretty dress, Mademoiselle Aubert."

I pouted hoping to use my cuteness but the nanny shook her head, I sighed and looked back towards the shimmering lake not far from where the carriage stopped.

A small dock with a little rowboat stretched from the far right, while a beautiful weeping willow draped its relaxed limbs over the lake's edge on the opposite shores. It was beautiful.

"Bel!"

"Oui c'est joli, Mademoiselle."

The picnic was set out on a large beautiful embroidered blanket that I would have feared to get dirty. I was plopped down in between my two sisters. Chantel immediately wished to share her food with her.

"Chantel, let the nanny feed Estelle."

"Oui, maman."

Chantel's face looked like it was already about to descend into tears, I waved my little hand gesturing for her to lean toward me.

"What?"

As soon as her face was nearby, I gave her a kiss on her cheek. Only wincing slightly when she let out a squeal and pointed to her cheek in excitement telling everyone who already saw what happened.

Genevieve leaned down at my left, "May I have one too?"

I nodded before giving her a kiss on her right cheek.

A merry laugh came from the Countess, a look of pure joy that was rarely seen upon her features, lighting them up so that all were drawn toward her like magnets. Even Phillipe's lips twitched as if he were suppressing a smile.

I set my little plate down and walked over. I didn't have to look behind to see my nanny closely following me as I walked around the quilt's edges until I reached the Countess's side. Her elegant lips pulled up and a flash of teeth could be seen as she leaned down her cheek facing me. I bestowed her a kiss as well and watched as happiness sparked in her eyes before her face returned to its serene countenance. I looked at Phillipe unsure. His eyes seemed yearning while the rest of his body was rigid and turned away, I giggled at him before walking over and patting his shoulder.

When he glanced at me, I knew then he wouldn't lean down and I wasn't about to start climbing him just to reach his cheek, just because his pride wouldn't allow him to receive a kiss. I patted him again before walking back over to my seat between the twins. A long sigh escaped me as I felt tired just from that little walk, but as the sun peeked out from a cloud it had been hiding behind I felt myself perk up. The clearing by the lake grew a bit more warmer and I couldn't help but smile.