Deviating from the original plot

Chapter six

Her grandmother laughed, a nostalgic twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, we had plenty of fun here. I remember when your mother managed to convince her brothers that eating snow was perfectly safe since it was just frozen water. Naturally, they ended up sick afterwards. We were absolutely exasperated—and terribly worried."

Victoria let out a small laugh. "She really did that? She sounds... interesting."

"She was," her grandfather agreed. "You look just like her."

Victoria lowered her gaze. She wasn't sure how to respond and for some reason, that made her chest tighten.

Sensing her thoughts, the Duchess Dowager changed the subject. "Come, let's visit the greenhouse. It's where I keep my winter roses. Your mother used to love them, and I think you will too."

Victoria smiled faintly. "I'd love to see them."

The three of them continued their walk through the snow-dusted paths until they reached the greenhouse. Warmth greeted them as they stepped inside, a stark contrast to the crisp winter air outside. The space was filled with the delicate scent of flowers, and Victoria's eyes widened at the sight of the vibrant winter roses—soft petals in shades of white, pink, and blue blooming despite the cold season.

Her grandmother moved ahead, gently brushing her fingers over the petals of a pale blue rose. "They only grow here in the north."

Victoria stepped closer, her gaze sweeping over the delicate blossoms. "They're beautiful," she said softly.

"I was thinking we could use them to decorate the hall for your birthday," her grandmother suggested with a warm smile.

Victoria looked up in surprise. "For my birthday?"

Her grandmother nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, my dear. It would be a lovely way to celebrate, don't you think?"

Victoria hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I'd like that."

Her grandfather chuckled. "Then it's settled. We'll have the servants gather the best blooms and arrange them in the hall."

Victoria's chest tightened slightly at the thought. A part of her still felt undeserving of the love and care they showed her. But seeing the warmth in their expressions, she decided to simply accept it.

"Thank you," she said sincerely.

Her grandmother gently squeezed her hand. "You're family, Victoria. You don't have to thank us."

Victoria swallowed the sudden lump in her throat and smiled. "Still, I appreciate it."

Her grandmother patted her hand gently. "It's alright. Now then, we shouldn't keep cousins waiting. They are eager to spend time with you."

Victoria let out a small chuckle. "I suppose I shouldn't keep them waiting much longer."

Her grandfather nodded with a smile. "Especially Rosalie—she's been talking about ice skating all morning."

At the mention of skating, a flicker of doubt settled in Victoria's mind. She had never skated before, not even in her past life, and judging by her cousins' enthusiasm, they took it quite seriously.

Sensing her hesitation, the Duchess Dowager offered a reassuring smile. "There's nothing to worry about, dear. It's all in good fun. And if you need help, I'm certain your cousins will be more than happy to assist."

Her grandmother gently linked their arms. "Now, let's not keep them waiting any longer."

Together, they made their way back to the manor, where Rosalie, Cedric, and Edmund stood near the entrance, wrapped in thick coats and scarves, their faces alight with excitement.