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@kimosims
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Heyy! I'm Kimo and welcome to my Simblr, where I'm currently doing the Darlington Legacy Decades Challenge. It's my first time doing something like this, so I'm still figuring some things out! :)
Darlington Legacy
Currently playing the 1st generation — 1890s
I plan on adding some more links here later for better navigation, but I'm currently working on progressing the story a little bit more first ♡
Family Tree | Chronological | Most Recent | Lookbooks
🌟✨🌟✨🌟 Send this spark to 10 (or more 💌) mutuals to brighten their day and let them know they're amazing! 🌟✨🌟✨🌟
it really did brighten my day 🥺🥺 YOU are amazing!!!
With the news of another sibling arriving, Daisy found herself reflecting on her place within the household. She loved her family dearly, but the idea of yet another person sharing her already-crowded quarters with Rowan felt stifling. As she observed the rhythm of her siblings growing and claiming their spaces, Daisy began to long for something of her own—a sanctuary where she could nurture the dreams and musings that came with her burgeoning adolescence.
And so, a plan began to take shape in her mind.
One winter evening, Daisy approached her mother with a mixture of nervous determination and hope.
“Mama,” Daisy began, “I’ve been thinking about something… something important.”
Florence set down her book, her brows lifting in curiosity. “Oh? And what is it, my dear?”
Daisy hesitated for a moment. “I was wondering… what if I moved into the family shed at the end of winter?”
The words hung in the air for a moment or two. “The shed?” Florence blinked, caught off guard. “Whatever for?”
Daisy seated on the bed, her hands gesturing rapidly in front of her. “The family hardly uses it, and it’s just sitting there, right by the garden. It’s perfect, Mama—quiet, cozy. I could make it my own space, somewhere I can grow into myself without bothering anyone or… or feeling like I’m in the way.”
Florence tilted her head, studying her daughter’s expression. “Daisy, it’s not ladylike. A shed is no place for a young woman, not in a family like ours. What would people think if they knew our daughter was sleeping in an old storage house?”
“But who would know, Mother? And what does it matter? It’s not as though I’m asking to leave the property—I’d still be right here. It would be closer to the garden, and I could help even more with planting and tending to the flowers. Please, think about it.”
Florence’s heart ached at her daughter’s earnestness, but behind her measured response was a deeper worry. She didn’t want Daisy to feel distant, to retreat from the warmth of their family hearth. She feared that allowing such a move would create a rift, however unintentional, separating Daisy from the Darlington bonds that Florence worked so hard to cultivate.
“Daisy,” Florence said with gentle concern, “it’s not just about appearances. I worry that you’d feel isolated out there. It’s not about whether you could manage, but about what you might lose by being so far from the rest of us.”
Daisy’s brows knit together, frustration and yearning mingling in her expression. “I wouldn’t be far! I’d still join you for meals, for everything. I just… I need a place to call my own, Mama. Can’t you understand that?”
Florence’s hands tightened slightly in her lap. She could see the flicker of longing in Daisy’s eyes, the earnest desire to carve out her own space, her own identity. Yet the protective part of her, the part that knew the world could be unkind to young women who stepped outside of expectations, hesitated.
“I’ll speak to your father about it,” Florence relented at last, her voice soft but firm. “But I’m not promising anything yet, Daisy. We’ll need to think about this carefully.”
Daisy’s face lit up, a spark of hope chasing away the shadows of doubt. “Thank you, Mother,” she said quickly, her voice brimming with gratitude. “That’s all I ask.”
As Daisy left the room, Florence sat in silence for a moment. Her heart ached with the bittersweetness of watching her daughter grow—so full of determination and dreams, yet still so vulnerable to the world around her, just like she was before tragedy befell her family. The flames in the hearth crackled softly, and Florence resolved to speak with Albert soon.
🦖 RAWR!! means 'i love you' in dinosaur 💚 keep this dino on his journey and send him to all the blogs you love 💚 RAWR!!
RAWRRR!!!
Ben's sisters have been taking turns coming by to help out with baby Celine.
The winter air was sharp and clear, crisp with a touch of frost that painted the garden in a delicate shimmer. Florence pulled her coat a bit closer around her shoulders, glancing toward Albert, who sat beside her on the old stone bench that overlooked their snow-dusted landscape. He had insisted, almost pleaded, for her to remain indoors, worried about the chill lingering in her frail state. But Florence, with her subtle gentle stubbornness, had persuaded him otherwise; she knew that once she shared her news, he’d likely forbid her from stepping outside until she was either fully recovered from this illness or until their child was born—whichever came first.
Albert was recounting the details of his newest project with animated pride, his gaze shining as he spoke of the goods being prepared for the Duke von Baden. Florence listened, nodding and smiling at all the right places, but today, it was only half genuine. Her heart beat anxiously beneath her composure, and she felt herself sinking into a sea of uncertainties with each breath she took. She was often reminded of the early days of their courtship, the way Albert had once pursued her, words soft and full of warmth, trailing her through that summer garden with a gentleman’s grace. And though he remained a devoted husband, years of marriage had placed a quiet distance between them. She, too, was absorbed with the rhythm of managing the household and their children, while he poured himself into his art to provide for them, each absorbed in their responsibilities, growing in parallel yet at times apart.
As she stole a sideways glance at him, her thoughts spiraled: What if he didn’t receive this well? What if this child, whom she already felt a rush of love for, was welcomed with less excitement than their others? What if they didn’t have enough for the renovation? What if… Her worrying train of thought faltered, interrupted by the gentle, concerned voice beside her.
“My love?” Albert asked, eyes soft and searching her face. “Are you feeling unwell? I knew we should have stayed inside.”
Florence shook her head, managing a small smile. “No, no, dear, it’s not that,” she reassured him softly. Her hand sought his, fingers tightening around his familiar warmth. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I… I have something to tell you.”
Albert leaned closer, his entire attention fixed on her. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the moment, then exhaled the words she had held close to her heart. “Albert, I’m expecting our fifth child.”
His eyes widened, filling with the kind of joy she hadn’t seen in them for what felt like years. Before she could finish her sentence, he was beaming, his hands enveloping hers as he showered her with a flurry of delighted kisses, tender yet filled with energy and care. Her heart melted as she laughed, mirroring his happiness, the relief so overwhelming it brought a rush of tears to her eyes.
“Are you certain this is good news?” she asked.
“I can hardly imagine anything better than this, my love!” He took her hands in his, giving her such a genuine look of joy that it left her breathless. She blinked, trying to still her happy tears, feeling lighter than she had in days.
“But, and the house?” she murmured, worry creeping into her voice again. “We’re running out of space. The girls… they’re growing up so fast. And Daisy will soon join them, leaving little room left for Rowan…”
Albert’s gaze softened, and he reached up to brush a stray tear from her cheek. “We’ll find a way. We always do.” He smiled, warm and reassuring. “Florence, my dear, I never want to be a source of worry for you. I know this won’t be easy, and it’s time we think about proper help for the household. But that’s something I’ll take care of.”
Florence shook her head, placing a hand over his. “Not alone, Albert. It’s a concern for both of us.”
He nodded, and they sat in the quiet of the garden, the pale winter sun casting a gentle light over them. “I love you,” he whispered, the warmth of his words a promise that seemed to chase away the cold around them.
“And I love you,” she replied, her voice barely above a breath.
🦖 RAWR!! means 'i love you' in dinosaur 💚 keep this dino on his journey and send him to all the blogs you love 💚 RAWR!!
WAIT THAT'S SO CUTE!!! thank you 🥺🤲🏻❤️
Art: I think you know I'd like to be saddled with you but in the spirit of being "friends" what are you working on
He did? That was- irrelevant. It was irrelevant. I was trying to prove I could be a friend to more than just Jessica.
Layla: Don’t laugh okay
Art: I wouldn’t laugh at the creative process. I’ve tried painting many bizarre things
Layla: I thought I might try write a screenplay. My agent said there’s a creative drought in Del Sol and they’re looking for some original stories
Art: I think it’ll be great
Layla: Why
Art: Because you’re a good writer. It’s okay to compliment yourself you know
Perhaps some light flirting would be harmless. I could flirt without growing attached, right? To let him know one day I might be open to... being more than friends?
Layla: Compliment me whenever you like but... I’d rather hear about some of these bizarre things you’ve tried to paint. Or ah, Jessica mentioned you have a motorcycle?
He smiled wickedly and I felt myself blush.
Art: Anytime you want to pose on it for me or go for a ride just say the word *winks*
Layla: *blushes* Enough about me. What are you working on Art
The winter air was sharp and clear, crisp with a touch of frost that painted the garden in a delicate shimmer. Florence pulled her coat a bit closer around her shoulders, glancing toward Albert, who sat beside her on the old stone bench that overlooked their snow-dusted landscape. He had insisted, almost pleaded, for her to remain indoors, worried about the chill lingering in her frail state. But Florence, with her subtle gentle stubbornness, had persuaded him otherwise; she knew that once she shared her news, he’d likely forbid her from stepping outside until she was either fully recovered from this illness or until their child was born—whichever came first.
Albert was recounting the details of his newest project with animated pride, his gaze shining as he spoke of the goods being prepared for the Duke von Baden. Florence listened, nodding and smiling at all the right places, but today, it was only half genuine. Her heart beat anxiously beneath her composure, and she felt herself sinking into a sea of uncertainties with each breath she took. She was often reminded of the early days of their courtship, the way Albert had once pursued her, words soft and full of warmth, trailing her through that summer garden with a gentleman’s grace. And though he remained a devoted husband, years of marriage had placed a quiet distance between them. She, too, was absorbed with the rhythm of managing the household and their children, while he poured himself into his art to provide for them, each absorbed in their responsibilities, growing in parallel yet at times apart.
As she stole a sideways glance at him, her thoughts spiraled: What if he didn’t receive this well? What if this child, whom she already felt a rush of love for, was welcomed with less excitement than their others? What if they didn’t have enough for the renovation? What if… Her worrying train of thought faltered, interrupted by the gentle, concerned voice beside her.
“My love?” Albert asked, eyes soft and searching her face. “Are you feeling unwell? I knew we should have stayed inside.”
Florence shook her head, managing a small smile. “No, no, dear, it’s not that,” she reassured him softly. Her hand sought his, fingers tightening around his familiar warmth. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I… I have something to tell you.”
Albert leaned closer, his entire attention fixed on her. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the moment, then exhaled the words she had held close to her heart. “Albert, I’m expecting our fifth child.”
His eyes widened, filling with the kind of joy she hadn’t seen in them for what felt like years. Before she could finish her sentence, he was beaming, his hands enveloping hers as he showered her with a flurry of delighted kisses, tender yet filled with energy and care. Her heart melted as she laughed, mirroring his happiness, the relief so overwhelming it brought a rush of tears to her eyes.
“Are you certain this is good news?” she asked.
“I can hardly imagine anything better than this, my love!” He took her hands in his, giving her such a genuine look of joy that it left her breathless. She blinked, trying to still her happy tears, feeling lighter than she had in days.
“But, and the house?” she murmured, worry creeping into her voice again. “We’re running out of space. The girls… they’re growing up so fast. And Daisy will soon join them, leaving little room left for Rowan…”
Albert’s gaze softened, and he reached up to brush a stray tear from her cheek. “We’ll find a way. We always do.” He smiled, warm and reassuring. “Florence, my dear, I never want to be a source of worry for you. I know this won’t be easy, and it’s time we think about proper help for the household. But that’s something I’ll take care of.”
Florence shook her head, placing a hand over his. “Not alone, Albert. It’s a concern for both of us.”
He nodded, and they sat in the quiet of the garden, the pale winter sun casting a gentle light over them. “I love you,” he whispered, the warmth of his words a promise that seemed to chase away the cold around them.
“And I love you,” she replied, her voice barely above a breath.
Florence had fallen ill again, overtaken by the cold season; since her first pregnancy, her health had never truly recovered, and she had grown accustomed to the familiar bouts of weakness and chills that arrived unannounced each winter. She knew, with the fresh flow of money into their household thanks to Duke von Baden’s new arrangement with her husband, that they would soon be able to afford some household help. And while she looked forward to no longer bearing the daily burden of housework, for now, she remained determined to keep up with her usual duties, fragile or not.
But soon, she sensed that this time was different. Her hands trembled not with the cold but with anticipation as the realization settled in—she was with child once again.
Eager to share her secret but not wanting to distract Albert, who was so entangled in his new business arrangements, she called upon her dearest friend Georgina. Florence could barely contain her joy, and she knew Georgina would understand.
When Georgina arrived, her expression was one of curiosity mixed with concern. "My dear Florence,” she exclaimed as she stepped into the parlor, “when I received your messenger at my door, I was quite taken aback! Why, we had tea scheduled for tomorrow—whatever is the matter that cannot wait until then? Pray God, don’t tell me someone’s passed!”
Florence’s face broke into a gentle smile. “Quite the opposite, Georgina.”
Georgina raised an eyebrow and then began to chuckle, taking Florence’s words as a jest. “Oh, a fine jest indeed! You, as unwell as you’ve been, with child?” She shook her head in amusement. “Florence, come now, what is it, truly?”
Florence’s smile softened, and her gaze lowered, almost shy. The amusement faded from Georgina’s face, replaced by dawning understanding and a touch of alarm. “Oh, Florence… I apologize; I hadn’t realized. I thought, with all you and Albert have been managing…”
Florence let out a breath, her cheeks tinged with a rosy flush. “Perhaps it was on the night we celebrated Albert’s new business success… with the Duke.” She blushed deeper, her words trailing off in an embarrassed murmur.
Georgina’s brow furrowed, a shadow of worry darkening her expression. “And your health, Florence?” Her voice grew softer, weighted with unspoken memories. She did not finish the question—no need to remind her friend that the first birth, under similar circunstances, had nearly cost Florence her life.
“It’s different this time, Georgina.” Florence’s voice was steady but hopeful. “We have more means now, we’ll hire help for the house, and I’ll be able to rest properly.” She tried to sound convincing, for her own sake as much as for Georgina’s.
Georgina gave a warm smile, although her gaze remained cautious. “Of course, my dear.” She hesitated, glancing around the room as if weighing her next words. “But, forgive me for asking, where will you fit another little one? The house is full. The twins will soon become young ladies, and they may wish for their own space not to be disturbed by an addition. And Daisy, well, it won’t be long before she, too, follows them into girlhood. She and Rowan…”
Florence sighed, her expression wistful but determined. “I know. We’ll find a way. But I don’t want to worry Albert about it just now,” she murmured. She reached for Georgina’s hand. “Promise me you’ll keep this between us.”
“Of course,” Georgina replied, her voice gentle as she squeezed Florence’s hand. “You can always count on me. We’ll face whatever comes, together."
Florence had fallen ill again, overtaken by the cold season; since her first pregnancy, her health had never truly recovered, and she had grown accustomed to the familiar bouts of weakness and chills that arrived unannounced each winter. She knew, with the fresh flow of money into their household thanks to Duke von Baden’s new arrangement with her husband, that they would soon be able to afford some household help. And while she looked forward to no longer bearing the daily burden of housework, for now, she remained determined to keep up with her usual duties, fragile or not.
But soon, she sensed that this time was different. Her hands trembled not with the cold but with anticipation as the realization settled in—she was with child once again.
Eager to share her secret but not wanting to distract Albert, who was so entangled in his new business arrangements, she called upon her dearest friend Georgina. Florence could barely contain her joy, and she knew Georgina would understand.
When Georgina arrived, her expression was one of curiosity mixed with concern. "My dear Florence,” she exclaimed as she stepped into the parlor, “when I received your messenger at my door, I was quite taken aback! Why, we had tea scheduled for tomorrow—whatever is the matter that cannot wait until then? Pray God, don’t tell me someone’s passed!”
Florence’s face broke into a gentle smile. “Quite the opposite, Georgina.”
Georgina raised an eyebrow and then began to chuckle, taking Florence’s words as a jest. “Oh, a fine jest indeed! You, as unwell as you’ve been, with child?” She shook her head in amusement. “Florence, come now, what is it, truly?”
Florence’s smile softened, and her gaze lowered, almost shy. The amusement faded from Georgina’s face, replaced by dawning understanding and a touch of alarm. “Oh, Florence… I apologize; I hadn’t realized. I thought, with all you and Albert have been managing…”
Florence let out a breath, her cheeks tinged with a rosy flush. “Perhaps it was on the night we celebrated Albert’s new business success… with the Duke.” She blushed deeper, her words trailing off in an embarrassed murmur.
Georgina’s brow furrowed, a shadow of worry darkening her expression. “And your health, Florence?” Her voice grew softer, weighted with unspoken memories. She did not finish the question—no need to remind her friend that the first birth, under similar circunstances, had nearly cost Florence her life.
“It’s different this time, Georgina.” Florence’s voice was steady but hopeful. “We have more means now, we’ll hire help for the house, and I’ll be able to rest properly.” She tried to sound convincing, for her own sake as much as for Georgina’s.
Georgina gave a warm smile, although her gaze remained cautious. “Of course, my dear.” She hesitated, glancing around the room as if weighing her next words. “But, forgive me for asking, where will you fit another little one? The house is full. The twins will soon become young ladies, and they may wish for their own space not to be disturbed by an addition. And Daisy, well, it won’t be long before she, too, follows them into girlhood. She and Rowan…”
Florence sighed, her expression wistful but determined. “I know. We’ll find a way. But I don’t want to worry Albert about it just now,” she murmured. She reached for Georgina’s hand. “Promise me you’ll keep this between us.”
“Of course,” Georgina replied, her voice gentle as she squeezed Florence’s hand. “You can always count on me. We’ll face whatever comes, together."
Finally, in the middle of spring 1841, the village school opened its doors, bringing a new sense of change to the community. Wilhelmina accompanied Thomas and Robert to school, even though they already knew the way. The school had been built in the heart of the village, not far
When they arrived, Wilhelmina noticed there weren’t many children gathered outside. Most of the students were boys, as it was still customary for girls to stay at home and help with household chores, just as Rosemary and Winifred had done.
The teachers greeted them warmly. They had volunteered to educate the children, knowing they wouldn’t receive much pay, yet their dedication was clear. Wilhelmina admired their commitment, though Robert was less sure. He clung to his mother’s side, reluctant to let go. Unlike his brother, Robert wasn’t excited by the prospect of school. He much preferred the simplicity of life on the farm, where he could run freely and help with the animals and crops.
For Thomas, however, this first day at school was an eye-opener. He had expected to enjoy it simply because he would see his friends more often, but as the day progressed, he discovered that he might actually enjoy learning too. The lessons sparked something within him, a curiosity he hadn’t realised was there.
Robert, on the other hand, remained disengaged for most of the day. He wasn’t slow, but school held no charm for him. The unfamiliar faces and routines felt strange, and his thoughts drifted back to the fields and animals he adored. He couldn’t understand why he had to be here when he already had a place and purpose on the farm. To him, working alongside his father was far more fulfilling than sitting in a classroom, surrounded by children he barely knew.
Both boys had always been a bit shy, but while Thomas had gradually come out of his shell as he grew, Robert remained quiet and withdrawn. He was still that same reserved boy, preferring the solitude of the farm to the bustle of school life.
Little Rowan was soon a child, and the habits of his early years followed him closely, as constant and steadfast as the seasons. Although he shared the unmistakable Darlington features, Rowan’s tastes took on a distinct hue, quite unlike the creative passions his family cultivated around him. His elder sisters' sweet voices and melodies drifted through the house, harmonizing with his mother’s singing and his father’s art, yet these did not beckon him to join. Instead, Rowan was drawn to quiet intellectual pursuits—devoting hours to chess in his room, absorbed in battles against himself. He had no opponents at home, save for his own mind, but it didn’t bother him in the least. The solitude, in fact, was an appeal, a quiet fortress amid the family’s lively bustle, where his thoughts could wander undisturbed.
Rowan cherished his family’s company, though, and even made sure to carve out time for them in his quiet way. Daisy, his roommate, naturally held a special place in his world. But the two couldn’t be more different: Daisy’s heart belonged to the outdoors, and she spent as much time under open skies as Rowan did in contemplative retreat. Curiously, it was Primrose, his elder sister, who became his closest companion. With a twinkle in her eye, she would seek him out to help her with more advanced readings. Where her twin, Violet, possessed an effortless eloquence that Rowan found inspiring, Primrose brought a fresh, playful simplicity to his life, a light-heartedness that colored his days with a much needed youthful spirit.
Yet with each passing day, Rowan grew into someone increasingly distant from the figure Albert, his father, had once imagined. Albert had forsaken all else to pursue his art, and in Rowan, he had quietly hoped to find a kindred spirit—a successor to carry forward the family’s artistic legacy. But day by day, as Rowan lost himself in the silent complexities of chess and reading, his mind drawn inward rather than toward the easel, Albert felt his hopes quietly dim.
Little Rowan was soon a child, and the habits of his early years followed him closely, as constant and steadfast as the seasons. Although he shared the unmistakable Darlington features, Rowan’s tastes took on a distinct hue, quite unlike the creative passions his family cultivated around him. His elder sisters' sweet voices and melodies drifted through the house, harmonizing with his mother’s singing and his father’s art, yet these did not beckon him to join. Instead, Rowan was drawn to quiet intellectual pursuits—devoting hours to chess in his room, absorbed in battles against himself. He had no opponents at home, save for his own mind, but it didn’t bother him in the least. The solitude, in fact, was an appeal, a quiet fortress amid the family’s lively bustle, where his thoughts could wander undisturbed.
Rowan cherished his family’s company, though, and even made sure to carve out time for them in his quiet way. Daisy, his roommate, naturally held a special place in his world. But the two couldn’t be more different: Daisy’s heart belonged to the outdoors, and she spent as much time under open skies as Rowan did in contemplative retreat. Curiously, it was Primrose, his elder sister, who became his closest companion. With a twinkle in her eye, she would seek him out to help her with more advanced readings. Where her twin, Violet, possessed an effortless eloquence that Rowan found inspiring, Primrose brought a fresh, playful simplicity to his life, a light-heartedness that colored his days with a much needed youthful spirit.
Yet with each passing day, Rowan grew into someone increasingly distant from the figure Albert, his father, had once imagined. Albert had forsaken all else to pursue his art, and in Rowan, he had quietly hoped to find a kindred spirit—a successor to carry forward the family’s artistic legacy. But day by day, as Rowan lost himself in the silent complexities of chess and reading, his mind drawn inward rather than toward the easel, Albert felt his hopes quietly dim.
In the final week of the von Badens' stay in Brindleton Bay—after much insistence from young Heinrich—he received his father’s permission to visit the Darlington's residency and surprise his friend Violet. Their friendship had blossomed over shared letters and her occasional visits to the Griffith estate, but soon it would exist solely through the careful script of pen and paper; Heinrich was returning to Windenburg now that his father’s business in Brindleton Bay had been settled.
It was a quiet winter’s day, calm after a long spell of stormy weather, when Violet and Heinrich strolled through the frost-laden gardens of the property. A gentle hush lay over the world, and the air seemed to hold a promise of renewal beneath its blanket of white. As they walked, Violet confessed her love for winter—the stillness, the pale landscape, and the way it seemed to hold the potential for new beginnings, even when everything appeared so lifeless. Heinrich looked at her with a thoughtful expression and asked, “Do you believe in promises?”
The question was simple, but Violet felt it carried a hidden weight. She barely hesitated before replying, "Yes. I take promises very seriously. They're not a trivial matter to me."
He paused, searching her face, before venturing, “Then... would you promise, with me, that our bond won’t fade? That it won’t weaken, even when I’m gone?”
“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice a delicate whisper against the winter air. Her heart hammered against her ribs, suddenly faster, and she feared he might hear it.
Instead of answering right away, Heinrich took her hand, guiding her to a spot where they both stood amidst the snow. Reaching into his coat, he carefully pulled out a single rose, the deep crimson of its petals a stark contrast against the pale world around them. Violet stood frozen, her gaze flitting from the rose to Heinrich, uncertainty mingling with a rush of excitement. Was she misreading this? Was he truly…?
Heinrich took a steadying breath, his expression solemn yet tinged with youthful shyness as he held her gaze. “I like you, Violet,” he said quietly. “When I came here, I expected an unpleasant trip—one that would be strange and uncomfortable. I’m not used to leaving my world behind, nor am I used to getting to know people in an easy way. But you… you’ve made everything different.”
He looked down for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. “I’ve met plenty of people society calls ‘extraordinary,’ but for the first time, I’ve felt that about someone myself. You showed me that sometimes being extraordinary isn’t about grand talents or achievements—it can be about playing the violin with devotion, or being so eager to learn a stranger’s language just to make him feel more at home. It’s about not being afraid to be a little unconventional.”
She looked at him, her eyes bright, and for a moment, the color of the world seemed to flood back into her vision, filling her senses. Is this what it meant to be seen, to be truly noticed? She felt each nerve alight, alive with the understanding of how easy it might be to become addicted to this feeling.
Heinrich extended his hand, his voice tender. “Do you understand what I’m saying, or… am I getting carried away?”
Violet blinked, her mouth lifting in a soft smile. “It seems I’m at a loss for words. That’s not a small feat, let me tell you that.”
A light chuckle escaped him, and he dared to ask, “So… may I take that as a yes?”
She nodded, barely able to contain her smile. “Yes, you may.”
He grinned, a flicker of triumph warming his cheeks, and then his expression softened. “I know we’re young, but… I’ll return, Violet. I’ll come back to ask you this again.”
She looked at him, her voice gentle with only the slightest tremor, “You won’t change your mind, then?”
Without hesitation, he replied, “Not in a thousand winters.” The conviction in his voice made her heart skip, and she couldn’t suppress a quiet laugh.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing, sharing fragments of their worlds in both their languages. Their hands found each other’s from time to time, their connection undeterred by the strictures of propriety, sheltered by their youth from the weight of society’s gaze. They both sensed, without saying it, that things would be different when they met again; that the playful freedom of their childhood might give way to something more restrained, something grown.
When Otto arrived to collect Heinrich, Violet thought she had steeled herself well enough to keep her feelings hidden. But Heinrich saw the sadness lingering on her face and, in a voice filled with gentle assurance, reminded her, “We made a promise, remember? I’ll make sure you’re not left without a correspondent to practice your Windenburgian with.”
Forcing a smile, she nodded, their shared promise lingering between them, like the final note of a song that had yet to end. They said their goodbyes with the bittersweet melancholy of youth, a silent understanding that they’d carry this day with them through whatever years lay ahead.
In the final week of the von Badens' stay in Brindleton Bay—after much insistence from young Heinrich—he received his father’s permission to visit the Darlington's residency and surprise his friend Violet. Their friendship had blossomed over shared letters and her occasional visits to the Griffith estate, but soon it would exist solely through the careful script of pen and paper; Heinrich was returning to Windenburg now that his father’s business in Brindleton Bay had been settled.
It was a quiet winter’s day, calm after a long spell of stormy weather, when Violet and Heinrich strolled through the frost-laden gardens of the property. A gentle hush lay over the world, and the air seemed to hold a promise of renewal beneath its blanket of white. As they walked, Violet confessed her love for winter—the stillness, the pale landscape, and the way it seemed to hold the potential for new beginnings, even when everything appeared so lifeless. Heinrich looked at her with a thoughtful expression and asked, “Do you believe in promises?”
The question was simple, but Violet felt it carried a hidden weight. She barely hesitated before replying, "Yes. I take promises very seriously. They're not a trivial matter to me."
He paused, searching her face, before venturing, “Then... would you promise, with me, that our bond won’t fade? That it won’t weaken, even when I’m gone?”
“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice a delicate whisper against the winter air. Her heart hammered against her ribs, suddenly faster, and she feared he might hear it.
Instead of answering right away, Heinrich took her hand, guiding her to a spot where they both stood amidst the snow. Reaching into his coat, he carefully pulled out a single rose, the deep crimson of its petals a stark contrast against the pale world around them. Violet stood frozen, her gaze flitting from the rose to Heinrich, uncertainty mingling with a rush of excitement. Was she misreading this? Was he truly…?
Heinrich took a steadying breath, his expression solemn yet tinged with youthful shyness as he held her gaze. “I like you, Violet,” he said quietly. “When I came here, I expected an unpleasant trip—one that would be strange and uncomfortable. I’m not used to leaving my world behind, nor am I used to getting to know people in an easy way. But you… you’ve made everything different.”
He looked down for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. “I’ve met plenty of people society calls ‘extraordinary,’ but for the first time, I’ve felt that about someone myself. You showed me that sometimes being extraordinary isn’t about grand talents or achievements—it can be about playing the violin with devotion, or being so eager to learn a stranger’s language just to make him feel more at home. It’s about not being afraid to be a little unconventional.”
She looked at him, her eyes bright, and for a moment, the color of the world seemed to flood back into her vision, filling her senses. Is this what it meant to be seen, to be truly noticed? She felt each nerve alight, alive with the understanding of how easy it might be to become addicted to this feeling.
Heinrich extended his hand, his voice tender. “Do you understand what I’m saying, or… am I getting carried away?”
Violet blinked, her mouth lifting in a soft smile. “It seems I’m at a loss for words. That’s not a small feat, let me tell you that.”
A light chuckle escaped him, and he dared to ask, “So… may I take that as a yes?”
She nodded, barely able to contain her smile. “Yes, you may.”
He grinned, a flicker of triumph warming his cheeks, and then his expression softened. “I know we’re young, but… I’ll return, Violet. I’ll come back to ask you this again.”
She looked at him, her voice gentle with only the slightest tremor, “You won’t change your mind, then?”
Without hesitation, he replied, “Not in a thousand winters.” The conviction in his voice made her heart skip, and she couldn’t suppress a quiet laugh.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing, sharing fragments of their worlds in both their languages. Their hands found each other’s from time to time, their connection undeterred by the strictures of propriety, sheltered by their youth from the weight of society’s gaze. They both sensed, without saying it, that things would be different when they met again; that the playful freedom of their childhood might give way to something more restrained, something grown.
When Otto arrived to collect Heinrich, Violet thought she had steeled herself well enough to keep her feelings hidden. But Heinrich saw the sadness lingering on her face and, in a voice filled with gentle assurance, reminded her, “We made a promise, remember? I’ll make sure you’re not left without a correspondent to practice your Windenburgian with.”
Forcing a smile, she nodded, their shared promise lingering between them, like the final note of a song that had yet to end. They said their goodbyes with the bittersweet melancholy of youth, a silent understanding that they’d carry this day with them through whatever years lay ahead.
