cecilia knew about the comparison of their families. knew about the whispered rivalries, the insinuations of jealousy, the idle gossip that only served to stoke the flames. yet, as with most things that failed to align with her opinion, she chose to ignore them. at least for now, so long as none of them proved to hold any truth. it was easier that way. to believe that this meeting was nothing more than a pleasant opportunity to make one anotherโs acquaintance. that, at least, would ease her anxieties.ย
โ i had no notion that the thorpe family possessed such an expertise in the art of tea-making.โ perhaps, she should try it as well. or better yet, persuade her family to partake in the endeavor with her. it certainly would be an amusing family bonding activity. although she wasnโt too sure, how much theyโd enjoy plucking flowers for the perfect cup of tea. โย i must see this garden.i am certain it is as lovely as the tea itself.โย she exclaimed, then clearing her throat and taking a bite of the blueberry scone which was offered to her. the earlier anxiety dissolving with the fresh blueberry taste on her tongue. embarrassment and guilt tugged at her heart lightly. assuming that juliet thorpe simply invited her to dig into some gossip had been a great miscalculation. in fact, juliet thorpe was a kind person. after all, she offered her all these delicious delicacies. certainly, a bad person wouldnโt do so.
โ I had never considered it in that light.โ the chewing slowed, and the urge to take a more thoughtful sip from the cup suddenly slowed her movement. the last time she reflected anything over a cup of tea must have been so long, that she could barely remember it. โ i prefer not to be left alone with my thoughts for too long. โ a quiet laugh followed. light, almost airy, yet unmistakably a shield. โ what is it that you reflect upon? โ she was curious, wanted to know what one was suppose to think about to become a better person. was there, perhaps, a particular kind of thought that led one toward betterment ? yet, was that enough ? solely, allowing thoughts to determine oneโs worth . or was it merely an indulgence ? one that did little to change the course of things?ย โi cannot imagine there is much about yourself that requires improvement. โ she mused, sincerity flickering behind her words. โย and as for these scones, i daresay they are in no need of improvement either โ
the question made her shift in her seat, her gaze flickering for a moment, as though she feared that any true feeling might slip past her composure. of course, she wasnโt fine. but admitting such a thing out loud, was even more difficult than to simply carry it with her silently. โ no, โ cecilia shook her head, as if she needed to convince herself and not juliet. โ i am truly well.โ she paused for a moment. โ my motherโฆย she is the kindest woman i know. she would never do such a thing.ย these are merely lies, I will not allow myself to be troubled by them. you believe that as well, do you not, miss thorpe? surely, you do not give credence to lady whistledown?โ she pressed.
"i agree, and it would be a shame were anyone to miss the opportunity to taste the thorpesโ excellent tea. now i understand why my brother is so fond of visiting." she jested lightly, a trace of warmth in her tone. โ you would like that ?โ her expression softened, gaze filled with admiration tinted by disbelief. I should like that very much." a pause, then a quiet confession.ย "though I must admit, my brother and i share little in common, and i would hate to disappoint you. but i do believe you to be a most admirable person, and i find that i hold you in even greater esteem now."