Kagome sat outside at the base of the giant oak in her family's small estate, reading among the tangled, over-sized roots. Reading was probably how she spent most of her free time, if not talking and laughing with her four sisters. Even if at times, along with the antics of her mother, they drove her somewhat insane.
On this specific afternoon, she was drawn prematurely from her reading by some busy activity back at the house. She swiftly marked and closed her book, before heading inside to see what her sisters were so excited about. She entered the main hall to see Yuka and Ayumi giggling and listening to whatever conversation was occurring within her father's study with her elder sister Sango sitting lithely on the stairs. "Ayumi, what have I said about listening at the door?" She quickly scolded, but doubted she could be heard over the incessant giggling of her younger sisters. "Sango, what is going on?"
"I haven't the slightest clue, I can't hear a thing over their laughing," Sango chuckled in reply. Kagome then heard muffled words from the slightly opened study.
"A Mr. Miroku Li has moved into Netherfield, earning a great 5000 a year! Mr. Higurashi, you know we cannot visit until you introduce the family. Think of the advantage it would bring to our girls. Please, Mr. Higurashi, you must go visit at once!" The door was then swung open by Kagome's father, a very quiet, patient man with kind eyes.
"Please papa, you must!" Ayumi and Yuka began pleading, drawing Eri's attention from the piano in the other room. She entered, looking intrigued.
"There is no need," Mr. Higurashi finally said, silencing the lot, "For I already have." This of course set the younger girls and Mrs. Higurashi into an uproar, even drawing the more level-headed Sango into the conversation.
"You have, when?" Getting her father's attention over the wailing of her mother's complaints of teasing and her poor nerves and constitution. Before her father could answer, he was cut off by further questions from the younger girls.
"Is he handsome?"
"Is he amiable?"
Kagome scoffed, "With 5000 a year it wouldn't matter if he had great warts on his face." Her response was ignored by all except Sango, who chuckled and gave her a small smile.
"Is he coming to the ball tonight?" Ayumi asked at the end of her torrent of questions.
"Yes, I believe he shall." Her father said returning to his study, leaving the girls to squeal and twirl as they day-dreamed of what might occur at the ball that evening. Ayumi and Yuka immediately began asking Sango to help the get ready and to borrow this and that, with even Eri getting somewhat excited. Kagome sat on the couch in the drawing room, laughing along with her sisters, letting the excitement roll off onto her. For who couldn't get excited over rich gentlemen and balls.