On the morning of Ella's eighth birthday, Lady Eleanor and Sir Charles had some special news to tell Ella. Knowing that she would wake up any minute, they tiptoed to Ella's bedroom and opened the door. Ella was still sound asleep when they walked over and kissed her on the cheek. Ella opened her eyes and smiled. "Happy Birthday, Little Princess," Lady Eleanor said softly. "Come downstairs for breakfast after you get dressed. Your papa and I have something to tell you." Ella got up, washed her face and brushed her teeth, put on her favorite white dress with gold flowers, and went downstairs. "Good morning, everyone!" Ella said to the work-staff as she went through the main hall to the kitchen. Everyone replied with a "Good morning" and "Happy Birthday". "Happy Birthday, Miss Ella!" said the cook as she served a plate of ham and eggs with cheese and a cup of milk. Ella decided to save the cheese for her mice friends so they could eat, too. After Ella finished her breakfast, Mama decided it was the right time.
"Ella, my love. We have a surprise for you," Lady Eleanor started. Ella put her dish and cup in the sink and sat back down in her chair. "What is it, Mama?" asked Ella. "Well, do you remember that I have been sick for a long while and you and Papa took really good care of me?" Lady Eleanor asked. Ella nodded. "And the doctor has also come to see if your mother is well," said Sir Charles. Ella nodded again. "Well, the reason your mother has not been feeling well is that she is going to have a baby," said Sir Charles. Ella's eyes widened with surprise as she got up from her chair again. "You mean... I am going to be a sister?" Ella walked over to her parents, her eyes full of happy tears. "Yes," said Lady Eleanor. Ella ran into her mother's arms and hugged her and then Sir Charles next. "Thank you, Mama. Thank you, Papa. This is the most wonderful surprise," she said tearfully. Ella had wished that she could have a baby brother or baby sister to play with for quite some time. Now, her wish has come true. "Am I going to have a baby brother or a baby sister?"
"We don't know, yet. We will know when the baby is born," Sir Charles answered. "When will the baby be here?" asked Ella as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief her mother handed to her. "In about six months," answered Lady Eleanor. "We still have plenty of time to get ready." Ella thought that six months might take a long time, but she already found a way to keep herself busy until then. "May I make a gift for my little brother or sister?" she suggested. "Of course, dear," said Lady Eleanor. "What would you like to make?" "This is actually a surprise, Mama," Ella replied. "Very well, love," Lady Eleanor chuckled. "Run along and start working on the gift." Ella gave her mother and father one more hug before going to the sewing room.