Sofia and Madeline Episode 18 "
Tea for Too Many"
The halls of Royal Prep were abuzz with excitement.
"They're choosing the host of the royal tea party today." One princess declared.
"Today's the day." Another smiled. "I wonder who it's going to be?"
"I hope they pick me." The first princess said.
"What's going on?" Sofia asked Amber and her friends.
"The fairies are picking the student who will host the next Royal Prep tea party today." Clio told her.
"I love tea parties!" Sofia beamed. "Before we were princess, Madeline and I threw tea parties in the village all the time. We'd spread blankets on the ground, and borrowed teapots and teacups from our moms."
"Borrowed teacups?" Hildegarde repeated.
"On blankets?" Clio asked.
"Oh, girls." Amber sighed. "These tea parties are a much bigger deal. The whole class goes. Even the fairies."
"See for yourself." Hildegarde pointed to a series of paintings on the wall. "Clio's had ponies."
"Hildey's party had a merry-go-round." Amber reminisced.
"Amber's party was my favorite." Clio declared. "We rode hot-air balloons."
"It was remarked." Amber boasted. "Even for me."
"Wow, those parties are huge." Madeline gasped.
"Ah, good times." Amber said fondly.
Later, in the classroom, Flora was collecting rolled-up parchments from the students and placing them in a teapot.
"As you know, only students who haven't had a chance to host a party should submit their names." She stopped at Amber, who had a lot of parchment in her hands. "Sorry, Amber."
"Oh, okay." Amber said sheepishly
"And only submit your name once, please." Flora added, as she returned to her desk. "And now, the drawing. Oh, this is so exciting! Let me give the teapot a good, proper stir!"
Using her wand, Flora spun the teapot around in the air.
"I'll cross my fingers for you both." Amber told Sofia and Madeline
"And the host of the next Royal Prep tea party will be..." Flora set the teapot down, leaving one roll in the air, which she opened and read. "Princess Sofia!"
"Works every time." Amber smirked, as the class applauded.
"Good for you, Sof." Madeline whispered
"Oh, congratulations, Sofia!" Flora smiled. "The tea party will be at your castle, this weekend. You can throw any kind of party you like; This is your chance to show us who you are. Express yourself, and have fun!"
"You're going to have to do better then borrowed teacups, " Hildegarde pointed out.
"Much better." Clio agreed.
Sofia laughed nervously.
"There have been a lot of grand Royal Prep tea parties." Amber said as they flew "What are you going to do for yours, Sofia?"
"Mmm, I have one idea." Sofia mused.
"It better be spectacular." Amber told "Because we princesses are not easy to impress."
"Oh, Amber" James groaned. "It's just a tea party."
"There's no such thing as 'just a tea party'." Amber countered.
"I think it's a pretty good idea." Sofia declared. "I'll show you when we get home."
Later, at the castle courtyard, Sofia and Madeline were taking teacups out of a basket and placing them on a blanket.
"Here we are!" Madeline told James and Amber.
"What is that?" Amber asked.
"Well Amber, since there have already been so many big, fancy parties, I think it would be fun to throw a simple tea party, like we used to do in the village."
Sofia smiled. "We can spread out blankets on the castle lawn."
"Like a picnic?" James asked.
"A picnic?!" Amber gasped.
"Exactly." Sofia nodded."What do you think?"
"You don't want to know." Amber said flatly.
"Yes, I do." Sofia insisted.
"I'm not impressed." Amber admitted.
"Oh." Sofia frowned. "But I didn't tell you my idea for the party favor. Everyone will get to decorate their own teacup!"
"Brilliant!" James cheered.
"Sounds fun, right?" Madeline asked.
"Hmmm, that's not the word I'd use to describe it." Amber frowned.
"What word would you use?" Sofia asked.
"Hmm, small." Amber stirred her tea. "Way too small."
"Really?" Sofia said,
"Oh, don't worry, Sofia." Amber consoled her. "Your party is going to be fabulous!"
"How do you know?" Sofia asked.
"Because you have a secret weapon." Amber revealed.
"What's that?" Sofia asked.
"Me!" Amber announced.
The day that I turned three
They threw a darling little party Just for me
But when I saw that cake
I took one look and said
There must be some mistake
It only had one layer
As small as could be
And what good is a cake
That's not taller then me
They made me a new cake
That went from ceiling to floor
And we still had leftovers
Til the day I turned four I wanted more
Cause bigger is better
And biggest is best
If you take me advice
You'll outshadow the rest
So throw a fancy party
Make it big as can be
And everyone will say
You're as amazing as me
Maid: Bigger is better
Amber: Bigger is better
Maids: Bigger is better
So first, pick a theme
Like flowers or tiaras
Or your wildest dream
Then make it soar
By just expanding all your planning
More and more
Like when I threw my party first I thought of balloons
But that wasn't enough
To make the other kids swoon
Maids: She had to make it bigger
So she really aimed high
Amber: I got some hot-air balloons
And took my party to the sky
Chorus: You know why
Amber: 'Cause bigger is better
And biggest is best
Maids: If you take her advice
Amber: You'll outshadow the rest
So throw a fancy party, make it
Maids: Big as can be
Amber: And everyone will say You're as amazing as me
Maids: Bigger is better
And biggest is best
Amber: Bigger is better
Maids: Take her advice
You'll outshadow the rest
Amber: Bigger is better
Maids: Throw a fancy party
Make it big as can be
Amber: Everyone will say
You're as amazing as me
Maids: Yes siree
Amber: I know that once you've tried it
Then you're gonna agree
Maids: Wait and see
Amber: I guarantee
Chorus: Bigger is better Yeah
"So, I guess I need to come up with a bigger idea, then." Sofia summarised.
"Oh, Sofia, that's what I've been trying to tell you." Amber sighed. "Do I need to sing the song again?"
"No." James said bluntly.
"Hmm, let me think." Sofia looked around, seeing some swans in the fountain. "I've got it!"
A short while later, the royal siblings were joined by some servants.
"Thank you for getting everyone together." Sofia told Baileywick.
"Of course, princess Sofia." Baileywick smiled. "What can we do for you?"
"I'm going to have a swan-themed tea party." Sofia revealed."We'll set up the tables right beside the swan fountain, and we'll have swan-shaped cookies and cakes."
"Sounds lovely." Baileywick declared.
"Aaaaand?" Amber prompted.
"More?" Sofia asked.
"Definitely more." Amber nodded.
"Hmm." Sofia thought. "Maybe we can get Mr. Cee-dric to make the tables and chairs float in the air, like the swans float on the water?"
"Thinking big, Sofia." Amber nodded. "And what else?"
"We need more?" Sofia asked.
"Mm-hmm." Amber smiled.
"Hey, what about a big swan cannon that goes 'kaboom'!" James suggested.
"Not helpful, James." Amber said bluntly.
"Maybe we can get the swans to put on a little show?" Sofia suggested.
"Princess Sofia, this all sounds delightful." Baileywick declared as he took notes. "But are you sure you want to do so much?"
"She has to, Baileywick." Amber declared.
"It's true." Sofia agreed. "All the students and teachers will be there. It needs to be a great party."
"And it will be." Baileywick smiled, taking over the notepad and quill. "Here, you can use these to keep track of your party."
"Thanks, Baileywick" Sofia took the items.
"I don't know about " Madeline frowned. "Bigger can't always be better, can it?"
"Looks that way to me." James shrugged.
"Guess we'll have to wait and see." Madeline sighed.
Later, Sofia examined the work of a gardener, who was trimming a hedge into the shape of a swan.
"Perfect!" She smiled. "It looks just like a swan!"
"Sofia!" Ruby called, as she and Jade walked up the path, flanked by a maid.
"Ruby, Jade!" Sofia smiled as she ran to meet them
"We've been looking all over the castle for you." Jade told her.
"I'm planning this tea party for my school." Sofia held up the pad.
"Oh." Ruby replied. "That sounds pretty important. We can come back another time."
"No-no-no." Sofia said quickly. "I could use a break. Maybe a little snack?"
"Sounds good to me." Jade smiled.
"And I know the perfect stop." Sofia declared. "We'll pick up Maddie on the way."
A while later, Sofia led them all to a bush, where a yellow ribbon was tied.
"Here it is." She noted. "We tied the ribbon here, so we wouldn't forget the way in."
"The way in where?" Ruby asked
Sofia removed the ribbon, revealing a gate just behind the bush.
"Our secret garden." Madeline revealed.
They went through the gate, revealing a massive garden, with butterflies, trees, flowers, and a stream.
"Whoa." Ruby and Jade said in unison.
"It's beautiful." Ruby swooned.
"Look at all the butterflies." Jade let one land on her finger.
Before long, they had set up their own little tea party.
"This reminds me of the tea parties we had in the village." Ruby smiled. "Are you throwing a party like this for your princess friends, Sofia?"
"I wish." Sofia sighed. "They expect a big, fancy tea party."
"That's too bad." Ruby replied. "Cause I'm having a great time."
"Me too." Jade agreed.
"It is nice." Sofia looked up. "I wish I could stay longer, but I have a lot left to do."
"That's okay, Sof." Madeline smiled."I'll keep them company. You get back to your planning."
"Thanks, Maddie." Sofia smiled, taking a biscuit for the road before leaving.
"What's up with Sofia?" Ruby asked. "She seems a little stressed out."
"Amber wants Sofia to have this huge tea party." Madeline declared. "But Sofia want a tea party like we used to have with you, down by the lake."
"So what are you going to do?" Jade asked.
"I'm going to put together a back-up tea party." Madeline declared. "And hold it right here."
"Good idea." Jade smiled.
"We've got to get home." Ruby stood up. "Thanks for the party."
"No problem." Madeline smiled. "I'll walk you out."
After leading Ruby and Jade out of the castle grounds, Madeline decided to put her plan into action.
Sofia made her way to the dining room.
"Ah, princess Sofia." Baileywick smiled. "You're just in time to choose the plates for your tea party"
Sofia looked at the different designs of plate on the table.
"This one's nice." She pointed.
"Oh, if you were a duchess or a countess." Amber disagreed. "But you are a princess."
"Hmm." Sofia looked at the plate. "What's wrong with it?"
"Yeah." James added. "It looks alright to me."
"Well, it isn't." Amber "It's too small, too plain, and too simple. You need something like this."
Amber lifted up a large golden plate, which shone bright enough for Sofia and James to have to cover their eyes.
"Really?" Sofia asked. "Isn't it a bit... shiny?"
"Of course." Amber nodded. "That's the idea, Sofia. When your guests sit down for tea, you want them to say-"
"Brilliant!" James exclaimed, as he picked up a napkin that had been folded into a swan.
"Exactly." Amber agreed. "Brilliant
"Okay, Baileywick" Sofia held up her checklist. "We'll use the gold plates."
"Very well then." Baileywick nodded.
Sofia checked off 'plates' from her list.
And so, the planning went on. When Sofia suggested silver goblets, Amber suggested ones with gold rims. Through mere clapping, Amber had more gold plates and gold-timmed teapots brought to the table, followed by gold candlesticks and pink napkins, and flowerpots.
"Amber, are you sure this isn't too much?" Sofia appraised the fully-decorated table. "It looks more like a feast then a tea party."
"Oh, Sofia." Amber smiled. "You can never have too much of a good thing."
"You can say that again." James agreed.
"James!" Sofia gasped. "Did you eat all the cookie samples?"
"Sorry." James apologised. "But they're great! They looked like swans, and tasted like cookies!"
"Hmm." Amber mused. "How big was the cookie?"
"About yay big." James measured with his hands.
"Oh." Amber said. "Oh, that won't They need to be at least yay big." She moved apart James' hands. "Probably bigger."
"I thought this was supposed to be Sofia's party, Amber." James reminded her.
"Oh, it is!" Amber said "I'm just... helping. Sofia, what kind of cookies would you like?"
"Well..." Sofia deliberated as the chef stood by. "The guests will be hungry, and we don't want the cookies to be too small, so I guess we should make them as big as we can, please."
"Oh, excellent choice!" Amber "And she'll have the biggest swan cakes, too."
"Thanks!" Sofia told the chef.
"Oh, this is fun!" Amber smiled widely. "What's next?"
"Oh, um..." Sofia checked her list. "The floating tables."
As Sofia and Amber left the room, Madeline walked in.
"Baileywick, James, will you two help me put together a back-up tea party for Sofia, please?" She asked.
"Sure, I'm in." James nodded.
"As you wish, princess Madeline." Baileywick smiled.
"Okay, what did Sofia pick?" Madeline askd.
"Gold plates and gold-rimmed teapots, gold candlesticks, pink napkins, and pink flowerpots" Baileywick summarised.
"That won't work." Madeline shook her head. "Let's go with the white little plates, and white napkins and white teapots and tea cups and medium-sized swan cookies and cakes, "
"Right away, princess Madeline." Baileywick obeyed.
"I don't know, Maddie." James frowned. "Sofia's supposed to be throwing this party."
"James, I know what I'm doing when I say bigger isn't always better." Madeline retorted.
"You sure?" James asked
"James, I know what Sofia wants to have, thank you very much" Madeline said hotly.
"Okay, fine." James said defensively.
"Now, time to get to work" Madeline declared.
In Cedric's workshop, the royal sorcerer was working on a concoction.
"Mr. Cee-dric!" Sofia yelled, causing him to turn around
"Ah!" He yelped. "Princess Sofia, princess Amber. Surely they teach you how to knock at that royal school of yours?"
"I'm sorry." Sofia apologized "The door was open."
"We have to ask a favor." Amber nudged Sofia. "Go ahead, Sofia."
"Um, so, I was wondering..." Sofia mumbled, "Do you have a spell that can make things float?"
"Do I have a spell that can make things float?" Cedric mockingly repeated. "Do I have a spell that can make things float? Oh yes, yes, of course I do!
Behold!" Cedric pointed his wand at a beaker on his table. "Flotaticus hoveraboo!"
The beaker floated into the air.
"Wow!" Sofia gasped. "That's terrific!"
"Oh, yes." Cedric boasted. "Yes it is, isn't it?"
"So, I'm hosting a tea party tomorrow, and it would be great if you could make all the tables and chairs float." Sofia told him."Just a little. Maybe this high off the ground?"
Sofia held her hand up to her waist
"Oh, wouldn't you know it?" Cedric said fake dismay "I'm afraid I already have plans."
"Huh." Amber smirked. "I thought the royal sorcerer was supposed to do whatever the king commands."
"Yes, I do what the king commands." Cedric clarified.
"Uh-huh." Amber retorted. "Then perhaps I should go get daddy- Oh, I mean, the King -and have him command you."
"That won't be necessary!" Cedric trembled. "When I said I had plans, I meant plans to make your party special as can be."
"That's more like it." Amber smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Cee-dric." Sofia beamed. "See you at the party."
"It's 'Cedric'." Cedric grumbled as they left. "And you are most certainly not welcome."
Wormwood let out a laugh, which quickly changed to throat clearing when Cedric glared at Wormwood, then noticed the still-floating beaker moving towards the open window.
"The beaker!" He gasped, pulling out his wand "Floaticu downitzo!"
The beak stopped floating, and fell down to the ground.
"Ooh!" Miranda's voice rang out.
"Are you alright, your highness?" Baileywick's voice asked.
"Oh, Merlin's mushrooms..." Cedric cringed.
"Oh, what next?" Amber asked as they walked down the stairs.
"I have to do this one myself." Sofia declared. "But I'll catch up with you later."
"Okay." Amber smiled. "I'll go check on the decorations. Don't forget, bigger is better!"
As Amber walked away, she bumped into James, who was walking his dog.
"Whoa, slow down!" James admonished her.
"I can't." Amber said quickly. "I have a party to plan."
"Don't you mean Sofia has a party to plan?" James corrected
"Of course." Amber said. "Listen, I'd love to chat more, but there is so much to do. I have to make sure we have streamers, goodie bags, ice... Hold on, I just got the best idea!"
"You're going to let Sofia throw her own party?" James suggested.
"No!" Amber shook her head. "I'm going to make Sofia's party even bigger'!"
Amber dashed away.
"Oh, boy." James sighed. "Maddie, I hope that back-up party of yours is going ready..."
Meanwhile, Sofia had returned to the fountain.
"Hi, pretty swans!" She called. "I brought food!"
"Ooh, ooh!" One swan yelped as Sofia threw some bread into the fountain. "Incoming!"
"Relax, Ralph." Another swan admonished him. "They're just breadcrumbs."
"Sorry." Sofia apologised.
"Don't worry about Ralph." The femle swan "He's a little skittish."
"We're swans!" Ralph pointed out. "We're all skittish! What can I do for ya, princess Sofia? What'd ya need?"
"I'm hosting a tea party for my school, and I was hoping you could perform a water ballet." Sofia explained.
"Ballet?" Ralph "Hello, we're swans? We swim, we fly, we honk- HONK! -We do not dance."
"Honey, I think she wants us to fly and swim as though we were dancing." Another swan suggested.
"Yes, exactly!" Sofia nodded. "You're so graceful!"
"Oh, I am, aren't I?" Ralph boasted. "I mean, we'd love to! Right? Heads up, swans! Are we all in?"
"It would be our pleasure, princess Sofia." The first female swan nodded.
"Only one condition." Ralph added. "Next time, sprinkle the breadcrumbs gently in the water?"
"I promise." Sofia chuckled, before looking over her list. "Let's see, I did the plates, cookies, Mr. Cee-dric, swans... Oh, the dress! I have to go! See you at the party!"
A short while later, Sofia was wearing a pink gown, a maid taking it Sofia glanced forlornly at her list.
"Sofia!" Miranda called as she entered the room.
"Oh, hi, mom." Sofia smiled.
"Baileywick told me all about your party." Miranda smiled. Noticing Sofia was looking glum, she asked "Oh, is everything okay?"
"Yes!" Sofia put on a fake smile. "I've just been really busy with all the planning. But the party is going to be so big and fancy. Amber says everyone is going to love it."
"Oh, I'm sure they'd be pleased no matter what kind of party you threw." Miranda assured her. "Like those sweet little tea parties you used to have with Ruby and Jade down by the river."
"I don't know." Sofia sighed. "Amber said I have to think big."
"Sofia!" Amber suddenly appeared. "I've just had the greatest idea! It's so big, I can't believe we didn't think of it before! Ready? An ice swan!"
Sofia sighed and leaned on Miranda.
A short while later, Amber led them to the kitchen, where a man was standing next to a large block of ice.
Meanwhile, Madeline was still working on the back-up party. She quickly found Roland.
"Dad, can you talk to one of the chefs to see if he can help me make new swan-themed cookies and cakes, please?" She asked.
"Sure sweetheart." Roland smiled. "It's good of you to do this 'back-up' party for Sofia."
"That's what sisters do." Madeline smiled.
A short while later, Amber led them to the kitchen, where a man was standing next to a large block of ice.
"Armstrong makes ice sculptures." She declared. "He could carve this big block of ice into a giant swan. Right, Armstrong?"
"Yup." Armstrong nodded.
"But Amber, I think we have enough going on at the party." Sofia protested. "Do we really need one more thing?"
"Absolutely!" Amber smiled. "This will be like... the cherry on top of the sundae! You can't throw a swan party without an ice swan. Everyone expects an ice swan!"
"Ice swan it is." Sofia said reluctantly.
Armstrong bowed, then started sculpting the ice.
The next morning, Sofia and awoke to find Amber standing by Sofia's bed, wearing an ornate, swan-styles dress.
"Amber?" Sofia yawned.
"Rise and shine, Sofia!" Amber yelped. "Today's your big day!"
"Oh, boy." Madeline groaned.
"I hope they like it." Sofia fretted as Amber sat on her bed.
"They're going to love it." Amber assured her. "Now, let's start setting up!"
"Okay!" Sofia gave a thumbs up.
"You're not the only ones..." Madeline said under her breath.
Over by the swan fountain, Sofia observed the servants setting everything up.
"Sofia, did you check the tables?" Amber asked.
"Yes, the tables look great." Sofia answered.
"And we have enough teapots?" Amber followed up.
"More then enough." Sofia noted.
"What about the cookies?" Amber asked. "And cakes?"
"Here they come now." Sofia pointed as the servants carried them in.
Miranda, James and Baileywick walked over.
"What do you think, mom?" Sofia asked.
"Oh, it's... very fancy." Miranda said.
"Oh, I know!" Amber gushed. "Isn't it great?"
Mm-hmm." Miranda nodded. "You did a wonderful job."
"Thank you!" Sofia and Amber both said at once.
"And wait until you see the ice swan!" Amber added. "Wait, where is the ice swan?"
"It's on it's way, Amber." Sofia chuckled. "I'm going to go check on the real swans. Be right back."
Sofia wandered over to the fountain.
"Hi, there." She said to Ralph.
"Aaah!" Ralph honked.
"Ralph, it's just princess Sofia!" The female told him.
"What's up?" Ralph asked.
"I just wanted to make sure you're ready for your performance." Sofia declared.
"Well, to be perfectly honest, I'd feel a lot better is we ran through it again." Ralph admitted.
"Okay, one more time from the top!" The female agreed.
The swans began with synchronised swimming.
"Ooh, so graceful!" Sofia gasped. "Maybe bigger is better."
"Princess Sofia!" Cedric boomed. "Your royal sorcerer has arrived!"
"Oh, hi, Mr. Cee-dric." Sofia smiled.
"Shall we get this party floating?" Cedric twirled his wand.
"The floating tables?" Sofia asked. "Right. Maybe we should wait until-"
"I just want to get it over with, then be on my way, thank you." Cedric interrupted.
"It's here, Sofia!" Amber called. "The ice swan!"
Armstrong rolled the completed sculpture towards the fountain.
"That's great!" Sofia smiled. "But watch out!"
Armstrong's cart hit a bump in the path, and the swan sculpture fell out. Sliding down the path, it knocked a pair of servants off their feet and on it's back. It then crashed into the fountain, scaring away the swans.
"Floaticus hovera-aah!" Cedric yelped as a swan crashed into him. "Oh, no!"
The chairs and tables started floating up into the sky.
"No, stop!" Sofia yelled.
"Brilliant!" James smiled.
"What was going on?" Amber gasped.
"Mr. Cee-dric, the tables!" Sofia pointed.
"Oh, it was the swans' fault!" Cedric groaned. "Silly birds should watch where they're flying!"
The tables floated off into the distance
"Cedric, would you kindly bring the tables back?" Baileywick asked.
"I can't bring them back if I can't see them, now can I?" Cedric grumbled. "I didn't want to do this in the first place, but now it's all my fault?"
Cedric walked away in a huff.
"Mr. Cee-dric?" Sofia asked. "Baileywick? Mom? The party! Everything's ruined!"
"Oh, I'm sorry, honey." Miranda hugged her.
"What am I going to do?" Sofia asked. "Everyone's about to show up!"
"Well... you'll just have to come up with a new plan." Miranda comforted her.
"But how?" Sofia despaired. "I don't have time to plan another big, fancy party!"
"Sofia, did you even want your tea party to be so big and fancy?" Miranda asked.
"Well, not really..." Sofia admitted.
"Mm-hmm." Miranda smiled. "Well, what kind of tea party did you want to throw?"
"Something a little simpler, I guess." Sofia sighed. "But fun, like the parties me and Madeline used to have with Ruby and Jade."
"Well, now's your chance to throw the party you want to throw, not the one everyone expects you to throw." Miranda declared.
"But what will the other kids say?" Sofia worried.
"It doesn't matter." Miranda told her. "It's your party. Show them what a Sofia tea party is like, and I'm sure everyone will have a good time."
"You really think so?" Sofia asked.
"Mm-hmm." Miranda nodded.
"So do I." James added.
"Well, we can't be too picky at this point." Amber shrugged.
"Amber!" James admonished her.
"Hey, guys!" Madeline said as she joined them. "Whoa, what a mess."
"Some tea party, huh?" Sofia joked.
"Not to worry, Sof." Madeline smiled. "I figured something like this would happen, so I took the liberty of setting up a back-up party."
"Back-up party?" Amber repeated. "Where is it?"
"At me and Sofia's favorite spot in the whole castle." Madeline smiled.
"Where's that?" Miranda asked.
"It's a secret." Sofia chuckled.
A short time later, the guests had all arrived. Miranda led them to the courtyard.
"Princess Amber, which way to the party?" Hidegarde asked.
"I'm not sure." Amber admitted. "Sofia said to wait out here."
"Out here?" Hildegarde repeated. "Why?"
James rang a bell.
"Princess Sofia would like you to follow the ribbons." He announced, pointing to a yellow ribbon.
"Ooh, how fun!" Clio smiled.
"We'll see how fun." Hildegarde said haughtily.
The guests followed the ribbon trail.
"I see the next one!" Amber pointed to Cedric, a ribbon around his forehead. "Here it is!"
"Yes, there is a ribbon tied to my head." Cedric grumbled. "You have found it, now move along!"
"There's another ribbon!" Hildegarde pointed. "Follow me!"
The ribbon was on a bush. Hildegarde pushed it aside, revealing Baileywick standing beside the garden gate.
"Right this way." He offered.
"What is this place?" Hildegarde asked.
"Let's go in and find out." Amber suggested.
Hildegarde opened the gate.
"A secret garden!" Clio gasped.
Sofia and Madeline were sitting on a blanket by the stream.
"Welcome to my tea party." Sofia smiled.
"That is quite a view." Hildegarde admitted.
"And look at all the butterflies." Clio swooned as one landed on her finger.
"I absolutely love it." Hildegarde declared.
"Me too!" Cleo agreed. "Love it!"
"You do?" Amber gasped.
"Yes." Hildegarde nodded. "It's like a picnic in the country. Very charming."
"I'm so glad to hear you say that." Sofia beamed.
"But there's just one thing." Hildegarde continued.
"What?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, what?" Amber added.
"Plain white teacups?" Hildegarde declared.
"They won't be plain for long." Sofia smiled as Baileywick brought over some paint and brushes. "Everyone gets to paint their own teacup."
Not long after, the guests were admiring their handiwork.
"I painted swans on mine." Sofia smiled.
"I painted Minimus." Madeline announced.
"I'm gonna paint a fort on mine." James smirked. "Boom goes the cannon."
"I'll cover mine in tiaras." Hildegarde told them.
"I'll do whatever Hildey does." Clio smiled.
"Well Sofia, Madeline, I have to say... this is a great tea party!" Amber admitted. "I guess bigger isn't always better."
"It's just different, that's all." Madeline shrugged. "You like big parties, we like small parties. But both are just as good."
"I believe this might be the most charming tea party we've ever attended." Flora announced, magically filling her cup with tea. "Let's raise our teacups to our hostess: Princess Sofia! Hear, hear!"
"To Sofia!" The guests chorused. "Hear, hear!"
"To me!" Sofia chuckled.
"You should get some recognition too, Madeline." Miranda whispered.
"That's okay, mom." Madeline smiled. "I used all of Sofia's ideas, so she should really get the credit."
"You're such a good sister." Miranda smiled.