The mood was cheery and bright in the dining room, brighter than normal with the two suns at the table chatting away with frills and smiles. Complementing one another over and over again, it was rather repetitive and tiresome but made many, many smiles appear all around. No one seem to be able to follow their chattering or new language from what it sounded like between the two. But, they seem to.

So much they barely touched their food, only to be reminded of it.

"Girls," Francis' voice breaks through, taking control of the mood. Lizzie and Harmony stop and give her their attention. The woman calmly slices a bit of her fish and takes a flawless bite, eating and swallowing. Dabs her lips before proceeding. Her eyes never lifted from her plate. "though it is pleasing to hear the two of you bountifully enjoying one another's company, as ladies you are forgetting your mouths are used for than talking. Finish your breakfast."

The two cousins look down at their untouched plate and couldn't help but giggle lightly. Paula standing nearby couldn't help but share it as well. Shaking her head at the two.

"Oh, those two." She said sweetly. "They look adorable."

And adorable they did in their matching cream color dresses, matching accessories and smiles. Their hair was the only thing that did not match, though Lizzie would have loved it, but Harmony's hair would not hold so it was settled into a soft fallen ringlets, pulled back into a proper ponytail donned with flower accessories. Other than that they were the same.

Settling their giggling Lizzie takes charge. Picking up her fork. "Mother is quite right. We need to finish our breakfast and once we are done we can have so much fun."

"Yes! Fun, fun!" Harmony cheers clapping her hands, picking up her fork like Lizzie. Following what she ate first and her every move. Receiving praise from Lizzie who couldn't help but fawn over her.

Squealing. "Ah! You are just so cute!"

Harmony does the same back, ending with the two squeals rising and nearly shaking the manor. It would be unwise to stop them. So it was best to let it settle. It was a cute sight indeed. Edward couldn't help but smile at them, though it dropped slightly when his mind wonders elsewhere as well his eyes. Everyone was here at the table minus his father who had some business to attend and another. Another whom Edward desired to see, but, his eyes did not. Their meal was taken to their room, enclosed. This was not what Edward hoped to happen being here back home.

No.

What his mind envision was quite the opposite. His heart was fluttering with the idea of talking, the conversations to exchange. The passing looks to give and tender laughter to fill the time. Hopefully, take a walk around the manor or even play a simple game. He'd be a true gentleman, more than what was expected. Give them sweet compliments more delicious than candy. He even had poetry lines he memorized should he need it. Spend an afternoon listening to the lovely tune of their voice that warmed his hearing. Play a few indoor games if they did not want to venture outside. And should outside be grey their yellow-golden eyes would bring the sun and smile at him.

Those eyes more precious than gold, shined with a radiance of mystery and lure, and a hint of wonder that was attractive. They lite up in the most impressionable way, that was nearly like a child. To settle into maturity. Through eyes he often what world they saw? Was as bright as their eyes? Or something more enchanting? His eyes were like a forest, he remembered their words.

So poetic, their words.

He wondered what they would say right now? If they were here, sitting next to him or across. Would he speak first? Or would they? His heartbeat fasten, he should speak first, no, that would be rude. He would like them to speak, or, what if he was being too forceful? Why was his tongue swelling? Was this how he would be when they marry?

Marriage?! Why did his mind bring that up? Trembling a bit, grips his fork tightly to stop himself. Trying hard to block it all and redirect his mind to breakfast and the others. But, it would not have it.

Would there one or two kids? Maybe three?

Children? He hadn't started courting them, how could he think of children when he hadn't done the first thing.

Two boys or girls?

Shaking his head feverishly, this was all too soon. Too soon. He hadn't even gotten a chance to say a simple hello since his time here. He had to at least do that during his time and then maybe...

"Edward," his mother draws him back. He looks finding her eyes on him. He quickly shoots up straight. D-Did she hear his thoughts? Did she? Her eyes remained tight and firm. Nailing little by little into him. Tempted to swallow holds it back. He could her hear change her position, put her fork down and parted her lips. "today I have arranged for the girls to go to the Zoo. Harmony has been fascinated with them. Apparently, the Earl has not yet taken her to the Zoo. So she is being treated to going."

"O-Oh, how wonderful."

"Yes. And you shall accompany them." There was no saying no. "Along with your cousin May." His body jerks up and his head spins around to her eyes wide and a smile growing. While his mother kept her face solemn. "Yes, she will be joining you all. It will be a nice family outing. I entrust you."

He stands up with an uncontained smile. "Yes, you can mother. I shall be their escort and make sure nothing happens."

Pleased to hear this Francis stands herself done. "Good, I expect nothing less." One of the maids come and clear her area. "And Edward-"

A long sigh leaves your lips, to wince. "Oh, forgive me Madam." your maid apologizes.

You give her a soft smile. "No, you are alright. Please." Nodding for her proceed, she does so timidly. You weren't sure what hurt more, your body or mind? Or maybe just everything. You could the slight throbbing pain through your body. As Marian helped you get ready, for a day at the zoo. Your day of rest you presumed after rigorous lessons with Francis.

Her teachings far exceeded Master Splinter. Especially in this era. Every part of you hurt, it was good that Marian had drawn up a warm bath to soothe your muscles. It helped just a little, though there should have been some oils included to help. Oh well. Feeling her finish, you look at yourself to make sure everything was right. God forbid if it wasn't, just thinking of Francis would react gave you nightmares.

Yes, this was appropriate, simple and poised. Choosing to wear a deep pink skirt and waistline jacket with flared sleeves, with your hair pulled into a resting position on the side over your shoulders. Much better than being in a bun. A dark pink choker and smile. Showing you were ready. Thanking Marian you leave, each step you just had to endure. The thought of spending time was Harmony was more important. It felt like forever, she would be happy to see you again. Reaching the stairs you go down, not too fast as you would have tripped. Lightly your boots touch the floor, when a surge of pain shoot through your leg, that it nearly buckled.

A hand shoots out grabbing you just in time. "Hold on, I've got you." Edward said helping you up slowly. Much to your surprise, he was here. You stare at him just shocked. While he did his best to hold himself together. "There." He sets you upright. "Are you alright?"

Checking yourself, there was no damage. "Yes, I am. Thank you." About to give him a smile. When Harmony yells your name from the open front doors. Your smile went to her instead. "Harmony!" You move around and hurry over. Leaving Edward who sighs but holds himself up and follows.