An immense pang of guilt struck Lily. She had not meant to be so harsh to her fiance. Not like she should have cared much; she didn't love him. He was so conceited and self-absorbed for the most part. Still, she regretted not being more composed and losing her temper.
An hour passed, and Lily decided to leave the study. When she went down the stairs to the main floor, she became shocked and perplexed. The manor was decorated as if there was a party taking place. "Why is the manor decorated?" she asked, aloud. She summoned the gardener, maid, butler, and chef. The four of them came in. She asked them why the house was decorated.
"We thought it would cheer you up," Finny replied.
"Yeah. You're always so sad that we decided to throw you a little party," Baldroy chimed in.
"We put up decorations and made the manor all nice and pretty, yes we did," added Mey-Rin.
Lily looked at the servants, stunned, then she looked at Sebastian. "Sebastian, did you have a part to play in this?"
Sebastian smiled a little. "Yes, my lady. We thought it would do you good to have a celebration."
Lily was quiet. She sat down in a chair. All the servants looked worried. "We really blew it this time," Baldroy said, slapping his forehead.
Lily began crying, and Mey-Rin, Baldroy, and Finnian began panicking. "Forgive us, my lady. We didn't mean to make you cry," they said.
The teenage girl looked at her servants. "I'm not upset. I am touched that you all would go through the trouble of doing all this just to make me happy. Thank you."
The servants relaxed, and Sebastian said, "My lady, dinner has been prepared for you."
When Lily went into the dining room and sat down, Mey-Rin brought out Lily's favorite dishes. Unfortunately, she tripped, but with lightning speed, Sebastian was able to keep the food from splattering everywhere. Lily nodded in approval as Sebastian set the food in front of her.
The servants watched Lily eat, apprehensive, waiting for her response. A smile crept on her face. "This is excellent."
Mey-Rin almost fainted from the tension . She stumbled backward, and Bard caught her. Lily stifled a chuckle.
Later, after Lily finished eating, she and the servants went into the main room again. The young lady looked at the room. Suddenly, she heard the piano being played. She looked over and saw Sebastian playing the instrument, skillfully. "A little music would lighten the mood," he said.
"I missed my dancing lesson today," said Lily. "I am feeling a bit better and would like a dancing partner."
Sebastian got up and placed a record on the record player. Soft music played. He walked to Lily and bowed. "Allow me. I shall be your instructor this evening."
He held out his hand, and she took it. He taught her how to waltz. By the time the music stopped, it was bedtime.
Lily addressed Baldroy, Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Sebastian. "Thank you for being so kind and understanding with me today. As you all know, today is a very difficult day for me, and you have all helped make it a little better. You all have my gratitude."
Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian beamed proudly. "Anything for you, my lady," they chimed.
Later, Sebastian helped Lily get settled in bed. The teenage girl said, "Was it all your idea, Sebastian?"
"What, my lady?"
"The decorations and dinner."
"I merely played a part in it."
"I am lucky to have wonderful servants."
"Indeed, my lady. Now, it's time for you to sleep. Good night."
"Wait!"
Sebastian stopped and turned around. Lily looked terrified. "What is wrong, mistress?"
Lily's expression became calm. "Will you stay here until I fall asleep?"
"Why? Are you afraid?"
"Yes. I don't want to be alone tonight."
"Very well, my lady."
Sebastian walked into the room and stayed until Lily fell asleep. Then, he walked out and closed the door.
