August 1926

Two weeks after welcoming twin girls into the world, Avebury Manor was brimming with newfound joy. Marguerite had named the older twin Isabelle, captivated by the name's grace, while John had chosen the name Juliette for the younger one, a romantic choice inspired by Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet.'

While congratulations and well wishes poured in from near and far, a small cloud of disappointment hovered over William. He had been dreaming of a baby brother to share his toys and adventures with, and the arrival of not one, but two sisters left him a bit distressed.

Recognizing his mellow mood, Veronica, the ever-attentive and loving aunt, decided that an outdoor escapade and a pony ride might be just the thing to lift his spirits.

"Are you ready for your pony ride, William?" Veronica asked as she held the reins, the pony patiently waiting to start the adventure.

"Yeah," William responded, his enthusiasm restrained.

Veronica knelt beside him, "You were hoping for a brother, weren't you?"

"Yeah," he replied, looking down at his shoes.

"Hey, look at me and you. We have a lot of fun together, don't we?" Veronica encouraged.

His eyes lit up, "Uh-huh, we do!"

"Your sisters will be just as much fun, you'll see," Veronica promised him.

"But sisters like girl stuff," William countered, his little eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"I'm a girl, and I like climbing trees and playing games. Don't you think that's fun?" she said with a reassuring smile.

"Yes, it is! Super fun!" William beamed, becoming convinced.

"See? And your sisters will grow up fast. They'll be joining us in all kinds of games before you know it."

As Veronica led the pony around the sunlit field, she kept one arm wrapped securely around William's small frame, holding him in place as he sat on the saddle. Her other hand guided the pony's reins, ensuring a slow, steady pace perfect for a young rider.

As they continued their ride, Veronica took the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air, feeling grateful for these small, precious moments. The field around them was awash with the colors of late summer, and she noticed how the light seemed to dance in William's curious eyes. She couldn't help but feel optimistic about the family's future, knowing that these early years were filled with the sort of adventures that children—and adults—carry in their hearts forever.

Ever since reuniting with her family, Marguerite had found that she cherished these intimate moments spent with her mother and sister. Life had scattered them to different corners of the globe, and now it seemed that no amount of time could be sufficient for them to truly catch up. Today, they found themselves in Marguerite's master bedroom, with the tiny faces of Isabelle and Juliette peacefully asleep in their crib serving as the backdrop for their conversation.

"I still can't believe there are two of them," Marguerite mused, glancing at her newborn daughters. "But I don't mind. It's twice the love."

Catherine looked at the twins, nodding. "Twins do have a unique way of multiplying both the chaos and the joy," she observed, her eyes softening at the sight.

Emily chimed in, her expression tender, "They are adorable. And they'll have each other growing up, unlike us." At her words, Marguerite offered a sympathetic touch, stroking Emily's hand as a way of acknowledging their shared past.

"How long are they going to stay here in the master bedroom?" Catherine asked, intrigued.

Marguerite's eyes shifted back to the crib. "They'll stay here with John and me for the first year. After that, they'll move to the nursery."

Emily's face broke into a smile. "Oh, Marguerite, I do love you. You're so modern. Most people ship them off to the nursery straight away."

Marguerite laughed softly. "Thank God I'm not most people. I know the early years are so important for bonding." She paused, taking a moment to savor the intimacy of the gathering. "Speaking of new beginnings, Emily, how is the newspaper business these days?"

Emily rolled her eyes dramatically, "Since the strike started, it's been utterly boring. Everyone, every day, just goes on and on about the strike. I'm bored out of my mind. But there's finally something new to write about. American swimmer Gertrude Ederle becomes the first woman to swim the English Channel, from France to England. I'm about to interview her."

"That does sound like a woman worth writing about," Marguerite noted, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of such a story.

Emily's eyes took on a playful glint as she added, "Lady Diana Cooper seems to think so. I was considering inviting her here to Avebury Manor, with your permission, of course. I think you'll really like her."

Marguerite's eyes twinkled at Emily's suggestion. An actress, socialite, and writer, Lady Diana was renowned not only for her beauty but also for her wit and charisma. She moved in the most elite social circles and was friends with many of the period's most influential figures, including politicians and artists. Married to Duff Cooper, a politician and diplomat, she was a society' jewel. She was a publishing force behind the Sunday Express, the same paper where Emily was making her mark.

"By all means, invite her," Marguerite said, her voice tinged with excitement. "It would be an honor to have her, and quite the story for us all, I'm sure."