First, I apologize for starting a third story without finishing the previous two, but the thing is that my focus is very divergent, and I'm most productive if, from time to time, I shift focus to a different projects. Then, when I return to the old one, inspiration just hits me.

On the other hand, don't worry, every story started here will not only be 100% completed, but each one will be iteratively improved and polished—following an agile methodology, where there's always room for improvement.

However, if this confuses you or frustrates you, please feel free to tell me, and I'll make an effort to only post fully finished stories from now on. But that would also mean I'll post less frequently, as I'll be waiting until I have the first iteration of the entire story. I am looking forward to hear what you think.

I hope these stories offer you a sense of escape and comfort.

I am posting pictures of the puzzles on AO3. They are not my intellectual property. I borrowed and adjusted them.


CHAPTER 1

This story takes place in spring of 1929

John returned from a meeting with the tenants and found his family scattered across the lawn. The children were sprawled on a blanket with the nanny, engrossed in their games, while Marguerite sat at a tea table on the terrace, absorbed in her sketching. As he approached and leaned over, he noticed she was drawing a white rabbit in a red waistcoat clutching a pocket watch, looking as if it was late for a very important date.

"Curiouser and curiouser," John remarked with a smile, settling into a chair beside Marguerite.

She looked at him and smiled, setting her pencil down. "Darling, you're back. How was the meeting?"

"It went well. The tenants are in good spirits, thankfully. We've managed to agree on some new terms that should help them through the next season. It's a relief to see them optimistic about the future."

He paused, glancing back at the paper. "And what are you doing? Rewriting Alice in Wonderland?"

Marguerite laughed softly. "No. I'm creating a treasure hunt for our children. The puzzles are for William, but I've prepared a few simpler tasks for the twins too. If they manage to solve everything, they will find the treasure. Alice in Wonderland is the theme because, as you very well know, they adore the story."

"That sounds absolutely wonderful, Marguerite. They do love a good adventure. I can only imagine how much they'll enjoy the one with elements from their favorite story."

"Yes, I think so."

"So, what is the treasure?" John asked curiously.

Marguerite paused thoughtfully. "Hmm, I haven't gotten that far yet. We can figure it out together. Maybe a toy? A dollhouse for the girls..."

"And perhaps a model ship for William, or a fort he can assemble and play with." John finished.

The children came running over. Isabelle nestled into Marguerite's lap while Juliette climbed onto John's. Although they were visually identical, they could easily distinguish them, as each had a completely distinct spirit. William also hurried over and took a seat on a chair between them.

"Have you been good girls and listened to the nanny?" Marguerite asked.

"Yes!" Juliette exclaimed.

"I drew a ladybug." Isabelle informed them.

Leaning forward to see Marguerite's writing, William asked, "How are the puzzles coming along?"

Marguerite closed her notebook. "No peeking," she teased.

The nanny approached and asked, "My lady, could you watch the children for a few minutes? I need to go down to the laundry room to pick up the washing and take it upstairs."

"Of course," Marguerite replied. "We'll be just fine here, won't we?" She glanced at the children, who nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

Once the nanny had left, Marguerite turned to John. "She is so relaxed with them, isn't she?"

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" John asked.

"It's a wonderful thing. I love how comfortable they all are together—it really puts my mind at ease."

Juliette looked up at John and asked, "Daddy, when are we going to ride the pony?"

John smiled, "After your afternoon nap."

"I don't want to nap!"

Marguerite replied gently, "No one is forcing you. We'll go in and settle down with a story."

"That's how you tricked us last time!" Isabelle exclaimed.

Marguerite asked, "Tricked you? How so?"

"You said we were going to read a story and then we fell asleep." Isabelle explained.

Marguerite chuckled. "Well, if sleep overtook you, that hardly seems like my doing."

Isabelle retorted, "Well, this time it won't work. William says: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."

Marguerite and John exchanged a glance, then both looked at William with mock sternness.

"Hey, who said that?" William asked, raising his eyebrows innocently.

Feeling their continued gaze, William added with a playful shrug, "Kids... they pick up the darndest things along the way."