Chapter 1
The Stanley family. Full of laughter and intelligence. Mr. Stanley the head of the family is The Earl of Derby. Mrs. Stanley a housewife with great social skills and a nobility herself. They together have five offsprings. Avalene being the oldest and married to Viscount Huxley. Celia the second oldest isn’t yet married, she excels in managing accounts of the manor. Danielle the third born she is wonderful in reading the room and takes after her mama by garnering the knowledge of immaculate social skills. Elora the youngest daughter of the Stanley family. She is rather preserved in her own small space. She is a brilliant reader and has great intellectual knowledge. Benedict, the youngest of them all is a mischievous yet disciplined young gentle man who recently turned 12. He is pampered by all. As the days roll by, the time of introducing their rest of the daughters to the society is nearing. Mama Stanley gets her girls ready for the society.)
Avalene: How is it that every time they speak, nothing good comes of it? (She whispers into her mother’s ears as they walk away from the crowd.)
Mrs. Stanley: Well, you shall not speak ill of them in public my dear.
(She whispers back as they get on the carriage back home)
Avalene: Mama, they are the gossip mongers of the society. And every time there is such gatherings, without any fail they cause a havoc. Even Lord Huxley dislikes their habit of flaming the social gatherings.
Mrs. Stanley: It is the very reason as to why I keep your sisters away from these gatherings dearest!
Avalene: Given that they are of age now, I shall make them aware of the trenches of the society. (Avalene sighs loudly)
**AT THE MANOR**
Benedict: Mama is back!! (He exclaims with joy) Something you brought back, some sweets perhaps?
Mrs. Stanley: No sweetie, maybe ask your sister! (she remarks playfully)
Benedict: Sister!! I didn’t know you were coming today!! Stay for long this time will you?? (He mentions with great enthusiasm)
Avelene: Oh! dear Benny, I missed you dearly. This time though since the Lord is out on business I shall be staying at the manor for a month or so. Now for your sweets! How about we go make some ourselves? Will you lend me a hand?
Benedict: (Grabs Avelene’s hands) Sure sister! We shall bake delectable cookies.
* AT THE HALL *
Celia: I heard Avalene was staying?? Isn’t that exciting Danielle? (She says trying to get her sister’s attention)
Danielle: Hmm! I am glad she is here for longer this time. (Says while flipping pages of the headline papers.)
Elora: With Lord Huxley gone, it must be lonely for sister there. (She speaks as she enters the hall)
Danielle: Well isn’t it new for you to be at the hall instead of reading or playing the pianoforte? (Speaks playfully)
Elora: I suppose, with sister Avalene staying with us for some time, immersing myself in books might not be a great idea. And besides, I’m smelling some delicious goods, who am I to deny sister’s delightful cookies.
Celia: Elora dearest, how are your piano forte lessons going? Is the teacher going hard on you?
Elora: No sister, I’ve been doing great. Ms. Gina is a as sweet as she can be. I’ve been praised a lot by her.
Housemaid: Misses, dinners ready.
Danielle: We shall be there shortly.
* AT DINNER***
Mrs. Stanley: Benedict, don’t throw the peas at your sister!
Benedict: It was sister who started it first!! (He exclaims in a defensive tone)
Celia: I think the younger one isn’t so good at lying. Benny eat quietly. (She talks in a stern tone, quieting Benedict)
Avalene: Celia has grown quiet a stern voice now hasn’t she mama?
Mrs. Stanley: I suppose she has. Besides discipling Benedict isn’t for all of us, Celia does it the best. ( She says while sipping her wine)
Elora: Where’s papa? Will he not be joining us to dinner?
Mrs. Stanley: Your papa has been busy with some work, He’s staying late discussing business with partners.
Danielle: Mama! When can we officially be out on the society?
Celia: A ball perhaps? (She beams with excitement)
Avelene: There is an invitation for a ball this week isn’t that right mama?
Mrs. Stanley: Yes, I ought so! But it’s the society that’s holding the ball, we shall be present as there is a high chance of Her Majesty the Queen being there.
Elora: The Queen? Mama!! That is huge.
Danielle: There has been talks about the Queen’s presence in the past social balls. It’s written all over the papers.
Celia: Ahh! Then I suppose we must look presentable!
Mrs. Stanley: I think so yeah! We shall all visit the modiste tomorrow and select few fair dresses.
* THE BALL DAY***
Elora: Oh! Sister you have been practicing curtsey all day! It’s not like a new concept!!
Celia: Yes Danielle, we are aware of the curtsey patterns!
Danielle: I am known of our early introduction to the social habits sisters. What I am doing is making it better. We are to be at the same ball as the Queen after all!! (She says with a hint of frustration in her voice.)
Avalene: Well! Don’t you all look charming in these gowns. Elora dearest that color suits you very much.
Mrs. Stanley: You girls have no sense of time do you? We are to be late!! Get on the carriage.
