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CHAPTER 15

“This is lovely!” Yvette praised, holding up Maisie’s latest drawing—a rather charming depiction of a horse with a wild mane against a bright blue sky.

Yvette’s soft laughter filled the drawing room, blending with Maisie’s cheerful giggles.

The late morning sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room.

Sheets of paper were scattered across the low table between them, each adorned with colorful sketches born from a six-year-old’s boundless imagination.

Maisie beamed, her small cheeks flushing with pride.

“Do ye really think so, Duchess?” she asked shyly.

“I do! You’ve captured Flash perfectly,” Yvette replied, placing the drawing gently aside. “You even caught his mischievous expression.”

Maisie giggled. “That’s because Flash is mischievous! He always eats the flowers when the stable master isn’t looking.”

Yvette laughed, imagining the stable master’s scolding of the unruly pony. “Well, you’ve done a splendid job. You’re quite the little artist.”

Maisie smiled brightly, dipping her quill into the inkwell to start another drawing. “Will you draw with me, Duchess?”

Yvette’s heart softened at the child’s hopeful tone.

“Of course.” She picked up a quill and began sketching a small cottage framed by hills, drawing on distant memories of her time in the countryside.

As they worked side by side, Maisie asked with sudden curiosity, “Duchess… do ye have a brother?”

Yvette paused for a heartbeat, surprised by the question.

“I do,” she said with a fond smile. “His name is Edward. He’s older than me by seven years.”

“Is he nice?” Maisie asked, tilting her head.

“Very nice,” Yvette assured her. “Although, when we were younger, I was quite the menace to him.”

Maisie’s eyes widened. “You were?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Yvette confessed with mock seriousness. “I played the most outrageous pranks on him.”

Maisie set down her quill, intrigued. “Like what?”

Yvette’s lips twitched as she recalled one particular incident. “There was a time when Edward was preparing for a very important visit from our Papa’s business partner. He was meant to present himself as a perfect gentleman.”

Maisie leaned in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“I thought it would be hilarious if I hid a frog inside his coat pocket,” Yvette continued, struggling not to laugh at the memory.

“During the meeting, the poor creature jumped out right when Edward was making an important introduction.”

Maisie gasped, covering her mouth. “Did he get in trouble?”

“Oh, he most certainly did,” Yvette admitted. “Our father never suspected me. Edward didn’t tell on me, though he did chase me around the garden for half an hour afterward.”

Maisie burst into a fit of giggles, clutching her sides. “That’s so funny!”

Yvette joined her in laughter, the memory of her carefree childhood warming her heart. “He was furious, but he forgave me… eventually.”

Maisie’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “Since I don’t have a brother… maybe I could prank Papa like that.”