In the lush, full garden of Rose Manor, filled with brilliant red ruby like roses. A table, adorned with delicate porcelain cups, tea biscuits, and scones, stood in a small clearing. The inviting fragrance of tea and baked goods mingled with the scent of nearby roses, creating a harmony of nature and elegance.
A female bunny sat alone on the table. Her fingers tapped a relentless rhythm on the table's surface, a contrast to the peaceful, slumbering child in the pram beside her. A tiny fist peeked out from a lace-trimmed blanket, clutching a stuffed carrot.
With a sigh, Delilah looks at Stephan sleeping in the pram. His tiny chest rose and fell with each breath. Delicate fur, with the color of gold, framed his features. Unable to resist, Delilah reached out and cradled the sleeping baby into her arms.
Delilah reached out and traced her fingers along his cheek. feeling the soft fur on her hand, a warmth began to blossom in her chest. Her touch disturbed Stephan's sleep. A drowsy coo began to escape his lips, followed by a lazy stretch that brought his tiny paw to his face
Delilah chuckled. "Sorry to wake you" she whispered as she tucked him back into his cozy pram. The feeling of tenderness shot through her as she felt his delicate weight leave her arms.
Focusing back on the tea and baked goods placed on the table. Delilah sighed. 'Elizabeth, Robert, and Elanor are quite late; it's very unlikely for them.' She reached for the teapot, its silver gleaming in the sunlight. She poured a cup, the steaming amber liquid swirling within the delicate china. 'I might as well enjoy this tea by myself before it gets cold.' before adding sugar and stringing it slowly.
The spoon clinked against the china as Delilah stirred her tea, a furrow etching her brow. Had Elizabeth forgotten her invitation? A jolt of surprise straightened her back as a familiar voice broke the afternoon quiet. "Starting without me, Delilah? And here I thought our friendship meant something." Elizabeth's voice, though teasing, held a hint of breathlessness.
Surprised Deliah turns her head towards the noise. Her close friend Elizabeth Fox enters the garden. With giggles and the rustle of her red silk dress showing her pregnant visage, as she is currently guided by a young maid. Delilah shot her friend a playful glare, the smile never leaving her lips. "Elizabeth," she drawled, "you wound me." she gestured to one of the empty chairs "Please, take a seat."
Elizabeth Fox waddled, towards the chair, Her hand cradling her belly. Each step seemed to need a little more effort. With a huff of relief, she finally settled into the chair, the weight of her unborn child evident in every sigh. With a flick of her wrist, Elizabeth dismissed the maid. Seeing she was not needed anymore the bunny nodded and left the two ladies alone.
When the maid exited the garden Delilah turned her attention back to Elizabeth. “So, I've heard you've been putting on some weight recently.” Elizabeth disregards her comment with a wave of her hand and laughs. "Well, Delilah, it seems carrying a possible heir requires a few extra indulgences. Don't worry; I'll shed the weight in due time." Delilah only giggled at her remark.
Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with curiosity as they landed on the pram. "Is that your son sleeping in there, Delilah?" she asked, her voice soft and brimming with excitement.
Delilah's heart swelled with pride as she gently picked up the baby. "He is," she replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. She lifted the blanket, revealing a tiny face framed by soft, downy blonde fur. His floppy ears covered his eyes. His delicate features were peaceful.
Elizabeth leaned in, her eyes widening in wonder. "Oh my, look at that brilliant blonde fur" she exclaimed, her voice barely whispering. "He's gorgeous, Delilah." Delilah couldn't help but grin at her friend's genuine admiration. "His name is Stephen Sage Bunny," she said, her voice overflowing with love. "Stephen Sage Bunny," Elizabeth repeated, savoring the name on her tongue. "Oh, how perfect," she whispered, her smile widening even further.
As Delilah put Stephan back into his pram suddenly, a mischievous glint appeared in Elizabeth's eyes. "Say, Delilah, "I can't help but wonder if you intend to invite me and my family to tea, for you to show your newborn. aren't you afraid that I'm going to give you the evil eye?”
Delilah burst into laughter. “Elizabeth the only evil here is your dress, seriously red silk, don't you know your red fur and red dress do not match." Elizabeth pretended to gasp, her hand flying to her chest. "How dare you! I assure you, it looks quite good. Hmph," Elizabeth turned her head to the side pretending to be hurt by her playful insult.
Delilah's laughter subsided, leaving behind a soft smile. "Please, pour yourself a cup," she gestured to the teapot. Elizabeth reached for the teapot, her movements graceful and practiced.
When Elizabeth had finished pouring Delilah offered her sugar, but Elizabeth refused. "I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you. I like my tea the way it is.”
An array of delectable treats adorned the table. Delicate teacakes, scones glistening with butter, and miniature fruit tarts bursting with colors. Elizabeth's gaze lingered on them for a moment, her mouth watering.
"Then please take some tea cake or scones, they are freshly made and quite lovely," Delilah offered. Gesturing to the assortment of tea cakes and scones on the table. Elizabeth nods and takes a tea cake before sipping the tea to wash it down, "indeed.”
Delilah picked up a scone. She took a bite and closed her eyes, savoring the crumbly texture and sweet, buttery flavor.
"I was wondering," Delilah began, setting down her teacup with a gentle clink. The scone's crumbly taste still lingered on her tongue, leaving a warm smile on her lips. "Why are you alone and a little late, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's hand landed on her swollen belly, her fingers tracing a gentle circle over the hidden life within. Her face was thoughtful as she set down her teacup. "Robert insisted Brendan and Tommy pull the carriage slowly so as not to upset the baby," she explained with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Delilah let out a soft giggle. "Quite the gentleman, he is." Elizabeth's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "He is, isn't he? Still the same smitten fox I fell in love with all those years ago."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"And where's your prince charming ?" Delilah asked, her gaze shifting to the empty chair beside her. "Surely he wouldn't miss tea with his favorite fox?"
Elizabeth chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, my dear Delilah," she purred, "my prince is currently engaged in a discussion with your husband. The matters of state cannot wait for a cup of tea and gossip with the ladies."
Delilah's eyebrows rose. "Oh my, quite the intellectuals they are. Discussing the fate of our family name, I presume? Or perhaps a new business plan is on the horizon ?".
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The afternoon Sunlight shines through the library's stained glass. Painting the dust motes dancing in the air with a kaleidoscope of colors. The scent of aged leather and burning coal filled my lungs, but the air itself was thick with something else.
Robert stood across the room, bathed in the firelight. His grin, usually playful, now stretched taut across his face, revealing a flash of predatory teeth. The oaken staff, usually for tending the dying embers, was now held like a sword.
"Still think tea deserves the taint of rose petals, James?" His voice, usually sweet as honey, was now laced with something….something sharper.
A bitter laugh escaped me, echoing in the cavernous library. "Tea without it? That's barely an indulgence, is it, Robert." My hand tightened around the ornate handle of my umbrella, the polished metal tip reflecting the firelight.
"Fighting tradition, are we, James?" Robert's voice tinged with amusement.
Silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the crackling fire. Then, in a blur of motion, I lunged. The tip of my umbrella met the staff's block with a loud thud, the force of the impact sending a jolt through my arm.
"You have to try harder than that to convince me my friend," Robert said with a wild grin
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Elizabeth smiled “We will never know what they are discussing in our absence.” Delilah nodded in agreement.
After taking a scone from the table Elizabeth asked "So, tell me all about your stay at the infirmary, Delilah. How did James handle being a father?"
Delilah's eyes sparkled. "Oh, he was an absolute sweetheart, Elizabeth! He spends the majority of the time by my side, even bringing me freshly baked scones every morning." She giggled. "Though, there was one hilarious moment..."
Intrigued, Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Please do tell."
Delilah lowered her voice. "Every time James held the baby, he would start to cry. He'd say it was because the baby wasn't used to me." She mimicked James's voice in a playful tone.
Delilah giggled. “But I know the baby likes me more than him.” Haring this Elizabeth laughed, “Oh, my Delilah is already a favorite in the first week.” Delilah smirk “What can I say? It seems little Stephan has already developed a taste for sophistication and charm.”
Elizabeth giggled, “Oh, please, with a tongue like that, any man wouldn't touch you, not even with a 10 inch pole. Perhaps James is not entirely a bunny. Maybe he's a demon from the nightmare realm, fitting for a woman such as yourself.“ Elizabeth playfully suggested.
Delilah laughed “Oh, please, James, a demon? He’s more soft than a Victorian lace doily on a parlor.” Both women share a hearty laugh at the playful banter. When their laugh subsided Elizabeth took another sip of her tea before asking “Demons aside, how is James factory going.”
Delilah smiled as she sipped her tea. "James is thrilled," she began, a hint of amusement in her voice. "The steel production's up three percent, and he's practically bouncing with enthusiasm. What about Robert?"
Elizabeth leaned back in her chair, her gaze softening. "He keeps his head down, as always," she replied. "But I can see the strain in his eyes sometimes. Dealing with stubborn folks and prejudice can wear even the strongest down."
Elizabeth's smile faltered, a flicker of frustration dancing in her eyes. "He works himself to the bone upholding the law, Delilah," she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. "Sometimes, I just wish he wouldn't shoulder the weight of the entire county alone. The mistreatment he faces... it grates on him, even if he never shows it."
Delilah nodded, her gaze filled with understanding. "Duty can be a heavy burden," she murmured, sipping her tea thoughtfully. "But you're his wife, Elizabeth. He wouldn't be able to stand tall without your unwavering support."
A hint of warmth returned to Elizabeth's eyes, but the worry lingered. "I try my best," she said, her voice softer now. "But sometimes, I wonder if it's enough."
Delilah set down her cup with a soft clink and tried to divert their topic somewhere else. "Speaking of burdens," she began, her voice gentle, "I was hoping Elanor would join us. Did she not enjoy the last tea party?"
Elizabeth sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken emotions. A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, quickly masked by a strained smile. "Oh, she adored it, Delilah. But she insisted on Robert arranging her tutors for extra lessons. Such a dedicated young lady, just like her father."
Delilah's brow furrowed in concern as she leaned forward. "Elizabeth, is something the matter? You seem troubled.”.
Elizabeth's voice hesitated, a flicker of sadness clouding her eyes as she tried to speak. "Oh, you already secured an heir on the first birth; you are quite lucky, my friend."
Delilah quickly reassured her friend, "Don't be like that, Elizabeth. I'm sure Elanor Fox is walking the path of a proper lady."
Elizabeth set down her teacup with a gentle thud. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. "Indeed, she is deserving of the title. But I can't shake the feeling that she feels a weight on her young shoulders, striving to prove herself in a way that seems beyond her reach."
Delilah's lips pursed into a frown, a flicker of disapproval seen in her eyes. "Don't say that, Elizabeth," she said, her voice laced with a hint of judgment. "God has given you a daughter, and you and Robert must guide her in the path of righteousness."
Elizabeth's gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping as a wave of shame washed over her. She clutched her teacup tightly. "I know Robert loves her, Delilah; I do," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But sometimes.....when his eyes meet Elanor's, I see a flicker of disappointment, a wish for an heir. And the weight of that, the feeling that I'm somehow failing him... it's heavier than I can bear."
Delilah's hand flew to her mouth, a gasp escaping her lips. Her eyes widened in understanding, filled with sympathy. "Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice laced with concern.
Elizabeth wiped away a single tear that traced a path down her cheek, quickly brushing it away. A pained smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "He doesn't mean it, Delilah," she said, her voice soft. "The weight of the county, the constant whispers, and the distrust... it wears on him sometimes. He feels judged for being a fox and for things beyond his control."
Delilah set down her teacup, her silence the opposite of Elizabeth's emotional state. The tear that escaped Elizabeth's eye glistened like a diamond in the afternoon sun, its journey down her cheek mirroring the path of her worry.
"I see him," Elizabeth continued, her voice trembling slightly. "In his office, surrounded by mountains of paperwork that seem to grow taller with each passing day, His face, etched with exhaustion, emerges from that room only to retreat again, leaving me and Elanor with the hollow echo of his footsteps.”
A small, hopeful smile flickered across Elizabeth's lips, catching Delilah by surprise. "But even in his darkest moments, in the depths of his fatigue, I see a flicker of something else, something that transcends his disappointment and burden. It's a spark, a glimpse of the love he holds for us, a love that burns as bright as ever beneath the ashes of worry."
Seeing her resolve, Deliah can't help but smile. "Indeed, Elizabeth, those rare moments are the threads that weave the fabric of love. Elizabeth smiles in appreciation. "Thank you, Delilah."
Delilah sipped her tea and nodded, her gaze playful. "But let's not dwell on the challenges of the present," she announced. "The 20th century is upon us, and I propose a small toast for the future!"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "A toast to a brighter tomorrow," she echoed, raising her teacup. "May the new century bring prosperity, peace, and joy to our family."
Their cups clinked together, the sound echoing in the quiet garden like a promise.