"You... you-uh... what?!" Minnie scratched her head after hearing the news her younger sister and Roy just shared.
Lucy and Roy had invited the others for a picnic in the Wilson's garden as Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were out of town and they had all the privacy needed to talk.
It was a lovely day. The sun was shining while a little breeze kept the warm temperature a little down.
Apart from Minnie, also Jack, Isa, Claus, and Celina were present. And as extra guests: Scarlett and Angela.
Lucy and Scarlett had agreed earlier that Lucy would do the talking. Of course, if her sisters wanted to talk to Scarlett or had questions, the maid would be part of the conversation too. But to them, this was what she was until they would live together—a maid. So, Scarlett had said she felt better if she could stay in the background for the time being, and be there for support only. She found it all very scary; thinking she might soon be part of some rich family, yet also not part at all.
Minnie was the only one who'd dared to make a sound after the unbelievable news. The others were dead silent, their mouths agape in disbelief. Claus even dropped his mini sandwich on his suit, leaving a large stain on his grey pants.
"We know this is a lot to process and we hope this secret won't be a burden to all of you, but Lucy and I wanted to tell this important thing to the people we trust the most," Roy explained, grabbing Angela's hand, holding it tightly.
"...!"
"This is the only way we can be with the ones we love. And... I think it's sad if you think about that," Lucy said. "It's sad we have to hide it. So, I hope my sisters will grant me to be with the person I truly love. I don't want to be forced into a loveless marriage, so it will be this or I'll turn into an old spinster."
Lucy didn't want to hurt Isa's feelings, knowing she did marry without love. Isa did it all for her younger sisters, Lucy knew that. She hoped Isa wouldn't take it as an insult. "I know Mama and Papa will never approve, but I hope you both will. Scarlett caught my heart from day one and I don't want anybody but her."
It took a few moments before one of the sisters spoke. Again, it was Minnie. Kind, innocent Minnie, being the sweetheart she had always been, smiled with glossy eyes, clearly having it hard with the news. However, the redhead was still her baby sister.
"Lucy, you're one of the kindest, smartest women I know. You're my lovely little sister, and happiness and love are the things that count the most in this world. You know I have always been a believer in that. So..." She swallowed. "I bless you and Scarlett. And I hope you will be happy, with all my heart."
"Thank you, Minnie," Lucy replied, grateful for the love, feeling tears prickling behind her eyes.
"You are so kind," Scarlett said. "Thank you so much. I know this means a lot to Lucy." Even though the woman had said she would rather not do the talking, Scarlett was always well mannered.
Minnie smiled.
"And Roy?" the middle sister continued. "For you and Angela, the same applies. You both have my and--" Minnie looked at Jack who took a moment to process things but then softly smiled, making clear he followed his wife's opinion. "My and Jack's blessings. I hope you both can find the same happiness Jack and I have found."
"Thank you," Roy said. Angela softly smiled and nodded her head in gratitude.
"I don't want to break up this lovely dream, but... how are you four planning to keep this a secret for our parents?" Isa asked, looking worried. She had always been the one who was more down to earth. She was nothing like dreamy Minnie, so Lucy knew Isa wouldn't immediately adjust to the whole situation. "Or actually five, because Angela has a son as well."
"We've discussed this too. We've planned to live outside of town, where we'll get more peace and quiet. We will buy a small countryside cottage, outside of the province. We'll tell people we want to enjoy nature," Roy answered.
"What?!" all three sisters asked in unison and gasped.
"You just returned and now you want to live somewhere that's hours away?" Celina cried out.
"I don't like that either, Lucy!" Minnie shook her head.
"It's the only way to avoid people visiting us every day. It's the safest way to tone down the gossiping," Lucy said.
"Oh, they'll gossip about you two alright," Isa replied.
"I know, but at least then they'll gossip about our weird preference of living in a small house instead of more important things," Roy said.
"That's easy for you to say, they're already gossiping about you," Claus said.
"Claus--" Celina wanted to cut it.
"It's true, Lina," Isa replied.
Celina wanted to open her mouth, but Lucy beat her to it.
"What would you suggest, then?" she asked. "Tell me how I can be with the one I love. And the one that loves me back?"
Isa inhaled through her nose and sighed deeply. "I... I do not know. I just know that you both are putting us in the position of lying to our parents too."
Lucy looked at her hands. This was the only thing she felt bad about. She didn't care about keeping this from her parents, but she did mind that her sisters should keep her secret.
"Technically, it's not lying," Roy said, making Lucy look up at him. "We will be married, we will be happy. We'll respect and cherish each other. We'll just share our love with others within the walls of our home. Nobody needs to know that, do they?"
~
"Roy was strong today," Scarlett said as she and Lucy were out, going for an evening stroll around the garden's green lake.
"When he said what he said at the end, it felt so good," Lucy replied, smiling widely.
Scarlett discretely brushed her hand against Lucy's fingers. "You're so beautiful," she said.
The younger giggled. "What makes you say that all of a sudden?"
"Because you are. You're so much stronger than I was when I was your age."
"I am?" Lucy asked, surprised. Scarlett was the strongest woman she had ever known. The older had seen everything in the world, went on adventures, had heartache, but still, she was amazing and loving and confident and just amazing.
"Yes, you are. Look how brave you are. And gorgeous as well. I wish I could kiss every freckle you own."
"I wish I could kiss you right now," Lucy said, swallowing a lump away.
She wished she could press Scarlett against the tall blooming apple tree and please her with her mouth until Scarlett would scream for her. Scarlett was her first love and her love was so deep.
"We better not," Scarlett said with her always hoarse voice. Though it seemed to be even hoarser now.
"Let's go inside then." Lucy grabbed her lover's wrist and pulled Scarlett with her. "And I want to have an apple tree at our new home!"
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