Chapter 7: The Picnic

The next day, Emma woke up feeling excited and nervous. She had been looking forward to the picnic with Ruby all morning, and she couldn't wait to see him.

As she got dressed and ready for the day, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What would the picnic be like? Would she and Ruby have a good time?

When she made her way to the garden at 2 pm, Emma was surprised to see that Ruby was already there, sitting on a blanket and surrounded by a basket of food and drinks.

"Hey," Ruby said, smiling up at her. "I'm glad you could make it."

Emma smiled and sat down next to him on the blanket. "Thanks for inviting me," she said.

As they sat there, Ruby began to unpack the basket and hand Emma various sandwiches, fruits, and cheeses. Emma was impressed by the spread and couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Ruby for going to so much trouble.

As they ate and chatted, Emma found herself feeling more and more at ease in Ruby's presence. He was easy to talk to, and he seemed to be genuinely interested in getting to know her.

As the afternoon wore on, Emma began to feel a sense of connection with Ruby that she hadn't felt before. It was as if they were bonding over something, although Emma wasn't quite sure what it was.

As they finished up their picnic and began to pack up the remains, Ruby turned to Emma and smiled. "Thanks for coming today," he said. "I had a really great time."

Emma smiled back at him, feeling a sense of happiness and contentment. "I had a great time too," she said.

As they walked back to the mansion, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. What would happen next between her and Ruby?

As they approached the mansion, Ruby turned to Emma and smiled. "I'll see you later," he said. "Maybe we can do something else together soon."

Emma smiled back at him, feeling a sense of hope and possibility. "I'd like that," she said.

As Ruby walked away, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. What was happening between her and Ruby? And where would it lead?

As she made her way back to her quarters, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. She had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.

Over the next few days, Emma found herself thinking about Ruby more and more. She couldn't help but wonder what he was like when he wasn't being the charming and affable son of the family.

As she went about her day, Emma found herself looking for opportunities to see Ruby. She would catch glimpses of him in the hallway, or see him sitting in the garden, reading a book.

Each time she saw him, Emma felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they were to spend more time together.

As the days turned into weeks, Emma found herself growing more and more comfortable in her new role. She was learning the ins and outs of the mansion, and she was getting to know the family better.

But despite her growing comfort, Emma couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Ruby's words than met the eye. He had said that he thought they could get along just fine, but what did he mean by that?

As she went about her day, Emma found herself wondering if she would ever find out. But then, just as she was finishing up her chores, Ruby appeared in the doorway of her quarters.

"Hey," he said, smiling at her. "I was wondering if you'd like to go for a walk with me."

Emma's heart skipped a beat as she processed Ruby's words. A walk? With him? She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

"Okay," Emma said finally, smiling up at Ruby. "I'd love to."

As they walked through the gardens, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. What was happening between her and Ruby? And where would it lead?

Only time would tell, but for now, Emma was content to simply enjoy the feeling of connection and possibility that was growing between her and Ruby.