Grand preparations

Vanya woke up late, feeling a bit groggy from the previous day's activities. She stretched her arms and yawned, noticing that the house was already bustling with activity. She got out of bed and began to get ready for the day, her mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming trip.

Vanya found herself wandering the halls of the manor, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming trip and the conversation she had overheard the day before about her potential marriage. As she turned a corner, she heard the muffled voices of Theresa and Mr. Jones coming from the study.

Mr. Jones and Theresa were discussing their business in the study. "I'm telling you, Theresa, this animal sighting is going to affect our business," Mr. Jones said, his brow furrowed with concern. "We need to come up with a plan to mitigate the damage."

"I don't know if this is a good idea, Mr. Jones," Theresa said, her voice laced with concern. "Vanya's still young, and marriage is a big commitment."

Mr. Jones's response was calm and measured. "I understand your concerns, Theresa, but we can't ignore the financial realities of our situation. The mine is being ceased by the lord, and our warehouses are scattered and in need of refilling. If we don't take action, we'll go bankrupt. Marrying Vanya to a great suitor would secure our position and ensure our future."

Vanya's heart sank as she listened to the conversation. She had known that their family's financial situation was precarious, but she hadn't realized just how dire it was. She felt a pang towards Mr. Jones for suggesting that she be used as a bargaining chip to save the family but however he was right it was for her future since no family member were backing her up and they weren't no male bloodline, they honestly need aid and if she would be able safe them then she should .

As she listened, Vanya's mind began to wander. What would it be like to be married off to some stranger, just to secure the family's financial future? Would she be happy? Would she be loved?

Vanya's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Theresa's voice, her tone hesitant. "But what about Vanya's feelings, Mr. Jones? Have you considered what she might want?"

Vanya's ears perked up, her interest piqued. What would Mr. Jones say? Would he care about her feelings?

As she waited for Mr. Jones's response, Vanya felt her heart pounding in her chest. She was eavesdropping, but she couldn't help herself. Mr jones only said this is just an option. When you return from this trip we would introduce her to the busy finally.

Though Theresa was uncomfortable with the idea, their mine was getting ceased by a lord and their scattered warehouse had to be refilled before manufacturing and If nothing is done and they keep up with all of it they would go bankrupt for sure marrying her to a great suitor would definitely secure the mine but no one wants to work for them now because of the sightings, their manufacturing industry was isolated because of their heavy duty machinery being used so they need aid.

Vanya was conflicted by their financial situation and wondered if it's finally up to her she was indeed more in age for marriage, she soon left her spot as she eaves dropped, she heard paddy coming and met with her blushing, she hanged her hands by her arm as they went to the west wing down to the kitchen they spoke as they walked, Vanya and Paddy walked down the hallway, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Vanya had just finished eavesdropping on Mr. Jones and Theresa's conversation, and she was still reeling from the proposal of marrying her off to secure the family's financial future.

"Hey, Paddy," Vanya said, trying to sound casual despite her conflicted emotions. "What is going on?"

Paddy smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Not much, Vanya. Just helping with the packing."

Vanya nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed Paddy's blushing. "You're blushing," she said, teasingly. "What's going on?"

Paddy looked away, trying to hide her smile. "Nothing," she said. "Just that Joseph was helping me pack....nothing much."

Vanya laughed, her eyes shining with amusement. "I think I know what's going on here," she said, playfully. "You like Joseph, don't you?"

Paddy's face turned bright red, and she looked away, trying to hide her emotions. "Vanya, stop it," she said, laughing.

As they walked, Vanya asked Paddy about her thoughts on marriage and relationships. "Do you know how it would be if I get married off, while it doesn't matter if it's for love or to secure?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Paddy looked at her with surprise. "You're asking me about marriage?" she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "You've never asked me about such things before, what's going on Vanya, do you also like someone."

Vanya shook her head , her expression thoughtful. " so you do agree you like Joseph she chuckled but continued I know. But I think it's different now. I think our family's financial situation is...precarious. And I think that marrying a great suitor would secure our future and help us get back on our feet."

Paddy's expression turned serious. "I see, but what makes you say that " she said. "There's no hurry but you are a lady, is lady Theresa already speaking on marriage, it could be an exciting thing Vanya for you, I'm sure you'd geodetic with someone who woul show you great care, what do you think about it?"

Vanya shrugged, feeling conflicted. "I don't know. I think it's a lot of pressure. And what if I don't want to get married or want to marry for love to build it or so?"

Paddy smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're asking me for advice?" she said, teasingly. "I'm flattered."

Vanya laughed, feeling a sense of relief. "I guess I am," she said. "You're always so level-headed, Paddy. I value your opinion."

As they entered the kitchen, Mrs. Rue greeted them with a warm smile. "Ah, girls! I'm just making some cookies for your trip. Would you like to help me package them?"

Vanya and Paddy nodded, happy to help. As they worked, Vanya continued to ask Paddy about her thoughts on relationships and marriage.

"I don't know, Vanya," Paddy said, her voice thoughtful. "I think it's different for everyone. But I do think that love is important. You should marry someone you love, not just someone who can help your family."

Vanya nodded, feeling a sense of understanding. "You're right," she said. "But it's not always that simple."

As they finished packaging the cookies, Mrs. Rue handed them a few bags. "Here you go, girls," she said. "These should keep you satisfied on your trip."

Vanya and Paddy thanked Mrs. Rue and headed out of the kitchen, their arms loaded with snacks. As they walked, Vanya couldn't help but feel grateful for her friend's insight and support.

"Thanks, Paddy," she said, smiling. "You're always there for me."

Paddy smiled back, her eyes shining with friendship. "Anytime, Vanya. That's what friends are for."

As Vanya and Paddy walked out of the kitchen, they ran into Theresa, who was standing in the hallway, looking at a piece of paper. "Vanya, dear," Theresa said, looking up. "I was just looking at the itinerary for our trip. We'll be leaving very early tomorrow , and I want to make sure everything is in order."

Vanya nodded, her mind still preoccupied with the conversation she had with Paddy. "Theresa, can I ask you something?" she said, her voice hesitant.

"Of course, dear," Theresa replied, her expression curious. "What is it?"

"I want to visit my parents belongings, their chambers…," Vanya said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and I feel like I need to go through some of their things."

Theresa's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "Of course, Vanya. I'll take you to your parents' chambers. It's been a while since you've been in there, hasn't it?"

Vanya nodded, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "Yes, it has. I remember being in there when I was younger, but I haven't been back in a long time."

Theresa smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'll take you there now. Let's go through your mother's belongings and see what we can find."

Vanya nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. She wasn't sure what she would find in her parents' chambers, but she felt like she needed to go through their things.

As they walked towards the chambers, Vanya couldn't help but think about her parents and the stories Theresa had told her about them. She felt a sense of connection to them, and she hoped that going through their belongings would help her understand them better.

When they arrived at the chambers, Vanya was struck by the familiar smell of old books and perfume. She looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings, and felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her.

"Let's start with your mother's jewelry box," Theresa said, opening a small box on the dresser. "She had some beautiful pieces, and I'm sure you'll find something you like."

Vanya nodded, her eyes welling up with tears as she saw the familiar pieces. She felt a sense of connection to her mother, and she knew that she would treasure these pieces forever, she asked Theresa respectfully to give her a moment alone which she obliged.

As Theresa left the chambers, Vanya's eyes were drawn to the familiar smell of old books and perfume. She looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings, and felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her.

Not a moment later she felt Theresa step back in, Theresa smiled, noticing Vanya's gaze. "Your mother had a great sense of style, didn't she?" she said, opening the closet to reveal a collection of beautiful dresses. "She always looked stunning, no matter what she wore."

Vanya nodded, her eyes welling up with tears as she saw the familiar pieces. "Yes, she did," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I remember her wearing some of these dresses when I was younger."

Theresa smiled, holding up a beautiful gown. "This was one of her favorites," she said. "She wore it to a ball when she was younger, and she looked absolutely stunning." Theresa spoke.

Vanya's eyes widened as she took in the intricate details of the gown. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with admiration.

As they went through her mother's belongings, Theresa showed Vanya some exotic pieces of jewelry that her mother had collected over the years. "These are some pieces your mother never wore," Theresa said, holding up a beautiful necklace. "But I think you might like them."

Vanya's eyes widened as she took in the sparkling jewels. "They're beautiful," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "Can I try them on?"

Theresa nodded, helping Vanya try on the jewelry. Vanya picked out a few pieces that she loved, including a beautiful diamond necklace and a pair of earrings.

As they continued to go through her mother's belongings, Vanya found a collection of dresses and outfits that she had never seen before. "These are beautiful," she said, holding up a stunning gown. "Can I take them with me?"

Theresa nodded, smiling. "Of course, dear. You can take whatever you like."

Vanya picked out a few of her favorite dresses and outfits, feeling a sense of connection to her mother. She also found a special set of wears from her father items and a pocket watch that had belonged to her father also.

"This was your father's," Theresa said, holding up the pocket watch. "He always carried it with him, and it was passed down to him from his father."

Vanya's eyes welled up with tears as she took the pocket watch from Theresa. She felt a sense of connection to her father, and she knew that she would treasure this piece forever.

"I'll take these with me," Vanya said, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you, Theresa."

Theresa smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "You're welcome, dear. I'm glad you're finding some things that you like."

They made a little mess but soon Vanya chambers was filled with jewelrues she gave paddy an old jade of hers abd paddy knew no bound to her excitement and a ruby earrings to Mrs Rue so much joy from the staffs. Th y travelers retired early everything was finally in place.