Aster Vow

The guest room was lavish. The walls were covered in a fashionable fabric matching perfectly with the ornate decorum of the room. A balcony overlooking the expansive garden was lined with flower arrangements of all sorts. A small chair and table had been placed for tea too. “The boudoir is to your left and the washroom is within,” the maid announced as she pointed in the general direction. ‘My own boudoir!’ Meena was practically ecstatic from hearing such a fancy term, though she didn’t rightly know what a boudoir was, still her merriment did not wane.

Hannah proceeded to open a dresser and pulled out several pieces of fine jewelry. The shifty lady’s eyes practically grew twice their size. Necklaces, earrings, chokers, bracelets, and rings with every kind of precious stone imaginable were presented. Hannah set them all neatly atop the dresser. She then went to the closet wherein she pulled out several articles of clothing and set them on the king size bed.

“Your luggage will be brought up soon and supper will be ready within the hour. In the meantime please refresh yourself. I hope you shall find these to your liking.” Hannah turned. “Madame, what troubles you?” Meena was in tears. Even with her husband’s capital they could never have afforded such marvelous possessions.

“Re..Really, I can wear these?” the lady sniffled. Hannah smiled at the wide eyed woman who at that moment looked like a little child opening presents on Christmas day. “Off course. It is my duty to offer you the utmost hospitably Mrs. Meena. My master wishes for your husband to become a most faithful business partner. Consider them a small token of the Earl’s appreciation.”

Meena’s couldn’t stop the tears of joy. The kindly maid spoke to her again with a bit concerned. “If you would prefer your own clothing, I will gladly put these away and have them brought right now.

“No, no, no, no!” the swarthy woman blurted out, “It’s just, I’ve never seen so many beautiful thing like this before. I…I” Hannah almost giggled, never before had she seen a grown woman act as such. It was…cute.

“Well then, I shall be off. If you have need of me please ring the call bell.” With that Hannah bowed and took her leave.

Meena wasted no time trying on every piece of jewelry and each elegant dress then went to prancing around the chamber pretending to be the Queen of England. “Make way for her Majesty the Queen! All hail her Imperial Majesty the Empress of India!” She was so bemused with herself she did not hear the servants knock at the door. When no answer came the triplets entered. Thompson, Timber, and Canterbury brought in the luggage as Meena stood atop the chair on the balcony giving her invisible court her royal edicts. “Prince Soma you shall hence forth be my cook. You shall relinquish all titles, lands, and treasure to your Empress. Your palace and servants will serve only me.”

The pages watched in confusion as the dark haired woman made a rather pretentious laugh. As they were getting ready to leave the would be queen instantly spun around thinking that Harold entered the room. “Honey!! How do I look dearest, huh,” but was greeted with 3 pair of shining red eyes. She yelped in surprise. “Waaaaahhhhh!!,” and fell off her throne with a loud crash.

~*~

A humbled Meena sat beside her husband enjoying a meal fit for royalty. “How does your ankle feel darling?” Harold spoke trying to cheer his lady up. Meena ignored him and continued to take a small bite of the mango chutney. “Slipping in the tub is a rather common accident my dear. You needn’t feel any shame. “ But she did, for the truth was far too embarrassing to tell and the triplets were silent as ever so a lie sufficed. The woman sighed. Even the shine of golden utensils failed to brighten her gloomy mood.

“Im glad my maid could be of assistance.” Alois cheerfully smiled as Claude served him another dish. “Though I think it’s rather clumsy and amusing to fall out of a tub,” he said in an innocent yet mocking tone. Harold laughed. ‘Why you little brat!’ Meena’s eye brow twitched and her lips pouted. Luckily Hannah heard the fall and was quick to ice and bandage her sprained ankle. “Well my dear look it this way, the Earl has graciously offered to let us stay until you are fully healed.”

“Yes please stay, it’s not often my guests are as amusing as you,” Alois chirped. Meena made a visible frown/scowl and Harold gracefully laughed into his napkin.