by Christine Wichman c. 2019
(An indulgent piece of Austenesque Alliteration)
The Seed sisters sat on a sunny Sunday beach, soaking up the last of the September sun.
“Nigella Dear,” spouted Saffron, “What do you know of Poppy’s new suitor Mister Smythson?”
“Come now Saffron, I know you know more than I ever could know of young Mister Smythson. Do tell now before you make me very cross.” Nigella vexed her brow and gave her sister a stern glance.
“Shouldn’t I be the one to speak of Mister Smythson?” Poppy awoke from her sleep and waved her Spanish fan, eyes still shut.
The two sisters were ashamed the third heard them gossiping.
“Why of course, sweet Poppy the tale is yours to tell, if you wish,” blushed Saffron.
“Of course it is,” she concurred, her eyes remaining closed as if describing a dream; “Mr. Smythson, of Hillbury Hill stands six feet, six inches, a soldier for the Queen and the seventh son of Sir Sydney Smythson. He has promised his heart, and his name should I take it.”
Nigella nudged, “And shall you Sister?”
“I’ve not yet decided,” Poppy opened her eyes revealing depths of green, hardly ever seen and a twinkle twinged in evil, “He’s promised me trips to Paris in Spring and a diamond ring from Amsterdam.”
“Sounds simply divine,” sighed Saffron, “Mother shall swoon and Father will approve, I’m certain.”
“That matters not to me,” huffed Poppy haughtily, “you know I’m one for fun and though the air escapes my lungs in his presence, there are times he turns my stomach.”
“How can he render two such opposite emotions?” Nigella gasped.
“Precisely why I hesitate,” confessed Poppy.
“Give it some time, I am sure by the end of the Season your feelings shall sway one way or another,” encouraged Nigella.
“Indeed, of all the Seeds you are the one with the greatest prospects,” flattered Saffron.
“So I am,” quipped Poppy unabashedly.
And with perfect timing, there in the distance came Smythson on his silvery steed, silencing the sisters into a scurry of reassembly and posed positioning.
Finis for now…
By Christine Wichman c. February 24, 2019
Nigella, Poppy and Saffron
Sleeping Queen Publications 