𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞

Evening

Florence was correct, shortly afterwards, Sam's parents Thomas and Pattie had arrived. They came later in the evening, near when the sun began to set due to a hang up with their horse. After a brief reunion consisting of stiff hugs and pinched cheeks, everyone was heading to the dining room. This ought to have been one of the few times where almost all the seats at the table would be filled. Not counting the cotillion of course.

Florence assumed the other three children would find their way to the dining room appropriately, so she walked with Sam. Ruby emerged from the left door of the room just as Florence and Sam came in through the main entrance. Tonight the candelabras were lit and splayed across the grand table runner. Most of the seats were already occupied. Her father at the head, per usual. Mrs. Fawn to the left of her husband, Jacob and Aurora to the left of her. Across from them sat Cathryn and Clair. Julie sat sandwiched in between her parents, who were seated next to Aurora. Ruby sunk into the spot across from the Fitszimmons', and Florence and Sam next to him. Sam acted as a barrier so that Florence wasn't directly next to Ruby, she was glad for that.

"What a lovely change of scenery." Mr. Fawn commented with a satisfied glance towards the Fitzsimmons'.

"I should hope we haven't gotten too bland for you sir." Ruby chimed with a smile.

"You most certainly haven't Ruby, dear." Harriet answered sweetly, causing Clair to give a little laugh.

"I suppose you all must be properly acquainted." She added politely.

Mrs. Fawn proceeded to gesture to each of the Fitzsimmons' and name them off. First came Sam, he sat across from his family and stuck out like a bright daffodil among boring daises. Both of the Fitzsimmon children were adopted, and they both were striking in contrast to their parents. Julie had fair fair skin and bright fiery red curls, while Sam had deep dark skin and large freckles. Next came pesky Julie, she eyed Ruby for a bit too long. Long enough that Florence could pick it up at least. It annoyed her. Florence wanted Ruby to be hers. She wasn't completely aware of this herself, but she did. She longed to feel possessive of him, to have it guaranteed that he's always only been ready for her, whenever she was ready for him. Florence wanted him to feel protective of her, keep her safe. But these thoughts were much too intrusive and contemplative for the young girl to delve into at the moment, so she continued listening to the boring introductions.

Finally, dinner was dished out. There was mutton, fancy breads, boiled eggs, sweet preserves, and wine. Ruby drank wine. Of course, along with the other adults, but it seemed like a such a distinctly "Ruby" thing to do that Florence had to take it into account. Sam wrinkle his nose as the dusty fumes of the alcohol. Ruby just pursed his lips and continued taking small sips. Maybe it was a French thing.

The meal moved slowly, it seemed to drag on throughout the entire night so that Florence wondered if she'd begin to see the sunrise outside the windows. Fortunately, it was only her imagination taking hold. Eventually, everyone was dismissed and Mintie ordered to find the remaining three Fitzsimmons a room. Florence tiptoed out of the room alongside Sam, with the three other children close at their heels. With a silent sort of communication, they all eerily walked towards the library together. Ruby slunk to the back, seeming as if he didn't want to really head there. Nevertheless Sam was first to arrive and throw open the door to the carpeted quiet room.