Sisterly bond

The crowing of the cock jolted Jess out of sleep at 4.00 am. She rolled to her side while trying not to disturb Mia, who was still sleeping. She had barely fallen asleep as the excitement kept her up till 1.00. She was trying to prepare herself mentally for the big day.

Jess stretched her body and said her morning prayers before crawling out of bed to wash off the makeup on her face; she was too tired last night when she got home to wash it off. She had managed to remove the gown before going to bed. She intends to have it washed before returning it to Clara.

The house radiated an air of serenity and calmness; she could hear the wind whisper in her ears, telling her to go back to sleep. She would have gladly obliged if not for the big day ahead of her.

She would have to prepare her things and look for a carriage to convey her to the capital. Walker Lane had offered to send her a carriage, but she politely declined, wanting to come at her own pace.

She was still anxious, but this was the best decision and the only way to avoid falling into the hands of Mr. Edmud, whose persistent pursuit of a romantic relationship with her in the last few days had grown intense.

She no longer felt safe since James went to the capital; she hoped to look for him when she settled so they could reconcile their differences and finally get married before the crown prince returned from his trip.

If the crown prince were to learn of her marriage upon his return, there was little he could do but maintain a respectful and professional relationship with her, as it would be against the law to woo a woman with a husband.

What time is it? She heard her sister say from behind.

Jess, who had zoned out, was startled and almost dropped the glass of water she was holding.

Mia! She looked at her sister through the mirror hanging on the wall in their room and placed a hand over her chest to calm her ranging heart that almost jumped out of her chest.

You scared the life out of me, Jess reprimanded.
Sorry. Mia said apologetically with a grin of mischief.

Are you thinking of Mr. Robert? I must say that he is handsome and has had feelings for you for quite some time now. Give him a chance, as he is a much more suitable match for you than James, said Mia with a wink.

Seeing her sister about to protest, Mia added.

He is a good man. He is tall, polite, and kind. I could tell you had a good time dancing with him.

And what makes you think that it is a guy? Jess gave her a long look.

You do not have to lie to me; I know you like the back of my hand. Falling in love with another man is okay because James is not worth your time and tears.

James left you, and who knows when he would return from the capital, Mia commented.

I do not mean to discourage you, but James needs to know to take the initiative and treat you like the woman he truly desires, not an afterthought, Mia insisted.

Jess knew that her sister meant no harm with her words but only wanted the best for her. But what she and everyone else failed to understand was that James was the best partner for her.

He understood her and their personality fit so well together. But she understood what Mia meant, and somewhere, she agreed even though her heart wanted to ignore it.

For your information, I was savoring the feeling of the morning. Listening to the chirping of the birds and not thinking about a man. Jess calmly told her sister with a forced smile.

Not wanting to continue discussing James and Mr. Robert, Mia changed the topic.

So, are you nervous about your new role at the Royal Hospital? Mia inquired while going to the kitchen cabinet to make tea for herself.

My nerves are all over the place, but I try not to overthink and enjoy the process. I hope I don’t miss this opportunity because I could use the money. Jess said.

It sounds like you were defeated even before you started, Mia said.

Listen to me, sister. Have faith in yourself, and always aim for the best; do not settle for less because you deserve better, and if they are blind to see the asset in you, that is their problem and not yours, Mia assured.

Jess was stunned by Mia’s words and wondered if something possessed her to say such beautiful, comforting, and uplifting words to her this morning.

Thank you, Mia, Jess said, placing one of her hands on Mia.

When they were both done with breakfast, Jess retrieved the blue velvet gown and Mia’s gold gown and went to their courtyard to wash them so they could dry before evening.

Jess was surprised when Mia offered to assist her in doing the laundry.

What has come over you? Jess asked.

Is it wrong of me to want to spend some time with my sister before she leaves for the capital? Mia quizzed with her lips pursed.

I did not mean it that way, Mia. I was just surprised because you hate doing laundry. Jess clarified.

Do you want me to give you some tips on how to charm your male colleagues and get on the good grace of your superior? Mia asked with a wicked grin.

I will pass. Jess told her, going over to the pavement to sit while placing the gowns beside her, but Mia paid no heed to her answer and began giving her unsolicited tips on how to woo her male colleagues.

After what Mia did to her on the evening of the ball and how she lied about James returning, she learned an important lesson and took everything Mia said with a grain of salt.

Hello, down to earth, can you even hear me? Mia said when she noticed her sister was not paying attention to what she was saying.

Yes, I heard you!

Jess lied as she did not hear a single thing Mia said. She did not want to waste time discussing silly things that might have popped into Mia’s head.