Love's Tragedies

Chapter 1

The servants scurried back and forth, having risen early to prepare for the impending event for their two young misses. The duke, their father, had commanded perfection, as it was to mark the official announcement of the engagement between the young misses and their suitors.

The event's theme was simple: it took place in The Marigold Moral Garden, situated at the heart of the Duke's Mansion. There were only four participants in the garden: the two young misses and the two young men.

This arrangement was designed to allow ample space and time for the two couples, with the servants and the duke able to observe their bonds from the mansion's windows.

Two carriages arrive simultaneously: the first carried the son of the Duke of the South, followed closely by the son of a Marquess.

As the two exchanged greetings, the Duke's son began, "Good day to you. I trust your journey was pleasant?" The Marquess's son replied with a smile, "Indeed, thank you. I trust yours was as well."

The two exchanged smiles, their thoughts veiled from one another. It was unclear whether they were exchanging compliments or subtly hinting at something more adversarial.

Before they could continue their conversation, a butler interrupted to greet them.

"Your Grace, Benedict Hayt and My Lord, William Merediz."

The butler bowed to them.

"I am your butler for today. Allow me to guide you to the rendezvous point," the butler announced.

Meanwhile, the maid has just finished dressing up their misses.

"Young miss..."

Tears welled up in the maids' eyes as they beheld their young misses, who were breathtakingly beautiful. The two young misses, identical twins with long, curly blonde hair cascading over their slender, curvaceous bodies, looked stunning in their meticulously tailored dresses. The maids knew they had done an exceptional job.

"Young miss, the guest has arrived."

"Our misses are so beautiful, I believe their jaws will drop at the sight of seeing them!"

"Are the accessories enough? Should we add some more?"

Excitement and tension filled the room, with maids whispering anxiously about the guests' anticipated reactions upon seeing the young misses.

"Thank you everyone," Avellana appreciated as she watched herself in the mirror. "You always manage to reveal the best qualities in others."

"Young lady..." the maids are touched.

"Now, shall we go?" Zinnia, who was waiting for her sister to finish watching herself from the mirror, extended her hand for them to go together hand in hand.

"Now, shall we go?" Zinnia asked, extending her hand. She waited patiently for her sister, who was still admiring her reflection in the mirror, so they could walk together hand in hand. Noticing Zinnia's outstretched hand, her sister smiled warmly, turned away from the mirror, and clasped Zinnia's hand.

"Please follow me, Your Graces." the butlers said as he guided the sisters.

As they stepped out together, their maids, standing by the door, beamed at them and cheered, "Good luck, my ladies! You'll do wonderfully today!"

The sisters exchanged a grateful glance, feeling a surge of confidence from the maid's encouraging words.

As they made their way to the garden, Zinnia couldn't help but notice her anxious sister. "Avellana, what's wrong?" she asked, while still following the butler.

"I can't help but to worry about the gentlemen that are arranged with me." she let go of Zinnia's hand and started fidgeting her hands.

"I can't help but worry about the gentlemen that have been arranged for me," she said, letting go of Zinnia's hand and starting to fidget nervously. Her fingers twisted around each other as she glanced down, her anxiety evident.

Zinnia noticed her sister's unease and gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Everything will be alright," she said softly.

Avellana groaned and let out a pouting face, "Well, you don't have to worry about anything since the guy that is arranged with you is our childhood friend!"

Their father already heads-up them on whom they are arranged to.

"Hmm..." Her sister placed an index finger on her chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "He is also my childhood friend, but I don't really know that much about him. Besides, he's always been much closer to you. So, for me... this setup feels weird."

Avellana chuckled and nudged her sister playfully, "Oh, come on! I am sure that yours will go well since he is kind and will have no problem building connections. While me, have to know the nature of the man I am about to marry."

"Getting to know?" Zinnia teased with a smirk. "I know you, sister. If the guy is handsome, you'll go for it immediately." She added a small laugh, the sound light and teasing.

"Exactly," Avellana agreed, laughing along.

Zinnia laughed and shook her head, "Well, I hope it will not bring you trouble."

They shared a warm smile, the bond between them shining through.

Just as Zinnia opened her mouth to reply, a polite "ahem" sounded from behind them. They turned to see the butler standing by the open door.

"Pardon the interruption, Madams," the butler, Sir Sinclair, said with a slight bow. "We have arrived."

Zinnia and Avellana exchanged a glance, their laughter fading into shared anticipation. With a nod of thanks to Sir Sinclair, they stepped out of the door and headed to the garden, their hands lightly clasped together as they took in the beauty of the surrounding garden.

At the very center of the garden, a small pavilion awaited them. Delicate tables were set with fine accessories, adorned with plates of dainty cakes and pots of steaming tea. And there, two gentlemen are waiting, dressed elegantly.

As they strolled along the winding paths, the golden hues of the marigolds seemed to shimmer with a gentle warmth, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

When the sisters arrived at the pavilion, the two gentlemen stood with a smiling and welcoming vibrancy.

One of the men came forward with a graceful bow, "My Ladies," he said warmly, "I am Benedict Hayt, the Duke of the South's son." he added with eyes twinkling with warmth and familiarity.