“Not before mine,” the oldest shouted.
“Mine either,” said the middle child.
Little Emily tossed her curls, and feigned an air of superiority. “You always have to agree with whatever I say. Can’t you think for yourself, Olivia?”
Emily’s target put her hands on her hips, stomped a foot and huffed. “Mama, she’s being mean to me!”
The Baroness closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and made all the introductions with the children, and afterward attempted to usher everyone inside so the servants could begin unloading the baggage. Elise reached into the coach and brought out her basket of kittens. When she lifted the lid and allowed the kittens out onto the lawn to stretch their legs, the girls squealed in delight.
“You’ve got three new best friends,” the baroness said to her.
“Are they for
