His Wicked Revenge

Chapter 4

In the blink of an eye, another month and a half had passed.

The continuous classes on etiquette and the never ending cycle of her scrub baths had become the second definition of torture in Iris Ava Blackwood's dictionary.

How great it would have been if I was born a boy? This was not the first time Iris felt so, but the thought frequented it's way into Iris's mind now more often than ever.

She delved into her pessimistic thoughts as Josephine fiddled with her long hair. Josephine, her personal maid and close confidant had been fussing all over her since morning. It had started with the selection of the appropriate dress and ended with the matching hair style.

"My lady, it's done. How do you like your hair?" Josephine inquired with anticipation, the bright look in her eyes rivaling that of a child's. The enthusiasm in her voice made Iris's eyes snap to her reflection in the mirror.

Her unruly hair had been combed into a messy bun with ringlets of hair dancing along her cheeks and her neck. A mass of pearl pins decorated her head, strange thing being they did not appear gaudy or laughable- they looked pretty.

"I have no words to praise your skills, Josephine." Iris truly appreciated her maid's efforts.

A bright smile lit upon the maid's face after being complimented by her mistress, the smile was so contagious that the sight made Iris's lips curve up sub-consciously.

With a helpless nod, Iris stood up from the mahogany chair as she slipped on the white lace gloves, those which her mother painstakingly designed.

Straightening the imaginary creases on her skirts, Iris strode forward as she nudged her maid to follow her.

Only her mother had an idea of her current appearance. As she imagined the reactions of her father and little sister on seeing her, a naughty smile spread across Iris's face "Josephine, I think it's time for us to grace everyone with our presence."

"My lady, the gowns did nothing to tame your spirit!" Her tone laced with humor, Josephine hopped behind Iris with light steps.

...

A strange silence filled the hall.

With eyes wide as saucers, Ruby gawked at the beautiful lady standing in front of her, who she recognized as her elder sister. Where as, George even forgot to blink his eyes, his entire being resembling that of an electrocuted person.

As much as Penelope wanted to laugh at their foolish faces, she cleared her throat waking up both the statues from their stupor.

Ruby was the first to react as she ran towards her sister, keeping a distance of a few feet away from Iris so as to not spoil her dress she began to scrutinize the familiar yet unfamiliar woman.

Today, Iris was dressed in an onion pink satin gown which hugged her like the second skin- highlighting all her hidden curves.

Hmm, with this body, men will hover around my sister like bees around a flower.

Tilting her tiny head, Ruby glanced at her sister's visage- a face which looked pretty and seductive at the same time.

Iris's almond shaped eyes which had been highlighted with eyeliner, accentuated the beauty of her emerald orbs. The perfectly trimmed eyebrows coupled with the natural pink blush on her now fair cheeks made her look like an young lively girl who was blushing at the sight of her love.

What made her seductive is the mole situated above her full lips.

"Sister, you look so... stunning?" Ruby pondered for the right word, with a pause she continued "Or dare is say, you look ravishing."

"Young lady, watch how you speak!" George chided his youngest, turning towards Iris he spoke "You've changed so much that I didn't recognize you."

As a father he was feeling both proud and nervous in his heart.

Proud that his daughter grew up into a beautiful woman.

Nervous, if she would find the right man or not?

Pushing down the worries in his heart, George sighed "Don't worry too much on finding a partner. Just enjoy yourself and let nature take it's course."

Then, George addressed his wife "Penelope, don't stress on Iris. It's best not to force things like love and marriage."

While his words warmed Iris's heart, Penelope rolled her eyes "There's a correction in your speech. It's not me that you should be wary of. Your daughter's beauty is enough to attract tons of men, so, you should instead be worried about her being smitten by one of them."

"You woman!" George exclaimed "You counter my words every time. Can you allow me to breath for a while. Can't you give a rest for your snarky tongue? Humph!"

"Well, it's my snarky tongue which you found attractive. Have you forgotten?" Lady Penelope fluttered her eyelashes coyly, her open flirtation causing George's face redden.

"Sister, let's get out of here. The stink of love is too overwhelming!" Scrunching up her nose in distaste, Ruby took hold of one of the laced hands and motioned Iris out, like a knight escorting his princess.

With a loud chortle, Iris followed her sister. Their parents always displayed their affections openly to which they still hadn't gotten used to. Climbing into the horse carriage, Iris and Ruby chatted for a while as they waited for their parents to come out.

Very soon, George came out with Lady Penelope behind him.

"Ruby, come out now. It's time for your mother and sister to leave."

"Yes, papa!" Ruby yelled, leaning towards her sister, she whispered "Sister, I am waiting for you to bring a handsome brother-in-law home soon. I don't mind a little niece either!"

Is she saying that it's fine for me to get pregnant?

"You brat! Come back..." Afraid of her sister's wrath, Ruby leaped down from the carriage not before dropping a loud smooch on her sister's cheek.

Rendered speechless, Iris gave up and instead sent a flying kiss to her sister, while the latter winked in return.

I wouldn't be surprised if my daughters announce that they married each other in the future... Lady Penelope remarked in her heart on seeing the exchange between the girls.

With new worries in her heart, she entered the carriage after bidding farewell to her husband and youngest daughter.