As the time got closer to 2:30pm; many of the women began to arrive. Quickly, all the tables started to fill as the annual tea party was underway. Resena looked around at all of the women, some of them were hugging, chatting, and laughing together. She wondered if she could recognize any of them from her party, suddenly, she heard someone call her name.
"Resena? Resena Blackwell?" Resena turned her head around to see who was calling her. It was a young lady named Sierra Crisp. Sierra was the daughter of Duke Angelo Crisp. Resena met her at the birthday party and remembered Sierra being really nice.
"Sierra? Oh wow, how nice to see you here."
"Oh my gosh! You as well! Wow, you look beautiful! I didn't know you were going to be here!"
"Yes, it was last minute, Mrs. Rouleau invited me. You look beautiful as well. I love your dress." Sierra spun around smiling, she was wearing a blush pink Victorian style dress with gold accessories. Resena couldn't help but chuckle, she was like a little sister showing off her new clothes.
"I'd like for you to meet my ladies' maids and closet friends. This is Carla and Sabrina. Ladies, this is Sierra Crisp. She was at the birthday party as well."
Both Carla and Sabrina extended warm welcomes, all four of the ladies began chatting and catching up.
"Resena you've been the talk of the town these last few weeks! I know that has probably been a lot."
"It's definitely been an experience, but everyone has been so wonderful."
"That's great! Oh, you ladies must come over sometime for a tea gathering and shopping! I would love to exchange numbers!"
Smiling, Resena shook her head in agreement, she'd successfully made her first acquaintance. As the ladies continued to chat, Resena felt a light tap on her shoulder. Looking back, she could see Catherine Rouleau beaming down at her. She instantly jumped up to hug Catherine.
"Well, my goodness, I knew Grace would be able to bring my vision to life. Resena, you look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you. This is truly all because of you. I can't thank you enough."
"Carla and Sabrina, look at you ladies. You look beautiful today!"
Both Caral and Sabrina beamed with joy. Over the past few weeks, they had also become close with Catherine.
"Thanks Mrs. Catherine. You look lovely as well." Sabrina smiled as the ladies all continued to chat. One by one, many of the ladies Resena met at the birthday party began to make their way to her table to extend their thanks for the party as well as do light catching up.
"So, Lady Resena, what's it like being engaged to Julius Spencer? He certainly was a hot pick for many of the ladies over the years!" Jackie Lovegold, daughter of Dr. Kent Lovegold, stated while sipping her tea.
"Jackie what a tacky question. Resena, you don't have to answer that." Katelyn Brower, daughter of Marquess Alan Brower, protested.
"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it! Oh Katie, you're always being mean."
Resena giggled as the ladies both bickered.
"It's quite alright. It's no secret Julius has definitely been one of Lenora's most eligible bachelors. I've been beyond honored he chose to marry me."
Each lady beamed at Resena as she spoke of Julius. They could feel her love and admiration with each word she spoke. Jackie put her hands up to her cheeks in excitement.
"Oh my gosh! I just knew the two of you were head over heels at the party when he proposed! Oh Resena, you'll make sure I get a wedding invite right?"
Smiling. "Of course."
"Hey, I want one too!" Sierra exclaimed, causing all the women to burst out into laughter.
Resena met several other women as the first 30 minutes of the gathering continued. Suddenly, the host Denise Schowder made her way to the podium. The courtyard grew quiet as everyone waited for her to speak, with more guests still coming in. Denise Schowder was tall and regal. Although she was young, she had a maturity to her face that resembled a woman of class and grace.
"Good afternoon, ladies, and thank you so much for attending Conland's annual Grand Tea Party. I can't thank you all enough for coming, and to the committee, thank you so much for electing me as this year's host. The theme I chose this year is rose gardens in bloom I hope everyone has a wonderful time today."
Resena sat in amazement. Denise was so beautiful. Her voice was like soft rose petals fluttering in the wind. Each movement she made with her hands and fingers were calculated like dancing leaves. There was so much confidence in her voice, Resena felt slightly inferior. "I wonder if I will ever be as poised as her." The courtyard irrupted in claps as she made her way down the podium and into the crowd. Smiling this angelic and regal smile, Resena was in complete awe. Looking over, Denise noticed Resena and made her way to her table. Nervously, she stood up.
Smiling. "Resena Blackwell?" Resena nervously shook her head.
"Y-Yes. 'Calm yourself Resena. Remember your training.' Yes, I'm Resena Blackwell, it's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Denise"; Resena extended her hand just as Catherine taught her for a formal lady's handshake. Smiling, Denise shook her hand.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm so sorry I could not attend your birthday party. I was out of the country, but I heard it was a beautiful event. So happy belated and Congratulations on the engagement!"
"Oh, thank you! Please, think nothing of it! I had the pleasure of meeting your father, he did extend his regards on behalf of you and your mother. And yes, it was a beautiful event, my fiancé went above and beyond."
Smiling thoughtfully, Denise found herself captivated by the new young woman of society. There was an innocence and yet a regalness about her that told an unfinished story. "I think I get it now Julius." She thought to herself as she smiled on.
"Well, I most certainly hope Julius knows how lucky he is. I do hope you and I can become friends; I have a feeling you're going to be a remarkable addition to Conland."
Blushing, Resena shook her head in excitement. "I would most certainly love that! Please, let me introduce you to my ladies' maids Sabrina and Carla."
"It's a pleasure to meet you ladies." Both Carla and Sabrina blushed as they spoke with Denise. Resena in deep thought, "there's something so alluring about her. No wonder Marsell hated her so much, she's never had this type of poise and refinement" Resena watched on in amazement, she now understood why Catherine wanted her to meet Denise.
As the day progressed, Resena met many other women, each more kind and friendly than the next. Suddenly, Clare Hanbor walked up to her.
"Hello Lady Resena, I'm not sure if you remember me from the party?"
"Mrs. Hanbor. Of course, it's so lovely to see you again!" Resena smiled a beautiful smile as the two women hugged. "Martin was right. You are a lovely young lady." Clare thought to herself as she embraced Resena.
"It's most certainly nice to see you again as well, I'm sad we didn't get a chance to speak more at your party. I hope that we'll have more opportunities."
"Oh yes! I would love that!" Just then, Clare could see both Reba and Jenna staring over. She decided it would be best to speak with them before confronting Larna.
"Well, I hope we'll all have the chance to speak more today, you ladies all look so beautiful. I'll you soon."
"Yes, you as well! And your dress is absolutely breathtaking."
Clare smiled in thought as she walked over to Reba and Jenna, "what a delightful young lady. That smile of hers is captivating. Great choice Julius Spencer." As Clare made her way to the two ladies, she began to feel annoyed. Reba was the first to speak.
"So, is that her? I didn't know she would be here today."
"Of course she would, Spencer is probably trying to introduce her to high society before the wedding." Jenna stated as she continued to stare at Reba.
"She's very beautiful. She certainly looks like her mother. Her smile is breathtaking."
Reba rolled her eyes in annoyance. She didn't understand what the big deal was about this girl. Now all of sudden everyone fawned over this Resena Blackwell, and it may have come at the expense of her dear friend.
"She's no prettier than any other socialite here Jenna."
"Reba, I get your defenses are up over Larna, but there's no need to lie."
In truth, Jenna had grown quite irritated with Reba. After the garden club meet, Reba complained to Jenna almost every day about how disloyal Clare was being. What Jenna could not understand, however, is why she never once asked Larna about it.
"You pretend to be angry at the accusations, but I have a funny feeling you believe Clare." Jenna thought quietly as the three ladies stood in silence. Suddenly, Reba's eyes jolted.
"Larna and Marsell just got here."
Larna and Marsell walked into the courtyard wearing similar dresses and matching umbrellas. They smiled and chatted as they passed many of the women at the party. Scanning the audience, Larna was looking for her usual group. Finally, she was able to notice Reba who was staring at her intensely. Puzzled, she began to make her way over to the circle of women. When suddenly she froze in her steps. There, to the far left of her group of friends was her niece Resena.
Larna could hardly believe her eyes, there she was, the little runt that ruined her life, smiling and chatting with the host of the party. Larna could feel her temperature rising as she began to seethe.
"What the hell is SHE doing here! I don't remember seeing her name on the list!" Larna's mind began to race and soon, panic kicked in. How would she be able to get by at this gathering without people learning Resena was her niece. She'd assumed Resena kept that information quiet as no one had approached her yet regarding the matter. But now, there would be no way around it.
"I have to think of something quick for me and Marsell to leave early." Just then, while deep in thought, Marsell tapped her mother's shoulder.
"Mother, what's wrong with you? Why are you just standing there?" Marsell looked at her mother with a puzzled expression. Why did she look as though she'd just seen a ghost. Suddenly, as she looked ahead, she could see what frightened her mother so. There was Resena, smiling in this gorgeous blue gown around a circle of society's most prominent young women. Marsell could hardly believe her eyes, was this really her cousin? Resena looked radiant, every bit of a noblewoman. To make matters worse, she was chatting with Denise Schowder of all the people!
"They know each other?! How could this have happened! I can't believe how beautiful she looks!" Larna and Marsell stared for what seemed like an eternity before Clare walked up and startled them.
"Larna, is everything okay?" Larna blinked her eyes as if to wake herself up. "Get a hold of yourself Larna!" She thought as she smiled at Clare.
"Absolutely, I just thought I recognized someone I know. Tell me Clare, was the guest list inaccurate this year?"
Puzzled, Clare repeated what Larna asked. "Inaccurate? In what way? I'm sorry Larna, I don't follow you?"
"I just noticed there are some people here that I didn't recognize." Larna managed to say through gritted teeth. Suddenly, Clare understood the purpose of her question. "You mean some people like your niece." She thought disgustedly as she smiled on.
"Oh yes, I do believe some women were added to the list later on by a few of the attendees. Whom was it you were referring to too? Perhaps I know them, "let's see what you'll say next." Clare thought slyly as she stared at both women.
"It's not important, shall we make our over to Reba and Jenna?" Larna smiled cooly at Clare, "maybe I can avoid running into her. We'll stay on this side of the courtyard for now. I need to figure out a way to leave early." Larna and Marsell made their way over to the table all the ladies were sitting at. Assigned to their section were Jenna and her daughter Gwenie, Reba and her daughter Lacey, and Clare. Larna and Marsell took their seats both smiling and acting coolly. They couldn't afford anyone to notice their nerves.
"Oh Marsell, you look beautiful! I love this color on you! You too Aunt Larna! Yellow suites you both so well!" Lacey exclaimed as she hugged both ladies.
"Thank you, Lacey, you look lovely as well! As do all of you ladies." Larna smiled gracefully as she and Marsell hugged and greeted everyone at the table.
"Larna I've been meaning to ask you, where did you get that dress you wore at last month's garden club, it was simply breathtaking!" Reba exclaimed joyfully as all the women began to chat. Jenna, however, sat quietly. She knew what Reba was doing. "Trying to keep the subject on gowns so nobody mentions that girl huh Reba?" Clare also seemed to catch on, she was just about to mention something when suddenly Jenna's daughter Gwenie, walked back over to their section.
"Oh my gosh guys! I just met Lady Resena for the first time! She's so nice! I can't believe I missed that party!" Gwenie pouted as she sat in her seat. Both Larna and Marsell felt a huge lump in their throats, her plan of steering clear completely up in smoke.
"Oh! Selly! Aunt Larna! I didn't see you both sitting there! You both look beautiful!" Gwenie made her way around the table hugging the two women. Just then, Lacey spoke.
"Is she really nice? I've been doing so much catching up I haven't had a chance to speak with her."
"Yeah, she's super sweet! I wanted to know where she got that gorgeous gown from! Estrada's of course." Gwenie giggled and she sat down.
"Oh my. I guess Julius is sparing no expense on his fiancé. I'm so jealous." Lacey pouted as she sipped her tea.
"Jealous for what! That girl is no different than anyone else here today!" Reba snapped startling all the women. Lacey looked at her mother, puzzled. "What the hell is her problem?"
"I wasn't saying she's any different mother; besides, I was merely joking. I mean it's no secret that Julius Spencer was one of the most desired men in Lenora. Even you said you'd wished I met him first."
Reba rolled her eyes; she didn't like the idea of confronting her friend at the tea party; and hated Clare for even suggesting it.
"She's always acting so high and mighty." Reba thought to herself as she sipped her tea.
"Sell, I never got the chance to ask, did you go to the birthday party? I heard everyone was there! I hate me and Lacey were in Mortin that week."
Marsell froze up; for the past several weeks, she and her mother proceeded with life as if Resena never existed. There was no discussion of what they would say or do if she was brought up in conversation. They treated her as if she were a bad dream. Much to their dismay however, it was painfully clear that she was no dream but a cruel nightmare. Before Marsell could answer, Larna chimed in.
"Oh, my poor Marsell was sick with a fever that weekend. We didn't get a chance to go I'm afraid."
Reba smiled a devious smile as her friend continued with her story. "You see that, Clare and Jenna; that's how you stay in front of things. No one could ever catch Larna off guard." In truth, Reba idolized Larna. She was to her the true definition of class. She wasn't like these other women of high society who walked around in glass bubbles with pretending to be aloof whenever their husbands or children were caught in some ridiculous scandal. And she wasn't like Clare or Jenna who wanted to pretend they were above petty behavior. Someone like Larna was always on point.
"Well, that's most certainly ashamed. You missed a lovely event." Clare stated as she sat her cup down. Reba glared at her immediately. She knew Clare would try and bring it up. She immediately chimed in.
"Well, I for one am tired of talking about that party, you would think Conland has never seen an extravagant birthday party before. I'm wondering if Spencer is trying to force her to be more interesting than she is."
Jenna rolled her eyes, she knew Reba was doing this on purpose to cover for Larna.
"Or maybe he wanted her to finally be introduced to the public. I mean, we still don't even know where she's been all this time." Jenna glared at Reba as she spoke on the subject.
At that moment, something seemed out of place to Larna. "Why are the three of them acting this way? You would think…" In that moment, it all became clear to Larna, something happened that made Clare, Jenna, and Reba aware of the truth regarding Resena. She instantly became nervous, how much did they know? Why hadn't they said anything? In that moment it became clear only Reba was on her side. "This is a good thing! I need to get Reba by herself so that I can gain her sympathy. I need to get her as well as others on my side before the truth comes out!" Larna smiled to herself, her plan unfolding clear in her mind, she would make Resena and her wretched "Golden Saint" mother the villains before anyone could learn she was her aunt. Everything would work perfectly as soon as she…
"Larna, I heard the most interesting thing, I heard Resena Blackwell is actually your niece. Is that true?"
Jenna looked directly at Larna. Suddenly it felt like the sky was falling, both Larna and Marsell sat in shock. Reba's eyes instantly bulked; what could have possessed Jenna to blurt that out?!
"Mother, what are you talking about? Aunt Larna isn't related to Resena Blackwell, is she?" Gwenie looked at her mother and noticed a troubled look on her face. Jenna was beyond irritated, how much longer was this charade going to continue?
"Jenna what are you talking about? Larna isn't…"
Clare held her hand up as Reba began to protest.
"Reba, Larna is a big girl. She can answer for herself." Clare's eyes shot at Reba who was now seething. "Was this their plan all along? To ambush her!"
"What exactly is going on? You all have been acting strangely this entire time! Marsell, is the Blackwell girl your cousin?" Lacey looked at Marsell who had a face of fright. Why was this happening to her? When would this nightmare end!
"Answer me!" Lacey shrieked as both Marsell and Larna sat silently.
"Keep your voice down Lacey! I will not have you embarrass this table!"
"Me embarrass! What about them! It's true, isn't it? I can't believe this. I thought I was hearing things that night I came home."
Gwenie looked over at Lacey. "What are you talking about Lacey? Hearing what things?"
"The night of the garden club meet, the same night we came back home from our trip. I overheard mother yelling at her communicator, I wasn't sure who she was speaking with, but she yelled there was no way Larna would ever abuse her niece. I thought I'd misheard and chose not to ask. She was already angry."
The table section grew eerily quiet. Marsell and Larna sat with shock and fear in their eyes. Clare and Jenna stared in disgust; Reba looked furious. The once perfect circle of friends is now ruined. Reba finally spoke.
"How could the two of you do this to your friend?" She quietly said to Jenna and Clare. A look now of anguish in her eyes. Her perfect image of Larna was now crumbling.
"Reba please, if I had known she was the type of woman that would abuse her own sister's daughter, I would not have been friends with her in the first place."
Jenna slammed her cup down on the table. Standing up to leave, she'd had enough of this conversation.
"The fact that you won't even say anything is what I find the most deplorable. Come on Gwenie, we're leaving." Gwenie now had tears in her eyes as she stood up to leave, looking apologetically at Lacey she whispered.
"I'm so sorry." Tears falling down her face she turned to leave with her mother.
Clare then looked over at Larna.
"Martin saw her you know, at your estate. He said he saw you beating her one day, he said she was dressed in rags not even fit for a servant. Your own niece."
Larna stared at Clare; she'd known this entire time? Did Reba know as well? Why didn't she tell her? Instead, she allowed her to get ambushed by Clare and Jenna. Clare stood up from the table, like Jenna, she could no longer enjoy the event.
"In actuality, I'm angrier with myself than you. Even if I had seen you abusing that child, I know I would not have done anything. I would have told myself this is just how some nobles and higher society are. I would have smiled loudly and judged quietly. I would have greeted you at each event as if you were my dearest friend. What does that say about me?"
Clare walked off, taking one last look at Resena as she smiled brightly in the crowd. She may have been hidden these past nine years, but thanks to Julius Spencer, she would now be able to bloom like a rose from its spuds. "For now, that will have to be enough until we all atone for what we allowed and ignored."Clare smiled one last time and left the tea party.
Reba looked over at her friend, the shock and fear that was on her face had now turned to anger and resentment. Reba reached over to grab Larna's hand, but Larna quickly pulled it away.
"So, you've known since the Garden Club meet?" She said through her teeth, now seething. Reba looked sorrowful, while it was true, Clare had told them that day, she still refused to believe it.
"Clare told Jenna and I after she arrived at the club. But Larna I swear I never-"
Larna looked fiercely at Reba. How could her best friend betray her so!
"And you didn't tell me! How could you!"
Shock sprawled on Reba's face. She'd never met to betray Larna. Before she could plead her case however, Lacey spoke up.
"You have some nerve! Don't you dare blame my mother for this! All of this is YOUR fault!"
Marsell looked at Lacey, a girl she'd known her whole life, a mixture of emotions running through her mind. She slowly stood up. A wicked smile on her face. She spoke in a hushed tone.
"Lacey, if you really think my mother and I were capable of being that cruel to my own cousin, imagine what I could do to you if you yell at my mother again."
Marsell stared directly at Lacey, she had issues with her mother, but she was not about to let Lacey embarrass her any further, but Lacey wasn't backing down. For far too long she'd watched her mother play Larna's lapdog, and now she wanted to blame her for this mess. With fire in her eyes, she spoke.
"You don't scare me Marsell. I know how you are, and I know what others think of you. You're nothing but a selfish, spoiled, cruel individual who takes pleasure in stepping on those you've deemed weaker than you. That's why you don't like Denise, she's not afraid of you, and neither am I! If it wasn't for my mother, I wou-"
But before she could finish, Reba stepped in.
"Lacey! That's enough! Stop this at once! I will not have you disrespect Larna and Marsell like this just because of your disdain towards me!"
Lacey could hardly believe her ears, while it was true, Lacey had always had a disdain towards her mother; what she failed to realize is it was because of her relationship with Larna. Lacey viewed her mother as a weak follower, constantly running behind Larna, always wanting to please her friend. Over the years she'd watch and listen as Larna ordered her around or made sly remarks, never once defending herself. Even now, she stood in cowardice, only defending Larna instead of herself. She knew the truth, Reba didn't keep this from Larna to betray her, she kept it from her to protect her. Lacey scuffed at her mother. She'd had enough of this scene.
"You are correct mother; I do disdain you. The company you keep is pure trash."
Lacey turned her back to Reba and walked off. She could no longer ignore what she'd known about her all along.
"Larna, I'm so sorry! I swear, I wasn't trying to betray you or Marsell! I didn't say anything because I didn't believe it to be true! You have to believe me!"
Larna stared at Reba, her loyal and pathetic friend. Suddenly, an idea formed in her head. "Maybe I can still use you to help bring down that runt." Larna smiled a devilish smile; she'd make use of her good friend yet.
"I supposed I can believe you Reba. You are after all my one true friend."
Reba shook her head excitedly in agreement.
"YES! Always Larna! You know that!"
"Very well, then you'll have to prove it. I'll need a favor from you."
Larna smiled at Reba. She would get her to do all of her dirty work.
"Anything! Just let me know how I can help."
"I'll contact you later. For now, I must take my leave, I'm afraid this tea party has grown quite dreary. Come Marsell."
Without hesitation, Marsell followed behind her mother, taking one last look at her cousin, a sudden feeling of sadness and resentment washed over her. The most surprising thing about it was that it was not towards Resena, but towards her mother. Reba stood in shock, exactly what would it be that Larna needed.
As Resena continued to chat with the crowd of women, she thought she noticed something or someone heading out the courtyard. A quick surge of fear shot up her spine. Who was that person leaving the party? Before Resena could ponder on it further, Sierra and Carla walked over laughing and holding drinks.
"Okay ladies! The REAL fun is about to begin!" Sierra yelled as she and Carla passed alcoholic beverages around the circle. Resena began to laugh joyfully, the surge of fear instantly gone. Denise along with several others made their way back to her section.
"Okay ladies, this is Resena's first tea party! We have to show her how it's really done! Everybody, lets enjoy some tea-berry wine!"
The ladies all cheered and held their glasses up. The dark cloud that seemingly came was now gone!