What If✨Wishes✨Were☄️Shooting Stars☄️

The man at the window finally turned away from it and took a few , staggering , steps into the room . He glanced at one of the men , who had just put away the book he was reading .

❝ 𝓛eeland ? Do you mind ?  ❞

The man in question stood and approached a nearby bookshelf . He pulled a spy glass off the shelf . 

❝ 𝓘 do not know if I will be able to see much , Julian . It is quite bright out at the moment .   ❞

❝ 𝓘t is the North Star , Leeland .  It does not move - or it should not . You will be able to find it .   ❞

Leeland lifted the spyglass to his eye , peering out one of the windows into the sky . With a practiced arm , he turned the apparatus towards where the North Star was supposed to lie , perpetually , as it did not move like other celestial bodies did . However , his spyglass afforded him a vision of nothing . The spyglass fell from his eye , his arms almost limp .  

❝ 𝓘t is as Vince said . . . I cannot find it .   ❞

❝ 𝓗ow the devil . . .   ❞  Julian murmured , starting to feel quite perturbed .

❝ 𝓣he Astronomical Society is going to have quite the time trying to puzzle this particular farce out .   ❞ Vincent sighed , grasping at his brow .  ❝ I’m not entirely sure how this will play out . . . We can only hope we are not too inconvenienced by this strange happening .     ❞

❝ 𝓘t’s true ! I can scarce believe it ! ❞

The people gathered in the room turned to stare at the figure who had just burst into the room . All except one , who kept his gaze directed out the window . 

❝ 𝓦hat is it that has excited you so , Vincent ? ❞ He queried , tone flat .

❝  𝓓o you remember the uproar at the viewing party a few days ago ? The one held by 𝐿𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝐴𝑟𝑝𝑒𝑔𝑔𝑖𝑜 for the meteor shower ?  ❞ Vincent Irving , the young man who had run into the room spoke , near bursting with urgency . 

❝ 𝓘 remember hearing about that . . . Jennings attended , correct ?  ❞ 

❝ 𝓘 received an invitation , yes .  ❞ The quieter man , who still stood near to the tea table , Walter Jennings , responded .  ❝ But I was not able to attend . I had the most horrendous ache in my head that night , so I remained here .  ❞

❝ 𝓝ever mind that !    ❞  Vincent huffed ,  ❝ It is true ! The North Star has vanished from the sky !   ❞

The gentlemen all paused at this , varying expressions of confusion and surprise flitting across their features . 

❝ 𝓐re you sure about this , Vince ? Maybe you heard wrong ? How can the North Star just . . . go missing ?   ❞

❝ 𝓘 shared your sentiment , Wal . I would have thought it a story of cock and bull , had I not happened by the Lady herself , just exiting the House of Commons . The noise from within was outstanding - as the Lady had just made her observations known . . . along with the backing of the Astronomical Society providing additional evidence to further her claims . It is gone .  ❞

The once bright and cheery atmosphere of the room was now darkened by the implications of what this new information meant . 

Sunlight filtered into the vast drawing room of the manor located on Grovestreet . The building had once been entailed to the reputable Beckham family . Nowadays , it had been purchased by Colonel Albert Longstaff and had been in use for some years to house the core members of his regiment . All of whom had been wounded recently in the Peninsular war and had been sent home to rest . The colonel himself was no exception to this rule . 

The calm silence in the room was filled only by the scratching of a quill on paper , the turning of pages of a book , and the gentle clanking of glassware . It was broken a moment later when one of the gentlemen , who had deigned it not worth the effort to attempt to tie back his flowing locks , spoke .

❝ 𝓘 must confess , I have never felt so indisposed to bitterness towards Theodore than I have found myself recently .  ❞ He mused aloud . Raucous laughter escaped one of his companions at this, causing a slight quirk to appear on his lips . 

 ❝ 𝓙ealous , are you ? I am not sure Theodore would share your sentiments . Do you remember how he worried over just how many tears the girls would shed over him the moment he crossed the threshold ?  ❞

❝ 𝓔ven if they are a bit prone to hysterics , they are a lovely bunch of ladies . You had best curb your criticisms , Sparks , lest it mysteriously makes its way to the Haywood boy that you’ve been talking ill of his sisters .  ❞

❝ 𝓡ight you are , Archer . I am not exactly fixing to duel him at the moment . I fear I am still not wholly recovered from that close brush with a cannonball . ❞ 

❝ 𝓣hey are good girls , you two . They grow in merit for the fact that they helped raise Theo into the man he is today . ❞ The quieter of the two , who bore a more solemn countenance said . He stared at them with a disapproving glint to his eye .

The casual atmosphere was interrupted by hurried footsteps , accompanied by the door to the room being thrown open . 

❝ 𝓗ow rude , Hannah ! I have never been anything but sweet to you . Yet this is the retribution I get for it ?  ❞

Hannah rolled her eyes , glancing at her sister with disapproval at her theatrics . Polaris watched the scene unfold , and as she did she felt the growing knot in her heart slowly loosen . She may not have been able to see her own sisters at the moment , but she was no longer so woefully alone . 

The Haywood sisters glanced over at her in surprise when her features bloomed into a soft smile . 

❝ 𝓞h my . . .  ❞ Kit murmured , a soft flush appearing on her cheeks . Hannah suddenly found herself unable to look in her “cousin”‘s direction . 

❝ 𝓨ou are very lively .   ❞ Polaris said , tone filled with amusement at the mirth that had been displayed before her .  

❝ 𝓘 . . . erm . . . yes , I suppose we are .  ❞ Hannah managed to choke the words out , before elbowing Kit quite violently in the side . 

❝ 𝓖oodness !    ❞ She exclaimed ,  near losing her breath from the unwarranted strike ,   ❝ 𝓨ou really must do that more often , my dearest cousin . It’s quite becoming .   ❞  Polaris balked at the two ,  finding herself feeling rather flushed all of a sudden . Her other sisters had told her the same thing before . 

❝ 𝓣ruly . . . ?  ❞ She mumbled  ,  turning her attention to the foliage around them .  

Hannah & Kit shared a look before bursting into giggles , Kit near falling over in the process . Polaris pretended not to see anything , the warmth in her cheeks seemed to only become more prominent as their walk continued on . 

Perhaps she would be okay here . With these two , strange human girls , she felt the most at ease since the moment she had fallen from the sky . 

❝  𝓓id you hear about the incident between Miss Reiner and a turtle ?  ❞ The sisters ,  now recovered from their laughter , began chattering away - causing Polaris to once more tune into the conversation . Humans seemed to experience some truly wild things . . . or so she was learning from her time with the girls .

At the moment , all thought and concern about her given situation had faded away , residing at the back of her mind . If she had held onto her fears for a few moments more , perhaps it would have occurred to her that the loss of the North Star from the sky , would not go unnoticed . 

Following their conversation in the bedroom , the two sisters , with the help of their maids , changed into walking attire . Polaris was given one of Hannah’s gowns , as the two shared a similar build ... though Polaris was much shorter than than her . 

The air was slightly chilly, and Polaris found herself grateful for the extra layer that the spencer jacket provided. It was early October and there was a promise of colder times to come that lingered in the air. 

❝ 𝓒areful not to fall too far behind , Polaris . ❞  Kit commented , reaching out toward their companion as they walked .  ❝ 𝓓o you want to take my hand ? Perhaps it was too early to be taking you out for strenuous activity ... especially since you only just woke up ...  ❞

Polaris glanced at the offered hand , and genuinely debated taking it before her attention was caught by the other sister speaking up . 

❝ 𝓘t is a bit too late to be thinking like that , Kit .  ❞ Hannah distractedly mumbled , scratching underneath her bonnet .  ❝ 𝓦hy must it be so itchy ? I must have pinned it incorrectly in my haste to leave...  ❞

❝ 𝓣hat is precisely why I abhor the things .  ❞  Kit turned to Polaris once more , expression pensive .  ❝ 𝓨ou seemed pretty unused to them , cousin . Did you not have the means to have them before ?  ❞

Polaris tensed , a slightly nervous expression covering her face . She had thought about this non-stop since she awoke . She did not know where she was , not really , nor did she know how to return . She simply had to . . . stay here . For now . 

❝ 𝓘 . . .   ❞ She flushed ,  ❝ 𝓘 did not like to wear them either . . . so I did not . ❞ A giggle burst free of Kit , a bright expression adorning her face . 

❝ 𝓕inally someone who agrees !  ❞

❝ 𝓒areful Polaris , if you agree with her on any more things she’ll become insufferable .   ❞

❝ 𝓦hy Hannah ! What could have potentially given you that impression of me ? I am positively scandalized .  ❞

❝ 𝓢imply put ? I have a feeling . And I grew up with you .  ❞

The banter between the two sisters made Polaris’s chest ache . She , at one point , had done the same thing with her own sisters . Would she ever do it again ? The thought that may not be the case upset her to such an extent that she had to forcefully push all thought of it from her mind . 

Her head was throbbing . It pounded in tandem with the whirlwind of thoughts that currently stormed her mind . It probably did not help that the human she had woken up to was staring at her the whole time . It was almost as though she was demanding that she confessed something . 

Green eyes never strayed from her frail form , expectant and waiting . 

A light knock at the door signaled the return of the other human . Polaris felt an overwhelming sense of relief at no longer being left by herself with the strange human . Her relief dissolved a moment later when the maid opened the door , and led two other humans into the room . Just because she did not want to be alone , did not mean she wanted to be surrounded by humans . 

❝ 𝓜iss Katherine and Hannah are here to see you , Miss . ❞

The two youngest Haywoods made their way into the room , faces bright . They paused as they took in the atmosphere within the room . 

❝ 𝓖oodness , it’s as tense as a dining room full of relatives you cannot stand in . ❞ Kit mused aloud ,  squinting at Tabitha . 

❝ 𝓖ood morning , cousin .  ❞ Hannah stated , moving over to sit on the edge of the bed . She ignored the staring match that Kit and the maid were having . It was not entirely appropriate to be happening , but if they were determined to behave childishly she was not going to press the matter . 

❝ . . . 𝓗ello . . ?  ❞ Polaris cocked her head to the side , regarding the young woman before her for a moment . Hannah’s face bloomed into a small , shy , smile .  

❝ 𝓗ow are you feeling ?  ❞ Polaris pondered the question for a moment . 

❝ 𝓜y head . . . it hurts .  ❞

❝ 𝓞h dear . . . have you had anything to drink since you awoke ? Tabitha , Lola , will you go and fetch some tea ?  ❞

❝ 𝓐nd cream and sugar !  ❞ Kit piped up , having given up on her contest with the maid now that she was being sent away .

When the two maids had left the room , Kit joined Hannah on the bed . 

❝ 𝓝ow that they’re gone . . . what all do you remember ?  ❞

❝ 𝓘 . . . a field . . .  ❞

❝ 𝓐nything else ?  ❞

❝ 𝓘 . . . I don’t know . ❞  Kit furrowed her brow at this , pursing her lips . Hannah was quick to take control of the conversation , lest her sister’s expression frightened the other . 

❝ 𝓒an you tell us your name ?  ❞  

It was Polaris’s turn to purse her lips and look troubled . Her name ? She had many names . Humans called her multiple things . . . and she was known by names different from those at home . It was perhaps the first time she could decide her name herself . She bit her lip . Was coming up with a name truly so troublesome ? Her head hurt far too much for her to do much with the opportunity afforded her . Before she knew it , something slipped past her lips and out into the air . 

❝ 𝓟 𝑜𝓁𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓈 .  ❞

❝ 𝓓o you believe she will wish to remain here when the time comes ?  ❞ Josephine piped up , her interest in the dishes before her losing out to that of the conversation at hand . Her brow furrowed , and her eyebrows seemed to threaten a meeting in the middle of her forehead .  ❝ 𝓘 am not sure if that is entirely the correct course of action . . .  they are still entirely unknown to us, Katherine. ❞ 

Kit glowered at her older sister for this remark . While she knew it to be of sound reasoning , she simply did not want to acknowledge it .  ❝ 𝓘t won’t be harming anyone to have an extra member to our party . In fact , I am near positive it could only serve as a positive . We will get more attention , isn’t that what we want for Josie ? ❞ She aimed her question at Sophia , who was looking more and more perplexed as the conversation carried on . 

❝ 𝓦e do not necessarily want that kind of attention , Kit dearest . Goodness ━ I can already imagine what people will say if we turn up with her all of a sudden . . .  ❞

❝ 𝓑ut it would hardly be sudden , Soph , if she stayed with us for the time leading up to the event . We would just have to make sure we didn’t try to hide it . If you were to simply tell Mrs. Jenkins , I am quite positive the entire country would know by the end of the week . ❞ Hannah mused aloud , catching Kit’s gaze with a conspiratorial wink . Sophia let out a long suffering sigh , opting to massage her temples instead of giving a response . 

At that moment , one of the maids employed at the estate entered the dining room .  ❝ 𝓟ardon me , my lord , my ladies , but I was instructed to let you know when your cousin awoken .  ❞ Hannah and Kit perked up immediately , and were quick to discard their napkins and tableware .

❝ 𝓜arvelous ! Just as I was starting to get bored here . . . she simply has impeccable timing . Shall we go check on her , Hannah ?  ❞

❝ 𝓘t is only polite that we do so , after all , she is our guest .  ❞

❝ 𝓦ait  ━  Girls , surely it can wait until after you’ve eaten . . . Girls ? Katherine and Hannah , wait ! ❞ Sophia’s protests fell on deaf ears , as the two youngest Haywood daughters were already scaling the stairs with a speed that would perhaps make their governess faint if she were to see them . 

The dining room was filled with the clattering of metal on porcelain . The main five members of the household were nestled in the room, situated around the table, of which Theodore was seated at the head. 

❝ 𝓣heo , ❞ Said Sophia , placing her utensils down on her plate to fully engage in the conversation she was about to embark on ,  ❝ 𝓗ave you given what I said to you last week any thought ? The London season approaches and I have yet to hear anything about a conviction from you . ❞ The man in question turned to look at his older sister , a sheepish look crawling onto his face .

❝ 𝓜ust we converse about this today , Soph ? ❞ He mumbled , finding the vegetables on his place to be very interesting .  

❝ 𝓘t’s important , dearest . I should like to have an idea of what kind of ladies to start establishing a relationship with . ❞ Quipped the lady . 

❝ 𝓘 really have not given it any thought at all . It was only recently I returned from the war , Soph . . . and I am not entirely sure I will not return to it . ❞

❝ 𝓦hy Theo ! You were already discharged because of your injury all those months ago . I cannot fathom why you would go back . . . this is why I didn’t want you associating with those men anymore . ❞

Theodore’s expression turned a bit frostier at her statement .  ❝ 𝓘 would ask that you do not speak ill of my fellow soldiers . I would have died on the field and never returned without their aid . ❞ Sophia paled a bit at this , but did not voice any sort of apology for what she had said . 

❝ 𝓒ome off it , Theo . You know Sophia is just worried . . . and mothering you . ❞ Kit sighed , already starting to grow weary and wish she was anywhere but there .   

❝ 𝓨ou mean smothering . ❞ Hannah piped up , earning her a tired smile from her older brother . Sophia shot her a warning glance that did little to rid the young lady’s face of mirth and mischief . 

❝ 𝓢peaking of the season . . . if . . . if our . . . ahem . . . “cousin” . . . is still here by then , can we bring her along ? ❞ Kit looked to both her brother and older sister for a confirmation of her request . Nothing interesting had been happening lately . Or well , nothing that truly interested her . She had no pre-existing connections with the people of the ton , nor did she really have any interest in procuring any . The appearance of the lady in the field had given her hope for a real friendship . One where she wouldn’t have to fear adhering to the social rules that she had heard about existing in London . . . or that those with high status strictly adhered to . 

Her eyes opened , blearily bringing the world around her into focus . Once again , her mind was swarmed with questions . Where was she ? What was this softness she felt herself on top of ? And first and foremost , who was staring at her ? 

❝ 𝓜y lady ! So good of you to join us . How are  you feeling ? Everything working alright ? No ache in your head or body ? Hm ?  ❞ Tabitha said , a spontaneous ‘serivce’ smile appearing on her face . 

❝ 𝓘 am glad to see you have woken up , my lady . Miss Katherine and Miss Hannah requested that we let them know when you awake . I will return with them momentarily .  ❞ With that , Lola left the room , closing the doors behind her with care so as not to startle the young woman . 

This left Tabitha alone with the newest addition to the family . 

❝ 𝓢o . . . what exactly was it that brought you here ? I won’t tell , I swear on this month’s pay . ❞ As she spoke , she leaned forward on the bed , eyes twinkling with mischief . Polaris stared at her , confusion riddling her features . 

❝ 𝓘 . . . do not understand . . .  ❞ She mumbled , the human language feeling strange upon her tongue . She did not think she would get used to how their words formed in her mouth . 

❝ 𝓦haddya mean you don’t understand ? It’s simple . What’s up with your folks for them to send you to your cousins ? Must have been something big to send such a frail lady as yourself off on your own . ❞

Polaris blinked . It felt as though her mind had been stuffed with some sort of fuzzy material . 

❝ 𝓦here am I . . . ? ❞

❝ 𝓞h dear , looks like you haven’t got your wits back yet . Well , I’ll wrangle it out of you soon enough . This is not over .  ❞  The maid straightened up , gesturing to the room .  ❝ 𝓣his is the room of the two young miss Haywoods , who brought you here a couple of days ago . I am Tabitha , and I have been taking care of you with Lola . ❞

Haywoods ? Who . . . ? Polaris felt her fuzzy mind sharpen for a moment before it landed on a pair of faces . Oh . The sisters . 

❝ 𝓦here are they ?  ❞

❝ 𝓣he whole house , excluding you since you were not well Miss , is taking breakfast downstairs . I believe they will come up to see you as soon as Lola goes and brings your awakening to their attention .  ❞

A soft shuffling filled the room , accompanied by the sound of a match striking against it’s box . 

❝ 𝓛ola ,  ❞ One of the figures in the room spoke up after lighting the oil lamp on the night stand ,  ❝ 𝓓o you think today might be the day the lady wakes up ? You would think she were seriously ill . . . but the physician said there wasn’t anything wrong with her . Just that she had gone through a shock of sorts . . . and needed a rest . . . but you would think that she would have at least woke up once while she was resting .  ❞

❝ 𝓣abitha ! Hush ! What if the lady hears you ? Must you say such things ? ❞ A middle aged woman , folding freshly dried linens , exclaimed . She glanced over at the sleeping figure on the bed , worry creasing her forehead . 

❝ 𝓢he’s been asleep for a four days at this point . If she was going to wake up any time soon , she would have done it already . I cannot see why I have to bite my tongue . ❞ The other retorted , glancing at the figure before shaking her head . 

❝ 𝓔ven so , she is the young missus’s dear cousin , who came here after much hardship . You cannot blame her for collapsing as she did . I do wish the ladies would tell us what exactly befell her to leave her in such a state . . .  ❞

❝ 𝓑ut they’ve been tight lipped about it , hm ? That means it can’t have been anything good . I bet there is some sort of scandal to be found here . I just have to sniff it out . . .  ❞

❝ 𝓟lease don’t do such a thing , Tabitha . You hardly know her , yet you are so ready to spread rumors ? I am a bit disappointed in you . ❞ Lola placed the neatly folded linens away in the dresser , glancing over her shoulder at her friend as she spoke . 

❝ 𝓘f she’s anything like the other nobs in town , she’ll deserve it . ❞ Tabitha sneered , crossing her arms over her chest .

❝𝓣abitha , please .  Could you behave for just one  ━  ❞ 

The two froze as a groan came from the bed , accompanied by the rustling of blankets . 

❝ 𝓝ow that that has been discussed . . . ❞ Hannah piped up , catching her brother’s eye .  ❝ 𝓦here should she stay ? We only just finished making this into our home . I doubt there was much foresight into preparing housing for a guest so soon .  ❞  Theodore let out a chuckle at this . 

❝ 𝓨ou are quite right . . . and even if we had been preparing . . .  ❞ His gaze shifted over to the only figure in the room who had been relatively silent . Even when Sophia had been fretting over their fate , they had remained in one spot , gaze fixated on the figure in the bed .

❝ 𝓨ou promised that 𝗝𝗮𝗱𝗲 would have a place to stay when she comes to visit in a fortnight . ❞ Josephine mumbled , her attention remaining solely at the intruder in the house . 

❝ 𝓐nd so she shall .  ❞ 

Hannah looked between her brother and older sister . Theodore had let out a long sigh , and had taken to massaging his temples . She felt for him , though she perhaps did not understand exactly how he suffered . Their recent elevation in status had turned Sophia into a mother-hen and Josephine into a budding socialite . Both ladies sought to utilize their increase in station to the best of their abilities . So much so that they sometimes forgot who it was that had brought them to that position . She tore her gaze away from her brother’s pitiful figure , peering around the room for a moment before catching Kit’s inquiring look . She simply nodded . Their powers of telepathy never failed to amaze her . 

❝ 𝓢he’ll stay with Hannah and I . ❞ Kit piped up the moment she had the approval she desired .  ❝ 𝓦ell , not Jade . I doubt she would like to share a room .  ᵃⁿᵈ ᴵ ᵈᵒⁿ'ᵗ ʳᵉᵃˡˡʸ ˡⁱᵏᵉ ʰᵉʳ . . .  ❞  She trailed off , refusing to look in Josie’s direction . 

❝ 𝓦e are the ones who brought her and would like for her to stay . It is only fair that we be the ones to make room . That way , Sophia , you do not need to worry about anything extra . We will watch over her .  ❞ Hannah finished for Kit . Sophia looked down at her , looking slightly bewildered . It happened on occasion . Hannah supposed it was because she was the youngest . . . though she hardly acted it . 

❝ 𝓣hen we are all settled ? Wonderful . Thank you , Hannah and Kit . If you do end up requiring another room , do let me know .  ❞ Theodore spoke , looking much less world-weary than he had moments ago . 

The room emptied , as the pressing matter at hand had come to a close . The two Haywoods that remained ━ Kit and Hannah ━ shared a look before they opened the door and allowed their nosy maid into the room . They decreed that their cousin had had a long and perilous journey and required a peaceful rest . . . and that they needed her help to assure she rested in the utmost comfort . 

❝ 𝓦hat’s going on here ? I haven’t seen you all in such a state of excitement since I returned home . ❞ A young man stood in the doorway , hands placed on his hips as he appraised the status of the room . ❝ 𝓐nd is there a reason you have poor Daisy waiting in the hallway ? The girl looks desperate to know exactly what is going on in here . ❞

Sophia turned to Hannah and Kit , a warning look flashing in her eyes .  ❝ 𝓢ee ? Even the maids are desperate to start talking . Look what you’ve done . ❞ 

❝ 𝓓aisy means no harm , Soph . She’s been joined at the hip with the girls since she was hired on . It is not surprising she is curious about the reasons for the first time she’s been denied entry . ❞ The male stated , quirking a brow at Hannah . His sister merely shrugged , gesturing to Kit and Sophia . ❝𝓝ow , would you care to tell me about who I am apparently against allowing in my manor ? ❞

❝ 𝓚it and Hannah picked up this girl out in the fields . . . and thought it a good idea to bring the girl ━ whose origins are quite unknown , mind you ━ home . And now they want her to stay a while . ❞

❝ 𝓢he’s not well , Theo . We couldn’t have left her . I mean , just take a look at her . Would you have left her to collapse in the field ? I doubt Sophia would either -- if she were there -- but since she wasn’t she’s taken on that attitude . You aren’t mother , Sophia . I would appreciate it if you stopped attempting to act as if you were . ❞

❝ 𝓖entle , Kit . Don’t prob your sister in her sore spots simply because you fear you will not get your way . ❞ Theodore chided , narrowing his eyes at his younger sister . ❝𝓐nd Soph , I fail to see why she cannot stay at the very least until she is better . She is already here . No doubt the neighbors have already seen her . People will already be talking . ❞

❝ 𝓑ut Josie ━ ! ❞

❝ 𝓘f any man wants to find fault with her for our family showing kindness , I’ll meet him with pistols at dawn . I’m willing to wager I have better aim than most blokes . ❞

❝ 𝓣heo ! ❞

❝ 𝓖ods , woman . If it really bothers you so much just say she’s a distant cousin come to stay with us for a time . Something about her family not being well enough equipped to care for her , and our recent rise in station gives us the means to help them . ❞ He stared his older sister down , noting the way her expression turned pensive . ❝ 𝓣here , is everyone pleased with that arrangement ? ❞

Polaris followed the two girls  ━ in actuality it was more of a case of her being tugged along by them . They arrived at a sizable manor , located quite a bit removed from the beaten path . She found herself ushered into the residence quickly , and before she was quite aware of what had happened , she way laying on something loft and her consciousness had faded . 

░ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━ ━  ░

As she slept , the two actions of the two sisters had caught the attention of the other members of the household . The first person to notice them and follow them to their room was a tall and lean woman , whose hair was twisted up into a bun on the back of her head . She sent Kit a inquiring look as she came to stand beside her , eyes landing on the figure that was now resting . 

❝ 𝓘 would like to ask who this is . . . but perhaps the correct way to ascertain this situation I have stumbled upon is to ask what has happened ? ❞ Her piercing gaze flitted over to the two younger girls who were responsible for said situation . 

❝ 𝓦e stumbled upon her in the flower field. . You know , the one by old man Crabbit’s place . She looked as she does now . We couldn’t really leave her alone . I don’t know what happened to her . . . but it can’t have been something pleasant , Sophia . ❞    Hannah said , peering up at her older sister .

❝ 𝓘’m inclined to think something happened to her and her family . . . but I did not dare to ask when she was barely standing .  ❞  Kit piped up , risking a glance at her older sister . It was clear she desired to read her face , to see her thoughts on the matter .   ❝ 𝓟lease allow her to stay , Sophia . I could not bear to send her off on her own . ❞

❝ 𝓦hat you have both failed to consider is how it will look if we suddenly have some unknown girl staying in the manor . Connections are everything , girls . People will talk , and we have only just been elevated to where Josie can anticipate a relatively good come out in this years Season . Besides, what if she has some family ? Perhaps she is a runaway ? I cannot make such a decision without proper knowledge , Kit .  ❞

❝ 𝓣heo would let her stay . . . ❞ Kit grumbled in response , pursing her lips as indignation crept across her face . 

❝ 𝓦ho am I letting stay ? ❞ The door creaked open and the remaining member of the household stepped into the room .  

Simply standing there , with the two humans staring at her , was proving to be too much for her to bear . Too much had happened . Too much was happening . She quickly turned , fully intending to flee back towards where she had landed . 

❝ 𝓦ait !  Please wait !  ❞ Quite against her will , Polaris felt herself pausing , and risking a glance over her shoulder at the humans . Kit stood , hand extending a soft yellow bloom her way .  ❝ 𝓓o you like lilies ? ❞ She gazed at her steadily , a tentative , warm , smile on her lips . ❝ 𝓦ould you like one ? I picked far too many . . . I doubt my older sister will let me put them all up at home .  ❞ Polaris clutched at her chest momentarily at the mention of another sister . How she wished , desperately , for her own sisters . How they must be so worried right now . No doubt , they saw her fall .  ❝ . . . 𝔂our . . . sister ? ❞ She murmured , her gaze jumping between the two girls as she spoke .  ❝ 𝓘ndeed . ❞ It was Hannah that spoke now . ❝ 𝓣here are four of us sisters . Sophia , Josie , Kit , and myself . We live with our brother  ━ well , sometimes we do  ━ Theo . Do you have any ? Siblings , that is ? ❞ 

❝ 𝓢isters . I have  ━ ❞ She paused , swallowing hard , ❝ 𝓘 had . . . many sisters . ❞ The two humans looked at her , concern apparent in their eyes . 

❝ 𝓘 am sorry to hear that . Well . The best thing to do when you have lost a sister , or so I am told , is to gain another . Did you know friends can be sisters ? ❞ Kit started , slowly walking towards her . Polaris watched her as she approached , yet she did not make any move to flee . She was finding herself to be overcome by a sudden heaviness , her eyes threatening to close and her limbs proving harder to move . Kit reached her , and set a gentle arm around her shoulders .  ❝ 𝓒ome then , shall we be your new sisters ? ❞

Hannah let out a rather loud sigh , shaking her head , before she approached the two .She scrutinized Polaris’s face before she nodded to herself . ❝ 𝓝o matter if we become good friends or you simply leave in a day , you must let us assist you . You look terribly exhausted . . . and it would not do to have you collapsing in such a state . I certainly won’t allow it . Will you let us help you ? ❞

Polaris felt rather fuzzy , her head drooping down and then up . The sisters shared a look , which contained a small smile , before they started to lead her out of the field of flowers , each having an arm slipped around her waist to steady her . 

The word rung inside her head , as though she had finally struck the bell of recognition . She had heard such creatures existed . Yes , they did . Creatures whom the stars loved to watch over ━ to provide guidance to . She had once shone brightly in the sky , twinkling down at seafarers attempting to navigate the vast oceans . Not that they could see her anymore , the voice chimed , causing a twisting , churning , sensation to begin in her stomach .  ❝ 𝓓o you intend on destroying that lovely branch ? I thought you said you’d put it in a vase when we returned . ❞ ❝ 𝓛eave it be Kit , it’s my branch . I don’t see why you should care about that I do or do not do with it . ❞ Huffed the younger  ━  whom Polaris recalled to be referred to as ‘Hannah’ . Hannah stood , slinging the branch over her shoulder as she crossed her arms , perhaps a bit fed up with the meddling . Her expression froze as her gaze connected with Polaris’s .  ❝ 𝓞h heavens . You said we were the only people that ever came here , Kit !  ❞  Kit looked up , her expression immediately brightening . ❝ 𝓖ood day to you, Miss . I . . . do not believe I have seen you around these parts before .  ❞ Her eyes flitted over Polaris . Her lips pursed .  ❝ 𝓐re you quite alright ? It seems improper to ask but  ━ what happened to your dress ? ❞  Polaris followed her gaze , eyes widening as she noticed the burnt hem of her gown . Upon further inspection , she found that one of her sleeves was singed as well . A flush found its way onto her cheeks .  Hannah’s previously guarded expression lifted to partial concern , as she too made note of the state of disarray that she was in . ❝ 𝓚it , you don’t think ━  ❞ ❝ 𝓗ush , Hannah . Where are you from , Miss ? ❞ Polaris stared at the two , trying  ━  and failing  ━  to force her heart out of her throat . She swallowed , and felt that her throat was suddenly dry and scratchy  ━   her heart refused to stop throbbing violently . Words would fail her , it seemed .