All of them turned.
It was indeed Maria. She was standing near the fountain at the mansion's entrance, her back to them, her gaze fixed on the water.
"But she's all by herself." One sister observed. "That seems strange, doesn't it? Lady Maria is never alone. She's always with someone—Lady Joy, or Lady Aqua, or one of us."
Another sister nodded. "Maybe we should go over and give her some company?"
But just then, the oldest among them—a sister with sharp eyes and a knowing smile shook her head slowly.
"No. I don't think we should disturb her."
She studied Maria's posture, the way she stood so still, the slight tilt of her head.
"She's waiting for someone. She's been standing there for a while now, I think."
"Look at how she's positioned herself—facing the mansion, but angled toward the garden path. She's watching for someone to arrive."
"Who could she be waiting for?" The youngest sister asked, her voice full of innocent curiosity. "Lady Joy, maybe?"
