Hellen

I finished my supper quickly and then I rushed back upstairs to put my paintings in the frames that I’d hung up the day before. As I was hanging the third painting of the six, I heard Sarah call my name, though I ignored her as I knew she wanted me to apologize to the Jones girl. A moment later, they seemed to realize my decision and Philip called me instead. Then, Charles gave it a try. Not going to happen, I thought.  

I completed the task a few moments later and went outside to the garden to continue reading Macbeth, but just as I opened my book, I was interrupted when a young brunette girl of about nine came up to me and cleared her throat. “What do you need, Rose?” I questioned. 

“Charlotte would like to see you,” she answered. 

“Tell her I’m busy.” I returned to my book. 

Her eyes widened. “You want me to lie?!” 

I sighed and looked up at Rose. “One day, young lady, you will learn how helpful lying can be. It makes things so much easier and you don’t have to deal with pestering girls until they do what you’d like. That could take hours.” 

“Charlotte and Delilah always say never to lie, though!” The girl was still as shocked as a rabbit when it heard a hammer.

I shut my book and placed it next to me. I then stood up and leaned forward to be at eye level with Rose. “Listen to me, young one. In life, sometimes it’s better to lie than go through the trouble to manipulate people.”

“You already said that.” 

“So, I did.” I pursed my lips, thinking of what else I could add. “Well, I’ll tell you this. How about you run along and tell Charlotte I’m busy. I’ll make it so that’s no longer a lie and I’ll weave a flower crown for you!” I added a cheery smile for good measure. 

The child grinned from ear to ear. “A flower crown? I’d love a flower crown! Charlotte will be so jealous! I’ll go tell her you’re busy, right now!” 

She ran off as fast as those little legs could carry her and I gathered enough periwinkles, roses, and daisies to fill two entire bridal bouquets. I then got to work on making the lovely crowns that I’d grown up making at home in London.