The pie was safely in the oven, and Matilda; under instruction had gathered all of the linen cloth to hang out on the line. George had always been very strict with the upbringing of Matilda, Henry and Eloise. He wanted to ensure that the trio  understood that they led a privileged exsistence. He didn't want three spoilt brats, happy to live off of the money bequeathed to them. He wanted his children to be grounded in reality, and productive. That included chores. 

With a wicker basket in hand, Matilda emerged from the kitchen door. The young woman crossed the courtyard garden that was dotted with herbs and vegetables, before coming to a stop at the laundry line. It was admittedly her least favourite job. The linen cloths held water and dripped horribly as you pegged them, but she didn't grumble. Outloud at least.

Instead, she hummed - and then a little voice distracted her. 

[i]"Tilly, Tilly!!!!"[/i] 

[b]"We've got chicks, the chicks have hatched!" [/b] 

A boy and a girl of about six came into view, and Matilda chuckled. Harry and Clementine were the children of Dougal, the head gardener. The pair lived in the gatehouse at the entry to the estate. The two little ones were allowed to roam as they pleased, and they did just that. Tilly wiped her hands on her apron and crouched down to talk to them. 

"Have they? How many?" 

Harry poked his tongue out in playful jest, so Matilda poked him gently on the nose. Clementine giggled, "Four!! We've got four fluffy ones."

"Four?" The blonde held up four fingers, "That's a lot of chicks..."

[b]"Come and see them!" [/b] Harry tugged her hand, and Matilda laughed. 

"You two go to the barn, and I'll come once I've finished this." She pointed to the laundry in the basket and made a funny face, before pretending to whisper, "I don't want Mary to tell me off.."

The pair giggled, before zooming away as quickly as they'd arrived. Naturally, Matilda's mind wandered back to Arthur. In sheer frustration, she sighed as she went about her job. Why couldn't she just forget about him. 

Bloody idiot.