The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1852

Evening had fallen.

Arabella had barely finished her dinner when a message from Ophelia popped up on her phone. It read, [Heading out now. I'll be at Reflections Villa in 20 minutes.]

With a swift thumbs-up emoji reply, Arabella looked up and announced to her parents, "Mom, Dad, a friend of mine will be stopping by for a visit soon."

"A friend? " Kenneth and Louisa were pleasantly surprised and excited to hear that their darling daughter had invited someone over. It wasn't an everyday occurrence.

"What does your friend prefer to eat and drink? I'll have it prepared right away," Louisa said, her own hunger forgotten amidst the surprise. Arabella hadn't had friends over since she moved back home six months ago, so this friend must be quite special to her.

"She's not picky, anything can be fine. There’s no need to fuss," Arabella reassured her parents, standing up from the table, "You guys enjoy your meal. I'm going to wait for her by the entrance."

"It's chilly outside, put on an extra layer!" Louisa called out after her daughter. Once Arabella had left, Louisa turned to Kenneth, trying hard to contain her joy. "Our daughter's finally inviting friends over. This is wonderful. What do you suppose young girls like to eat and drink these days?"

"If she's friends with Bella, then I'd wager they have similar tastes and interests," Kenneth speculated, glancing at the half-eaten plate of food in front of his wife. "You can finish up your food. I'll have the staff prepare some fruit and snacks. Bella's gone to welcome her, so her friend must be close."

Louisa couldn't sit still to eat, rising from her chair. "I'll go tell the boys to come downstairs. When their sister's friend arrives, they should at least say hello, have a brief conversation. This is Bella's first time bringing someone over; we need to make a good impression and show some warmth!"

The staff were left puzzled, unsure if they should clear the table or wait, as the couple had left their meal halfway through, clearly too preoccupied to eat.