The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1905

"Thank you!" Louisa beamed, her smile so wide her cheeks might split. She motioned to the servants to hand out the New Year's bonuses.

Then they went into the house.

"Bella, cool or what?" David squeezed in beside Arabella to her left, asking, "Mom and Dad said you probably haven't seen a traditional dance before, so they arranged a special show right at our doorstep."

"Bella hasn't missed out on much," Clark interjected from her right, "Hungry? Let's head down for some breakfast."

Arabella could sense the festive spirit and the bustle. She smiled softly and asked, "Why's everyone up so early today? Did you plot this together?"

She herself wasn't one to sleep in, and she had risen quite early today, only to find everyone else was up even earlier.

"We made a pact to wear matching family outfits as a surprise for you." David chuckled, "You wouldn't believe how hard it used to be to get them to wear matching outfits in the past! But now, wanting to look more like a family with you, they couldn't wait to put them on! Clark was up at the crack of dawn, even took a shower, just to slip into these new threads."

"Like you didn't shower," Clark laughed, "but the real shocker must be Hans and Sean. You could have held a knife to their throats in years past and they still wouldn't have worn matching outfits. Especially not in such a bright color. But this year, without any arm-twisting, Mom and Dad managed to get them into the gear."

"I look mighty spry in this get-up, don't I?" Cornelia smoothly edged Clark aside, linking arms with Arabella, "Don't I look dapper?"

Arabella's gaze fell on her grandmother and said to her, "You look stunning."

"Told you! That outfit would get compliments anywhere. It really is a winner, no foolin'." Belinda also nudged David aside, taking Arabella's other arm as she spoke to Cornelia, "See, even Bella agrees. She wouldn't lie. You truly look fabulous!"

"I think you look even more charming, so elegant and fitting." Cornelia lavished praise in return.

David and Clark, seeing the mutual admiration fest, were at a loss for words. Why push them out of the way to compliment each other?