Claudette screamed clawed her way,

Toward the letter to which Collette clung.

Collette shrieked and backed away

In her sister's direction she swung.

Keavy walked in and saw the commotion,

And spared not a second of time.

She opened the door to the backyard

And beckoned to Erin with mime.



Erin came running into the house,

And tried to demand some peace.

But her stepsisters fought so very often,

And they never minded her in the least.


But then they all heard footsteps

Echoing down the stairs,

And the only one with cadence that slow,

Was Madame Valentina Colbert.



As she strode into the kitchen,

Everyone stopped,

All eyes met hers,

And they all gawked.

Erin snapped-to

And took the letter from Collette.

She gave it to Valentina,

Gave a curtsy, then wiped her sweat.



Valentina studied the letter,

For a second or two,

Then began to read aloud

What I'm about to write out for you.



Valentina: "From the council of Tynwald,

To the People of Mann,

And to every young maiden,

Across our fair land.


It has come to our attention,

That this generation has been

Plagued by bachelorhood

That has been most obscene.

A majority of your lords 
In Tynwald are

Unmarried, and unhappy. 

It is quite bizarre.


So to rectify this,

We invite you all

To a special Tynwald-
sponsored
Grand Ball.

Simply bring this note with you

To the tower of brick,

And your household will be let in,

Sincerely
-Chief Minister Liam Ulfrick."



There was a pause of silence,

As Valentina finished,

Followed by two girlish squeals

The twins zeal was undiminished.

They ran upstairs immediately,

To work on their own appearance.

While Erin curtseyed low.

Practicing her adherence.



Erin: "If you please, I'd like to atten-"



Valentina: "We'll discuss this another time.

Get back to your chores, young one.

And maybe that'll enter my mind."



Erin glided out of the room,

Her smile shining bright

Through the dirt, and muck, and filth,

That was so often her plight.


Keavy smiled as Erin left,

And Valentina went upstairs.

She didn't care to go to this silly ball.

But her happiness was there.


She was happy for her sisters.

Especially Erin.

Who knew if she would get her dream,

And be able to find a man?



Then a pang of loneliness,

Ran through her little heart.

What if Erin did and left them?

And broke her promised part?


Keavy then went back to chores.

Not sure what to feel.

Not sure if she was in the right,

And not sure if this was real.