Arianna’s Piano

Seeing her mother’s ghost changed Cecily forever. She had always been rather quiet and reserved, but after that dreadful night, she was even more so. Often while going about her daily routine, she would feel a presence in the room and wonder if her mother was there, watching her. It didn’t help that sometimes the back door would open by itself, or bubbles would rise from the bathtub long after it had been drained of water.

Cecily is uneasy

When Cecily spoke to her father about her unease, he hugged her and told her not to worry. “Nothing terrible is going to happen,” he said. “Your mother’s spirit is simply restless because she died so young. Perhaps she is watching over you so she can protect you.”

Cecily felt slightly comforted by her father’s words, but at night she could not sleep. Every time she opened her eyes into the darkness, she thought she might see her mother’s phantom floating over her.

While Harry was concerned about his daughter, he was also distraught over Arianna’s refusal of his love. Ever since he had proposed and she had nearly run out of the room calling him “improper”, they had barely said four words to each other. Whenever he tried to catch her eye, she looked away immediately and made some excuse for leaving the room.

One evening when Arianna had gone to the market, Harry asked Dr. Hutchins over for a cup of tea and a chat. Even thought Dr. Hutchins was the uncle of Harry’s deceased wife April, he was all for Harry remarrying, and he thought Arianna was a particularly splendid choice. He was well-acquainted with her family and thought highly of them.

“If you want to win her over,” Dr. Hutchins said, “try using music. Her parents are very fond of it, and I believe she was brought up playing piano.” He paused and thought for a moment, then opened his eyes wide. “Well now, I have a capital idea! Why don’t you buy her one? Percy is looking to sell his.”

Harry talks to Dr. Hutchins

Harry considered it. “You know, I think it’s perfect. What good fortune! Can you make the arrangements with Percy?”

Dr. Hutchins agreed to take care of the transaction.

“But keep it a secret,” Harry said, the old mirth returning to his eyes. “I want to surprise her.”

The next day when Harry went to work, Dr. Hutchins told him that everything had been arranged, and the piano would be delivered to Brayton Hill on the following Saturday. Harry could not suppress a childlike grin when he heard the news.

All week he thought about the piano and paced the parlor several times over to determine the best spot for it. He couldn’t wait to see Arianna’s reaction. Would she be pleased with him? Or merely indifferent? There was also the matter of making sure she was out of the house when it arrived. At least he had a few days to work out a plan.

On Saturday, Harry set his plan into motion. Halfway through his lunchtime meal, he began to thump his chest with his fist and complain of indigestion. Arianna, who was washing dishes, barely paid attention to him.

Harry has indigestion

“Oh my,” Harry said. “Perhaps it was the curry?”

Cecily stared at him. “Are you quite all right, father?”

“Not at all. I feel terrible. Arianna, do we have any bicarbonate of soda?”

“Yes, sir,” she said, wiping her hands on her apron and hurrying towards the pantry. When she searched the shelves, however, she couldn’t find the soda.

“I could have sworn I saw it here yesterday,” she said with a scowl. Harry just smiled at Cecily, who was in on the secret, and stood up from the table.

“Ohh,” he moaned, clutching his ribs. “I’m going to lie down…just for a while.” Pretending to be in horrible pain, he ambled slowly towards his bedroom.

It worked. Within minutes, Arianna was in her cloak and walking into town to buy Harry some soda. On the way, she passed by two men on a horse-drawn cart, but she paid them little attention — carts were always bringing goods to the Haddaways’ new mansion down the street.

By the time Arianna returned to Brayton Hill, the piano was situated happily in the parlor. Of course, she didn’t see it right away because she entered through the kitchen door. After hanging up her cloak and mixing some soda and water for Harry, she carried the tray carefully into the parlor, where Harry and Cecily waited for her. When she saw the piano, she nearly dropped the tray. Water splashed everywhere, but she was able to catch the glass before it tipped over. Harry jumped up and rushed to her aid.

“Don’t mind the water, now,” Harry said, taking the tray gingerly from her hands. “Go and look at your new present.” He couldn’t hold back a wide smile as he watched her expression.

Arianna wiped her hands on her apron and walked slowly towards the tall, gleaming piano.

“This is…for me?” she asked, examining every inch of scrollwork, every smoothed edge. She ran her fingers lightly along the keys.

“Yes, Arianna. It’s all yours. Although I hope you won’t mind sharing with Cecily. She’d love to learn how to play.”

Arianna turned and smiled at Harry. It was a heartfelt, genuine smile, and it made him nearly shout for happiness. He had finally done something right.

(continued on Page 2)

21 thoughts on “Arianna’s Piano

  1. This has nothing to do with your update but I noticed you changed your motto. “Where llamas are considered ‘good marriage material’ Hmm. University. Oh and as usual great update!

  2. Nice new motto! That cracked me up quite a bit. ;)

    The story is coming along wonderfully. It’ll be interesting to watch Cecily’s attempts at winning the Haddaway’s affections. I know these posts take you quite a bit of time to write, but they’re so great! Well worth the effort.

  3. brillaint update as usual. hehe I can feel some teenage drama coming along :p I just love how you can set the mood and atmosphere of the story so nicely and their dialogues are good too^^

  4. You are truely a good writer Jen, I always look forward to your updates. It shows that you put such hard work into them!!

  5. Hmmm…. So, Arianna being ex-NPC and April being ex-Townie, Arthur really is going to be the heir? And Cecily is going to marry a CAS-made Sim after she moves out? Are you timing the right era for girls to be able to go to college and become the heir? Are the Haddaways and the Hutchins CAS-Sims? April and Arianna are their real name? (I smell too many “A”s) Did you by any chance evilly pick, use and dispose April just to add some funds to the coffin*sniff**sob*?
    You don’t have to answer those silly questions. I just wanted to tell you that your story-telling is awe-inspiring as usual, and the whole guessing about the “behind-the-scene” is adding even more to the fun!

    It seems that the restriction of the challenge is working the other way to further inspire your creativity (…am I making sense? My brain is dead and cannot be switched to the English-mode).

  6. Very good update Jen ..give yourself a pat on the back for giving us a good story. I’m slowly working my family back up after that darned bug forced me to move my family out ..I should be posting an update before the weekend comes. Toodles..V

  7. Thanks for the comments, everyone! I’m having a blast with this family even though it does take me a long time to write an update.

    Chie, to answer some of your questions:

    So, Arianna being ex-NPC and April being ex-Townie, Arthur really is going to be the heir?

    Yep. Besides, women in May Green can’t inherit property yet. ;-)

    And Cecily is going to marry a CAS-made Sim after she moves out?

    That remains to be seen…

    Are the Haddaways and the Hutchins CAS-Sims?

    The Haddaways and Dr. Hutchins are CAS-Sims. April Hutchins was a townie and Arianna Jalowitz was the maid. And yes, those are their real names. I’m kicking myself now for naming the baby “Arthur” when I already have so many ‘A’ names.

    Did you by any chance evilly pick, use and dispose April just to add some funds to the coffin*sniff**sob*?

    I did it for several reasons, all of which could be considered evil — she brought money to the household, she gave me a ghost color, and her death set the stage for some drama in the story. She had a beautiful daughter, too, who is sure to give us some more drama…

  8. Jen, it was definitely four hours well spent, sweetie. I literally have tears in my eyes from reading this update. I’m glad you are willing to take such time out of your life to share all this with us. It is really is quite special for all of your readers and I’m sure we all appreciate the story — and you — very much.

    Thank you for the Braytons and everything you do for the community. You’re wonderful baby! :)

  9. Okay, I’m pretty sure it’s your writing, but those two sims look really inlove. The picture you captured of Harry looking at Arianna while she was playing the piano is so romantic. Thanks for taking the time to write these stories and share them with the rest of us. :)

  10. I am really loving this story and this take on the challenge. Chie was right, this seems to be bringing out your creativity not stifling it. ;) How did you get such different NPC’s and townies? Did you use a hack to clear the neighborhood before beginning so that all new NPC’s and townies would be generated? Just curious. All the time you spend on these posts is time well spent. Keep up the great work!

  11. Jen,
    This is a really wonderful story. It adds a new dimension to the Legacy challenge, and I think everyone is ready for a fresh perspective on that! You’ve done a great job keeping their behavior true to history…at least it lines up with what I’ve read in period novels! A true pleasure to read. I can’t wait to read the next installment!

  12. I love it! I echo everyone’s sentiments about this edition. You are a remarkable and creative writer, Jen. I enjoy all your stories. :)

  13. Well done, Jen! I think everyone’s pretty much covered what I need to say. Summary: Awesome! I can’t wait for the next update! ;-)

  14. Very pretty his history, honestly i prefer this Legacy Challenge than the another one, but of course this is me.
    This history of time almost remember me to the books of Amanda Quick.
    Good work

  15. Yay! They finally got hitched! I love how Cecily’s already got her husband picked out, but you can never plan too much, can you?
    Arthur is adorable! His little blue eyes are just gorgeous! Looking forward to the next part, nice work Jen, I love how you write your stories! :D

  16. Hi Jen. Awesome job on the story and update. But i’m sure you read we all loved it. I have a question: How did you get your guest to dress up? Do you have everyone dressed in victorian clothing?
    I know you found cool looking crib for the time period you are in and i wonder if you can include a pic of them using it. Also, will you be getting someone to paint a portriat of you founder like in your previous challenage?
    Anyhoo, love your writting like always and i’m so glad you do take the time to entertain us with your sims. Can’t wait for your next update, but you already know that too :-D

  17. I like it lots, Jen! I LOVE the little kids’ dresses, they’re so cute. I can’t wait to see what Arthur turns out like…he’s just so…so…CUTE!

    E-Liz :)

  18. Wow, Jen, thank you for answering my silly questions! How inquisitive of me.
    And you have a troll now! Looks like your blog is getting really popular.