[This memory flickers to life with a burst of confetti. Lizzie is practically hurling it into a young man's face, though he looks delighted with all the fuss. He has the same golden hair and green eyes as Elizabeth, and is clearly a few years older than her. Their clothes match: viewers might recognize the white uniforms of fencers, the crisp jacket and breeches. Both their foreheads are dotted with sweat, and Elizabeth's curls are mussed.]
You did so well! [she shouts, throwing her arms into the air and pitching forward. The young man catches her, red-faced and starry-eyed.] Brother, you've improved so much! Your footwork was absolutely incredible!
[They part, but only enough to let her latch on to his arm. You've never seen a teenaged boy look as proud as this one does now.] What are you talking about, [he says,] you were the one who won your set. Mother's going to want to line me up with new drills, I just know it.
Oh, but you were wonderful, Ed. [Lizzie lets go of his arm, and takes to adjusting her curls, now self-conscious from his commentary. Yes, she won, though removing her helmet in front of all of the boys was terribly embarrassing, at the end. She'd rather focus on her brother's improvement than her own dealings with this sort of thing.]
Well, I'm proud of you, [he tells her, and reaches down to help her untangle her big curls.] My Lizzie, such an angel, you're such a hard worker. Mother and Father will be very proud, too.
[At this, Elizabeth perks up, eyes going light again and a smile blooming back at her mouth.] Well, about that! Mother said if I did well, I could take a trip to go see Ciel! So I'm off tomorrow, because I want to see him as soooon as I can!
[Now her brother's face looks made for scowling.] Off to see that brat, really... He should be the one coming to see you...
Oh, he's so busy! And you mustn't say things like that, don't talk crudely of a man in front of his wife! [She's steamed up! Who knew this smiling girl had a high-pitched temper!
Brother can only look pained.] How can you call that kid a man! And you're not his wife! You know I don't accept this arrangement, and it hasn't happened yet!
[Ahhh, now, this really sets Lizzie off.] Edward! [she exclaims, aghast, and punches him in the mouth. She doesn't seem to realize what she's done, though, because she's wringing her hands and shaking her head from side to side, quickly. And she worries about being a lady!] How could you say such a thing about my dearest darling! I won't dance with you at my wedding if you carry on this way!
[And she turns on her heel.]
Lizzie, wait! [Edward cries, holding his chin and hurrying after her, still completely enamored with his little sister even after getting decked. They leave out into a great hallway filled with the sound of clapping, and Elizabeth can be heard stammering,] Oh—! Th- Thank you...!