As June turned into July, and July flew into August, Saint Elizabeth Park saw more adoptions than ever before. It seemed as if families came into the orphanage every three days to adopt a child and their sibling, if they had one. With each child that was adopted, a new one came to take their place.
For Diana George Anthony and Natalia, they were all hoping to be adopted sooner rather than later. As much as they enjoyed being at Saint Elizabeth Park, they were wanting a permanent home and family. They desired to have a new life.
On a chili but clear morning toward the beginning of September, Diana was awakened by Helen, the mistress of the orphanage. Opening her eyes, she noticed that the middle-aged woman was smiling softly at her. "What is it Mrs. Helen?"
Helen. "Today is a very special day for you George Anthony and Natalia."
Diana. "Why is it so special?"
Helen hugged her gently. "The four of you are getting adopted today."
Diana's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"
Helen nodded excitedly. "Yes my dear, really. The four of you will each be getting adopted by a different family, but You will be living close to one another."
Diana started bouncing up and down in her bed with glee. This was what she had wanted for six months. She and George would be getting adopted, and so would Anthony and Natalia. They would be living close to each other.
Helen. "Let's get you dressed my dear, you must look presentable."
***
One hour later, after breakfast was served and the morning mass was finished, Diana George Anthony and Natalia were sitting on one of the long sofas in the foyer of the orphanage. They were wearing their finest clothing, ready to impress their new parents that would be coming to collect them shortly. They had no idea who their parents were, but were very excited to finally meet them.
Natalia. "Do you believe they will be Armenian like us?"
Anthony. "Maybe. We will have to wait and find out."
George. "Do you think they will be nice and kind?"
Diana. "I think they will be lovely."
The four of them giggled before turning their attention to the window across from them. Their eyes widened as they saw a pair of magnificent carriages, each one being pulled by two dark brown horses, coming to a stop in the driveway. They watched as two men dressed in their finest livery walked around to one of the doors of each carriage and opened it. Moments later, they saw two couples step out, both of them dressed impeccably.
Diana watched as the two couples exchanged warm smiles and pleasant conversation. She realized that they knew each other, but didn't know how. Maybe they were friends, she thought.
Moments later, Helen brought the two couples into the foyer where the children were waiting for them. She smiled. "George and Diana, allow me to introduce your parents, Baron and Baroness Azarian. Anthony and Natalia, allow me to introduce your parents, Lord and Lady Kevorkian, the Duke and Duchess of Claremont."
George Diana Anthony and Natalia smiled, their hearts pounding like wildfire. They would be the children of English nobility, who just so happened to be Armenian. Their prayers had been answered. Rising slowly to their feet, they dropped into perfect bows and curtsies.
Helen smiled. "They have been anxiously waiting for your arrival your graces and my Lord and lady."
Charles Kevorkian, the Duke of Claremont, smiled softly. "They are all lovely, and have impeccable manners."
The Duchess of Claremont, Candice, smiled sweetly. "I cannot wait to become a mother. They are so precious."
Lord Nicholas Azarian stepped forward, kneeling down in front of all of them. "I believe the four of you are going to have quite a happy life."
George. "Will we get to play together?"
Nicholas smiled brightly. "Of course my boy. You and your sister will get to play with Anthony and Natalia whenever you'd like."
Lady Mary Azarian smiled as Diana climbed into her open arms. She snuggled her new daughter close. "Your father is right my love, we will make sure that you and your brother get to play with Anthony and Natalia whenever you are not studying."
Diana looked up at her. "Will we get kisses and cuddles?"
George smiled. "And chocolate?"
Nicholas chuckled. "Anything your heart desires."
Anthony and Natalia were having a ball talking with Charles and Candice. It was quite clear the two of them were getting along very well with their new parents. They had been promised plenty of love and playtime as well.
Nicholas. "Is there any paperwork that needs to be signed?"
Helen. "Just the adoption papers my Lord."
Nicholas. "Splendid!"
Once the two sets of adoption papers were signed, George and Diana were now the Hon George and the Hon Diana Azarian, and Anthony and Natalia were Lord Anthony Kevorkian, Viscount Chatsworth, and Lady Natalia Kevorkian. From that moment forward, they would never know pain or heartbreak, would never know the feeling of not being loved. They each had a mother and a father, and their sibling by their side.
Charles took Natalia by the hand, sliding his other arm around Anthony's shoulders. "Well then, shall we get going home?"
Candice. "You both have magnificent gifts waiting for you and your new rooms."
Mary took Diana's hand as Nicholas put his arm around George's shoulders. "The two of you do as well in your rooms."
George Diana Anthony and Natalia exchanged a glance of excitement and happiness. They had their own rooms, and beautiful gifts waiting for them. They now had a home, and titles. They had a permanent family. Intertwining their fingers together, they stepped outside of Saint Elizabeth Park and climbed into the carriages that would take them to their new life.