Evansdale in the winter was never quite the same. Unlike the spring of blooming flowers and birth, or the refreshing autumn signalling a cool change from summers heady glow; winter was inconsistent. Each year brought new patterns of rainfall, nothing ran like clockwork, and problems arose daily on the fields of harvest. Since its construction in 1813, the winters of Evansdale had always been difficult, but none more so than the struggle of 1847.
With her husband, Master Evans passing the previous December, Nellie was desperate to find her two noble daughters respectable suitors. Nellie Evans adored the prospect of being a grandmother, when it meant unlike those women down the road, she had created the ideal children. With generation upon generation of youthful brides, successful businessmen and gentle breeding, Nellie was nothing if not proud of her lineage, and planned to continue living the Victorian dream. Her Lenora and Petunia were wonderful. Both alike in gentle stature, the girls carried their fathers' incandescent blue eyes and their mothers' affinity for tea. Apart from that, the two were extremely different. Petunia Jane Evans was the eldest, seventeen years in age to be exact, of the two and practised the fine arts of elegance and grace. Oftentimes she practised swooning and being the perfect wife. Her father had always said that even the wicked Queen Mab could not overcome Petunia's propriety, even in the weakened dream world state. Day after day, Petunia would affix her golden corkscrew curls atop her head, say grace and glance longingly over at Mr Vernon Dursley's estate. At any mention of 'the common-folk" she would stiffen and refuse to speak until conversation retained the rightful path. To Petunia there was nothing beyond the walls of aristocracy, corruption did not exist and there was only one way to live: the right way.
The lovely Lenora Astley, was at the innocent age of fifteen and desired herself to be in love at the drop of a hat. A passing smile from a gentleman left Lenora giggling and proclaiming herself as the new Mrs Handsome Stranger. Though short lived, all of her loves were of extreme importance and resulted in Lenora mourning their loss. Unlike Petunia, she was very plain and cared naught for marrying the wealthiest of lords. All Lenora wanted was to be happy, and to be happy was to have a good husband and fine children – at least, that s what her mother had always said. Her long blonde hair was often tangled as a result of the marvellous adventures she took in secluded passageways or dark enchanting forests. She adored discovering secrets and solving mysteries, much to her mother and sisters dismay.
Most peculiar of all, was neither Petunia Jane nor Lenora Astley, but indeed the fourth member of the household – the enchanting Lily Evans – the maid.
Found outside Evansdale on her third birthday, Lily was rescued by the Evans in accordance with good Nellie's habit of comforting those in need. She drew the sobbing child to her ample bosom, comforting both, and promised to house the orphan in return for a lifetime of assistance around the ivy covered manor.
At first, Nellie's socialite friends scoffed, "Why she is naught but common trash, look at that awful ginger hair, cast her aside at once".
But Nellie had stood by her decision. "Lily will make a fine companion once my girls have gone off. I shan't dispose of such a lovely creature when I have found one so willing. Lenora adores her, and breeding aside the two could pass for sisters. Though unclaimed by the aristocratic who is to say that the Lord God did not deliver me a third child in the most unusual of ways? There is nothing Nellie Evans is more famous for than striking the fear of God into the morally restricted.
Soon Lily, much like the sunflowers in spring, began to blossom. Everyone who encountered her was charmed, and that is where the problems first began; the aristocratic adoring common Lily Evans.