The Harlot's House
Rating: K+, which could change somewhere along these lines.
Summary: Basically, it's Felicity's turn to have her story told. We all know she was headed off to Paris, but what happens when she gets there? I'm not sure what Libba Bray had in mind, but I've got a few ideas.
"We caught the
tread of dancing feet, Inside, above the din and
fray, Like strange mechanical
grotesques, We watched the ghostly dancers spin
We loitered down the moonlit street,
And
stopped beneath the harlot's house.
We heard the loud musicians play
The "Treues Liebes
Herz" of Strauss.
Making fantastic arabesques,
The shadows raced
across the blind.
To
sound of horn and violin,
Like black leaves wheeling in the
wind."
___________________
Prologue
It is in my nature, I suppose, to be contrary. If one were to tell me one thing, I would automatically assume the opposite for the sake of argument. However, there are certain aspects of life that cannot be denied, no matter how much I like to oppose them.
Whoever said 'City of Lights' was spot-on; I will give them that without hesitation. Again, knowing my disposition, this is saying something. Paris is beautiful, for lack of better word. Everything about it appeals to the wanderer in me, and I regret leaving England with such haste less and less every day. Indeed, there was hardly a gap in time between graduation and my departure. One moment, we were in the midst of flurries of goodbyes and congratulations at Spence, and the next, we had all gone our separate ways.
It is better this way, I expect.
Gemma has long since left for America—New York, as she tells me. University will suit her well, assuming she is able to get past the sexism she will most likely encounter there. Women going to school—such a novel concept for people, apparently. Who knew there was more to being female than spending one's entire life perfecting the necessary skills to attract a husband? That and kowtowing to ridiculous standards, constantly tiptoeing about trying not to commit some trivial faux pas that will mar one's reputation for life. This is why society is so quick to judge, as it only sees black and white. I, for one, prefer the spectrum of color illuminated by these lights. Here, it is easier to be who you are. Perhaps someday other countries, other people, will be able to grasp the concept of individuality, rather than this conformity they've placed such a stranglehold on for centuries.
Truly, if there were ever a place for me, this is it. Paris excites me—I've only just arrived, yet I'm raring to go and partake of these grand experiences that surely await me. The people, the ideals, the sights…! I cannot bear to sit on the sidelines for one more moment when so much is happening around me. This charm, this beauty, this life—I simply must become a part of it.
And as of this very day, I will. I am a new girl for a new world, and fully ready to take on every second of it.
I am Felicity Worthington. Today, my life begins.
Short, yes, but as previously stated, it's only the prologue. I have so many ideas for where this story's going, but of course, I have to make sure people are actually interested before I really get into it. Therefore, any thoughts, comments, suggestions and the like should be given to me posthaste via the Review button. Look forward to the first actual chapter, coming soon. Can't wait!
-Katie