Disclaimer: I don't own Ever After, or any of it's characters, but I wish I did because it's one of my favourite characters.
Summary: Ever After from Jacqueline De Ghent's P.O.V. What really happened between her and Captain Laurent? What does she really think of her family? I've only written this chapter so I'm not completely sure what I'm going to write for the other chapters, but there's going to be a lot on her relationship with Captain Laurent after this chapter, and also on her sisterly relationship with Danielle. Enjoy!
Chapter 1. Sisterly Compassion
"DANIELLE!" As always the demanding shriek of my mother was enough to bring the servant girl running. Loaded with an arm full of bread she practically ran into the dining room, almost tripping over her dress on the way.
"Morning Madame. Marguerite. Jacqueline. I trust you slept well," Unlike my mother and sister, I smiled pleasantly at Danielle, marveling at how she remained so bright and positive when the resentful eyes of Mother never left her any peace. They're my family, and I find it difficult enough to tolerate them as it is.
"What kept you?" I sighed with pity for my stepsister as she placed the food on the table, mother's daily interrogation begun. I could feel Danielle searching her brain for a plausible explanation. It didn't particularly matter what she said anyway. Nothing was ever good enough for her. Nothing but her precious Marguerite. Her Marguerite who would one day be the bride and Queen to Prince Henry if mother had her way. The darling sister who I had the deepest desire to push down the stairs every time she looked at me as though I were a brainless fool.
"I fell off the ladder in the orchard but I am better now," I heard Danielle finally explain to my mother.
"Someone's been reading in the fire place again. Look at you, ash and soot everywhere" Marguerite smirked. Poor Danielle barely had a second to speak for herself before my mother also decided to prey upon Danielle.
"You know some people read because they can not think for themselves."
"Why don't you sleep with the pigs Cinder-soot if you insist on smelling like one?"
"Oh that was harsh Marguerite," spoke up mother once again, though obviously anything but upset with Marguerite's tone.
I silently prayed for that to be the end of their attack, and for Danielle to be left in peace for the morning. I honestly did feel for my stepsister. She'd been forced to be a servant in her father's home while my mother and sister treated themselves as the princesses they believed they deserved to be, and all the while treating her as just another one of their animals. I raised my glass to my lips, concentrating on drinking the liquid and not breaking the glass over my sister's skull. Tempting as it seemed.
Despite my prayers for my stepsister's peace of mind, my stepmother's abuse continued, as she rambled about the extraordinary inconvenience it was caring and mothering Danielle, while Danielle stared stood about looking helpless and guilty. I admit most of the conversation I attempted not to listen, though my mother continued after Danielle left the room to continue her chores in peace.
"After all that I do. After all I have done, it's never enough," she sighed, gaining Marguerite's sympathies but not my own. Instead I opted to spend the remainder of breakfast in my own silence and thoughts.
After breakfast I searched the manor for Danielle but she was no where to be seen. I asked the other servants Paulette and Louise but they just informed me with polite coldness that she had left for the day with her friend Gustav. Those ladies had never liked me. I suppose they believe that it is impossible for someone sharing the same blood as mother and marguerite to be a truly kind person. I cannot blame them for thinking that. I can barely forgive myself for my genetic misfortunes either. I glumly walk down the staircase unsure what to do with myself, eager for some activity to relieve my boredom.
"Jacqueline dear," my mother announces, appearing from behind me. "Where is Danielle? I must know this instant!"
"I know not, mother. I believe she may have gone for a walk in the woods. Why do you ask?" For all I knew, that's where she was. I was well aware of Danielle's fondness for walking, a
"Oh, that girl! Is it too much to ask that she is where I need her to be? She is so selfish, never thinking of others, and only herself! Wouldn't you agree Marguerite?" she asked turning to my elder sister.
"Oh, certainly mother!" Marguerite exclaimed, smirking with scorn. "I think perhaps all the luxury she is permitted to live in has gone to her head. Perhaps a few nights sharing the farmyard with the chickens would do her a world of good." They both laughed at that, though I hardly see why. I don't mean to sound cruel, but Marguerite has the sense of humour of a donkey.
"Well anyway Jacqueline, the moment Danielle returns, inform her to sweep the sitting room again. When I walked in earlier it was barely fit to sit in." Mother requested, turning her attention back to me.
"Why can't you ask her yourself? She'll surely be back soon." I told her, leaning against the stairs.
"Marguerite and I are going into town to buy a brooch. I saw an absolutely stunning one the other day, with rubies and emeralds enough for the Queen!" she gushed happily. "And as beautiful as my daughter is, I want her in something….sensational for when Prince Henry lays his eyes on her."
"Ohhh! And perhaps he'll be so taken with me; he'll leave that Spanish pig and whisk me away to the church that very day. And then I shall be princess, and Cinderella will be cleaning my royal garments!" Marguerite squealed happily.
"Can I not come as well? I think I may also need a new brooch. The ones I have are so old and worn!" I said, excited to be doted upon like Marguerite.
"Oh Jacqueline, of course not! It is Marguerite's duty to look as dazzling as possible for the prince, and it's your job to prepare her." And with that, they left. And I was left looking at the door, not knowing whether I despised or envied my sister more.
When I heard the carriage pull away from the house, I opened the door, and began walking for the forest. I've been becoming fonder and fonder of long walks lately. Often at night, I go into Danielle's room, and we stay awake forever talking about our dreams, our fears, and our hopes. Danielle frequently talks about the freedom walking gives her, the adrenaline rush that flows through her with every step. In her walks she creates fantasy worlds, and lovers, and adventures and her life is opened up in front of her, because her mind is completely freed of anything in reality. I always loved her idea that everything on a walk is an inspiration for a story, a story you write for yourself, with your feet, as long as you allow your mind to wander. When she first told me that, I thought it sounded a little silly, until I tried it for myself. I must admit, it was positively addicted.
I thought about this as I walked further into the forest. It was a little strange really. I felt closer to Danielle than I ever have felt towards my own sister and mother. I looked up as I walked and saw a familiar figure running through the forest, in the direction of town.
"Danielle!" I called out, running towards her. She stopped dead in her tracks, a look of fear on her face. When she saw it was just me, her face softened.
"Oh, Jacqueline! I thought you were Marguerite. Or even worse, the Baroness."
"No, no. It's just me." I laughed. "Do you really suspect Marguerite or my mother would be caught trekking through the forest?" Danielle laughed at the thought.
"No, you're right. Although that is certainly an amusing thought. Forgive me, I was just heading towards town, to meet Gustav," she informed me.
It was then that I noticed she was holding something tightly in her hands, something that looked like a very familiar yellow gown.
"My, my. That looks like one of Marguerite's dresses." Danielle's face paled once again with fear. "Danielle? What are you up to?"
"Please Jacqueline, you must promise me you won't tell anyone, "she begged me, though I was still confused as to why she would be holding one of Marguerite's dresses. "Please, especially not the Baroness!"
"I won't, I promise. Of course not!" I assured her. "but please, Danielle, tell me what's going on."
She remained silent for a few minutes, collecting her thoughts. I couldn't properly see how she was feeling.
"I'm bringing Maurice home," she finally said. "I'm going to disguise myself as a courtier, and pay the debt against him."
"Danielle! They'll know, you'll get caught, this can't possibly work!" I exclaimed, unable to suppress the shock I felt. Bringing home a servant? Mother would not approve of that at all. And a commoner dressing as a courtier? Oh, if she was caught, the poor girl would be punished with five days in the stocks! The risks were enormous if she was caught. It frightened me to even think of it.
"Jacqueline, it will work. Because it has to, "she said steadily, showing me a handful of silver.
"Danielle! Where did you get all of that?"
"An angel, Jacqueline. Believe me, it was an angel. Please, cover for me, and I'll be forever in your debt." She begged once again.
I smiled and nodded. She mouthed thank you before running off once again with the dress towards town.
"Good luck" I called after her, smiling. She waved, still running, causing me to laugh. Starting back towards to house I smiled to myself. My stepsister, I thought to myself, she's brave, much braver than I could ever be.
Well, that was chapter one! I hope you enjoyed it. Please review and tell me what you thought because I like reviews but I've only done one other story, and also if you have any further ideas for the story's improvement, I'd be happy to hear it. If you like the story I'll update soon, promise.