Chapter 1: December 1875
The lights from the chandelier sparkled against the polished silverware on the crisp white table cloth. Rachel grabbed her fork and twirled it around, surveying the guests sitting opposite her impatiently. She'd received another letter from Edmund today but hadn't been able to read it because George had been buzzing around. She'd left it on her dressing table and was dying to read his lovesick prose. She hoped the letter contained another terrible poem; she and Pen hadn't been able to stop laughing when she had received the first one. Or maybe it would contain a declaration of Edmund's undying love. How wonderful, her first declaration of love! Pity it was coming from somebody who literally bored her to tears.
She tapped her fingers as she waited for the next course to arrive. George, sitting on her right, gave her a sharp look; she sighed but perked up as their courses arrived. But with each course the conversation seemed to worsen. She fought to remain tranquil amid the monotonous chatter. Her father had accepted this 'christmas dinner' invitation on their behalf. Another opportunity to meet more dull young men. And, as frequently occurred, her father hadn't even turned up himself! Once again, he'd begged absenteeism because he was still mourning his beloved wife. She hadn't even bothered to say goodbye to him, she was so sick of his feeble excuses. She surreptitiously stole a look at the clock on the wall; she'd stay for another half an hour. After dessert she would be able to beg leave, claiming a headache or something similar.
"What is wrong with you?" Hissed George from beside her. He thought he was so mature at 17 years but Rachel knew it was all an act.
"I'm sick of these stupid gatherings!" She whispered back. He raised an eyebrow, studying her face.
"Because you have so much to attend to at home." He said sarcastically
"I do as a matter of fact!" Rachel snapped back, annoyance bubbling beneath the surface. He shook his head at her.
"Honestly Rachel, just be polite, these people are important for your future" He said patronisingly
"You just want me to stay so you can talk to Lissa" she replied sharply.
"Don't be ridiculous." He hissed, turning bright red.
"You look so cute when you blush." Rachel replied sweetly.
"You are the bane of my existence." Returned George, chagrined.
Rachel glanced at the stunning raven-haired girl sitting serenely across the room, not without a little envy. They had been at boarding school together and had never gotten on, Rachel sighed before saying provokingly "Lissa is boring. She's vapid and you could do better".
"At least she's nice!" replied George sharply before abruptly turning away, preventing Rachel from responding. She swallowed her annoyance and turned back to her food. She wasn't mean, she was just honest…