In His Warm Embrace

Evelyn Dupont

If one was asked to describe Evelyn Dupont using one word, they would find it rather hard. They'll be needing multiple adjectives mixed into sentences formed into poems and songs. 

Skilled in 5 different languages, history, geography and dancing, Evelyn is an excellent example of what a noble lady is expected to have. Her social etiquettes are also exemplary where madams around the country could find no fault in. Not only intelligent, she is considered to be a striking beauty.

Her large doe eyes, pale skin and dark hair would capture everyone's attention almost immediately. Not to mention those plush pouty lips, always pink and ready to be kissed. Despite all the rumors of her beauty, Evelyn is in fact a rather quiet and shy girl with a gentle nature. Most around her knows that, but to others, she can be seen as rather distant or cold.

It is not that she is unwilling to socialize, she's just extremely uncomfortable in social settings. Her parents would often mock her and disregard her. Those 20 plus years of being verbally abused and sometimes, even physically abused by her parents have partially destroyed her self confidence - hence  why she is still single when girls her age is settling down one by one. 

It often confuses her that her parents seems to prefer her two other sisters over her. She does not know why. She has worked hard to achieve her intelligence, beating both her sisters in natural elegance and wit. This however, seems to displease both her parents even more. They gave her the room furthest from theirs and far away from the main house. They don't starve her from clothes or food, but they never seem to give her the same amount of attention they give to Marie or Coraline. 

Both would always be dressed in the latest fashion, going out to teas and accompanying mama out to shopping. Evelyn, meanwhile is always in the house and is rarely out unless the invite specifically mentioned her name. 

"Useless"

"Stupid"

"Ugly"

are some common words that her mother would use when addressing her. 

When she was sick in bed with a high fever, her mother would be out partying about with her sisters. Her dad meanwhile, acts as if she doesn't even exist. 

Unwanted and unloved. She's always alone with no one to talk to or confide to. When she had her first period, one of her maid had found her weeping in fear and had told her that it is a normal thing for women to have each month.

She went to her mother for some comfort and was met with disdain. 

All her achievements went unnoticed and her mother didn't even bother to properly give her a social debut until a neighbor asked her about it. 

Despite all this, she still loves her family. Grateful for just having them around her and hopeful that things will turn around.

They may now be separated in prison. But she believes that things will pick up.

Soon enough, she could hear the clanking noises of the lock being opened. She turned around to see two guards coming in with a maidservant. 

"Lady Evelyn, we are here to bring you to court"

Evelyn gasped in delight 

"Has the King forgiven the Duponts?" 

The guard said nothing but nodded to the maid to help prepare Evelyn into her dress.

She looked at all the display before her in awe. New shoes, undergarments, silk ribbons, dress and even jewelleries! She wondered if there was a grand party for their release as she has never seen such rarities before. 

Evelyn caressed the fine white silk of her dress. It was smoother and finer than any dresses that she owns. Even the chemise is made of such delicate fabric - silk and french lace. Two maids helped her put the dress on and styled her hair.

They brought in a mirror and Evelyn could hardly recognize the elegant lady standing in front of her. Both maids have skillfully set her hair in a half updo showing off the nape of her neck. The one part that surprised her however, was how...revealing her clothes seem to be. The plunging neckline came as a surprise considering how her parents would dress her up so conservatively.

Nevertheless, she was excited. Her heart was beating hard. She can hardly wait to be reunited with her family.