Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-six

Evelyn stood frozen behind the hedge, heart sinking. Tears welled in her eyes, and without thinking, she turned and ran deeper into the garden.

She eventually sank beneath a large tree, curling her knees to her chest. In high society, gossip was common, even expected—but that didn't make it hurt any less.

"Why am I such a crybaby?" she muttered, sniffling as she wiped at her cheeks. She thought she'd been doing everything right—being polite, being kind. But somehow, even that had become a target.

Then, from somewhere nearby, she heard a voice.

"Dang it, I think I'm lost. This is so embarrassing," the girl said aloud to herself. "Didn't think the brunch would be this stressful. They're just kids, and they're already so sharp-tongued..."

Evelyn blinked, startled, and looked up through her tears. From between the hedges emerged a girl around her age, with sharp eyes and a frustrated pout. Her dress was slightly ruffled, and there were twigs and flowers in her hair.

It was fifteen-year-old Victoria.

She was mid-rant when she noticed Evelyn under the tree and froze. "Oh shi—" She caught herself. "Uh... hello. You're here for the party too, right?"

Evelyn sniffled and gave a small nod.

"You're crying," Victoria said, stepping closer with concern. "Did someone bully you?"

"No... not really. I just overheard some girls saying awful things about me," Evelyn admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Victoria's face immediately scrunched with annoyance. "Ugh, those little pieces of crap."

Evelyn looked up, startled by her strange choice of words.

"Don't let them get to you," Victoria said, planting her hands on her hips. "Crying only gives them the satisfaction. Trust me, I'd love to call them out and insult them back, but apparently that's not 'proper noble behaviour.'" She air-quoted dramatically. "Honestly, what is the use of coming to these things, just to expect to be disrespected and not being able to call people out on their behaviour. If this is what I would be facing at these events, I should just stay home. Home is a nice place."

Evelyn just stared at her, unsure what to say.

Victoria paused, then softened. "Whatever they said about you... it's probably nonsense. You seem like a pretty sweet person, and you are very cute."

Then she reached into her hair and plucked out a soft pink flower.

"Here. Don't be sad. Have a flower."

"I... what?" Evelyn blinked at her.

"I found it somewhere in the garden and thought it looked nice in my hair, but I think it suits you better," she said with a wink.

Evelyn's cheeks flushed. She took the flower gently, still a little stunned.

"...Thank you," she whispered.

"Don't mention it cutie," the girl said casually. "Oh—right. I'm Victoria, by the way. I better get going now. Bye."

"...Bye," Evelyn said, holding her flower.

✦ ✦

The next morning at breakfast, Evelyn glanced up from her plate and asked, "Father, Mother... do you know a girl named Victoria?"

Her father looked up from the newspaper. "Victoria? Ah, yes—she's the daughter of the Marquis of Valenford."

"Or rather," her mother added, "the long-lost daughter. She was in a carriage accident years ago, I believe. Tragic business. The Marchioness died in it, and Victoria vanished for a time. No one knew what became of her until she reappeared just recently."

"We invited her to your party since she's about your age. I hope she is faring well, but for some who just joined high society, her behaviour might seem absurd," her father explained.

Evelyn nodded slowly, stirring her tea. "She's okay... just very interesting."

Her mother smiled. "Did you become friends?"

Evelyn's face turned pink. "Not exactly... but she gave me a flower and called me 'pretty sweet' and a 'cutie'."

Her mother blinked, then chuckled softly. "That's an unusual compliment."

"It was," Evelyn murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But I liked it."

Her father raised a brow. "Well, it sounds like she made quite the impression."

'She did' Evelyn thought happily.

✦ ✦

"I'm not upset that you don't remember me," Evelyn said softly, closing her book. "Honestly, it's probably for the best. I wouldn't want you to remember me as that timid little crybaby."

She gently set the book aside, then quietly gathered her things and slipped into bed.

✦ ✦

The Next Morning

"So", Damien said as Victoria approached the carriage, "did you enjoy yourself?"

The servants moved efficiently, loading her luggage while Victoria adjusted her cloak.

"Surprisingly... yes," she replied with a small smile.

Damien grinned. "I'm proud of you."

Just then, Evelyn came rushing over and wrapped her in a tight hug. "I know we'll see each other again in the capital, but I already miss you."

Victoria chuckled. "A little dramatic, aren't we?"

Damien raised a hand in greeting. "Good morning, Lady Evelyn."

Evelyn glanced at him, gave a curt nod, and then turned without a word to head for her own carriage.

Damien lowered his hand slowly, brows furrowed. "She doesn't like me."

"What? No, Evelyn likes everyone," Victoria said, confused.

"I'm serious," he muttered. "She has always been like that towards me."

Victoria gave him a curious look but said nothing, climbing into the carriage.

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A/n: So, remember the birthday party Victoria first attended at the beginning of the book, it was actually Evelyn's lol. I tried foreshadowing, I don't know if that worked well. So now I think Evelyn's perspective is becoming a bit clearer. Hurray for character growth! Don't forget to comment your thoughts and vote please. Thank you for reading!

-Cattycat🐾