Surface

Chapter 1: Mirage

April 9, 1912, England

"Don't slouch, Evelyn, darling, can't you see I'm in the middle of something?" 

"Must this continue? I'm terribly exhausted."

"Don't complain."

"Lady Spencer, Lord Spencer has asked when you would be finished tailoring Miss Evelyn's dresses so that they can be packed for tomorrow's voyage."

"Tell him to stop rushing me." She mumbled, never taking her drilling eyes off of my body, or rather the corset she had been sewing onto me. I opened my tired eyes and my cheeks burned. 

"Mother!" She had no filter, regardless of what was politically correct. I dashed off of the platform and attempted to hide behind her.

"What are you doi-" She turned to see the sheepish look on our servant's face.

"You'll have to get used to a man's gaze."

"Mother!"

"Well, you are going to be married next month. That is if you can impress Mr. Chamberlin this weekend. Did you think I was just going to spend countless hours on this corset when I could be tailoring the Duchess's dress?"

"I think it looks exquisite my Lady, I'm certain your work will pay off." Charles couldn't wipe his smirk off of his face. He pushed back his chocolate colored locks and attempted to suppress his dimpled grin. I shot him dirty looks, which only brightened the sparkle in his eyes. Just then my mothers lady's-maid, Mildred, entered. She swatted Charles away and pulled the doors shut. 

"Oh that is lovely!" She exclaimed, marveling at the sheer, lace-trimmed nightgown that gently draped across the clothes dummy. "Oh! And this!" She caressed the golden embroidered gown with long white gloves placed across the breast of the dummy. 

"Don't you think it's a bit much? I'd much rather wear something that moves." I said. Mildred ignored my comment and pulled mother to the side to speak with her. I took that as the opportunity to leave, so I pulled on a robe and tied it tight. My bare feet padded against the cold floor as I dashed toward my room. I collided into someone. I could hardly hide my embarrassment as I looked up and was met with Charles' chuckling. I tugged my robe tighter.

"You seem a bit frazzled, miss, can I help you?" He tried to pull on a straight-face over his laughter. I crossed my arms.

"I'm fine, thank you." I said frankly. I tried to walk past him while keeping my head down but he took me by my shoulders and tilted my chin up with his finger.

"Really Charles, I am fine, I must go now!" He let me go. I scurried down the corridor, listening to his calls after me. 

"Evelyn, you must get used to a man's gaze." He laughed, "Take it as a sign of my affection, love!" 

I bit my lip, turning into my bedroom. I pushed the door shut and held my palms over my chest while flopping onto my bed. I was good and proper. I am good and proper! I intend on marrying and having children and being the perfect wife. I am not what my mother is making me become, but my emotions and my heart made themselves known. They wouldn't allow the denial of the excitement I enjoyed from Charles walking in on our corset fitting.

I never wanted to be mother's doll. She had her own plot for my entire life, I was just the vessel for her plan. Ever since birth she has been grooming me for marriage. She always had the skinniest corsets for me, and the best hair pieces, my clothes were always glamorous. Father said it was just the fashion designer in her, just her drive for perfection, like all great artists. But as I grew older I was enlightened to the truth.