#orvelle macnair

[usernoneexistent]

Summer 1895: Euphemia's father makes a huge and life changing announcement for Euphemia at dinner.

Warnings: terrible parents, arranged marriages, victorian idea of women.

Euphemia dreaded this day would come. It was one she knew she had to be prepared for, but yet her heart was not in it. Her mother and father's smiles were filled with deep joy, while her five older brothers cared more for the food on the dinner table. Her father, Orvelle, hitted his spoon against the wine glass for everyone's attention.

"Attention, everyone. Boys, behave!"

He stood up with great pride. Holding his red wine. "We have a very important announcement to make, and our little Mia will be soon engaged to Glenn Rosewood."

She had heard of him before. The youngest of her brothers, Clyde, complained loudly of Glenn that the Gryffindor cheated on his test and it was impossible that he could score higher than a hundred percent. Their parents soaked in every word of their youngest son's complaints and coddled them by praising her brothers endlessly. A complaint from Euphemia would earn a scolding from her mother.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Her mother, Marguerite, seemed to be the most excited about it. She looked at Euphemia, and on command, she smiled.

"Glenn Rosewood?! Of all the people you could have chosen papa?" Clyde cried, almost whining like a baby.

"Hush, Clyde!" Elmore, her eldest brother, commented. He was always the most reasonable of them. "Surely, father has his reasons for this arrangement."

"Yes, Elmore, as you know, the Rosewoods are loaded with cold, hard, silver dragots." Her father seemed to revel in the fact of the Rosewoods' wealth. Everyone knew they were one of the wealthiest American pureblood families, and the Fawley's let everyone know that.

"And with Euphemia, we will have access to it." He looked at her like a prized cow. Euphemia knew it was fate to be married off in her family, but now more than ever, she wanted to make a scene.

The girl imagined pulling the tablecloth and spilling all the food and drinks on everyone. The shocked and appalled faces and Euphemia taking pride in it. Though this will only remain a fantasy in her mind.

The dinner proceeded with everyone excitedly talking about an engagement yet to take place in front of Euphemia. Her sister-in-law, Elmore's wife, even congratulated her and started talking about married life.

Euphemia desired to be married one day but not with someone who didn't love her; even if they did, she could never love them. Her heart yearned for the impossible. A boy far below her status, Colin Moss. She missed his french blue hair that would usually get into his hazel eyes and the way he unknowingly sticks out his tongue as he plants or weeds. She always remembered the day when he said at the gardening club that her eyes were like forget-me-nots.

It filled her more than dinner could as of this moment. Her mother noticed but said nothing, only giving a flattering look. She often made comments about her weight and figure.After dinner, Euphemia excused herself and retired to her bedroom. She got ready for bed though her mother entered her room.

"Have you brushed your hair already?" She asked, words dripping so sweetly, it almost made Euphemia sick."No, I haven't, mama."

"Here, let me do it." Her mother picked up the golden brush and started unknotting her chestnut hair. "You know Euphemia, you should show a little more appreciation. You had not once thank your father for this opportunity, and he went to great lengths for this engagement."

"Yes, I know," she said softly and quietly. "And I am grateful for it."

Her mother tugged hard with her hair as Euphemia winced in pain.

"Then look more appreciative about it. We will be meeting the Rosewoods soon, and they can see right through you if you continue on like this."

She could feel her eyes water from the pain. She wasn't sure whether it was from her hair being pulled or her mother's words, but they pained her all the same.

"We are relying on you for this, you know. Many girls would have killed for this engagement." Her mother contiuned. Euphemia knew she should be grateful, but everything inside was screaming like a dove trapped in a golden cage.

However, Euphemia put on her best smile. "I know, mama. I was just tired so I'm sorry if I didn't seem too joyful."

"That's alright, Mia but when we will be having dinner at their house next week. Please, show me that you actually want to be there." She said quietly as if it was for Euphemia's ears only. "That's your hair thoroughly brushed and shiny."

"Thank you, mama."Euphemia climbed to bed as her mother put out all the candles.

"Goodnight, dear."

"Goodnight, mama."

Next story: The Art of Engagement

Instead of falling asleep, Euphemia couldn't but think and fear for next week's dinner. She knew she would have to play the role of the perfect daughter.