The Deadlands

Chapter 4 - Her Scheming Sister

Jinie was up early, too excited to sleep. Today her fortunes would change. She would no longer be a hovel-dweller. Instead, she would be the wife of an affluent, high-profile figure. Gerrat was sure to become Mayor when his father stepped aside, and she would make sure he did.

She knelt beside her bed and lifted the loose slat from the base to reveal a secret compartment. She smiled as she removed the books and small box from inside. Her family thought she was lazy and useless. Little did they know, she worked too. She read the books she held, and today was the result of her studies.

The 'How To' books were the source of her progress. With money, borrowed and stolen, she purchased her small collection. How to be a Lady, How to Climb the Social Ladder, How to become Rich, How to Hook a Wealthy Man, and How to be a Good Societal Wife.

She had everything she needed for her new life. Only the 'Hook a Wealthy Man' book wouldn't go with her. She planned to leave it for Lilith. A final sisterly gift, for the girl who worked hard but would get nowhere in life. But after yesterday, Jinie decided against it.

She slammed her fist on mattress. How dare they? So, what if she wanted the flowers? She didn't make the mountain fall on her head.

She took a few deep breaths to regain her lady-like composure. There was no point stooping to their brutish level. The memory of Uncle Lex's harsh words, and their disapproving looks flushed her cheeks with rage. She clamped her jaw. She wasn't to blame.

It was Lili's naivety that started it all. A promise was a promise. It was the reason Jinie never made promises. Being bound to someone by a promise was idiotic. Just because Lili could be manipulated to make a promise was due to her own stupidity. Jinie lifted her chin. There would no longer be a need to rely on her sister's promises to get what she wanted. She would have paid servants to do her bidding. She smiled.

The smile was replaced by a fierce glare. She saved Lili's life and received no praise for her efforts. She should have left her to bleed to death strapped to that stupid horse. Jinie should have slapped the horses arse and let it run south, never to be seen again.

Jinie sighed. She saved Lili, or at least the Doctor had. Without him, she was unable to lift her from the horse, or carry her inside. Worse, Lili was repulsive to touch, covered in dirt, dust, vomit, and so much blood. She shivered. Would Lili have been happier to die in the dirt outside the cottage? She snorted. Probably.

Lili disrespected the Doctor, an esteemed member of society. Lili should be thankful for his attention and the care she received. At less cost than he usually charged, and willing to take that smelly boar in lieu of full payment. He was helpful and caring. So, what if he saw her naked? He'd probably seen hundreds of naked people during his career. Jinie shook her head. Lili was ungrateful. I'm glad to be leaving this hell hole. She took a deep breath and turned her mind to the future.

She carefully lifted her mother's necklace and earrings from the small box and held them up. The sapphires matched her eyes perfectly. Uncle Lex gave Jinie the box when she accepted Gerrat's proposal. He told her the jewellery belonged to her mother. A woman she couldn't remember. She was eternally grateful to her for providing such a perfect gift.

Uncle Lex told her to give it to Lili for her wedding when it happened. Jinie rolled her eyes. It would be a miracle if any man wanted her sister as a wife. Lili was too rough and disinterested in her appearance to attract anyone worthy of their mother's jewellery. Jinie convinced herself that the jewellery was hers alone. She would wear it proudly at her wedding. It would be the start of the great treasure collection she aimed to acquire throughout her marriage.

A satisfied smile spread across her face. The sweet words of her favourite song, Hearts Entwined, escaped her lips and filled the bedroom. She danced to the wardrobe for her wedding dress, hidden from view by its protective covering. She held it close and swirled around the room to the rhythm of her song.