Appealing Through Enemies

Prologue

London, 1950

"Mother is this true!"

The trespasser forced away the usual tranquil silence of the widowed Mrs. Rosebery's office with her outburst. By her appearance and the way how Mrs. Rosebery sat leisurely at the only desk inside the office, without the hint of looking spooked, Ophelia knew by then that she was expected.

Scattered documents, with each having its own varying level of importance, layed neatly bundled up on the desk. In the usual colours of white-stained or gray, each paper held together the same domestic affairs and formalities that were to be expected when one was looking over in taking care of a household.

But red was always a striking colour.

The late Mrs. Rosebery, unfazed by her daughter's sudden entrance, finally looked up from her paperwork and raised the red letter in her hand.

Hesitantly, Ophelia took a step forward from the threshold and threw the threatening red a scornful look.

"Someone finally accepted the proposal." And staring directly into Ophelia's olive-green eyes, "They have accepted your hand."

She shook the letter to emphasize her point; even to further emphasize the meaning of the red threat.

For that's what it meant for Ophelia. A threat. The final conclusion to forever exalt her own downfall.

After all, marriage was certainly the only seen option in solving her family's predicament. After facing only shame and discontent from society for many years, Ophelia knew that she was the necessary piece needed for her family to be welcomed once again into society's graces.

Sacrificing the pawn makes for a slighter chance for a smoother game of chess.

And what a brilliant pawn she had made herself into!

And yet, this shall save us...

Squaring her shoulders, while taking much more effort to control her breathing, she mustered every part of her body to finally stand in front of her mother's desk and offer a strained smile.

"I presume that he has agreed to marry me?"

Her mother, feeling the subtle tension within her daughter, replied, "That's what the letters for." And even softer, "Are you alright Effie?"

No. Nothing was going right for her.

"Dear mother, I'm ecstatic! That is such wonderful news to hear." She clapped both her hands together in a forced excitement.

"Don't tell Cecilia just yet. I need to be the one to break out the news to your sister about your engagement."

The thought of her sister made Ophelia smile a bit more genuinely.

"She will find it thrilling!" And taking in every courage she had left to even speak, said, "This is for her after all."

The room went silent for a moment.

And through a dizzying haze, she forced to push back all the qualms in her mind even further.

Mustering one last smile, she gave Mrs. Rosebery a flawless curtsy. "If you would then excuse me mother. I have to relay to the cooks tonight's plans for dinner."

Without breaking any signs that she was less than uncomfortable, Ophelia continued, "Let's discuss this further over with some tea and cakes."

Mrs. Rosebery excused her, knowing exactly what her own daughter was going through at the moment.

Ophelia then exited her mother's office, more curtly this time, and shut the door behind her. Without heavy steps, she walked her way into the empty hallway for her room. She opened the door, passed through the threshold in a standardly manner, and closed it behind softly.