tomorrow will be kinder

"Really?" Eloise raised an eyebrow and smiled at the other girl. "Where would that be?"

“ it’s over there, behind that big , old tree .” she pointed into the distance , hoping that the other could see it . “ we can go there, unless you do not trust a stranger and fear being abducted by me .” a laugh escaped her lips , distorting the serious expression she attempted to force her features into .

at her friend’s words, sophie’s features softened with sympathy . there were certain things only people of their class would ever understand , and although she’d been enjoying the fete so far , being grateful for just being here and getting a glimpse of what her life might have turned out like , certain realities would stain that gratitude . “ is it the public affection or that . ” she jested, taking the hip flask as she hid it behind her back . “ although i do have the suspicion that you do not care so much about the others displaying their affection but about a certain someone . ”

"I'm giving up on it all. If you need me I'll be in the garden."

" i don't think you'll be safe there as well . in case you are trying to avoid the people attending . but i think i might know a place . "

her hands gently clung to her summer dress , eyes locking the vicinity to observe those enjoying their picnics. her arrival was haltered, and thus she had not taken part, but it was nice to observe others enjoying it. " we may be witnessing future married couples in the making." esme hummed, a soft smile raising to her lips, brow raising at the other.

envy wasn’t supposed to linger in her eyes , nor was she supposed to even watch them , forcing herself to remember that their future would never be one she could dream of . when a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts, she could do nothing but stare at the princess for a second before she’d slightly bow to her . “ i am not so sure about that . ” a slight chuckle escaped her when she witnessed a couple where one of them did not appear to be pleased about the outcome of the auction . “ it seems like you chose not to participate . may i ask why ? ”

"Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision coming to England you know?" Ophelia sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Tell me what do you like about it here?"

“ you must miss your home . ” empathy glimpsed through the smile sophie gave her, recognizing her younger self in the woman’s words  . back then, when she came to london she shared the same thoughts . and at times she thought she’d drown in london , being devoured by it . even now , she sometimes wondered if her life would be easier if she never moved away from  east anglia . it would’ve been less exciting but perhaps quieter , mundane but gentler .  “ the countryside is quite stunning and even beautiful on rainy days . ” she mused , her thoughts slipping away . “ however, i must admit , london tends to be suffocating at times . . . what is it you do not like her ? ”

ADELINE RUDOLPH as MINERVA MARBLE in RIVERDALE