Thread: Madame Brunet (LingeringDesire & CharmSnake)

Hearing the rough command Jacquelyn followed, her lips buttoned together tightly as she moved along the planks of graying wood. Her soft eyes moved back toward Simone briefly before facing front ad watching her step. Grasping for dear life at the ropes she moved after the man, her wobbly legs barely keeping her up. The solidity of the ground beneath her was a comfort, the silver haired man was handsome, well dressed and unfriendly toward her. Staring at the ground she felt like a cow being selected for certain qualities. Standing there her stomach pitched and she fought back heaving the thin broth up she had for lunch. They discussed her as though she wasn't there or was deaf of their conversation. Small of stature and thin of body she had always been poked fun of, especially since most french women were tall and quite elegant in body. When his hand snaked out and snatched her shawl, his eyes moving over the body she held together beneath the thin dress, she wanted to slap him but instead clasped harder at the hem of her skirts. Relief that he wanted another swept through her, however her eyes landed on the other and she feared her relief would be short lived. Simone ran off as though she was a prize to be had, Jacquelyn couldn't help but hope the man survived her snobbish and almost cruel ways. Having been used to the best of everything, Jacquelyn couldn't help but hope the female would finally be put in her place, maybe as a maid or even a servant of some sort. Though it seemed petty, she knew the hell she and Ana had been put through at the hands of Simone and her circle of horrible's. Going to the edge she watched as the man spoke with the priest, she hoped to be free of him and it seemed her wish came true, her prayers answered she breathed in a hearty lung of air. Only this caused her to cough, the smell of fish hung thick in the air. She watched the man walk off, shoulders slumped. Though she wasn't sure why he should be so unhappy, when he was the one that tossed her aside. Almost startling when hands rested on her shoulders, the voice was comforting and kind. As were his eyes and his expression. With a soft nod she held tight to her bundle and was guided off to land once more. The trio made their way to the church where a thrilled Simone came pouring from the door. The sparkle of her ring was not lost on Jacquelyn, but she connected her gaze to the ground once more. The Irish man bustled ahead of them, in a rush it seemed to be done with them, or was it just her. Once the newlyweds were gone she paused to spew her guts on the sidewalk before reaching the steps. The sounds of her retching must have hurried on the other as she seemed to be alone. A lone nun rushed out and helped her inside. Poor sweet child, the woman cooed holding her to her breast as she guided her inside. Feverish... She heard the woman mutter. Jacquelyn couldn't help but think of this woman as motherly. She wasn't sure what happened but she was tucked into a bed and washed down. The clack of knitting needles was what woke her up. A smiling woman, the same as before except without her habit , held a steaming cup to her lips and forced down a few soothing drops of tea. Jacquelyn sat up and took the cup between her thin pale fingers. Sipping the sweet contents she sighed. The woman offered her a slice of bread before she rushed off in a hurry. Looking about the room she knew she was in the infirmary, she felt much better. Even strong enough to venture out of bed to visit the chamber pot. She did so, then sat on the edge of the bed. The woman returned and clucked her tongue at her. Come, join us for a meal if you are feeling stronger. It appears your color has returned. Smiling Jacquelyn rose, she slipped on her warm sock and thick soled boots. Dinner was an easy meal of stew and bread, peppermint scented tea was the drink. As the women went off to pray, so did she. Moving to the main sanctuary she knelt in a pew with her head buried over her clasped hands. Her words poured from her heart. She prayed for the souls of her parents and sister, she prayed for Josette and lastly, herself. She prayed for health and that whatever her fate would be, she accept it with an open heart and joy. To make the best of her freedom was a good thing. She sat in the wooden pew thinking of home and praying for blessings. Perhaps being rejected was good, it could mean she was meant to serve within the walls of the church. She could hope, right. The nun approached with her bundle of things, a soft smile on her lips. God be with you in life my dear. She said softly then turned and moved swiftly from the room. Thank you, She whispered after her, unsure of what this meant. To be handed her belongings must mean she was to be heading off in a new direction. She slumped forward, fervently praying , eyes clenched tightly closed and hands clasped around a handkerchief given her by the nun. She feared her future and what it held if she were sent from the church, but she remembered her promise and it calmed her nerves slightly, though she remained in her prayerful state.