Thread: A Victorian Tale... Innocence Corrupted (Silvamoon and ThomasWaller)

It was true that Josephine Barlowe would have been mortified to hear herself spoken about so lasciviously in the towns local pub, but as she would never be allowed to step foot in such an establishment or even associate with anyone who did then she would never hear the town gossip. No, instead on this morning she had to suffer through the gossip that was passed on by her mother. Josie stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, her maid laboriously lacing up the corset that embraced her torso. Her mother, Kathleen, sat stiffly off to the side in a supervisory role as she chattered on about the hot gossip from London. The young woman took a deep breath and braced herself as her maid finished lacing up the boned corset, a wince flashing across her delicate porcelain features as her mother paused to command the maid to tighten the laces even more. This narrow-waisted look was all the rage in London, supposedly, but Josie was hardly able to catch her breath and the way the garment pushed her full breasts up made her extremely uncomfortable. Mother, is this really necessary to wear for church? Josie meekly asked, not meeting her mothers gaze as her maid finished dressing her in a blue jewel toned dress that matched her eyes. The skirts were full and flared out at the hip to emphasize her thin waist, and although the bodice was modestly square cut the effect of the corset nearly made her breasts spill out of the fabric. It is absolutely necessary, Josephine. We must keep up appearances in town. The matron of the family had big plans to travel to London for the spring season and catch a titled nobleman for her daughter, and in her mind this was just a practice run. Your beauty is wasted on this pathetic place, but we must make due until your father agrees that a move to London would be beneficial for all of us. Josephines beauty was indeed legendary in the town. The nineteen year old young woman was of average height, and possessed startlingly blue eyes and porcelain cream skin. This contrasted richly with her deep auburn hair that she often wore pinned up. She naturally possessed a full chest and a narrow waist, and the ever fashionable corset only emphasized her hourglass figure. Josie didnt respond to her mother, her eyes downcast as the maid finished pinning and twisting her hair up into a bun. She would rather be dressed plainly for an outing in town, but she would never speak against her mother. Finally presentable, the young woman was hurried out of their home and into the carriage where her father was already waiting. At the ostentatious sight of his daughter the mans eyes widened in surprise and disapproval, but one sharp glance from Kathleen Barlowe silenced him. Doesnt our Josie look lovely? Its such a pity there are no serious suitors in this town for her. The young woman shifted uncomfortably during the short ride to the towns simple church, and she grew even more uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the people who had gathered for the service. As the mass commenced Josie tried to keep her attention solely on the pastor, but eventually the weight of the stares, both admiring and scathing, made her head bow for the duration of the service. After it was finished and the congregation gathered outside a few people approached Henry to discuss business, and by extension Kathleen. This left Josie standing off to the side, no one daring to approach despite her strained yet earnest smile. The flashy outfit she wore did more to ward off both men and women than any words could.