Evangeline stomped her foot and fought back tears that threatened to spill. It seemed her whole family had turned against her. "Why, Mama? Why does that awful girl have to come and live with us?" She cried.

Abigail released an exasperated sigh. She side-stepped and walked around her daughter, who was blocking her path down the hall. "Because she is your cousin." She spoke in a stern manner, not looking at Evangeline as she moved through the house, a mountain of fabric in her arms. She crossed the threshold from the hallway into her room, and laid the dresses upon her bed. Evangeline followed, shuffling her feet across the carpet. She sniffled, holding back tears.

"Don't shuffle," Abigail scolded. "It's unladylike. And quiet your tears, child. I am sure you and Willamina will get along splendidly." The woman scanned over the vast selection of clothing, before picking one and holding it up to the child. "This is the one," she exclaimed satisfactorily.

Evangeline took the items into her arms. The fabrics her mother had selected consisted of a green plaid skirt, a white bodice with sleeves, and a pale green cloak. Knowing better than to continue arguing with her mother, she left the room to dress herself, making sure she did not shuffle her feet. She made her way down the long corridor and into her own room. And once the door was closed between her and her mother, she finally let the tears fall and her imagination run wild.

She could see it now. Willamina would arrive and her mother would be smitten. This new girl would be a perfect lady, the daughter of her dreams. She would be smart and speak French or Latin and she would do everything without complaint. She would be everything Evangeline wasn't. The situation seemed hopeless, but she was determined to turn the tides back into her favor. She would prove to her mother that she was the only daughter they needed in this family. With newfound determination, she wiped her tears and prepared herself for the day.

She put on the dress her mother had chosen along with her finest pair of shoes. When she finished, she put her hair into two simple braids, tying them with ribbons. She inspected her appearance in the mirror. If this didn't impress her mother, she didn't know what would. To pass the time, she picked up her French book and began reading.

She didn't know how much time passed, but eventually she heard the rumble of hoofbeats.

"Evangeline! Elliot! Get down here, your cousin has arrived!" Abigail's voice was joyful as she yelled from the bottom of the staircase.

Evangeline gulped and stood up. Stiffly, she made her way out of her bedroom. As soon as she stepped out the door, she was nearly run into as Elliot plowed his way through the hall and down the stairs.

"Watch where you're going!" She shouted in annoyance, but the boy's blond head had already disappeared and he did not respond. She didn't understand his excitement. He already had one sister that he didn't pay attention to, so why did he need another? She made her way down the stairs in a graceful manner, hoping Mama was at the bottom to see, but she was nowhere in sight. It seemed as though her whole family had already gathered outside. No doubt eagerly awaiting to shower the new girl with praise and gifts. She had known of Willamina's coming a few days in advance, but that was still not enough time to accept her new reality. She would no longer be the only daughter.

Stepping outside, she joined the rest of her family, who were already lined up in front of the house. Since her mother wouldn't give her the attention she desired, she took her place beside her father and took his hand. Much to her surprise, he actually held onto it for a moment. But it was only for a moment because seconds later he was stepping forwards to help Willamina out of the carriage. Once she was on her feet, he stepped back into line with the rest of the family, looking as stern as ever.

Evangeline examined the new girl with a harsh eye. It wasn't just her name that was ridiculous, Evangeline thought. Willamina was dressed in plain brown and white clothing. Her shoes were scuffed and covered in a thin layer of dirt. Her hair, which showed hints of curls, was unruly and lazily thrown into a single braid. Despite her rugged appearance, the girl wore a bright smile on her face as if she was the most fortunate girl in the world.

Evangeline wrinkled her nose. Then she realized that this was good news for her. Willamina was clearly not a proper lady, and that meant she would not become the new favorite daughter. This made her smile ever so slightly. She supposed she should have expected. Willamina's mother was Eva and Elliot's aunt who had married and left the state with her husband.

"Someone get the girl's things and set them in her room." Evangeline's father spoke with a commanding tone. His voice was the kind that drew in everyone's attention and demanded focus.

Two of the house slaves stepped forward, each of them taking a suitcase from Willamina's hands.

"Oh, thank you," Willamina said. She smiled gratefully at them, but they simply looked at her like her head had been cut off. Their looks didn't seem to faze her because she kept on smiling. They nodded their heads in response and rushed into the house to do as they were told. Then the girl turned to face her new family.

Evangeline was shocked when she was suddenly enveloped in the other child's arms. She was so close that Eva could smell the sweat on her that had built up from the hot wagon ride that day. She didn't plan on returning the hug, but one stern look from her mother changed her mind. She hesitantly wrapped her arms around Willamina before quickly letting go.

Willamina released her and took a step back. "Hi, I'm Willamina, but you can call me Willie." Her smile grew. "You must be Evangeline. I'm so happy to be here and to finally meet you."

Evangeline held her tongue when she felt the urge to insult the girl's nickname. Instead, she smiled politely. "It is lovely to meet you, Willamina." She stressed the name, refusing to address a girl by a boy's name. The other child smiled before turning to face Elliot next, giving him a similar greeting.

Finally, Abigail spoke up. "Let's head inside and get you all settled in. Dinner will be ready soon. Our servants are preparing a wonderful meal to celebrate your arrival."

One by one, the now family of five walked into the house. Evangeline's father disappeared into his office and Abigail began giving Willamina a tour of the house. Much to Evangeline's dismay, she was required to come on this tour. She tuned out most of it, finding her place there pointless. She knew her way around and knew everything about the house already.

"Your house is beautiful, Aunt Abigail." Willamina smiled in wonder as she spun around in a small circle in her bedroom, which had been the final stop on the tour. Eva silently wondered if this girl ever stopped smiling. It seemed as though that was all she had done since stepping off the carriage.

Evangeline wondered why she was so amazed. The room was not anything special. It was their former guest bedroom. The walls were plain and the bedspread had a simple floral design. The metal bed frame was used- it had been Eva's when she was younger. There were no dolls, no toys, and no vanity. The room contained a small desk with a chair but that was it.

"Now, we do have a few rules." Abigail began helping Willamina unpack her things while Evangeline stood off to the side and observed. "Do not bother my husband when he is in his office, especially while the doors are closed. Be in bed when asked. Follow your studies carefully. Eat all your dinner if you want dessert." Abigail continued listing off a variety of rules and expectations until Willamina's few belongings were put away into their proper places.

"Can we go eat supper now, Mama?" Evangeline asked, noticing the time from the clock on the wall. The servants had dinner ready at six o'clock sharp every day. Abigail nodded and she gleefully headed towards the stairs. Her mother and cousin followed.

The dining room was quite simple. The walls were red and the curtains made from a simple pattern. The table was large enough to fit ten people since they often had guests. The table and chairs were made out of wood that had been cut down on this very property. A white table cloth had been spread out and the servants had set the table with Abigail's nice china, which they only brought out for special occasions. Once the family was seated, the house servants began bringing out food.

Evangeline said nothing as a bowl of fresh beef and vegetable stew was set in front of her. She waited until everyone else was served, as was proper. She knew that no matter how hungry she was, it would be considered rude if she started eating before everyone had their share and before they had said grace, and the last thing she wanted was to be scolded by her father.

The servant, Alberda, set a bowl in front of Willamina.

"Thank you," Willamina exclaimed. She went to pick up her spoon and chow down. Alberda said nothing. She simply nodded and hurried from the room, knowing what was about to happen.

"Theodore..." Abigail said in a quiet tone. "She is new here and doesn't know all the rules yet."

But Evangeline knew that was a lie. She had been there when her mother had recited all of the rules, all of which were very important. Her father liked things done a certain way in his house and when someone fell out of line, he lost his temper.

Her father sat at the head of the table. He sighed deeply and outstretched his hands so that Abigail and Evangeline, who were sitting on either side of him, could each take one. With her other hand, Eva held onto Elliot's.

"Willamina, I don't know how my sister and brother-in-law ran their house, but here we wait until prayer is said before we eat and we wait until everyone is served before we eat." Theodore's voice was surprisingly calm, but Evangeline knew that didn't mean anything. He could mask his anger behind his handsome face.

Willamina said a quiet apology before putting her spoon down in the bowl and reaching to take Abigail's hand. She bowed her head and everyone else did the same.

Theodore said his prayer, thanking the Lord for the meal, wishing the health of his family, and praying for his sister and her husband, who had died tragically in a fire. When it was done, they began to eat.

For a brief moment, Evangeline locked eyes with Willamina from across the table. She wasn't sure, but she thought she saw tears in the girls eyes. Whether it was from her mistake or the mention of her dead parents, Eva didn't know and didn't dwell on it. The last thing she wanted to do was start pitying the girl.

Later that night, Abigail came into Evangeline's room to put her to bed.

"How long does she have to stay with us?" Eva asked. She wore a frown on her face and she looked up at her mother, sadness in her blue eyes.

"Until she's married," Abigail stated simply. She handed her daughter a bonnet to cover her blonde hair with so it would not be so messy when she awoke in the morning.

"But Mama, she'll never be married! She doesn't know any manners and her clothes are dirty. What man will want her?" Eva didn't care if it was rude. In her opinion, it was the truth. Her mother had raised her to believe that only proper young ladies would find good husbands. There was a creak of floorboards down the hall, which she assumed to be Elliot going to bed.

"Hush, child, and put on your bonnet," her mother snapped. Evangeline did as she was told. "We will just have to sculpt her into a young lady, and you will have to help. Be a good role model."

Evangeline released a huff of disappointment. Her mother left without another word, apart from a brief 'good night.'

~~~~
Word Count: 2170

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the first official chapter of 'The Flowers Bloom.' This chapter is basically providing a setting and introducing some of the main characters. I promise things will pick up. I hope you enjoyed!