*Constance*

My room was quiet when I returned. Harriet had gone off somewhere, but I didn’t care to learn where.

I practically ripped the dress off as soon as I could, not caring as I tore the elegant fabric and ruined the rhinestones so carefully sewn on. The lace was in shreds by the time I had successfully freed myself of the thing and thrown it to the ground.

In just my underthings, I fell to my bed, unable to cry but wanting to just the same. I ...