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MidReal Story
The Rebel's Heart
Scenario:Having violated Victorian cultural traditions, a young person is given a punishment
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Eleanor Hartley
independent, and determined. Eleanor defies societal norms by riding a horse astride, leading to her punishment of being sent to a boarding school. She struggles with the strict rules and harsh treatment at the school but finds solace in her friendship with Alice. Despite her defiance, she longs for freedom and a chance to escape the confines of her life.
Alice Thompson
gentle, and supportive. Alice befriends Eleanor and helps her adjust to life at the school. She shares Eleanor's desire for freedom and escape from their restrictive environment. Alice's friendship provides Eleanor with comfort and companionship during difficult times.
Miss Harrow
authoritative, and unyielding. Miss Harrow enforces harsh rules and punishments on students who defy tradition or break rules. Her demeanor is cold and unforgiving, making life at the school unbearable for Eleanor and others.
I never was one to follow the rules; I was a rebel.
If I wanted to do something, I would do it regardless of what others thought.
Even if it meant I would be punished for it later.
And that's exactly what happened when I decided to ride my horse astride instead of sidesaddle like I was supposed to do.
Sidesaddle was the proper way for a woman to ride a horse in Victorian England, but I didn't care about that.
It was more difficult and didn't allow me to really connect with my horse.
When I rode astride, it felt so much better.
It was more natural and easier on both me and my horse.
We were able to move together as one, instead of me just sitting on top of him.
When I rode astride that day, I knew what the consequences would be when my parents found out, but I didn't care.
It wasn't the first time I had done it and it wouldn't be the last.
However, this time they decided that my punishment would be greater than it had ever been before.
This time, I would not be let off easy.
I paced back and forth in my bedroom, running my fingers along the bolt that had been installed on the outside of my door.
I was a prisoner in my own home.
I was allowed no visitors, not even my horse.
The creaking of the floorboards beneath my feet mocked me as I paced.
I stopped in front of one of the windows and tested it to see if it would open.
It didn't.
They had all been nailed shut.
I looked out at the stable boy leading my horse to exercise without me.
My stomach grumbled loudly, reminding me of the meager breakfast tray Mother had slid through the lower flap in my door earlier that morning.
I could see the sun setting through the window, casting long shadows across my room.
The sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway, growing louder as they approached my door.
"Are you going to keep me locked up forever, Father?" I shouted as the footsteps stopped outside.
"Only until you learn to behave like a proper lady," he replied, his voice stern but weary.
"And what if I never do?" I challenged, my defiance burning brighter than ever.
"Then you will be locked up for the rest of your life," he said, his voice heavy with sorrow.
I heard the sound of his boots shuffling on the floor as he turned to leave.
I ran to my window seat and sat down, watching as Father's carriage disappeared down the long drive.
He was headed to London on business.
I would be alone with Mother for the next few days.
I could hear her footsteps coming down the hall, lighter than Father's.
She stopped outside my door and I heard the click of the lock disengaging.
She pushed the door open and walked in carrying a tray with tea and scones on it.
She set it down on my nightstand and looked at me, her face pinched with worry.
"Mother, I'm not hungry," I said, turning back to the window.
She sighed and shook her head.
"If you would just accept your punishment and agree to behave like a proper lady from now on, this would all be over," she said as she turned to leave.
I didn't respond.
Instead, I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the windowpane.
In the courtyard below, the stable boy was leading my horse past on its way back to its stall.
My fingers curled into fists against the window as I unconsciously leaned forward. Mother left without another word, closing and locking my door behind her.
As the lock clicked into place, a soft voice came from the shadows of my room.
"You're not alone in this, you know," whispered my younger brother, emerging from the wardrobe with a conspiratorial grin.
"What are you doing here, Thomas?" I asked, my heart leaping at the sight of him.
