#august cushing

[moon-simmers]

Winterfest Ball, Redwood Manor Brindleton Bay 1842.

The Redwood family's Grand Ball finally arrived, all the guests were dancing and partying in the great hall while Jacques and Violet played waltzes in a beautiful musical duet.

Evangeline and August arrived a little late compared to the rest of the guests, Evie was worried about returning to the holidays with her family and especially with the presence of Percival and Thaddeus.

Both Edgar and George greeted Evie with great affection, after all they hadn't seen their sister for a couple of months and were glad she was able to attend with August.

[moon-simmers]

Winterfest Ball, Redwood Manor Brindleton Bay 1842.

Lord Barrow and Lord Redwood took each other by the hand and walked towards the center of the ballroom, all the dancing couples were surprised and stopped dancing to make some space for the host of the evening, Edgar and George were disconcerted by their father's attitude.

All the guests looked at Jacques and Mordecai. Being the host of the evening it was impossible to ignore, in addition to the fact that they were two men waltzing. 

Percival and Thaddeus were surprised to see another male couple dancing like them, as if it was a silent validation from Jacques. Rose watched everything from the piano, afraid of people's reaction and uncertain of how whatever was happening at that moment would end.

After several twists and turns, Mordecai tried to converse with his dance partner, who seemed unaware of the consequences of his actions.

Mordecai: Jacs, what are we doing? I don't want you to be foolish with what we're generating in the atmosphere. Everyone is watching us

Jacques: Mord, I have been a watcher for over 30 years. Even though it's late for us, I don't want to miss the opportunity to be the interpreter of my own life.

[moon-simmers]

Despite being an evening of celebration and joy at the farewell of another year, the Redwood Ball seemed to be submerged in a sea of countless gossip, rumors and whispers.

Many of the guests were himnotized by Evangeline's presence. The young Boneville widow married to her cousin-in-law seemed to dance with the lightness of a young debutante, something that attracted attention from the ladies.

Percival was not left out of the judgmental stares of the more conservative generations, two men dancing as if they were a couple was most unusual and improper for the evening.

Jacques wasn’t comfortable with this situation, he had to tolerate pretending to be part of this false morality for almost 60 years. It was time to understand that he could break this mold with impunity thanks to his social and hierarchical position, so he decided to help both his daughter and his nephew.

He watched Mordecai from afar with his eyes on the dancing couples, approached and offered his hand to his former lover.

Jacques: Mordecai Barrow, it has been a long time. But I would love it if you could grant me the next dance.

Mordecai and Evangeline were both impressed by the proposal of Jacques. It went against every image he had tried to build for so many years, it seemed to show a turning point in his life.

[moon-simmers]

The end of the year celebrations arrived and with them the famous Harvesfest Pantomime, Rose played the violin as it was customary more than 30 years ago and this year the theme was Renaissance Tartosa.

The entire Redwood Family had attended the pantomime, even Edgar and Madeleine had attended that night. Despite the mourning, Clara, Amber and Percy had been able to attend to celebrate the end of this fateful year.

Evangeline still wasn't talking to her cousins, she was watching them out of the corner of her eye from across the theater, hoping that Amber would understand her situation and they would get back in touch.

At this time of the year it is always common to see apparitions of different empty seats at the back of the theater. It is historically believed that these apparitions are of deceased family members who watch over the happiness of their loved ones.

[moon-simmers]

A golden figures full of lace and ribbons appeared through the front door of Redwood Manor, it was Evie, the little Cynthia and her family wearing her new dress to match her stepmother's, although she looked like the color was more striking for someone so shyly knowing her family-in-law.

Rose and Violet welcomed Evangeline warmly, the family hadn't been together for the holidays in so long that it seemed to be all cause for happiness at these winter festivities.

They also noted the presence of the younger guests of the Cushing family, Robert had grown so much since he had last seen his grandmother and great aunt. Aunt Violet was always so cheerful to see him, which along with Cynthia's presence didn't seem to make much of a distinction between the two of them.

As expected, Evangeline whispered to her mother about the surprise guest. Rose knew about August's daughter's situation, but she had been impressed by the affectionate detail of matching dresses between them.

Evie wouldn't have insisted on imitating her distinctive color, but it was a whole new world for the child, and she wanted her to understand her place in the family.

[moon-simmers]

Portrait of Cushing-Redwood Family.

Brindleton Bay 1821.

Painter: Johnathan Scarwood.

[moon-simmers]

Boneville Residence, Brindleton Bay 1842.

The unexpected arrival of an illegitimate daughter of August caused a stir throughout that day.

The law denied Cynthia’s mother any rights over her when she turned 9, she was obliged to give it to her father if he so wished. By law the father was to take care of her education or pay §25 (§1125 current simoleons) a week as maintenance.

Robert was very confused by everything that was going on, being a spoiled child with a good family he had never seen or imagined anything like this.

He tried to ask Evangeline what was going to happen now, but she couldn’t give him any certainty because she didn’t know either.

August eventually agreed to educate Cynthia, giving her the surname Cushing, a bed in the Boneville Mansion, providing her with education and a considerable dowry.

The poor girl was left with only a old chest with her old clothes, a teddy bear and a silhouette of her mother’s profile.

Robert didn't accept the idea of sharing a bedroom with his new stepsister, he believed that she would take away everything he had and also his peace of mind as an only child.

Cynthia was a very ill-mannered child, so she was not afraid to respond to Robert’s offenses and labeled him a snob and spoiled boy of luxuries.

[moon-simmers]

Church of Windenburg, Winter 1842.

Despite Jeanne’s near death, the wedding between August Cushing and Evangeline Boneville took place in the first weeks of the winter of the same year. Both engaged decided to marry in the Church of Windenburg to prevent the people of Brindleton from talking about their wedding.

Something that couldn't avoid controversy was the bride’s appearance, Evangeline had decided to wear a long, thin veil that would fall elegantly along with a white dress.

The white dress was very improper and irreverent for a bride who was previously a widow, because it was her second marriage was expected to be at least a beige color, but for Evangeline this was indifferent

The new marriage looked strong and united as I walked to the door of the church, it was like a kind of protection from the doubtful, judgmental and compassionate looks of both family and friends.

Jacques stood out among his cousins' harsh looks at his daughter, did not understand how this was happening, but hoped she would know.