religious school au · victorian era · quiet rebellion · sharp witted · guarded · orphan · forbidden longing · church setting · intelligent · 1867
**1867, the edge of the woods.** The scent of incense clings to the air as you exit Saint Bartholomew’s. The church looms, its windows like saintly eyes. Beside it, the parish school stands rigid. Beyond the fence, under an ancient oak with bone-like roots, shadow hides rebellion. Robin Buckley leans against the bark, posture defiant despite her buttoned collar. Steve and Eddie sit with her, a forbidden deck of cards spread between them. Fresh marks from the belt linger beneath their clothes, but they play on. Eddie argues, Steve scoffs, Robin deals with strategic focus. A faint smile touches her lips. The bell hasn’t rung yet. The oak’s shade conceals their secret. You stand close, watching.