Waltz of Wings by the Regency Company 1/?
Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2003 2:56 am
This is a collaborative work by Jooles*, kmf, Miaka Mouse, Patty and ~Sailor Celaeno~. We are each writing a chapter in turn, this first one is by kmf. We have been inspired by the many works of Jane Austin and have adapted themes from a number of her stories for this fan fiction. We hope you enjoy it. As always, please remember to review!
Standard Disclaimer: We do not own GWing nor do we own any of the works of Jane Austin.
Chapter One by kmf
?It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife*?? Miss Relena Darlian paused in her reading, a small frown marring her smooth brow. An elegant hand rose to absently tuck artfully curled blonde hair behind her ear and clear blue eyes looked towards her audience. ?What nonsense!? she declared and placed the book on the table. ?Just because a man has a fortune does not mean that he must marry. Neither does it follow that if a woman possesses a fortune that she must marry!? Her two lady companions who had been so intent on their needlework looked up in surprise at Miss Darlian?s small outburst and smiled knowingly at each other. Miss Darlian was the only child of a doting widower and sole heir to a exceedingly large fortune, and of late had found herself the unwilling subject of many bachelors? interest.
In truth Miss Darlian was a worthy prize for any suitor. From her mother she had inherited several large estates that bought her an impressive income. Her father also owned much farmland in the Sussex countryside and had an assortment of large townhouses including one in Bath and another in London. The grand house in which the ladies currently inhabited was the summerhouse in which Relena?s father liked to remain in all year round. It had been the favourite residence of his dear late wife, who had done much to improve the building and gardens before her death. Mr Darlian liked the memories each of the many rooms invoked. Relena was content to stay with her father away from the fashionable society of London for most of the year, her father being more dear to her than any other man could be. The gentleman who acted as the Darlian?s land steward often travelled to London and was able to keep Miss Darlian abreast of the latest fashion trends by bringing her back magazines which contained fashion plates.
The many estates of Mr Darlian ought to have been bequeathed to a male heir, but unfortunately Mr Darlian was the last male Darlian. He had no sons himself and but one sister who had also had one daughter, Dorothy. Dorothy herself was in possession of a reasonable income, but nothing to compare with that due to Miss Darlian. Unfortunately this had lead to a great deal of dissatisfaction and jealousy from Miss Dorothy Cantalona and she and Miss Darlian were not on the best terms. They did, however, keep up the pretence of family regard to satisfy both their parents and Miss Dorothy visited the Darlian household annually to celebrate Christmas.
Miss Relena Darlian had also been fortunate to inherit the good looks and charm of her mother. Miss Darlian followed fashions as closely as her mother had and looked the epitome of style and grace as she sat in her chair. Her gown was high waisted made with fine cream muslin that was self-patterned with an elegant woven wave. The neckline was low but lined with gauze that was gathered up just inside the neckline. This was a simple detail, but showed that Miss Darlian was wearing the latest fashion inspired by French gowns. The sleeves of her gown were quite long, but had been shortened and puffed by the fabric being gathered up a central line. A bandeaux of matching ribbon adorned her hair which had been styled in the Grecian fashion, hair that was normally quite straight had been coaxed into a multitude of curls. Around her shoulders was a large square cashmere shawl, folded into a triangle and worn with such grace that it did not look like the protector against cold that it was, but rather as a stylish accessory to her elegant day wear. Her feet were in dainty white satin slippers secured by ribbons. The materials of these slippers were so flimsy that her toes were visible when she wriggled them as she considered the text she was reading.
The two ladies who were currently enjoying the company of Miss Darlian were sisters, or to be more exact half-sisters. The elder Miss Lucrezia Noin was, at four and twenty, two years older than Miss Darlian. However Miss Noin had the utmost respect and admiration for Miss Darlian and accepted her as her social superior and mentor. The beauteous Miss Noin and her equally lovely sister Miss Hilde Noin had unfortunately fallen on hard times and their wealth was not as great as it had once been. Upon their father?s death his fortune and property passed to their nearest male relative - a cousin, the son of their father?s only brother. The cousin, who they had not yet met, had been very generous and allowed them and their mother to live in a comfortable house that he owned on the outskirts of the village of Buxted. It was when they had moved to the village that Miss Darlian had made their acquaintance and had decided to take them under her wing.
The sisters were wearing plainer gowns than Miss Darlian, which were slightly behind in fashion but reflected their current state of wealth. They had to make do with minor adjustments and alterations to old gowns of their existing wardrobe and dresses that Miss Darlian had so often and generously gifted to them. Their necklines were higher than the daringly low one of their hostess, and their sleeves were tight to their elbows. Both sisters had their hair up in the high Grecian style, but had to rely on their natural curls as they did not have a personal maid as Miss Darlian did. Their feet were encased in leather slippers as they had walked over to the Darlian residence that afternoon from the nearby house that they and their mother currently resided in.
Both the girls were intently listening to Miss Darlian read. Relena had such a pleasing voice. It was clear and concise and held much statement in it. They often gathered together to listen to Relena read the latest Gothic novel. During such a reading they would often discuss the content of the book selected and today was no different.
?It is always the duty of an obedient daughter to marry the man that her father selects for her.? Miss Hilde commented, her head bowed to hide her smile.
Miss Darlian smiled back, picking up the book, knowing that her good friend was teasing her. ?I shall never marry.? Miss Darlian stated ?Why should I marry. I have everything I could possibly want to make me content. The addition of a husband would upset the balance of peace which I have in my heart.? She walked over to Miss Hilde peering over her shoulder to watch the quick stitches that were being placed on the piece of linen.
?The truth is today I am more than a little bored.? Relena stated ?I have read this excellent piece of literature more times than I care to own. I need a distraction.? Relena pulled her shawl closer to her, it was a cold winters day. The sun whilst bright did not have the strength to melt the ice which had gathered over the nearby lake and the fire that had been burning brightly had now reduced to glowing coals. The room in which they occupied was large with high ceilings and many windows and so was difficult to heat during winter. Always a kind hostess, she noticed that her guests were also looking a little chilled and did not have the benefit of a cashmere shawl to warm them. Relena rang the bell pull and instructed the liveried footman who entered the room to arrange for more coal for the fire.
Miss Noin placed her sewing on the chair beside her, rubbing her fingers that were cramped and cold, unable to work on the delicate stitches until warmed. She rose to walk over to Miss Darlian. ?My dear, we have some news that is sure to distract you.? Hilde frowned and shook her head, causing her dark curled hair to bob around her face. ?Hilde, Miss Darlian is our dear friend and confidante. We should share all news with her. Besides, she has declared that she is in need of a distraction and our news is exactly what is needed.?
Miss Darlian took hold of Miss Noin?s hand. ?Oh please!? she exclaimed ?You must share your news with me! For shame that you should have held news back from me until now!?
?We have had a letter.? Miss Noin said sitting beside Hilde putting her arm around her now rather cross sister. ?A letter from our cousin Mr Maxwell.?
?Ah! The infamous Mr Duo Maxwell, the horrid man who threw you and your dear mother out of your home!? Relena said indignantly, also sitting beside Hilde on the couch so all three heads were close together ?And what does Mr Maxwell have to say??
?Miss Darlian! Mr Maxwell did not throw us out, in fact he has been more than generous to us!? Lucrezia said softly, aware that Relena was exaggerating the situation to tease Hilde. Hilde had never hid the fact that she felt strong dislike for the man that she felt had usurped her fortune.
There was a knock on the door and a parlourmaid entered wearing a plain cotton print dress, heavy apron and cap on her head. She curtsied neatly despite the fact she was holding a pail of coals, then went to work stoking the fire. Conversation stopped amongst the three ladies until the maid had finished. Miss Darlian thanked her as she left the room. Then conversation began again.
?He is to come for a visit.? Hilde said grimly. ?He will be arriving with his land steward and a friend next week and wishes to make our acquaintance.? She retrieved the letter from her pocket and handed it to Relena, who took it and began to examine the contents.
?Well I for one do not need to make his acquaintance to know that I will positively loathe him.? Relena had got to her feet again, smoothing the white muslin gown of imaginary creases before walking to the window to take advantage of the light to read the letter.
?His letter was very polite.? Hilde remarked.
?Yes, it is polite.? Relena agreed.
?It is an articulate letter.? Hilde said.
?A very articulate letter, perhaps he had help?? Relena asked.
?His penmanship is very fine.? Hilde added.
?Undoubtedly of most excellent quality.? Relena said sighing, folding the letter. ?I am afraid that for the sake of decorum I must invite Mr Maxwell to tea.?
?That would be the polite thing to do.? Lucrezia agreed, once again taking up her needlework and the heat from the fire began to warm the room again.
?Dear Hilde, of course I must invite him.? Relena put her hand on Hilde?s shoulder, who had said nothing but was obviously upset with the situation. ?It will not be a pleasant thing, but we must show Mr Maxwell that we are morally superior to him.?
?Miss Darlian, I do think you are making Mr Maxwell to be a rogue when he is not one at all.? Lucrezia calmly pointed out.
?Indeed, it is not entirely Mr Maxwell?s fault that the law of this land is so unjust to woman.? Relena agreed. ?But Mr Maxwell is a man and as such is in a position to make reparations. Indeed, I wonder if the quote from my book could apply to him.? She picked up the book once more and read aloud. ?However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.**? Relena smiled broadly at Hilde.
?Miss Darlian, please do not joke about this.? Hilde said aghast ?I hope that you are not suggesting that Mr Maxwell is in need of a wife and that the wife could be myself or Lucrezia!?
?No, no, of course not! I know that you agree with me that a woman does not need a man to make her life complete.? Relena smiled, ?Although it will be interesting to see how many unmarried daughters are thrown in Mr Maxwell?s path in the duration of his stay.? Relena clasped her hands together, her eyes lighting up mischievously. ?Actually, I have just had the most wonderful idea! Mr Maxwell?s visit will be at around the same time as I expect my cousin Miss Dorothy and her companion to arrive for Christmas.? She took out the letter again and referred to it. ?I must also invite his two travelling companions, Mr Yuy and Mr Maxwell?s land steward Mr Barton. It states here that Mr Yuy has a letter of introduction to Papa, so when they come I shall invite them then. We shall have a dinner party.?
* - Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, published 1813
** - Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Published 1813
Next chapter will be by ~Sailor Celaeno~. Please don?t forget to let us know what you think by reviewing this story.
Standard Disclaimer: We do not own GWing nor do we own any of the works of Jane Austin.
Chapter One by kmf
?It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife*?? Miss Relena Darlian paused in her reading, a small frown marring her smooth brow. An elegant hand rose to absently tuck artfully curled blonde hair behind her ear and clear blue eyes looked towards her audience. ?What nonsense!? she declared and placed the book on the table. ?Just because a man has a fortune does not mean that he must marry. Neither does it follow that if a woman possesses a fortune that she must marry!? Her two lady companions who had been so intent on their needlework looked up in surprise at Miss Darlian?s small outburst and smiled knowingly at each other. Miss Darlian was the only child of a doting widower and sole heir to a exceedingly large fortune, and of late had found herself the unwilling subject of many bachelors? interest.
In truth Miss Darlian was a worthy prize for any suitor. From her mother she had inherited several large estates that bought her an impressive income. Her father also owned much farmland in the Sussex countryside and had an assortment of large townhouses including one in Bath and another in London. The grand house in which the ladies currently inhabited was the summerhouse in which Relena?s father liked to remain in all year round. It had been the favourite residence of his dear late wife, who had done much to improve the building and gardens before her death. Mr Darlian liked the memories each of the many rooms invoked. Relena was content to stay with her father away from the fashionable society of London for most of the year, her father being more dear to her than any other man could be. The gentleman who acted as the Darlian?s land steward often travelled to London and was able to keep Miss Darlian abreast of the latest fashion trends by bringing her back magazines which contained fashion plates.
The many estates of Mr Darlian ought to have been bequeathed to a male heir, but unfortunately Mr Darlian was the last male Darlian. He had no sons himself and but one sister who had also had one daughter, Dorothy. Dorothy herself was in possession of a reasonable income, but nothing to compare with that due to Miss Darlian. Unfortunately this had lead to a great deal of dissatisfaction and jealousy from Miss Dorothy Cantalona and she and Miss Darlian were not on the best terms. They did, however, keep up the pretence of family regard to satisfy both their parents and Miss Dorothy visited the Darlian household annually to celebrate Christmas.
Miss Relena Darlian had also been fortunate to inherit the good looks and charm of her mother. Miss Darlian followed fashions as closely as her mother had and looked the epitome of style and grace as she sat in her chair. Her gown was high waisted made with fine cream muslin that was self-patterned with an elegant woven wave. The neckline was low but lined with gauze that was gathered up just inside the neckline. This was a simple detail, but showed that Miss Darlian was wearing the latest fashion inspired by French gowns. The sleeves of her gown were quite long, but had been shortened and puffed by the fabric being gathered up a central line. A bandeaux of matching ribbon adorned her hair which had been styled in the Grecian fashion, hair that was normally quite straight had been coaxed into a multitude of curls. Around her shoulders was a large square cashmere shawl, folded into a triangle and worn with such grace that it did not look like the protector against cold that it was, but rather as a stylish accessory to her elegant day wear. Her feet were in dainty white satin slippers secured by ribbons. The materials of these slippers were so flimsy that her toes were visible when she wriggled them as she considered the text she was reading.
The two ladies who were currently enjoying the company of Miss Darlian were sisters, or to be more exact half-sisters. The elder Miss Lucrezia Noin was, at four and twenty, two years older than Miss Darlian. However Miss Noin had the utmost respect and admiration for Miss Darlian and accepted her as her social superior and mentor. The beauteous Miss Noin and her equally lovely sister Miss Hilde Noin had unfortunately fallen on hard times and their wealth was not as great as it had once been. Upon their father?s death his fortune and property passed to their nearest male relative - a cousin, the son of their father?s only brother. The cousin, who they had not yet met, had been very generous and allowed them and their mother to live in a comfortable house that he owned on the outskirts of the village of Buxted. It was when they had moved to the village that Miss Darlian had made their acquaintance and had decided to take them under her wing.
The sisters were wearing plainer gowns than Miss Darlian, which were slightly behind in fashion but reflected their current state of wealth. They had to make do with minor adjustments and alterations to old gowns of their existing wardrobe and dresses that Miss Darlian had so often and generously gifted to them. Their necklines were higher than the daringly low one of their hostess, and their sleeves were tight to their elbows. Both sisters had their hair up in the high Grecian style, but had to rely on their natural curls as they did not have a personal maid as Miss Darlian did. Their feet were encased in leather slippers as they had walked over to the Darlian residence that afternoon from the nearby house that they and their mother currently resided in.
Both the girls were intently listening to Miss Darlian read. Relena had such a pleasing voice. It was clear and concise and held much statement in it. They often gathered together to listen to Relena read the latest Gothic novel. During such a reading they would often discuss the content of the book selected and today was no different.
?It is always the duty of an obedient daughter to marry the man that her father selects for her.? Miss Hilde commented, her head bowed to hide her smile.
Miss Darlian smiled back, picking up the book, knowing that her good friend was teasing her. ?I shall never marry.? Miss Darlian stated ?Why should I marry. I have everything I could possibly want to make me content. The addition of a husband would upset the balance of peace which I have in my heart.? She walked over to Miss Hilde peering over her shoulder to watch the quick stitches that were being placed on the piece of linen.
?The truth is today I am more than a little bored.? Relena stated ?I have read this excellent piece of literature more times than I care to own. I need a distraction.? Relena pulled her shawl closer to her, it was a cold winters day. The sun whilst bright did not have the strength to melt the ice which had gathered over the nearby lake and the fire that had been burning brightly had now reduced to glowing coals. The room in which they occupied was large with high ceilings and many windows and so was difficult to heat during winter. Always a kind hostess, she noticed that her guests were also looking a little chilled and did not have the benefit of a cashmere shawl to warm them. Relena rang the bell pull and instructed the liveried footman who entered the room to arrange for more coal for the fire.
Miss Noin placed her sewing on the chair beside her, rubbing her fingers that were cramped and cold, unable to work on the delicate stitches until warmed. She rose to walk over to Miss Darlian. ?My dear, we have some news that is sure to distract you.? Hilde frowned and shook her head, causing her dark curled hair to bob around her face. ?Hilde, Miss Darlian is our dear friend and confidante. We should share all news with her. Besides, she has declared that she is in need of a distraction and our news is exactly what is needed.?
Miss Darlian took hold of Miss Noin?s hand. ?Oh please!? she exclaimed ?You must share your news with me! For shame that you should have held news back from me until now!?
?We have had a letter.? Miss Noin said sitting beside Hilde putting her arm around her now rather cross sister. ?A letter from our cousin Mr Maxwell.?
?Ah! The infamous Mr Duo Maxwell, the horrid man who threw you and your dear mother out of your home!? Relena said indignantly, also sitting beside Hilde on the couch so all three heads were close together ?And what does Mr Maxwell have to say??
?Miss Darlian! Mr Maxwell did not throw us out, in fact he has been more than generous to us!? Lucrezia said softly, aware that Relena was exaggerating the situation to tease Hilde. Hilde had never hid the fact that she felt strong dislike for the man that she felt had usurped her fortune.
There was a knock on the door and a parlourmaid entered wearing a plain cotton print dress, heavy apron and cap on her head. She curtsied neatly despite the fact she was holding a pail of coals, then went to work stoking the fire. Conversation stopped amongst the three ladies until the maid had finished. Miss Darlian thanked her as she left the room. Then conversation began again.
?He is to come for a visit.? Hilde said grimly. ?He will be arriving with his land steward and a friend next week and wishes to make our acquaintance.? She retrieved the letter from her pocket and handed it to Relena, who took it and began to examine the contents.
?Well I for one do not need to make his acquaintance to know that I will positively loathe him.? Relena had got to her feet again, smoothing the white muslin gown of imaginary creases before walking to the window to take advantage of the light to read the letter.
?His letter was very polite.? Hilde remarked.
?Yes, it is polite.? Relena agreed.
?It is an articulate letter.? Hilde said.
?A very articulate letter, perhaps he had help?? Relena asked.
?His penmanship is very fine.? Hilde added.
?Undoubtedly of most excellent quality.? Relena said sighing, folding the letter. ?I am afraid that for the sake of decorum I must invite Mr Maxwell to tea.?
?That would be the polite thing to do.? Lucrezia agreed, once again taking up her needlework and the heat from the fire began to warm the room again.
?Dear Hilde, of course I must invite him.? Relena put her hand on Hilde?s shoulder, who had said nothing but was obviously upset with the situation. ?It will not be a pleasant thing, but we must show Mr Maxwell that we are morally superior to him.?
?Miss Darlian, I do think you are making Mr Maxwell to be a rogue when he is not one at all.? Lucrezia calmly pointed out.
?Indeed, it is not entirely Mr Maxwell?s fault that the law of this land is so unjust to woman.? Relena agreed. ?But Mr Maxwell is a man and as such is in a position to make reparations. Indeed, I wonder if the quote from my book could apply to him.? She picked up the book once more and read aloud. ?However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.**? Relena smiled broadly at Hilde.
?Miss Darlian, please do not joke about this.? Hilde said aghast ?I hope that you are not suggesting that Mr Maxwell is in need of a wife and that the wife could be myself or Lucrezia!?
?No, no, of course not! I know that you agree with me that a woman does not need a man to make her life complete.? Relena smiled, ?Although it will be interesting to see how many unmarried daughters are thrown in Mr Maxwell?s path in the duration of his stay.? Relena clasped her hands together, her eyes lighting up mischievously. ?Actually, I have just had the most wonderful idea! Mr Maxwell?s visit will be at around the same time as I expect my cousin Miss Dorothy and her companion to arrive for Christmas.? She took out the letter again and referred to it. ?I must also invite his two travelling companions, Mr Yuy and Mr Maxwell?s land steward Mr Barton. It states here that Mr Yuy has a letter of introduction to Papa, so when they come I shall invite them then. We shall have a dinner party.?
* - Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, published 1813
** - Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Published 1813
Next chapter will be by ~Sailor Celaeno~. Please don?t forget to let us know what you think by reviewing this story.
Thanks Sissi! I have to admit that I have a bit of a period clothing fetish, LOL. I love writing about them and am delighted that you enjoyed reading about it.