TITLE: Letters from the Country
AUTHORS: Brenda Shaffer-Shiring and Kathleen Speck. (Kathy wrote the Torres letters, Brenda the Chakotay ones.)
RATING: G (all audiences)
CODES: C/T AU
DISCLAIMER: Paramount owns the characters, but we don't think they can reasonably lay claim to these situations. Jane Austen, however, might have some grounds to contact her solicitor.
AUTHORS' NOTE: Once again we tip our hats to Henry Darrow (portrayer of Kolopak) for having a name that seems ideally suited to an English lord! In addition to all our other situational embroideries, herein we've slightly modified the ages of some canon characters in relation to one another: Chakotay and Tom Paris, both in their early 30s, are contemporaries, while Kathryn Janeway is slightly younger. Others you can figure out as you go.
SUMMARY: In a very different universe from the one we know, Belle Torres is in love with her guardian, Lord Chakotay. Will he ever learn of -- much less share -- her feelings? Written for "Die J/C Die" 2005.

From Miss Belle Anna Torres, Dorvan House, to Miss Kessandra Lien, London
19 April 18--

Dearest Kessie,

It is difficult to believe that we have completed our entire course of studies at Miss Barrett's School for Young Ladies. The most unbelievable part is that we were allowed to graduate at all. Of course, Mrs. Grayson, our beloved housemother, never caught us out in our most outrageous escapades! It is a good thing we were roommates and both of us were good at climbing that blasted ivy.

My dear guardian, Lord Chakotay, has given me permission to attend your coming-out ball in two months. And I am to have a new gown for the occasion. The Earl has plans to be in London that week already, so he said he will escort me that evening. I am sure your mother will be delighted to have Lord Henry Darrow in attendance.

Now to the biggest news. Chakotay has proposed to Lady Kathryn Janeway, older daughter of the late Admiral Edward Janeway. He served with Wellington, and Lord Chakotay served under the admiral whilst in the Royal Navy.

Kessie, I simply cannot stand the woman; and I am sure the feeling is mutual. Absolutely nothing I do is satisfactory. She is forever reminding me of matters such as "A well-brought up young lady would always wear a proper habit when riding. Speaking of which, she would always ride sidesaddle, never astride." When Chakotay is not around, she bosses me around as if she were already the Countess of Dorvan. Lord Henry is still alive and she isn't married to Chakotay yet! Honestly, it is just too much.

Speaking of marriage, she is already hinting to Chakotay -- and making outright statements to me when he is not around -- that since I have completed my education, I should find a situation that will support me because I will not be welcome when she is the lady of the manor. Can you imagine me a governess?

And she is so snide in her comments. Always commenting on how lucky I am that Chakotay was willing to take in a waif like me without a respectable background. I know my father was a naval officer under Chakotay, and my mother was his mistress. I do not need to be reminded that I was luckier than I deserve that my father acknowledged me when she died, or that Chakotay was willing to take me in when my father died. I also do not need to be reminded that I will doubtlessly not make a good match, such as I am sure a pretty blonde like you will make (especially with that title your father has and the cash your mother brought to the match).

I wish I dared to remind her that she is marrying someone whose background is not much better. You remember the story, of course. When Lord Henry went away all those years ago to the Caribbean Islands, he also took a native girl as a mistress and she died in childbirth. Lord Henry brought the babe back to England with him, and dear Lady Eleanor not only took her husband back, she accepted the child as well. I remember her; she gave me treats and a pretty blue dress.

This is the man she has agreed to marry, yet she objects to me. The woman has no sense of honour. She also is patently unable to ride. She only goes for carriage rides with the young groom Lord Henry hired for the new position. I do not require young Harry Kim as I learned how to drive a team years ago, as you should remember from that time we --well, I am sure you remember!

Chakotay and Lady Kathryn will also attend your deb ball, so you will see for yourself how she is. I must dash if I am to make the post.

Your dear friend,
Belle