Summary: The first meeting of Emma and Mr. Knightly.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, nothing at all. Poor me.
Archive: Unblocked, Hyacinth Gardens, The Start Palace. Anyone else just ask.
Authors notes: This was written for the Snippets challenge at HG.
Thanks: To Sarah and Jenn for the beta and Cindy C. who said the title as a joke, but I couldn't think of anything else.
"Hurry George!" the voice of my younger brother called through the door. "You must hurry or Mama will be there long before us, and Mrs. Woodhouse said I could hold the baby!"
Grabbing hold of my riding crop, I left the relative safety of my room and placed myself at the mercy of John.
"And what does the one have to do with the other?"
"If Mama gets there before us, she won't give the baby up till we leave." John said this as if the newest Woodhouse was a treasure worthy of the King and that holding the child was an honor of a lifetime.
As for myself, well, babies do have their place in the grand scheme of things, but have long failed to have any impact on my life. Oh yes, they have had no impact and, unlike that fool Gregory Smithson, will not have an impact for a good many year. I mean really, the freedoms of school should not give a man leave to rut with any pretty face he sees. A quick tumble when you must, yes. But an on going affair with every barmaid in town, what did he think would happen?
"Here John, you'll kill yourself if you try to mount him like that."
"I can do it my self George. I know how to ride." Good Lord, younger brothers.
"Oh yes, I know that. You were the one who begged Father to let you ride David for the visit. Told him that I would look after you without even asking me." A sudden idea struck me, "I think you just want to impress Isabella."
"I DO NOT!"
Pulling myself onto Goliath, I took a quick start out of the yard.
" I do not like Isabella Woodhouse! Take it back!"
"Mrs. Isabella Knightley. Yes I think it would suit her well."
"George stop it!"
"When should I wish you joy?"
"I'll get you George Knightley."
"Ha!"
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"But really Knightley, the boys' looks are much changed. And with years of school left! If you push him to keep on, it might just kill him."
"Come Woodhouse. You and I both went to school and survived. I'm sure George will do the same."
"But, you must think of the way illness spreads now days…"
No thank you. Even I don't find my heath that fascinating.
"But aren't you scared to be up so high John?"
"Oh no Isabella, David isn't tall. I wanted a horse like George's Goliath, but the thought worried Mama so. I felt I should honor her wishes."
My brothers courtship, Ha! As if John would say to his lady-love that really he begged to keep his pony, but Father told him it was time to learn to ride a real horse. And David was the smallest one that could be found.
Lord but if Robert Wheaton could have come back to Donwell with me as we planed. At least there would have been some sane conversation. But I would be throwing myself at my Fathers good graces if I needed as much money as he did. How on earth could Robert have lost so much at cards! Really, if you can't afford to lose then don't play. All it takes is a small sum set aside from your allowance, say a pound or so, then what ever you win goes into you card purse. There are times I think I'm the only one on campus with any sense at all. Why even Professor Palmer has been reprimanded for being drunk too many times. Of course it was only after that Munsgrove boy had died. But still…
"This was at Mrs. Bracknal's. It was quite a to-do."
"Well, I have told Mr. Woodhouse that Isabella will be taught here. A governess was perfectly fine for me and it will be fine for the girls. Miss Taylor is a wonderful fit. Such a gentlewoman!"
How much longer will we be here? It almost makes me wish I were back at school. No babies there and women only opened their mouths for one thing.
"George! You haven't held the baby yet."
"No Mama, I have not." Nor do I wish to.
"Well you must! Here, gently."
"Do watch her head."
"Yes, Mrs. Woodhouse. I have a good hold on her."
"Oh, is it not a sweet picture Julia?"
"It is indeed."
A drunken stupor would be helpful now. I must attend more to Professor Palmer next term.
"Just think Julia, it won't be too many years before it could be his own."
"I beg your pardon Mrs. Woodhouse, but I don't think so."
Good Lord! They're giggling.
"And what makes you say that? Don't you think your Father will set an allowance for you that would support a wife?"
Time to pour on the charm. "But Mrs. Woodhouse consider the young ladies in the area. Miss Bates is too old, Miss Weston is to be wed soon and if I courted Isabella I think I would have to fight my brother for her. Alas, my only choice is to wait for little Emma to grow up."
I was able to hand the baby back to her mother and release myself from that particular level of hell.
Now if only I could be back home with that bottle of French wine I brought back from school in one hand and the upstairs maid in the other. After putting up with all this nonsense I deserve it. Its not like Emma Woodhouse will be anything to me.
