A/N: I have had this idea kicking around in my head for a while. I got my hands on an really old copy of The Illustrated Book of Flowers and kind of went from there. I really enjoyed writing this chapter!
BLACKTHORN AND MYRTLE
I.
It was quite warm for a spring day. The warmth of the sun had finally managed to overtake the cold bite of winter. It seemed as if the Earth had finally begun to wake. The sun was high in the sky, and the familiar rain clouds of spring were absent. Small purple and blue crocuses had started to push their way up through the dirt. And the tips of the trees were beginning to show bright green buds. Even the birds seemed awake and alert. Their tiny forms flitted between trees while building nests and singing their cheery songs. It would not be long before everything was in full bloom.
It was a perfect day for curling up in the sun, on a small cushion, with a new book. This was the exact thought of Jane Foster. The heavy drapes were drawn back, letting the sunlight filter into the small study. The large window was propped open letting a clean breeze in. Jane sat on a plump cushion, with her back up against the windowsill. Clasped in her small hands was a book, bound in black leather. The tips of the pages were flecked with gold. On the spine, in elaborate letters, was the name H.G. Wells. Jane had been trying for several days to finish her book. And today was the perfect opportunity to do just that. Under normal circumstances, she would have finished within a day at most. This was her first moment of peace and quiet. The disruption in her schedule was thanks to her wonderful friend, Darcy. Jane had been coerced into planning a gala with her friend. That type of event wasn't exactly Jane's cup of tea. Darcy, on the other hand, lived for any type of social function. Jane didn't see why so much effort should go into a party, but she found it hard to tell her friend no. Every detail had been completely planned out. Right down to the placement of decorations and the number of saffron crocuses per bouquet. It had been a complete nightmare, but they had finished by tea time the day before. Darcy was quite pleased with the plans the two women had made. A bouquet of small white bell-flowers had arrived for Jane earlier in the morning.
Gratitude.
The small note that accompanied the bouquet was signed in Darcy's familiar scrawl. The flowers sat in a plain vase on the windowsill next to Jane's head. Now she had a week before she had to worry about showing up. But for now, it was time to delve back into her story. Jane flicked a page in her book. She had read through the story much faster than she had anticipated. Jane smiled in anticipation, just a few more pages. The Traveler had just showed his guests proof of his travels, two flowers called Weena. It had been a gift from her uncle, right before she had been volunteered by Darcy as a party organizer.
"Jane?" A mellow voice floated into the room.
"Yes, Erik?" Her eyes never left the page. She was almost done, there would be no stopping her now.
Even footsteps creaked across the room towards her little haven of sunlight. "Jane, I would like to speak with you. It's very...important." Erik cleared his throat.
"Oh? What could be so important on a day like this?" Jane's brow crinkled. His tone was too formal, something was amiss. She stuck her thumb in the book to hold her spot before closing it over her hand.
Her godfather stood before her, hands clasped behind his back. He was trying hard to keep his face as neutral as possible. But his grey eyes gave his discomfort away. Jane had known him her entire life, the man had been her father's best friend. Which meant she could read almost every tell the older man had.
"Jane, dear, before I say too much and you get too cross with me, I want you to know that I say this out of love. I am getting on in years and only want the best for you-" His words were cut off by a gasp from Jane.
Her hand flew to her chest in surprise. They were having this conversation. What a good way to ruin a beautiful day.
Words started to tumble out of her mouth before she could stop herself. "Erik, you know that I do not wish to be-"
"I know," Eric interrupted her. "But I think it is time you at least start entertaining the idea. I have received correspondence from a respectable family and..." His voice trailed off as he looked down at Jane.
But she had forgone her book and was now moving to her feet. She straightened her skirt out of habit, making herself more presentable. She had known that this would happen at some point in her life. Erik had been generous enough to not push her into marriage at an early age, like many of her peers. He had understood how she wished to explore other venues before marriage. Her mind jumped to the different tutors she had over the last few years. She was very thankful for that, and also very lucky.
"I see." That was all she was able to say without completely losing control of her mouth again.
Erik held his breath for a moment before exhaling harshly. He was relieved that Jane was giving him a little leeway. "You deserve a little happiness, Jane. Like your parents found in each other. Something I wish I had found. I will not always be here. I would feel better knowing that you have found someone."
"And how am I to go about that with an arranged marriage?" Her tone was sharper than she meant for it to be. But she no longer cared. Erik had promised she would have a choice in the matter and now he was pushing her into this. This was hypocritical, and to bring up her parents. She could feel heat rising in her cheeks as the seed of anger flared in her stomach.
"You will still have some say, Jane." Jane scowled, she was unsure if she liked the sound of that. Erik could be quite cunning when he wanted to be.
She looked over his face prodding for any clues. Not finding anything, she had to give in and ask the question she didn't want the answer to. "Which family?"
"Ah," his voice had an air of nonchalance as if someone had asked him about the weather. "I received a letter from Frigga Odinson two days past."
Jane's eyes went wide. "But I thought that the eldest son was already betrothed to..." Oh heavens, no.
Erik shook his head. "Neither are spoken for. And their mother and I have agreed that you three may work it out for yourselves. It seems she is as soft as heart as I. They are the only family to inquire, and I wish to give you some choice."
Jane gulped. The two Odinson brothers, or as Darcy liked to call them The Rose and The Thorn. This was much worse than she could have ever expected. "Erik there is no way this can work. You can't possibly expect me to chose between those two clods!"
"Jane, please." Erik's voice was weary now. Jane scowled and balled her fists. She wouldn't stand for this. He couldn't do this to her.
"No! How could you do this?" Her scowl melted into anguish. She bunched her skirts up in her hands and stormed past the tall man. Tears threatened to break free from her dark lashes.
The pit of his stomach dropped. Erik had no intentions of bringing her to tears. "Jane, wait! Please let's talk through this!" But his voice fell on deaf ears.
Her skirts billowed behind her as she hurried towards a door to the outside. A gasp caught in her chest making her head spin. She could not do this, she would sooner become a spinster than marry one of those two. Jane's tall boots clacked on the stone path towards her favorite secluded stone bench. She had been moving so fast, she had made it all the way down to the gardens at one end of the estate. The damp bench began to soak through the outer shell of her thick wool skirt. The stone bench was shaded by an old wisteria plant. The gnarled trunk of the plant wound up over the old trellis that stood over the hidden spot. It was still too early in the season for it to bloom, but the fragrance they gave off were heavenly. She wiped at her eyes and took several deep calming breaths. How long had she sat here? Jane was unsure, it did not matter. Once her nose stopped running she would return to the house, she decided. And then she would tell Erik that she would choose neither. Reputation be damned, it was better than pure misery. Jane used her sleeve to wipe up her nose, it was ill dignified, but no one was here to see. She clenched her jaw and pushed herself off the bench. She could do this, she chanted to herself.
By the time she reached the wide French doors on the back veranda, her resolve began to wane. Jane's hands tugged at the front of her dress. It was a nervous habit she had developed as a child. She licked her lips before opening the door and slipping through. Erik was in the study still. He had taken a seat in a wing back chair in front of the fireplace. Her copy of 'The Time Machine' in his wide hands. She could tell by the glossy black cover. He had given it to her two days ago. Jane swallowed hard, the same day he had received a letter from Mrs. Odinson. She was sure that was no coincidence.
As she stepped into the room her godfather set the book on the small table beside the chair. "How do you like the book so far?" The question caught her off guard and froze the speech she had planned in her throat.
Her voice faltered. "Oh, I quite like it." He nodded in approval.
"I thought you might." Erik paused before continuing. It had been a jolt to his heart to see her react as she had. Part of him had expected the visceral reaction to his proposal. He knew that behind her demure facade lay a strong willed young woman. But to have her upset with him was more than he wanted to bear. She was the closest to family that he had and he had sworn to watch over her for as long as he was able. "Jane, I know you do not agree with this. But please, just hear what I have to say. Darcy is having a party soon; is that correct?"
Jane's eyebrows furrowed, she had an inkling of where this was going. "She is. We spent all week organizing the entire affair."
"Excellent. I have a proposal." His grey eyes twinkled, which could only mean he had been planning while she was gone. "I will escort you to this celebration, and I will arrange to have the young men invited as well. We can get introductions out of the way, and then you will give me a month. Just a month of courting. If you do not like them after a month, I will not force you. But please, try for me Jane."
Jane's mouth had popped open in protest but she shut it with a quick click of her teeth. She mulled over the pros and cons in her mind. Only a month, that couldn't be too terrible, could it? If she didn't agree with them, she could say no. The only possible drawback was having to play along with the rules of courtship. The corner of her mouth twitched downward into a small frown. That part was on the unsavory side.
"I can agree to that." Her voice sounded loud in the quiet room. Erik clapped his hands, and hefted himself out of the chair.
"Excellent! I will send off the appropriate correspondence!" He gave her a grin and strode towards the door, he would be heading to his private office.
A small sigh slipped through her lips, and she ran the verbal agreement over in her head. Thank goodness Erik would take care of the leg work for the moment. Which would mean sending letters to both the Odinson's and to... Darcy.
"Oh my goodness," she bemoaned. They would have to ask Darcy to send out the appropriate invitations. Which would mean, by tomorrow, Jane would be the brunt of all kinds of razing. She ran her hand over her face. This next month may be the death of her in one way or another.
She snatched the black book off the table next to Erik's chair, and headed back to the window. Jane tugged it shut, making sure it was securely latched. With an oof, Jane flopped down on the cushion to finish her book. Might as well make use of the little bit of sunlight before the sun went down. Her fingers flipped to the page where she had left off. Goodness knows she wouldn't get a moment of peace after tomorrow.
It was a somber, grey morning the next day. The large lawns were under a blanket of fine, wispy mist. No rain had fallen during the night, but everything was still damp. The birds outside Jane's window were more subdued; fitting for the weather. She rolled over under her large quilt. She didn't want to get up. Darcy would have gotten the letter from Erik by now. Jane groaned into her pillow. Maybe she just needed to nip this in the bud with Darcy. That was the best way to decrease the potential prodding. Jane shoved the blankets back, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Before her feet could touch the floor, she slipped on her small pair of slippers. After stretching out the sleepiness from her bones, she went to wash her face. The cold water of the basin did the trick, and Jane suddenly felt more awake. She slipped into a light robe and undid the clip holding her hair. Waves of chocolaty brown hair fell on her shoulders. Jane sat down at her modest vanity. A few small bottles, a small tin of rouge, and a few other small things dotted the vanity top. She picked up the small hair brush off the sparsely filled station. A small smile brushed her lips as she turned it in her hands. It had been her mother's, a small but meaningful treasure.
A small rap on the door snapped her out of her introspective moment. "Come in." Jane's soft voice replied. The door racked open and a round face poked through.
"Brought you some tea and a small breakfast, Jane, dear." The door bumped open and a plump woman in grey and white pushed through. A plain wooden tray gripped in her hands.
Jane smiled brightly. "Thank you, Molly." She definitely needed a cup of breakfast tea. The older woman bustled about the room, pulling out a new dress for the day. Jane sipped at her tea, and began to nibble on her toast. After a few bites she went back to brushing through her hair. She wanted to ensure no tangles had made their way into the fine threads during the night.
Molly gave her a sideways look before going to fuss with the covers on the bed. "So I have heard there is going to be a spring celebration at Ms. Darcy's in a week." It was a not so vague attempt at asking Jane about her courtship arrangement. Jane wrinkled her nose, and looked at the older woman in the mirror.
"Yes. Unfortunately. Along with some unforeseen additions to the situation." Molly smiled, but didn't look up from her task. Her nimble hands moved quickly to remake the bed. Once everything was back in place, she walked over, and gently took the brush out of Jane's hand.
"Sounds like quite the venture," the Governess hummed happily.
Jane sniffed. "I suppose." It was far to early to have this conversation even if it was with someone as pleasant as Molly. Luckily, Molly took the hint and stopped her gentle prodding. Instead she set to braiding Jane's hair, and twisting it into a bun. She finished by securing the simple hairstyle with a golden pin.
"There you go, dear. Ready to get dressed?" Jane nodded as she took one last gulp of tea.
She stood and walked over to the dressing screen. Jane stripped off her robe and her night dress, tossing them over the top of the screen. The cold air nipped at her skin, and she nimbly grabbed the dress that Molly had selected. It was a modest dress as most of Jane's dresses were. Made of heavy material with buttons everywhere and matching overcoat with a lacy collar. Molly must have guessed that she would be heading to Darcy's for the day. After being buttoned in, Molly gave her a once over before letting Jane go back to her cool cup of tea.
The last of the tea and another slice of toast disappeared. "Thank you, Molly." Jane smiled warmly and picked up the tray. Molly tutted, took the tray from Jane's hands, and whisked it out of the room. The Governess couldn't afford to dawdle all day. Jane followed after a few moments. She needed to say good morning to Erik before she left for Darcy's home.
Erik was in the study propped up in the familiar wing backed chair. He was sipping on a cup of tea as she strode into the room. "Morning, Erik."
He set down the cup, and smiled at the brunette. "Good morning, Jane. Sleep well?" Jane nodded. Her feathers were still ruffled from yesterday, and hadn't quite gotten over the irritation. "I have already gotten a letter back from our dear Darcy. She is more than happy to add a few more to the guest list."
He was quite pleased with the way things were falling into place. Jane gave him another nod. "That is generous of her." She felt like wringing Darcy's neck. And Erik's too, for that matter.
"I suspect you are going to see her today?" Jane usually opted for a casual look when she stayed at her own home. This was dressy for her.
"Yes, thought I could get the brunt of the gossip out of the way early. I should return late in the afternoon."
Jane could feel the irritation fading as she focused on the short trip ahead. She gave Erik a quick peck on the top of his dirty blonde hair before saying farewell. Molly had already called for the small carriage, and it was waiting at the front of the house. Jane greeted the driver (who was also the groundskeeper) with a warm hello. The sun was finally beginning to burn off the overcast weather. Another warm day looked like it was on it's way.
Darcy almost jumped out of her skin when Jane walked in the drawing room. A large and terrible smile plastered across her face. Jane was oh-so familiar with that look. It only meant social pain and misery for her. Darcy rushed to her and gave her a tight hug and a squealed into her ear. Jane tried to give her back an excited look, but failed poorly.
"Oh come on, Jane! You should be excited! Every other girl in town will be green with envy, I know I am." Jane gave Darcy a pleading look. She hadn't thought that every other girl would be out for her blood after the news spread. And now that Darcy knew, that meant that half the country already knew. "You need to tell me everything!"
The excited girl grabbed Jane by the elbow, and dragged her over to the day sofa. Jane steadied herself, and waited for her friend to settle down. "Well," she said apprehensively. "Erik received a letter from Mrs. Odinson three days ago now." Darcy gasped. "But he and I agreed on a test period. A month for me to decide."
"Decide on which one?" Darcy interrupted. "How could you possibly choose? They are both quite good looking." She had a distant look in her eyes. "I suppose each has their merits in the personality department."
Jane almost snorted. That was putting things lightly. "Well, not only that, but to decide if I wish to go through with..." She glanced at her friend, her hands knotted in her lap.
Darcy gave her a wolfish smile and patted her knee. "Oh I know, darling. But I don't think you will be able to resist. Especially after you talk to The Rose." Her words had a sardonic edge.
The Rose. Thor Odinson. The eldest of the brothers. He was reportedly warm, talkative, charismatic, and ever so charming. It was the charming part that was the most lethal. His charms and flirtations were rumored to have wooed many a female. For better or for worse, usually for the worse. And Jane had managed to stay on the fringes of his attention, up until now that was.
Jane rubbed her hand over her face. "I think I need a cup of tea," she muttered. Darcy flashed another brilliant smile, and called to a maid stationed outside the room.
"Of course, Jane. Anything to calm those nerves and senses." Jane could have throttled her friend. The sarcasm wasn't lost on her. "So I have set to sending out the invitations today."
Thank goodness Darcy had decided to change the subject and spare Jane the humiliation. "Oh that is good news." Jane replied politely, trying to calm her annoyance. The maid had brought her a cup of herbal tea, and she concentrated on sipping the hot liquid. She inhaled deep, her nose filled with the sent of rose hips and chamomile. Just what she needed, to ease her tensions. Darcy was well meaning, but would never pass an opportunity to tease when available. Especially when it was at Jane's expense. Jane suspected Darcy enjoyed making her face turn shades of red. Getting Jane to snort at inopportune times was another favorite of hers. Anything to add to the embarrassment. The reality was that Jane disliked drawing attention to herself. The less attention and affection she drew, the better. Particularly in the company of gentlemen. It gave her time for things more dear to her heart than courtship and marriage. Reading troves of books and star gazing were just a few of the things she valued most. Her self-reliance was at the top of that list though.
Darcy had started chatting about her current romance. Jane listened idly, nodding at the right points, sipping her tea whenever she could. But her heart and ears weren't in the one sided conversation. Her thoughts were on Darcy's extravagant party, which was now in six days. Six days until her ordeal began. She glanced up at Darcy who had a goofy, lovesick grin on her face. At least Darcy would be a good distraction. She was bound to talk Jane into trying on various dresses from her closet. Jane would probably be prodded into helping with the set up of the party as well. Jane sighed, and bit her lip. That would be a good distraction wouldn't it? A distraction. Or an early end to her life.
A/N: There we are! Would love to get some feedback on this! And a quick recap of the flowers mentioned in here and some meanings! (I will try to keep this updated because I may not include definitions as I go.)
Small white bell-flowers ... Gratitude.
Saffron crocuses ... Mirth.
Weena ... Fictional flowers from H. G. Wells' The Time Machine.
Wisteria ... Heart to endure. Lost love.