Hey everyone ! I've had this fanfiction in my computer for quite a long time now and I thought I might as well post it here. As you might know by now, I'm not a native speaker, plus I tried to wright in « Jane Austen » style, so there might be some mistakes. Oh, and if you have seen « Northanger Abbey » (the movie with Felicity Jones) you may recognize the conversation between Jane and Franck during their dance.
Anyway, enjoy the story and don't forget to review.
WEYMOUTH
CHAPTER I : FIRST IMPRESSION
Jane Fairfax had always been described as a handsome, accomplished young woman. Everywhere she went, everybody would praise her. She would always be grateful to the Campbells to have taken her with them after the death of her parents. She could not have wished for more amiable and dear friends, they were almost like her second family. The Campbells had decided to spend a few weeks in Weymouth, which was as famous as Bath for its society and baths and Jane had gone with them.
The ball room was noisy; everyone had something to say to someone of their acquaintance even if the subjects of discussion were not quite so interesting. Rumours and gossips formed the majority of talks in towns.
Jane and Miss Campbell listened absent-mindedly the various talks while drinking and eating. The society in Weymouth was elegant, noble, distinguished and only the best of families were present tonight. The number of people here was too much for Jane's comfort for her constitution and temper required peace and quiet more than parties and nonsensical talks.
"What a beautiful house", commented Miss Campbell while looking at the main-room.
Miss Campbell was a beautiful young woman, heir of the fortune of the Campbells for she was their only daughter. During all the years that Jane had spent with the Campbells, their daughter had been just like a sister for Jane.
"Indeed, it is", replied Jane. "The Radcliffes seem to be an elegant family."
"They are, according to my father. He always talks very highly of them."
"You are quite right. I remember once, they were invited to spend Christmas with us but they were not able to come."
"Indeed, I remember the occasion. And we were so disappointed... oh here comes my father. But who is this young man with him?"
Colonel Campbell was indeed followed by the handsomest man that Jane had ever seen.
He was wearing a blue coat of the latest fashion. He seemed to walk carelessly around the room. When they reached Miss Campbell and Jane, he smiled gallantly at the two young women.
"Mr Churchill, let me introduce you to my daughter Miss Campbell, and our good friend Miss Fairfax."
Miss Campbell and Jane greeted their new acquaintance with a bow.
"This is Mr Churchill, Mrs Churchill's nephew."
"It is a pleasure to meet you", he said with a slow movement of his head and a smile.
"And", added the Colonel, "I have to introduce you to our friend Mr Dixon."
The two men were soon out of their sight and Jane and Miss Campbell resumed their previous activity: small talks about the party and all the projects they had during their stay in Weymouth.
A few moments later, the music started and soon Mr Dixon was asking Miss Campbell to dance. Jane knew that a young man would ask her to dance soon. They always did. And Jane, always goo tempered and keen to dance, was quick to answer yes. She loved to dance, and a simple dance was harmless after all. However, she was quite surprised when Mr Churchill came and asked her to dance for she did not think he would come to her first. "Yes" was the answer of Miss Fairfax and they soon joined the crowd.
The music started and they began to dance.
"How long have you been in Weymouth, Miss Fairfax?" asked Mr Churchill.
"About two weeks, Sir."
"And how do you like the city?"
"Very much, there are many choices of activities here."
"Indeed. Do you like the theatre, Miss Fairfax?"
"I do, Sir. I like it very much, but I quite prefer the opera."
"Really? Am I to understand that you enjoy music?"
"Indeed, Sir. I am very found of it."
"I like it very much myself. Do you play any instrument, Miss Fairfax?"
"Yes, Sir. I play the pianoforté."
"Well, I have to listen to you play", he said as the song ended.
"If you wish, I shall play one day."
Mr Churchill took her hand and they walked away from the crowd. Once near Miss Campbell, Mr Churchill answered that he would be delighted to hear her play and he took leave with one last smile.