Not finished my last story (Rain down on me) but will continue soon. Now something totally different:
Modern Anna/Bates. I thought about different situations how they could meet in modern days. Why not like how we got to know them? Through Acting! BC & Jofro both acted on stage before (and while) making films, so this could be a great opportunity for them. I was searching for a nice romantic play (not to familiar, because I don't know much about famous plays) and found 'The Feary's kiss". The internet doesn't say a lot about the plot, but I used the idea and info for this fanfic.
Disclaimer: I don't own Downton Abbey (by Julian Fellows) or The Faery's Kiss (by Bill Breuer). If you want to know more about the stage play you can just Google it, it is easily found.
Meeting the faery
Anna looked around in the street. Again she checked the address on her invitation. Even after hundreds of auditions she was still feeling nervous every time. A few other girls walked through the door on the other side of the street. They were probably her competitors for the part she was after.
When her agent had sent the script of this stage play, Anna had been surprised. She hadn't acted on stage a while. But when she'd read the script, she knew why the agent had sent it. It was wonderfully written and she didn't put it down until she was finished.
It was a really good story for adults as well as children. People of every age would be able to dream about this tale, a lovely romantic comedy. The synopsis made her fantasize about the possibilities, a real love story!
- When Thomas searches for his family roots he discovers that he's inherited a small manor house, on a hill in the British countryside that is rumored by the townsfolk to be haunted. Upon taking possession of the house he finds that it is inhabited not by ghosts, but by a woman who claims to be a real faery! Not the pixie or sprite of storybooks - she is a powerful, mischievous and a sexy woman who does not want him there. She is actively protecting a secret that others are trying to steal. While Thomas' is trying to fit in with the townspeople of a new country, she continually interferes with his efforts by often remaining invisible to everyone else and keeps his head in a spin with delightful mischief played upon his visitors... including a seductress and her accomplice who want to steal it all.. –
Anna really wanted the part of the Faery, but she knew there would be competition.
On the door was a white sheet of paper with some information:
The Faery Kiss
Today's auditions
Fay Sprite; Faery
Mrs. Corrigan; old housekeeper.
Mr. Chetham; lawyer who is after the estate
With a shaking hand she opened the door. After showing her invitation she was led to a waiting room with a bar. Some girls where chatting and some where busy reading their scripts. She was offered a drink, but she was afraid she would spill everything because of her shaking. She politely declined. Looking around, she noticed a few guys standing in a group. She knew one of them, Matthew Crawley. She walked up to him.
"Hi Matthew. For which part are you auditioning today?"
"Hello Anna! How nice to see you. Didn't know you where planning to do a stage play again. I'm trying for Mr. Chetham, the part of the lawyer, today. Unfortunately my favorite part was already taken."
"It would be nice to be in a play together, won't it? Do you know if other characters are already found?" Anna asked
"Yes, some one called Mary will be Miss Charlene and Elsie Hughes,.. you know,… that one from all the movies,.. she will play the housekeeper."
"O! I love Mrs. Hughes. It will be an honor to play beside her!" Anna was enthralled
"I know, so lets hope they take me!" Matthew made a funny face
Matthew had to go in for his audition and Anna decided her nerves had calmed enough to get a drink. She ordered a cider at the bar, when she recognized another actor. A few barstools away sat John Bates. She'd seen him on television a few times. He was quite famous for his roles in period dramas. She noticed to her surprise he looked even better off screen. His hair a bit messy, a few wisps of hair loose on his forehead. He didn't even look that old to her. He must be in his mid-forty's…
He caught her looking at him and smiled.
"Hello Fay," he said to her with a little smile.
"O,.. me? I'm sorry, my name isn't Fay, Mr. Bates." Anna blushed. Great! A famous actor, and he doesn't know my name,.. can I go kill myself?!
Still blushing, Anna held out her hand to introduce herself. He firmly took it in his. "I know, MISS Smith. But it will be, I'm sure."
Anna was a bit confused,.. So, he did know her name? But of course! The character she was auditioning for was called Fay! Good morning Anna…
Anna didn't know what to think of it. "Please, call me Anna"
"Only if you'll call me John," he said smiling.
Anna nodded. She noticed his crinkles when he smiled, she was sure he laughed a lot.
"Why do you think I'll be Fay? There are lot of pretty girls here today."
"That's true" John didn't look around, but kept his eyes on Anna. "...but I think the description fits you perfectly. – Attractive, full-grown woman, physically petite, energetic, cute, happy and carefree - ?"
Anna smiled. "Well, thank you John. But everything is not what it seems…" she looked mysteriously at him. What could he mean by giving her these compliments?
"You're certainly a mysterious creature Anna," he said before he leaped off his stool.
That was exactly what Anna was hoping for. A Faery must remain very mysterious to be loved, but never really known.
"Good day" was all he said before he walked away. OK, that was a bit weird. She wondered what he was doing here. If he is auditioning for the roll of Mr. Chetham, Matthew won't stand a chance. She felt sad thinking about it.
Half an hour later the director of the play, Mr. Robert Grantham, called Anna into the room. Anna felt cold and hot at the same time. She was rehearsing all the lines in her head. She was sure she would have a black out right on stage.
In the room sat four people. The director she knew, two other people she didn't know looking bored, and… Mr. Bates?! What was he doing here?
Mr. Grantham began. "Welcome Anna, thank you for taking an interest in this play. Can you tell us why you decided to audition today?" This was one of the questions of many to follow. After a few seconds her nerves faded and she felt really at ease - except when she was feeling Mr. Bates eyes on her. He didn't say much, mainly observed her.
After playing a few scenes Robert asked the last question. "What was your favorite scene when you read the script?"
Anna didn't have to think long. "Most definitely the scene near the ending. After the kiss, when Thomas looks in Fay's eyes and says 'Like the Kiss of a Muse... there's Magic in a Faery's Kiss!' O, I swooned!"
Mr. Bates was now chuckling because of the way she almost swooned while she told them.
Anna's eyes locked with his and suddenly he looked serious. He pretended to be coughing instead of laughing.
He's making fun of me, I ruined it! was all Anna could think of.
Robert Grantham thanked her for coming and walked her out. Anna just had to ask. "Why is Mr. Bates watching the auditions, will he be directing it with you?"
"O no my dearest girl. I wrote the part of Thomas for him. I always admired him and think this character will bring the best out of him" Robert responded.
"Yes,.. He always seemed a romantic figure to me..." Anna whispered. But there was no one to hear it, because Robert had already gone back in the room.
Anna walked out, running for the next tube, thinking Mr. Bates would play a lovely Thomas. And the audience will love this play. What was I thinking to audition for it?! To become a faery, his on-stage-lover… well, at least it's some more experience.
Anna was almost going into the tube station when she heard her name. "Anna! Anna, please wait!'
It was Robert Grantham.