A/N: Wow. Your responses were really encouraging! To say that I've succeeded in creating a Jane-like atmosphere is crazy! Thank you for your feedback and kind words. I've been mulling this next chapter in my head for a while now…and this is what I've come up with…hope you like it, and enjoy!
I don't own Glee or Jane Austen or anything to do with either.
The very first time Rachel Berry spoke to Mr. Finley Hudson happened a month before she turned sixteen. She was making a trip into town all on her own – she had become very persuasive through the years and used her new skill to convince her father that making trips without accompaniment were not foolish or dangerous, but rather, healthy and important for an independently minded woman like herself - to purchase some new fabric and ribbons.
The wealthy Lady Fabray was hosting an evening ball for her daughter Quinn's coming out to society, and more importantly, her becoming readily available for potential affluent, handsome suitors. Quinn was three months Rachel's elder, but in many ways seemed three decades her superior. For everything that Rachel lacked in appearance and demeanor, Quinn exceeded in tenfold. For years, Rachel considered her the perfect beauty with her angel-like fair hair and dancing green eyes. She had a thin, but lengthy frame and delicate, porcelain skin. Rachel watched – always from a distance – as boys, who once thought girls to be silly and irritating, began to fawn over the fair Quinn Fabray, practically jousting each other for her attention. Quinn was always very well aware of her beauty and did nothing to discourage the boys' affections. In fact, she reveled in it, taking advantage of the boys' foolish kindness to her. Rachel liked to believe that given a similar situation, she would never be as cruel, but much to her dismay, it was a prediction that was never put to examination.
Rachel was actually quite surprised that her presence, the estranged, peculiar girl of the town, was requested to such an event. She attributed the invitation to Quinn's mother who always had a bit of a soft spot for her, the daughter of Lady Fabray's late acquaintance. Now - do not misunderstand - there was never a visible relationship between the two, but every now and then, the wealthy matriarch would extend her thinly laced hand in a courteous greeting. Mercedes was always shocked to hear of the two's interactions. She had informed Rachel – in no uncertain terms – that the woman generally held someone like Rachel in great contempt and could not be bothered to even acknowledge such a person. While Rachel was behooved by Lady Fabray's attitude towards her, she rarely questioned it and gratefully accepted the polite gestures from the woman.
Thus, Rachel found herself with an elegant invitation, beckoning her to attend the social event of the season. Not being one to turn down an invite, she frantically tore through her wardrobe, hoping to find a gown adequate enough for such a prestigious event. With great disappointment, Rachel failed to locate such a gown. Mr. Berry, with a twinkle an his eye, pulled her aside to give her a monetary gift, claiming that it was an early birthday present. He urged her to find fabric and ribbons fit for a princess, and he would arrange for the material to be made in the finest dress that a girl of almost sixteen could ever imagine. Rachel gleefully kissed her father, made preparations for her trip to the town, and on the following afternoon, began her journey.
Rachel made her way down the weathered paths, singing a beloved Irish ballad to a wide open landscape.
Thou bonnie wood of Craigielee/Thou bonnie wood of Craigielee/Near thee I've spent life's early day/And won my Mary's heart in thee/
The broom, the brier, the birken bush/Bloom bonnie on thy flow'ry lea/And a' the sweets that ane can wish/Frae Natur's hand are strew'd on thee/
Her song was abruptly stopped when she heard soft clapping behind her. Startled, her hand flew to her breast, and she turned and looked every which way searching for the source of the noise.
"Wh-who is there?" Rachel tried to dismiss the shakiness of her voice and continued. "I demand to know." She stomped her foot for emphasis, and her eyes grew wide as a tall, broad figure came into view.
"I-I beg your pardon, miss. I mean no harm. I just – I was listening. Forgive me for being so forward, but you sing very well." The young man's hands were sheepishly occupying the pockets of his trousers, and a blush crept to his cheeks. He extended a hand. "I am Finley Hudson."
Rachel eyed the hand warily before letting him take her own. He brushed his lips over her fingers, and for a very brief moment, she reveled in the feel of his lips on her skin. Realizing her reaction, she quickly pulled her hand away and looked down at her feet before looking back up into his questioning eyes.
"I am well aware of who you are, Mr. Hudson. Your father's Colonel Hudson. Your mother and Lady Fabray are very well acquainted with another. You are practically engaged to her daughter, and you pay little attention to persons such as myself. Anything else you fancy divulging, Mr. Finley Hudson?"
The young man stared at Rachel, mouth gaping and eyes wide in disbelief. His eyes narrowed and met Rachel's challenging gaze. "As a matter of fact, there is. I much prefer Finn to Finley. I am not engaged to Miss Fabray – although I am courting her. My father is a general not a colonel. My mother finds Lady Fabray to be dull, pompous, and a little cruel. And though because of your insults, you probably do not deserve my acknowledgement, I do – despite your belief – know exactly who you are, Miss Rachel Berry."
Rachel's face flushed prettily, and her next words came out softly. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Hudson. It seems I had prejudices about you that are clearly mistaken. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness. Though I am perfectly content with my naturally bold demeanor, I was terribly impolite to you. Nurse Sylvester always tells me my tongue will get me into trouble." Rachel sighed before continuing, "I truly regret my rash outburst."
Finn nodded curtly. "Yes, well. Now I remember why I – as you so kindly put it – pay little attention to persons like yourself. Good day, Miss Berry." He paused before adding, "And though it pains me to say it, you sing like an angel."
Rachel let out a little gasp as he swiftly turned and walked away. Her eyes blurred with unwanted tears, and she wondered if what she was feeling was akin to heartbreak. This young man made her feel so much – even more so than usual. What she would give to take back her cruel words and accept his initial admiration with poise and grace. Suddenly the thought of attending a gathering honoring the esteemed Quinn Fabray made her stomach churn with uneasiness. Mr. Hudson had confirmed that he was, in fact, very acquainted with Ms. Fabray and just picturing encountering him again made her cheeks redden in shame.
Will I ever learn to hold my tongue? What had possessed me to make such an unattractive fool of myself? In front of Finn Hudson – of all people – one of the most handsome and respected young men of the town?
Still, Rachel was nothing, if not determined. She finished her trip to town albeit with less gumption than before. She entered the dress shop and began her search for the perfect material. She realized she had one more person to impress, and she required the perfect dress to do just that.
"May I assist you in anything this fine day, Miss Berry?" Rachel spun around to come face to face with her acquaintance, Mr. Kurt Hummel. She grasped him in an impromptu hug that left him brushing off his impeccably clean dress shirt. Although they were not close, he was used to her unusual antics.
"Kurt Hummel! I am very glad to see you! I must have the ideal dress for Miss Fabray's ball. It is imperative that you help me!"
Kurt grinned widely. "There is not a thing I love more than designing evening wear. Come." He offered her his elbow which she gladly took, and they sauntered around the shop.
"I am elated that you have seen the error of your ways as far as your wardrobe is concerned! What has brought about this sudden change in fashion?" Kurt inquired.
"Well…I…there is someone that I offended with my foolish tongue – as you can relate." Kurt nodded empathetically – he, too, had an impulsive outspoken nature. Rachel grimaced before continuing, "I would like to leave him with a more favorable impression of me as I know for a fact he will be present at the party."
Kurt's eyebrows raised at the pronoun him and detected more than just remorse in her tone. "You fancy him." Rachel furiously shook her head. "And do you deny it?" Kurt's eyes shown gaily, and he sported a teasing smile.
"You are mistaken, friend. I do not fancy Mr. Hudson."
"I beg your pardon!" Kurt shrieked. "Mr. Hudson? As in – Mr. Finley Hudson, son of General Hudson and promised to the lady of honor at the party we are currently discussing? That Mr. Hudson?"
Rachel smirked. "He prefers Finn, actually. And he is not promised to Quinn Fabray. They are merely courting one another."
"Miss Rachel Berry, am I to assume that you not only insulted Mr. Hudson, the town's favorite young bachelor, but you possess feelings for the boy, as well?"
Rachel seethed. "Kurt, the only feelings I have for him are ones of remorse for my deplorable behavior."
Kurt clucked his tongue, skeptically. "I sense you are keeping certain information from me, but I must admit – I am intrigued. Let us find some fabric for you that is worthy of three Finn Hudsons!" And with a colorful flourish, he introduced her to some of the finest, most exquisite fabrics she had ever laid eyes on.
A/N: It was REALLY hard to limit Finn's vocabulary, because I wanted him to sound like someone who fit in with the times. I hope he still sounded somewhat believable. What I find amusing is I barely had to tweak Rachel and Kurt's vernacular, because it's totally how they talk on the show, anyway. Love it. If you guys have any suggestions, throw them my way! And I hope I have intrigued you guys…until next time!