Disclaimer: Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of Jane Austen.
Dedicated: To Courtney621.
At the Beginning
Another London season... Another ball... Another request to dance...
The first inkling Frederick Tilney has that tonight might be different is when his invitation is accepted without the naivete blushes or coy smiles he's so used to inspiring. Instead, he is simply given a polite smile and a gracious nod of the head. Curiosity tickles him.
Standing opposite Mary Crawford as the set forms, he observes the disinterest in her countenance as she glances about the room before the music strikes up. Acting on impulse, the gentleman opens their conversation with forthrightness instead of flirtatiousness. (Unbeknownst to him, this is his second hint.)
"I only dance with the most handsome woman in the room."
Dark eyes meet his light ones.
"And I only dance with elder brothers of viscountesses."
In the lady's smirk Frederick sees the possibility of a new path opening before him. And rather than dismiss it, he considers. Miss Crawford is an intriguing woman.
Father would be equally pleased with and confused by her, a voice sounding like his brother predicts.
Returning Mary's smirk, Frederick takes her hand and they join the dance.
THE END