-----------------
Scandalous!
by: Koneko
divinepheonix@hotmail.com
Genre: A Regency Romance -- Humor?
Season: Alternate Universe
Rated: PG-13
Standard disclaimer applies.
-----------------
Darien Shields looked into the distance, wondering when the sea would ever end. He had left England countless weeks before, and he had missed its shores from the moment he had left them. He always did. Turning his back from the endless water, he surveyed the large ship before him. They were making good time, would doubtless be back on land before schedule and this shipment would just add more money to the Shield's name. Silks and teas and spices from India, and porcelain and dolls from Japan and China, all of it, junk.
He snorted. The season was probably in its peak just about now. He would bet that there were already dozens of invitations sitting in his town house just waiting for him to open them. He would cause a stir if he went, and then all of the matchmaking momma's would be after him again.
Perhaps he could just go back to Kellingshire and wait the season out there, sitting up at night reading a book and watching his lands and taking care of his tenants. That would be better than this endless waste of water, carrying the goods of England back and forth across the seas.
He would not stop in Kellingshire, could not take a rest or a break. He ran a no-longer-so-cultured hand through his jet black hair before moving back into action and towards the galley. Time to alert the crew--he could smell a storm.
* * *
"How much longer is this going to take, Mina?"
Mina giggled as she took in the woman standing in front of her. It would be so amusing to see the ton react to someone so different, so unique. She had it all planned out, now she just needed the help from her key actress.
"As long as it should. You will look absolutely gorgeous."
Serena rolled her eyes and resumed the 'position' as she had official dubbed it. In other words, arms akimbo, head up, and waist further cinched in than her grandmother's eyes. She sighed, she was at the mercy of the Lady before her and she didn't have much of a choice. At any moment, she knew, Mina Ashings could revoke her care, and she would be back on the streets again with still no idea on how to get back home.
After three days of being stuck in this time, Serena had finally accepted that she was going to have to deal with these regency characters for an indefinite period. In other words, she would have to learn their customs, act like them, and even, she wrinkled her nose, dress like them. At least she still had her sneakers. She could deal with it if she kept her sneakers.
She still couldn't get over the uncanny resemblance between herself and her caregiver. That resemblance was what had launched the ridiculous idea the woman was now indulging in. She should have realized from the start that all participation with this person would result in no good and yet… she had agreed and now she was in for it.
"It will be most amusing," Mina had whispered while trying to talk her into the gamble. Amusing my foot, Serena thought to herself as the incompetent seamstress assistant once again poked her with a pin. And having to deal with all of the non-foods these people ate wasn't even the worst of it. The worst was that they expected her to live on three grams of food a meal!
She had taken to raiding the kitchen late at night.
"Don't look so glum, Serena." Mina piped up, her skirts swishing as she dismissed the woman. "You'll look wonderful as soon as we can get someone in here who knows what they're doing. No one will ever guess. Now, my brother will be getting home very soon and I want to have you ready before then, he'll be your first test! So, we have a lot of work to do. Oh get down from there."
At this point, Serena was used to the constant string of topics Mina covered as she spoke with everyone. Originally she had been completely confused leaving her almost twin having to deal with a 'slow American' until she had finally gotten the hang of it. Stepping down from the pedestal, she looked wryly over at the Lady. "I still don't understand why you want to do this."
"A few reasons, none of which I'm sure would interest you in the least. Besides, I can see those old hens, les grandes dames, in the twitter that you'll cause! Well, that color won't do at all."
"It's a funny mind you have."
"Why thank you. Now, we have to decide on what you're going to wear to your first ball. Do you like the blue or the pink better?"
* * *
Serena squirmed in her seat and pushed around the food on her plate before looking up at Mina and then turning back towards the mush that used to be her dinner. The plan still had about a week until it began and she was beginning to get restless.
"Alright, that's enough. Come on, I need to do something."
She pulled Mina behind her as she made her way up the stairs and to her room before depositing the very confused Countess onto a chaise and opening her suitcase. Pulling out a pair of gray sweat pants, tank top, and a sports bra, she turned excited blue eyes onto the person before her. Turning around, Serena pointed to the laces and began counting down the moments until the dress would be off and she could be comfortable again.
Mina made a snorting noise, but got up and began taking off the dress. "I don't know why you're making me do this," she muttered, "We have perfectly capable servants who are paid to do just this sort of thing."
Serena pulled in a hefty breath as the dress fell to the floor and grinned. She swiftly pulled off her chemise and donned the sports bra and shirt. Laughing at the horrified look of the woman in front of her, she put on the pants and an extra pair of socks and sneakers.
"What the devil are you doing, Serena?" came the voice of Mina's confusion.
"I'm preparing to get back into shape, and there's nothing that you can do but help me. So come on, to the music room!"
"The music room..?"
Mina allowed herself to be dragged once more around the house and finally ended the tirade plopped onto the plush chair for the piano. She looked up dazedly and tried to discover what in the world the crazy woman in front of her—dressed so scandalously, why that shirt was tighter than her chemise!—wanted her to do.
"Well, come on Mina, play!"
Still a bit dazed, she placed her hands onto the keyboard and began a nice relaxing Beethoven piece. Closing her eyes, she ignored the grunts made by the crazy woman and felt the move of the keys beneath her hand. She heard screeching of wood against wood and heavy breathing but still continued to play until her damnable curiosity won out.
She opened her eyes and took in the music room. All of the instruments and furniture besides the piano were pressed against the wall and Serena was breathing deeply and looking about with a satisfied expression on her face. Mina watched with interest as she pulled her long blond hair into a tight bun and fastened it with a strange round contraption.
"Nice playing. Really, it was good, but if you could play something a bit more upbeat from now on, that would be great."
Mina rolled her eyes but decided to indulge her in this, curiosity again. Resolving to keep her attention settled on the woman in front of her moving in strange motions… "What are you doing?"
"Stretching." Serena responded, as if that would explain everything.
Mina refrained from snorting.
"Well, come on Mina. Play already, and remember, upbeat!"
As Mina began the tune, her eyes widened as she took in what the woman was doing. Her legs lifted and fell in kicks so powerful Mina was sure that she would be able to best any of the gentlemen in the boxing ring. Her surprise and interest did not overlay her music, however, and she watched the scene in awe.
* * *
"Good day, Lord Kunzite."
Kunzite bowed, his long silver hair falling over his shoulder as he swept down and came back up. He gave a half smile at his addressor, "Good day, Lord Shields. I am glad to see you came back to England safely. How is your life as a merchant?"
Darien heard the sneer and chose to ignore it. He sat down onto one of the plush seats in the club and ordered a Brandy. Carefully, he opened a newspaper and peered over its edge. "The life is fine. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that my sister's dowry has now grown to an even larger size; that is what you wanted to know, is it not?"
There was a slight chuckle on the other end of the discussion, whether accepting or disagreeing with the statement, Darien knew not. He continued reading until the man interrupted him again.
"I did not know that you were keeping a guest, if you could, please, tell me about her?"
Darien stopped reading but kept the newspaper up. Smoothly, he grasped the offered Brandy and took a sip before turning his attention to the Lord before him. He raised an eyebrow, "A guest?"
"Oh, is she just a curiosity of Countess Ashings? I must say, my Lord, your sister has great taste."
Darien did not respond, but instead turned the page of his newspaper. He continued pretending to read until he heard the sounds of Lord Kunzite getting up and leaving. He folded the newspaper and set it on the chaise next to his seat. Propping his boots onto the table, he pulled out a cigar and began to think deeply.
* * *
Mina couldn't believe what she was doing, although, she had to admit that the clothes this crazy American had gotten her to wear were extremely comfortable, if a tiny bit scandalous. Shaking her head, she attempted to imitate the stance that the woman was holding in front of her.
"You don't seem to be very relaxed, Mina."
"Well, it's not every day that I dress like a man." She mumbled, stepping forward a bit and comparing her arms with Serena's.
Serena laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yes, I realize that you must be in a bind, but let go a little. I realize that you're a Countess and doing this degrades your position, but who's going to see you except for me? Wouldn't James announce anyone if they were coming?"
Mina had bowed to this logic when the American had originally tried to start convincing her to do this. Taking a deep breath, she flipped her leg out to the side like Serena had taught her and brought it back quickly. Her right arm followed and she made a little grunting noise before pealing into delighted laughter.
Serena rolled her eyes, "I don't really know what you find all that funny. I'm teaching you how to defend yourself."
"Could you just imagine," Mina breathed, walking herself over to the couch where she fell upon it, "Having the ton walk in and see me fighting air? Can you just see their incredulous faces? It would be absolutely hilarious!"
"I'm sure it would, however, we still haven't finished with our lesson and I'd like to see you get a few of these kicks done before we get back into our morning gowns." Serena reprimanded, placing her hands on her hips.
"Oh alright, alright," the Countess laughed, pulling herself up from the couch and joining her friend once more, "But you can bet that I won't be doing this in front of anyone else!"
The two fell into a pattern, with Serena explaining and showing and then Mina mimicking. Eventually, silence pervaded the room as they both began kicking or punching in their own way. Serena's mind drifted to one subject that her newly found guardian had not touched on yet, and she opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a deep voice at the doorway.
"Mina, what the devil do you think you're wearing?"
------------------
Hmmm, interesting place to start, non? I've attempted to build up the
characters of Mina and Serena, as well as a bit of Kunzite, but if you
e-mail me I'd appreciate if you could comment on how I'm doing with those
three. And look, Darien got his first appearance in chapter three, yay!
For a little note: in the second scene where Darien appeared, he was in a
Gentlemen's club that was very popular during the Regency period called
White's. And if you're wondering, yes, he is high nobility, but I'm not
going to tell you what exactly his title is yet. Same with Kunzite =P
And sorry this took so long to come out... but well, I just haven't
really worked on it till today, Sunday! We'll see if I get this in in
time to have it posted in February 24th's new stories, ne?
But please e-mail me with any comments or suggestions you have. Critiques
are always very good and extremely welcome! E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL
E-MAIL! Grrr!
::laughs:: See you next chapter, ne?
Scandalous!
by: Koneko
divinepheonix@hotmail.com
Genre: A Regency Romance -- Humor?
Season: Alternate Universe
Rated: PG-13
Standard disclaimer applies.
-----------------
Darien Shields looked into the distance, wondering when the sea would ever end. He had left England countless weeks before, and he had missed its shores from the moment he had left them. He always did. Turning his back from the endless water, he surveyed the large ship before him. They were making good time, would doubtless be back on land before schedule and this shipment would just add more money to the Shield's name. Silks and teas and spices from India, and porcelain and dolls from Japan and China, all of it, junk.
He snorted. The season was probably in its peak just about now. He would bet that there were already dozens of invitations sitting in his town house just waiting for him to open them. He would cause a stir if he went, and then all of the matchmaking momma's would be after him again.
Perhaps he could just go back to Kellingshire and wait the season out there, sitting up at night reading a book and watching his lands and taking care of his tenants. That would be better than this endless waste of water, carrying the goods of England back and forth across the seas.
He would not stop in Kellingshire, could not take a rest or a break. He ran a no-longer-so-cultured hand through his jet black hair before moving back into action and towards the galley. Time to alert the crew--he could smell a storm.
* * *
"How much longer is this going to take, Mina?"
Mina giggled as she took in the woman standing in front of her. It would be so amusing to see the ton react to someone so different, so unique. She had it all planned out, now she just needed the help from her key actress.
"As long as it should. You will look absolutely gorgeous."
Serena rolled her eyes and resumed the 'position' as she had official dubbed it. In other words, arms akimbo, head up, and waist further cinched in than her grandmother's eyes. She sighed, she was at the mercy of the Lady before her and she didn't have much of a choice. At any moment, she knew, Mina Ashings could revoke her care, and she would be back on the streets again with still no idea on how to get back home.
After three days of being stuck in this time, Serena had finally accepted that she was going to have to deal with these regency characters for an indefinite period. In other words, she would have to learn their customs, act like them, and even, she wrinkled her nose, dress like them. At least she still had her sneakers. She could deal with it if she kept her sneakers.
She still couldn't get over the uncanny resemblance between herself and her caregiver. That resemblance was what had launched the ridiculous idea the woman was now indulging in. She should have realized from the start that all participation with this person would result in no good and yet… she had agreed and now she was in for it.
"It will be most amusing," Mina had whispered while trying to talk her into the gamble. Amusing my foot, Serena thought to herself as the incompetent seamstress assistant once again poked her with a pin. And having to deal with all of the non-foods these people ate wasn't even the worst of it. The worst was that they expected her to live on three grams of food a meal!
She had taken to raiding the kitchen late at night.
"Don't look so glum, Serena." Mina piped up, her skirts swishing as she dismissed the woman. "You'll look wonderful as soon as we can get someone in here who knows what they're doing. No one will ever guess. Now, my brother will be getting home very soon and I want to have you ready before then, he'll be your first test! So, we have a lot of work to do. Oh get down from there."
At this point, Serena was used to the constant string of topics Mina covered as she spoke with everyone. Originally she had been completely confused leaving her almost twin having to deal with a 'slow American' until she had finally gotten the hang of it. Stepping down from the pedestal, she looked wryly over at the Lady. "I still don't understand why you want to do this."
"A few reasons, none of which I'm sure would interest you in the least. Besides, I can see those old hens, les grandes dames, in the twitter that you'll cause! Well, that color won't do at all."
"It's a funny mind you have."
"Why thank you. Now, we have to decide on what you're going to wear to your first ball. Do you like the blue or the pink better?"
* * *
Serena squirmed in her seat and pushed around the food on her plate before looking up at Mina and then turning back towards the mush that used to be her dinner. The plan still had about a week until it began and she was beginning to get restless.
"Alright, that's enough. Come on, I need to do something."
She pulled Mina behind her as she made her way up the stairs and to her room before depositing the very confused Countess onto a chaise and opening her suitcase. Pulling out a pair of gray sweat pants, tank top, and a sports bra, she turned excited blue eyes onto the person before her. Turning around, Serena pointed to the laces and began counting down the moments until the dress would be off and she could be comfortable again.
Mina made a snorting noise, but got up and began taking off the dress. "I don't know why you're making me do this," she muttered, "We have perfectly capable servants who are paid to do just this sort of thing."
Serena pulled in a hefty breath as the dress fell to the floor and grinned. She swiftly pulled off her chemise and donned the sports bra and shirt. Laughing at the horrified look of the woman in front of her, she put on the pants and an extra pair of socks and sneakers.
"What the devil are you doing, Serena?" came the voice of Mina's confusion.
"I'm preparing to get back into shape, and there's nothing that you can do but help me. So come on, to the music room!"
"The music room..?"
Mina allowed herself to be dragged once more around the house and finally ended the tirade plopped onto the plush chair for the piano. She looked up dazedly and tried to discover what in the world the crazy woman in front of her—dressed so scandalously, why that shirt was tighter than her chemise!—wanted her to do.
"Well, come on Mina, play!"
Still a bit dazed, she placed her hands onto the keyboard and began a nice relaxing Beethoven piece. Closing her eyes, she ignored the grunts made by the crazy woman and felt the move of the keys beneath her hand. She heard screeching of wood against wood and heavy breathing but still continued to play until her damnable curiosity won out.
She opened her eyes and took in the music room. All of the instruments and furniture besides the piano were pressed against the wall and Serena was breathing deeply and looking about with a satisfied expression on her face. Mina watched with interest as she pulled her long blond hair into a tight bun and fastened it with a strange round contraption.
"Nice playing. Really, it was good, but if you could play something a bit more upbeat from now on, that would be great."
Mina rolled her eyes but decided to indulge her in this, curiosity again. Resolving to keep her attention settled on the woman in front of her moving in strange motions… "What are you doing?"
"Stretching." Serena responded, as if that would explain everything.
Mina refrained from snorting.
"Well, come on Mina. Play already, and remember, upbeat!"
As Mina began the tune, her eyes widened as she took in what the woman was doing. Her legs lifted and fell in kicks so powerful Mina was sure that she would be able to best any of the gentlemen in the boxing ring. Her surprise and interest did not overlay her music, however, and she watched the scene in awe.
* * *
"Good day, Lord Kunzite."
Kunzite bowed, his long silver hair falling over his shoulder as he swept down and came back up. He gave a half smile at his addressor, "Good day, Lord Shields. I am glad to see you came back to England safely. How is your life as a merchant?"
Darien heard the sneer and chose to ignore it. He sat down onto one of the plush seats in the club and ordered a Brandy. Carefully, he opened a newspaper and peered over its edge. "The life is fine. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that my sister's dowry has now grown to an even larger size; that is what you wanted to know, is it not?"
There was a slight chuckle on the other end of the discussion, whether accepting or disagreeing with the statement, Darien knew not. He continued reading until the man interrupted him again.
"I did not know that you were keeping a guest, if you could, please, tell me about her?"
Darien stopped reading but kept the newspaper up. Smoothly, he grasped the offered Brandy and took a sip before turning his attention to the Lord before him. He raised an eyebrow, "A guest?"
"Oh, is she just a curiosity of Countess Ashings? I must say, my Lord, your sister has great taste."
Darien did not respond, but instead turned the page of his newspaper. He continued pretending to read until he heard the sounds of Lord Kunzite getting up and leaving. He folded the newspaper and set it on the chaise next to his seat. Propping his boots onto the table, he pulled out a cigar and began to think deeply.
* * *
Mina couldn't believe what she was doing, although, she had to admit that the clothes this crazy American had gotten her to wear were extremely comfortable, if a tiny bit scandalous. Shaking her head, she attempted to imitate the stance that the woman was holding in front of her.
"You don't seem to be very relaxed, Mina."
"Well, it's not every day that I dress like a man." She mumbled, stepping forward a bit and comparing her arms with Serena's.
Serena laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yes, I realize that you must be in a bind, but let go a little. I realize that you're a Countess and doing this degrades your position, but who's going to see you except for me? Wouldn't James announce anyone if they were coming?"
Mina had bowed to this logic when the American had originally tried to start convincing her to do this. Taking a deep breath, she flipped her leg out to the side like Serena had taught her and brought it back quickly. Her right arm followed and she made a little grunting noise before pealing into delighted laughter.
Serena rolled her eyes, "I don't really know what you find all that funny. I'm teaching you how to defend yourself."
"Could you just imagine," Mina breathed, walking herself over to the couch where she fell upon it, "Having the ton walk in and see me fighting air? Can you just see their incredulous faces? It would be absolutely hilarious!"
"I'm sure it would, however, we still haven't finished with our lesson and I'd like to see you get a few of these kicks done before we get back into our morning gowns." Serena reprimanded, placing her hands on her hips.
"Oh alright, alright," the Countess laughed, pulling herself up from the couch and joining her friend once more, "But you can bet that I won't be doing this in front of anyone else!"
The two fell into a pattern, with Serena explaining and showing and then Mina mimicking. Eventually, silence pervaded the room as they both began kicking or punching in their own way. Serena's mind drifted to one subject that her newly found guardian had not touched on yet, and she opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by a deep voice at the doorway.
"Mina, what the devil do you think you're wearing?"
------------------
Hmmm, interesting place to start, non? I've attempted to build up the
characters of Mina and Serena, as well as a bit of Kunzite, but if you
e-mail me I'd appreciate if you could comment on how I'm doing with those
three. And look, Darien got his first appearance in chapter three, yay!
For a little note: in the second scene where Darien appeared, he was in a
Gentlemen's club that was very popular during the Regency period called
White's. And if you're wondering, yes, he is high nobility, but I'm not
going to tell you what exactly his title is yet. Same with Kunzite =P
And sorry this took so long to come out... but well, I just haven't
really worked on it till today, Sunday! We'll see if I get this in in
time to have it posted in February 24th's new stories, ne?
But please e-mail me with any comments or suggestions you have. Critiques
are always very good and extremely welcome! E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL E-MAIL
E-MAIL! Grrr!
::laughs:: See you next chapter, ne?
