TITLE: Letters from the Country
AUTHORS: Brenda Shaffer-Shiring and Kathleen Speck (Kathy wrote the Torres entries, Brenda the Chakotay ones.)
RATING: G (all audiences)
CHAPTER: 3/9
DISCLAIMER: See Chapter 1.


From Miss Belle Anna Torres, Dorvan House, to Miss Kessandra Lien, London
15 June, 18--

Dear Kessie,

I was so pleased to see you at Lord and Lady Roddenberry's ball last night. That particular shade of aqua is perfect for you; you should wear it more often. I am sure your Mr. Neel must like it; he couldn't keep his eyes off you the whole evening. He seems very nice, but my dear, I have never seen a man with hair that color. If you are serious about marrying him, imagine what your children will look like before you make any final decisions.

Lady Kathryn introduced me to a gentleman at that ball. She said that he was interested in offering for me and I should give him serious consideration. My dear friend, he is absolutely horrid. Oh, he is nice enough I suppose, but he does not enjoy the hunt. He is actually afraid of guns. We tried to partner in a simple country dance, but he stepped on my feet so often I was forced to beg off, and you know how I enjoy dancing. The gentleman is the second son of Lord Geoffrey Barclay, and his Christian name is Reginald. His father wanted to buy him a commission in the Royal Navy, but he refused. Can you imagine anyone so, well, cowardly? And the worst of it is, the man does not ride!

The 'good' Lady Kathryn kept insisting that he was better than I should hope to have offering for me. I agreed to the dance so as not to cause a scene. I would not dream of embarrassing Chakotay or Lord Henry in public. All he could talk about was his dream of going to Germany to study with some astronomer whose name I can not even remember. And if I would be so kind as to look with favor on his suit, we would be moving to some cold, drafty castle in the German Alps so he and his mentor could position their telescopes as high up as possible, away from the congestion of big cities. Can you imagine?

I have no idea why Kathryn thought he was so perfect for me, unless she meant perfect for her because it would get the 'Spanish bastard' out of Chakotay's house. Oh yes, that is how she refers to me when she thinks I am not about. She was receiving some friends in the yellow parlor the other morning and I heard her use that very phrase. I am at a loss as to why she hates me so. I hope my feelings about her are kept hidden much better.

Thank God, Chakotay said at the ball that he would never force me to marry against my will. He was astounded when this young man came to him even before he had asked me. Frankly, so was I.

She insists on eating dinner before we go out for the evening. "A lady does not make a spectacle of herself by eating like a field hand in public." Honestly, if there is food being served at a party, I would imagine the hostess wants people to eat it, but I do want to attend the event and I do not want to upset Chakotay. So I shall tolerate the woman.

But she is not the right woman for him; I feel it in my bones. She is so haughty with the servants, and he has always been so considerate towards everyone in service both here and on the estate. Both he and Lord Henry have always taught me to respect the people who work so hard to make our lives easier. But she seems to have missed that particular lesson.

She is not the right woman for him. I cannot picture her enjoying the children she will bear him. They will probably be shut up in the nursery with governesses and nannies, and only presented to their parents when properly bathed and dressed.

Perhaps I should accept a marriage proposal, as I do not believe I want to live here once she and Chakotay are married. It will be far too dismal.

I hope to see you soon.

Your loving friend,
Belle