TITLE: Letters from the Country
AUTHORS: Brenda Shaffer-Shiring and Kathleen Speck. Kathy wrote the Torres letters, Brenda the Chakotay ones.
RATING: G (all audiences)
PART: 7/9
CODES: C/T AU
DISCLAIMER: See Chapter 1.
AUTHORS' NOTE: Clearing up a bit of apparent confusion: this story is NOT a sequel to our "historical" J/C, "An Unsuitable Woman." We simply enjoyed writing Regency romance so much the last time that we decided to write another story in the same style! Despite the elements they have in common, both "Woman" and "Letters" are stand-alones.


From Miss Belle Anna Torres, Dorvan House, to Mrs. Kessandra Neel, London
27 September, 18--

Dear Kessie,

I had such a wonderful time standing with you at your wedding. You looked so happy, as did Mr. Neel. Tell me, was your wedding night awful, or wonderful? I have so many questions. Remember, we did promise as girls that the first to marry would tell the other what it was like. I must admit that, while I do have some notion of the mechanics of the situation, it sounds simply dreadful. Perhaps that should wait until we can be together in person.

The most amazing thing has happened. Lady Kathryn has actually suggested a gentleman who should be perfect. His name is Miguel Ayala, and he is an aide to the Ambassador to the Court of St. James from Spain. He is a nobleman in his home country, and his father got him this position to give him experience dealing with people of power. He served in the Spanish navy, which is a plus. He rides well and is an excellent shot. He even dances well. Since I was raised here in England, no one in Spain knows my history. If I accept his offer of marriage, I will simply be the Spanish ward of an English gentleman. I will not be the bastard of the Spanish whore. It would be a good match.

I must admit, Kess, he is very attractive. Whilst we dance, he whispers of my beauty and how much he desires me. When he does, I feel, strange. I know I should be attracted to him, but I feel nothing but friendship, if that. I enjoy being with him, but I do not feel special with him. Like all the others Kathryn has paraded in front of me, he is interested in the money I will bring to a match. Oh, do not get me wrong -- I am sure he would be proud to show me off in Madrid. It would be a glorious match. He would keep me in silks and jewels, I would preside over a beautiful home full of servants, and there would be many horses in the stables.

But I do not want to be with him. It is so confusing.

Chakotay had a terrible row with Kathryn just now. They were in his study, but the sound easily carried through the thick wood of the door. I was unable to understand the words, but the anger was obvious. I am dying of curiosity, but I do not dare ask what they argued about. I am afraid I was the object of their argument.

Perhaps he has finally decided that she is not the proper woman for him to marry. Even if I decide to marry Lord Ayala, I hope Chakotay will find a woman who will make him happy. He deserves to be happy in his marriage. I can picture him, surrounded with children, laughing at their antics. Whoever he marries will be a fortunate woman. Not simply by being the future Countess of Dorvan, although that is a wonderful future, but because he will be an attentive husband.

Imagine being able to see those beautiful, brown eyes every morning across the breakfast table, or to have him bestow that beaming smile on you when you come down the stairs. Even if he had no money, I would take him without question. But he is my guardian, and he thinks of me as a girl still. I am not a woman he would consider as a possible match.

So I imagine I will have to accept Lord Ayala's offer. He is not the man I want, but I can not have the man I want. It is so horrible, dearest Kessie. He is stuck with a dreadful woman he does not care for, and I am fated to a loveless marriage. If only a miracle was possible. Write me soon. I need a reason to hope for a better future than the one I imagine.

Your sorrowing friend,
Belle