Disclaimer: Emma, Lady Susan, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Pride & Prejudice, Sanditon, Sense & Sensibility, and The Watsons, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of Jane Austen.
Author's Note: Inspired by the ballet productions by George Balanchine (New York City Ballet), Mikhail Baryshnikov (American Ballet Theatre), and Sir Peter Wright (Royal Ballet).
Dedicated: For Courtney621 and scrimshaw.
An Austen Nutcracker
March (The Watsons)
Standing with the other gentlemen, Charles Blake's posture is straight and tall, like the officers he once saw march through the village. Standing across from him, Miss Emma Watson meets his gaze, a twinkle in her eye. The little boy grins back excitedly. Hand in hand they begin the dance.
Drosselmeyer (Northanger Abbey)
"Miss Morland, may I present to you Mr. Henry Tilney. Mr. Tilney, Miss Catherine Morland," James King importantly performs the introductions.
The young lady's face lights up with undisguised delight as she curtsies. The gentleman smiles politely and bows. The Master of Ceremonies hesitates moving on to his next duty. He observes Miss Morland shyly accept Mr. Tilney's arm, then the couple join the other dancers taking their places. Nodding in satisfaction Mr. King goes off with a flourish.
Nutcracker (Sense & Sensibility)
Dull…inarticulate…unhandsome…awkward…wooden… Many are the ways people have described Edward Ferrars. Miss Marianne does not intend offense, criticizing his reading; yet he cannot help flushing. Glancing nervously about he catches Miss Dashwood's encouraging smile. Taking a fortifying breath Edward begins the sonnet again.
The Battle (Persuasion)
Anne waits for her father and sister to leave the breakfast table before picking up the abandoned newspaper. In the safety of her room, with racing heart and pale cheeks, she carefully scans the pages. Finally, she sees the name Laconia and reads about Captain Wentworth's success off the Western Islands. He's alive!
Clara (Lady Susan)
The prospect of marriage holds no interest for Frederica Vernon. (Being faced with a suitor such as Sir Martin can collapse many a young lady's castle in the air.) Everything changes when she is introduced to Mr. De Courcy – tall, polite, handsome (like a prince!) – and her awe overrides her fear of her mother.
Waltz of the Snowflakes (Emma)
John Knightley's tidings that it is snowing causes a great stir.
"I did not think we would have snow tonight. I did not suspect it cold enough."
"I'm not surprised at all. I told you, my dear, it would snow!"
"John…the children!"
"Snow! I like snow."
"What is there to like? It is cold and wet, nothing more."
"Oh, dear. Suppose we are snowed in?"
"It will be my great pleasure to have you all stay the night! There is plenty of room."
"What is to be done, my dear Emma?" Mr. Woodhouse is the last to speak, wringing his hands in alarm. "What is to be done?"
In the end, the snow causes the dinner party to end early.
The Land of Sweets (Pride & Prejudice)
London… There are shops to visit. There are calls to make on acquaintances. There are walks to take in the park. There are games to play with her little cousins. And Jane Bennet almost forgets her concern about Caroline Bingley not having returned her visit yet.
Sugar Plum Fairy & Cavalier (Mansfield Park)
The ballroom is dimly lighted by candles and moonlight. Silently Fanny and Edmund dance across the floor. Gazing at each other, her smile is content, while his countenance is full of newfound tenderness. They move gracefully, their feet seemingly barely touching the floor.
With a lump in her throat and a wish forming in her heart, Susan slips out of the room.
Christmas Morning (Sanditon)
Charlotte Heywood is all astonishment when, rounding a shrub in the garden, she sees not Mr. Parker but his brother!
"Oh!" she gasps, rooted to the spot. "Sid— Mr. Parker."
"Miss Heywood."
Both blushing, the lady and gentleman smile at one another.
THE END