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.

Dedicated: For Courtney621.

An Austen Cinderella

Cinderwench (Persuasion)

Miss Anne Elliot. The second daughter of a baronet, descended from an old line. Kellynch Hall she called home, that proud family estate. Her connections and position granted her a place among high society. Her intelligence and kindness inspired respect.

Yet in the eyes of her family, she was simply Anne...insignificant and forgotten, a nobody.

Stepsister (Emma)

The last strains of Mozart faded away, leaving behind an awed silence. Emma released her breath when applause broke the spell. Belatedly she joined the clapping, an odd sensation in her chest as her gaze sought out Mr. Knightley's countenance before she returned her attention to Jane Fairfax. Seated quietly at the instrument, Jane's pale cheeks filled with color and she lowered her eyes.

Her skill is superior to my own, Emma acknowledged reluctantly, her smile forced.

Fairy Godmother (Sanditon)

Day after day Mr. Parker sang Sanditon's praises. Charlotte's initial polite interest blossomed into curiosity, then finally longing. She had never seen the sea. What a sight it must be! And to smell the salty air...

The young lady's surprise at the Parkers' invitation to return with them was great indeed. Yet it changed to excitement when her parents readily gave their consent. She would go to Sanditon!

Ball (The Watsons)

"Who is she?"

"A Miss Watson, you say?"

"...Just returned home."

"Look at her complexion!"

"Her hair!"

"Note the way she carries herself."

"How pretty she is!"

Aware of the whispers and stares which followed her, Emma Watson's face burned, and nervous butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she moved through the crowded room.

Prince (Pride & Prejudice)

Mr. Bingley's smile slipped when, looking in the direction of Mrs. Bennet's indicating nod, he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever beheld. Oh! She appeared like an angel with her white gown and dark hair framing her face.

"May I have the next two dances?" he shyly requested, in a dream.

She smiled sweetly, whispering, "Yes," and placed her hand in his.

Midnight (Northanger Abbey)

Catherine alternatively felt hot and cold from the inside out, her emotions a helpless tangle. Just twenty-four hours ago her world had been full of hopeful dreams and light. But now all was bewildered confusion and darkness; her heart was in danger of breaking.

"...Kind remembrances of Mr. Tilney—" her voice faltered, then she hurried into the carriage and burst into tears as it drove away.

Search (Sense & Sensibility)

"Marianne?" Colonel Brandon called, stepping into a hothouse. He looked around quickly, carefully. It was empty.

Without hesitation he plunged back into the rain and darkening evening to continue his search. Growing worry caused his stomach to flip-flop as he hurried across the grass. Marianne had been outside for hours; if she had not taken shelter she would be soaked and cold. Already sick at heart, she'd be in danger of becoming physically ill.

Lord, help me find her! the gentleman prayed desperately.

Glass Slipper (Lady Susan)

"I believe this belongs to you." Mr. De Courcy held out Miss Vernon's handkerchief.

"Indeed! I misplaced it weeks ago."

"I confess I've had it all this time."

Frederica froze, her hand hovering over the cloth. "O-o-oh, why?" she asked in a trembling voice.

Reginald placed his hand over hers, lightly squeezed it between both of his. He used her Christian name, and what he said next caused her to smile happily and reply, "I will!"

Ever After (Mansfield Park)

The wedding ring was placed gently on Fanny's finger, and she observed with a sense of sacred wonder. After staring at their clasped hands for a moment, she lifted up her gaze to encounter Edmund's eyes on her, tender joy shining in their depths. Warmth washed over Fanny; the world blurred and narrowed down to just the two of them.

Finally, blessed as man and wife, their lips met.

THE END