Summary: Inspired by Pride and Prejudice: Regency Era England, Bella Swan leaves town to live in the country with her family where she meets the respectable Masen family, and their intolerable (yet handsome) son.
All Human – AU.
Disclaimer: Characters are property of the lovely Stephenie Meyer.
Chapter Three
The next morning I awoke to the sound of bird song.
I lay in bed for a short time, luxuriating in the perfect feeling of cosiness and warmth that my blankets provided me with. This had to be one of my favourite sensations in the world.
This was all too soon disrupted however. Angela entered my room, and advanced towards my windows to open the curtains.
"Good Morning Miss," She called cheerfully, "It looks to be yet another beautiful day! We have truly been blessed this summer, have we not?"
"Indeed Angela, good morning to you also."
She bustled about the room, laying out my outfit for the day, and then assisting me dress. Today I was in pale blue, the colour of the summer sky.
I hobbled down the stairs to join my parents for breakfast.
My father looked up as I entered the room.
"Ah, my dearest daughter: the invalid. How do you fare this morning?" He enquired.
I smiled as I took my place at the table.
"Father, I do believe I am your only daughter, therefore by default, naturally your dearest, and as to your enquiry - I find I have much more mobility than yesterday, thank you."
As breakfast progressed, my father informed me he was returning to town for a few days to complete some business, and that a young gentleman by the name of James McLeary would be accompanying him home, and staying with us for some time.
The father of the young gentleman was close friends with my father, and I had met him several times. Each time was thankfully short. I was not at all looking forward to his staying with us.
The best word one could use to describe him is slimy. He had a way of sneaking up on you, and making you feel violated with little or no effort at all.
I gloomily ate the rest of my breakfast. Things were suddenly looking very dreary indeed. Not only was I constantly harassed by Lord Masen, but now I would have to endure worse in my own home.
I excused myself from the breakfast room, and headed to the library. We had recently acquired the complete works of the authoress Jane Austen. My favourite by far was Pride and Prejudice.
I took the first volume from the shelf and settled in a comfortable chair near the French doors so that I could still bask in the glorious sunlight while enjoying the book.
It was nearly noon, and I had almost finished with the first volume when I felt a presence behind me.
"You are a reader, Miss Swan?"
I recognised the voice of Lord Masen immediately. I wish I could've said it was an unpleasant annoying sort of voice, the type to make one cringe upon hearing it. It was quite the opposite.
I closed my eyes and tried to calmly close my book.
"Lord Masen, what occasion do I have to thank to be graced with a visit from you?"
He walked around from the back of the chair to stand in front of me and knelt down in front of me.
"I came to check on the invalid, of course!" He said, smiling.
I puckered my lips in a thoughtful way, I was never going to get used to this.
"Oh, well my ankle has recovered significantly, thank you." I informed him, rising from my seat.
He stood too, and took a step back.
"I hear your father is leaving on some business for a few days?"
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I can confirm you have heard correctly, yes."
"And I also hear that upon his return, your family will be hosting a dinner?"
This took me by surprise, as I had not heard anything of it before now. This was commonplace in our household however – my mother would go on planning her grand schemes, only informing me last minute.
"That I cannot confirm, for I have heard nothing of it."
He looked at me for a long moment, smiling his crooked smile. I happened to notice he had exceptional teeth.
"That's a shame, I was hoping for the opportunity to solicit the coveted position of sitting next to your at the dinner table. You're proving to be quite popular amongst the society of Edenbridge, and I thought I had best to try my luck first."
I rubbed my hand against my brow in confusion.
"You wish to sit next to me?"
"Yes, I would enjoy it very much." He said, a smirk forming.
My mind whizzed. Yes, I had resolved to keep away from him. But there was something about him that kept drawing me in. Yes, no, yes, no – my mind fought a vicious war with my heart.
"You may, if this dinner takes place as planned. I hope your table manners are not as bad as your social manners, or I shall be completely mortified!"
My brain wished my forehead to repeatedly hit my writing desk for agreeing to something so silly. My heart wished to skip for joy.
"Edward!" I heard Lady Edenbridge call.
He took my hand and kissed it gently.
"I must be leaving, but for you, Miss Swan, I will brush up on my table manners. I would hate to have any reason to cause you mortification."
I nodded weakly. "Good day, Lord."
"Good day, Miss Swan."
As soon as I was sure he had gone far away enough not to hear, I fell back into my chair and let out a growl of frustration.
I was losing this battle. He had been so utterly rude to me the first time we met, and now he was polite and charming and everything expected in the son of an earl.
I pondered on this for some time. Then it occurred to me: this was all a game for him.
He wasn't really interested in me - he was interested in the chase. It explained so much! How he would be hot and cold just like that. Why he wound me up so much the first time we met – that was a test!
He wanted to see how much fight there was in me, to see how much of a challenge I would be for him.
I picked up the book next to me and threw it hard out of frustration. It hit the wall with a thump and cluttered to the floor.
I tugged at my hair in frustration, feeling betrayed.
I let out a strangled laugh at that. Betrayed? I barely knew the gentleman. I was losing my mind completely.
I went to pick up the book, and found myself leaning against the wall and slumping to the ground, crying.
Angela, my housemaid entered at that moment.
"Oh miss! What did he say to you?" She asked as she hurried over to crouch down beside me.
I knocked my head against the wall and looked up at ceiling, biting my lip.
"He's done nothing to upset me. He's playing a game with me isn't he?"
She looked at me confused.
"Edward, Lord Masen – he's playing a game with me. He'll be distant and cold one moment, and the next he is being the picture of gentleman manners and courteousness. It's all one big silly ridiculous game."
She frowned, "Miss, I understand there are many young men out there who would aspire to such schemes, but I believe that Lord Masen is a good sort. Do not judge him so hastily."
"I will judge him as I see fit, thank you!" I huffed.
She nodded shortly, and went to leave.
"Angela," I called, "I'm sorry, you do not need to leave. You're the closest thing I have to a friend here."
She beamed at this.
"Thank you miss, but I really do need to be on my way, your dinner is calling me."
I smiled and nodded, wiping my stray tears off my face.
The fact that I cried when I got angry was always something that mortified me.
I picked up the book and cradled it in my hands.
"I'm sorry, Miss Austen." I whispered to its cover. It not long past noon, and I was already talking to books.
Standing up, I dusted myself, and settled back into my chair to finish reading about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.
-xxx-
A few days past and I did not see or hear from Lord Masen. My father was shortly returning from London, and my mother busied herself with the preparation of the dinner.
It was a blissful few days to be sure. The fine weather kept up, and I was able to enjoy long walks around our gardens, resting in the shade of the great trees to read.
I had just laid down my book and closed my eyes, enjoying the cool breeze that was rustling the leaves on the trees, and the sound of the trickling creek nearby when I heard the footsteps of someone approaching.
I had hoped, momentarily that it might have been Lord Masen. I could've confronted him about his unacceptable actions and intents. This hope was too soon crushed however. I opened my eyes to see the slimy James McLeary standing over me, grinning his wicked grin.
"Miss Bella, such a pleasure it is to see you again. It has been too long." He said, holding out his hand as if you help me up from where I lay in the grass.
I ignored his hand and promptly stood up, brushing myself off.
"Or perhaps it has not been long enough, Mr McLeary." I had never made it a secret about my distaste for him. Ever since we were young children he had repulsed me.
It was not that he was unfortunate looking, oh no, many young ladies found his looks to be very agreeable. He just had an evil air about him. I suspected many things of him, all bad, but had not yet had the proof. Whether I was relieved by this fact I knew not, I just always made a point to keep my distance from him.
"Come now, Miss Swan, we are old friends! Surely you have missed me somewhat."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I must return to the house to greet my Father now, excuse me."
Turning towards the house, I stalked off, never turning back to see if he followed.
My Father was happy to see me, and embraced me tightly.
"I have a present for you, daughter!"
He was a generous man for sure, sometimes too generous. Nothing would stop him from doting on his wife and daughter.
He held out a large garment bag. I reached for it and laid it down on the creamy upholstered chaise-longue.
Opening it I found a gorgeous royal blue gown with intricate black beading around the bodice, splitting to reveal the creamy white silk underneath.
"Father, this is a truly beautiful gown! Thank you so much, I truly adore it!"
I hugged him again, and kissed his cheek affectionately.
Mother walked in at that time.
"My, what a commotion!" She exclaimed.
She glanced at my dress, and squealed with delight.
"Oh Charlie, you have outdone yourself again! This will be perfect for Bella to wear tonight!"
It dawned on me then that tonight was the night of our dinner; the night when I had agreed to sit with Lord Masen for the course of the evening. I could not suppress the tiny flutter in my heart when I thought of this. Likewise, I could not stop the prickling rage that came with it – remembering that this was likely a game to him.
James chose that moment to slink in.
"Lady Swan, it is a pleasure to see you again. I must thank you for allowing me to be a houseguest in your fine home these next few months." He said to my mother, kissing her hand.
I discreetly rolled my eyes.
"Bella, have you been reacquainted with our guest?" My father piped up.
"Yes father, just before in the garden, now if you'll excuse me I must go and get ready for this evening." I said hastily, picking up my gown and retiring from the room to find Angela.
I found her in the kitchens and requested her assistance to help me get ready for that evening.
She admired my gown and said she had the perfect hairstyle to go with it.
I let her work her wonders, and was very happy with what she did. Looking in the mirror I found an intricate blend of twists and curls with a gorgeous blue ribbon to match my gown.
Several hours had passed, and it was time to get into my gown. Angela assisted me with my stays, and then left me to put the gown on myself.
As little as I sometimes thought of myself, I had to admit that blue was a becoming colour on me. I twirled in front of the mirror, pleased with the result.
Glancing over to a table by my bed, I noticed someone had placed a fresh vase of white freesia there. I picked a few flowers, trimmed their ends, and placed them in my hair. Perfect, I was done.
I made my way to the window, and sat in the window seat. The sun was setting, it was almost twilight. The staff had just finished lighting the torches that lined the driveway. In the distance I could hear the clip clop of horse shoes, and the rattling wheels of carriages.
When my mother said "dinner" she had greatly under exaggerated. She had invited all of the well to do members of the neighbourhood for dinner and dancing. It was to be a great party. This of course was something very typical to my mother.
Our first party in this neighbourhood had to be a grand affair to be remembered.
I heard footsteps along the hallway outside my door, pausing, and a hand on the door knob.
The door opened with a click and James stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
"Why did you close the door?" I asked him, standing up from my seat.
"My, my Bella, don't you look ravishing tonight?" He said, taking a step towards me.
"I'm sorry, can I help you? Was there something you needed?"
A slow lazy grin appeared on his face.
"I am sure there are many things you could help me with, but that's not why I'm here. Your mother requested you join them downstairs to greet the guests." He said, picking up a trinket box and examining it.
"Tell her I'll be down momentarily. You may leave now." I said with a tone of finality.
He put the box down and moved another step closer.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like me to stay."
I raised my eyebrow incredulously. Was he really that dense?
"Quite sure, thank you."
He bowed his head and made his way out of my room, closing the door behind him.
This was going to be quite a night: dealing with Lord Masen's unpredictable mood swings, and advances from James.
Taking a deep breath, I exited my room and made my way down the stairs. My parents were standing by the front door which had just opened.
Lord and Lady Edenbridge walked in, followed by Lord Masen.
I paused for a moment, just as he glanced up at me.
He met my eyes with a long, sad look then glanced away again to greet my parents.
I rushed down the stairs to greet them. Lady Edenbridge commented on the speedy recovery of my ankle, and the requested to be introduced to the young gentleman staying with us.
My mother obliged, and when the introduction was complete Lord Masen spoke.
"Lady Swan, I must beg for you to excuse your daughter as she has promised to accompany me for the course of the evening."
His parents looked shocked, while mine positively beamed at the thought. James, who was watching the scene, narrowed his eyes.
"Of course, Lord Masen. And I'm sure Bella would only be too happy to oblige." My mother enthused, giving me a meaningful look.
He raised his arm for me to take, and I obliged.
We wandered aimlessly around the interior and exterior of the house for sometime, in complete silence. It was unnerving.
I had to break the silence.
"The weather has been very fair these past few days, has it not?"
We stopped walking; we were next to a fountain in the garden. Other guests were lingering near the house, chatting before dinner was served.
He turned to me, giving me a pained look.
"You're discussing the weather with me?" He said, his eyebrows knitting together.
"Well you weren't exactly starting a conversation yourself!" I replied indignantly.
He opened his mouth as if to reply, but was interrupted by the ringing of the dinner bell.
He shook his head, and escorted me inside to the dining room.
The room was abuzz with chatter and we were almost the last ones to arrive and sit down.
Servants made their way out of the kitchen and started filling wine glasses and removing dish covers.
My father stood, toasting his neighbours and thanking them for coming.
Lord Masen was silent again during dinner, replying to any question directed his way with brief monosyllabic answers.
I attempted to strike up conversation with him several times, only to be shot down.
We were halfway through dessert, and I noticed him playing with his rice pudding, rather than eating it.
I decided to confront him about his attitude. I was sick and tired of his fluctuating moods.
"Lord Masen," I began. He looked up at me and rested his spoon in the bowl.
"Is something the matter? You seem to be out of sorts tonight."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Thank you for your concern Miss Swan, but I am perfectly fine, thank you." He said in a composed, level voice.
"Are you sure?" I pressed.
His eyes lit up in apparent fury.
"If you must know, your persistent womanly chatter is giving me a headache."
My face grew hot, and I could feel tears pinpricking at my eyes from anger.
I rose, acting as composed as possible, and asked to be excused from the table.
When I had left the dining room I started running.
Doors, walls, torches all passed me in a blur. The tears were freely flowing. He had no right to treat me so. I ran and ran till I was out of breath, and found myself by the fountain, yet again.
I would cut him out. Ignore him, pretend like he wasn't there so that he could not toy with my emotions any longer.
I sat there for quite sometime, and had nearly cried myself out.
I pressed my cool palms up to my eyes, and heard boots on the paving. I cringed, instantly thinking it was James coming to find me.
"If that's you James, please go away. I don't want to talk to anyone right now."
The footsteps stopped. And it was silent for a moment till a voice called out.
"It's not James."
-xxx-
AN – First of all, I sincerely apologise for the delay. I've had no excuse. However, I have chipped away at providing you with a chapter. The rest of the story should come quite quickly as this early part was the hardest to write. When I first came up with this story it was from a very vivid scene that popped into my head which we will be seeing soonish.
Anyhow, thank you for the reviews. As of writing this note I have 30 of you wonderful people on alert, so hopefully we can get the review total up to 30 (currently 15) no?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter: parts that worked, parts that didn't. Characters behaving weirdly – what's gotten into Edward?
Look for the next update MUCH sooner! (Even sooner with lots of reviews urging me on!)