Thank you for all the follows and reviews. It's made me excited and nervous all at the same time. I hope I never disappoint and I plan to add a chapter at least every other day. I always hate to be kept waiting, so I have no desire to keep others waiting on me. I actually almost have this story completely outlined, I just need to add the fluff. Enjoy!
Marianne wasn't sure what she was expecting, but this was not it. Edward spent all his time shut up in his book room. When he did decide to grace his family with his presence, he seemed to take delight in mocking his wife and daughters. Jane wasn't even safe from his remarks. Marianne couldn't imagine her Bertram treating her in such a manner. Never mind that she didn't like Fanny. Yes, Fanny brings such censure on herself, but to treat her so in front of a guest! Perhaps if he spent more time trying to curb her tendencies, they would be better off.
Unless anyone called, Fanny spent her days in her room. Servants were constantly running to and fro at her bidding, trying to give her relief from her apparent 'affliction'. Those times she did come out, she was all "the girls must marry well!" and "hedge-groves". As though Marianne would allow her nieces to live in such conditions. She knew for a fact Fanny's brother wouldn't either. Her sister may, but only to have a dramatic tale to spread.
Despite how their parents acted, Jane and Elizabeth have managed to become very genteel. They had no fortune and their connections weren't enviable, but they displayed the personal qualities many men sought after. Fortunately for them, part of Marianne's being there was to improve their circumstances.
Mary seemed to have no need for other people. In fact, whenever Marianne tried to engage her in conversation, Mary gave off that she would rather go back to her sermons and accomplishments. Never had she seen a young woman so opposed to people enjoying amusements and adornments. Perhaps her plans would allow for Mary to be able to receive actual instruction. She will insist upon it.
The younger girls have given her a lot to think about. Lydia is very spoilt. Marianne cannot think of a time she thought a child needed discipline more. Left unchecked, Lydia could very well cause her family ruin. Her mother gives in to her every whim and believes she can do no wrong. Edward sure isn't doing anything to see that she becomes a respectable young woman. Oh, what Marianne would do to see Lydia sent to the strictest of schools. She has no idea of the real world. At first, Marianne thought Cathrine the same. (She refuses to call her Kitty.) Wherever Lydia went, Cathrine followed. It wasn't until last week that Marianne began to have other ideas.
Coming in from a walk around the grounds, she heard a great commotion. Lydia had apparently decided that the bonnet Cathrine had just finished would do better for herself. Both appealed to their mother and Lydia won the prize. Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that this happened often and always ended the same. Marianne took some time to think about what she had learned about her brothers family in the two weeks she had been there.
Jane and Lydia were both favored by their mother. Lizzy was their father's undisputed favorite. Mary didn't really seem to care so long as she could share her sermons on occasion. Cathrine appeared to be no one's favorite. The only attention she received was in correlation with whatever Lydia was doing. Lydia was the only one to give her any kind of regard and that was so she had someone following her. Cathrine had a habit of coughing a bit while in the entire family's presence. It was very annoying a first, but Marianne saw it for what it was; a call for attention.
Marianne had spent the last week getting to know Cathrine. She really was a remarkable young woman. She had a talent for adding embellishments on clothing and accessories. It was easy to understand Lydia's covetousness of her sisters things, wrong though it was. Where Cathrine didn't play, she had a very sweet voice and her sketching was above average. Her manners were sorely lacking, but that could be easily rectified.
Besides getting to know her niece, Marianne realized just how lonely she was. It was easy to forget, being so cut off, how much she always enjoyed being around people. She couldn't remember the last time she felt anything but sadness and loss. This had been good for her. She needed to get back into the world. She felt she may have a purpose again. Now, how was she to convince her brother?