And two months late I manage to scrounge an update together! If you were all wondering, im not dead - yet. Blame school for everything, it is trying to murder me. I pinky promise to manage my time wisely and update sooner than this one (which is not hard to do). I live off the reviews all of you give me so please, please, please review! I love constructive criticism and feedback in general!
Disclaimer: I own no characters from Pride and Prejudice. They belong to the wonderful Jane Austen
Eleanor shifted nervously from left to right foot as she looked at the dance floor. The past couple of hours had been a constant whirl of quadrilles, minuets, and several other dances that Eleanor couldn't remember the names to. The partners for these dances were only dull images of faces in her head. For the entire evening, she was concentrating more on the proper steps then the partners she danced with. In accordance with the etiquette of private balls, gentlemen did not need to seek out an introduction in order to dance with her. As she was barely out in society, her grandmother only allowed her to dance half the dances, which was more than enough for Eleanor.
She could feel her patience wearing thin, her eyes wandering to the faces of the onlookers. Drifting past tall heads and feathers that towered over the men standing next to them, she locked eyes with Ms Darcy and the two smiled knowingly at each other. Eleanor never realized how much she needed a peer to talk with. Though Georgiana was always very composed and reserved, she brought a balance to Eleanor's outspoken nature. It was only a week after they had first met, yet Georgiana had already corrected Eleanor of several of her faults in decorum. Eleanor was willing to change, also. Unlike her grandmother who reprimanded her, Georgiana was all too happy to help her new friend.
Georgiana seemed almost too perfect for words. She embodied the image of the perfect lady and did so with effortless poise and grace. Not to mention she had a very large dowry. With these qualities it was very shocking that she wasn't married by now. But the last quality was the very same that made her ineligible to all men save a handful. Her 30,000 pounds and her hand in marriage could only be given to a suitable man; suitable meaning being able to earn her brother's permission.
Eleanor and Georgiana shared that knowing glance due to the leering man at Georgiana's left shoulder. Mr. Carey had already danced with Georgiana once and had the audacity to ask her a second time. Thankfully, Georgiana had a passable excuse or she would have been subject to many questioning stares. As horrible as Mr. Carey was, it was inexcusable to reject an offer to dance. Georgiana did not stress that point enough during their impromptu lessons together. To reject a dance would subject the lady to stand out from dancing the entire night, and even though Eleanor would gladly accept this curse, she knew she would be punished horribly by her grandmother the day after.
Mr. Carey took a step forward, pushing into Georgiana's shoulder even more. The concerned look on the poor girls face multiplied. I have to save her. Eleanor quickly navigated between talking couples, barely missing stepping on a particular gaudy dress made of dark red muslin and edged with a horrible display of pearls and scrolling silver embroidery. She reached Eleanor just in time.
"Ms Darcy," Eleanor spoke, hating to use the formality, "are you not feeling just a little parched at this momement?"
Her friend picked up on the subtle hint. "As you mention it, I am a little thirsty." She turned to face the expectant Mr. Carey. "Mr. Carey, would you be kind enough to get a drink for my friend and I?" She batted her eyelashes, though the man would have been just as eager to obey if she had not.
"I-I would love to." He bowed awkwardly and left in the direction of the refreshments quickly.
"That will only give us a few moments of peace," Georgiana whispered, not wanting to be overheard by the other ladies and gentlemen around them.
"I know, but the next song will be starting soon and I know that we can find you a partner."
"Poor man. I don't want to be deceiving."
"You are far too nice, Georgiana. If you want to feel better, blame it all on me. I would rather be charged with deceit then subjecting my friend to a night of torture."
"It wasn't that bad."
"The look on you face said otherwise," Eleanor remarked, eyebrows raising. "Besides, he was leering". Eleanor emphasized the last word with a shudder.
Georgiana gave a small giggle then looked at Eleanor. "I guess it was that bad, wasn't it?"
"You should know better than I." Eleanor took the other girls arm and began walking toward a small group of gentlemen, hoping to receive adequate protection once Mr. Carey came back from his little excursion.
"Here you are ladies, you seemed to have moved while I was fetching your drinks, perhaps for a better view of the dance floor. Which reminds me, Ms Darcy, may I have the pleasure of this next dance?"
"I, uh," she glanced to the right, in the direction of the other young men, all without partners. Mr. Carey did not pick up on the insult. The young men obviously did not pick up on the scene unfolding just a few feet next to them. "Of course Mr. Carey. Eleanor could you hold this for me?" She handed Eleanor the half empty cup and was led by that odious man to the dance floor.
Eleanor's mood turned foul. Men, she thought, irritated and not just at Mr. Carey. Can't be depended on for anything. She sighed a little.
"What was that for?" Eleanor almost jumped in alarm.
"Nothing, Grandmother, just a little tired."
"Not too much I hope, you need to meet an acquaintance of mine."
"Of course," Eleanor tentatively replied, wondering who this mysterious person was.
The Duchess didn't need to wind her way around the groups of people scattered around the dance floor, they just moved out of the way, parting like the Red Sea. Eleanor rolled her eyes with a silent smirk. Everybody always seems to be moving out of her way. Makes her job a lot easier.
Eleanor then realized they had stopped walking. She looked up and was startled for a heartbeat.
"Eleanor, I want you to meet my friend, Lord Brunwin. Lord Brunwin, my granddaughter, Lady Russell."
Eleanor offered her hand mechanically and Lord Brunwin took it gently, bowing over it. He released it just as gently and smiled at her, she couldn't return it. This man looked a few years younger than her grandmother, who was young looking for her age, why was this introduction necessary? He probably had a son. Great, they are arranging my marriage, she thought to herself, a little hurt at her grandmother's assumed plan. The Lord began talking casually with her grandmother and Eleanor took the opportunity to study their interaction to gain a few more answers to the puzzle. Lord Brunwin had a very straight posture for someone who looked to be approaching 45. He was tall, with black hair that was beginning to grey at the temples. He had a solemn expression and stormy eyes that held little joy. Eleanor could only what his son could look like.
She began to grow tired of watching the two converse, so she watched the line of dancing. Lord Brunwin noticed her discomfort.
"Why don't you find your friend and let your grandmother and I talk privately."
"Alright then. It was a pleasure meeting you," Eleanor gave a small curtsey and walked off to rescue Georgiana from the clutches of Mr. Carey
Eleanor woke up to the bright mid-morning sun pouring through the window. She yawned, stretched her arms, and swung her feet onto the floor. Looking out of the window, she submersed herself in the countryside. Though the occupants of this house, save for Georgiana of course, were unequalled in boorish conversation, the land around the house was vibrant and full of life and wonder. The walks with Georgiana always managed to contain a new park or meadow. Eleanor didn't know that wildflowers could bloom in so many different colors and the assorted flowers worked their way into every available vase that the two girls could scrounge up.
Her peace was disturbed by her maid. Here we go, Eleanor thought, taking a deep breath to mentally prepare herself for the day at hand. Something deep inside of her could not stay calm and it worried her. She hated not having all of the information and not knowing what made her worried, even subconsciously, irritated her more than him. Though she had promised herself that man would not trouble her over her vacation, she couldn't let go of her anger and embarrassment. Why can't you just have stayed back in Scotland? She silently cursed the mental idea of him that haunted her mind. Great, now my wonderful morning had been ruined by you, Eleanor thought to the image.
Briefly flitting away the image, Eleanor went to the closet to pick out the dress she wanted to wear to breakfast. She chose her favorite of the plain morning dresses. The dress was the usual white color but it was edged in pale blue lace that matched the color of the morning sky. Outdoor activity was limited now so she had to make do with clothing.
She practically ran down the stairs as she realized she was very close to being late for breakfast. Upon her arrival at the breakfast room, her grandmother raised her eyebrows at her near tardiness but did not make a comment. Lady Catherine, on the other hand did. Probably feeling the need to exercise her God given right to be heard, whether it was appropriate or not, she spoke with narrowed eyes.
"You seem rather cheery this morning Ms Eleanor."
"It has been a beautiful morning," even though it was ruined for a moment.
She sat down and waited for the manservant to serve her breakfast. All eyes were on her.
"Did I do something wrong?" she asked innocently.
"may I have some privacy with my granddaughter?"
Lady Catherine was a little put out with the idea of having to evacuate her own breakfast room but she eventually complied.
"Now Eleanor," her grandmother began only as the door shut with a loud 'thunk', "do you remember the man I introduced to you near the end of the ball?"
"Uh, Lord-," she paused, not remembering the name, only the face."
"Lord Brunwin."
"Yes I do," Eleanor replied, knowing the turn that the conversation was going to turn.
"You are going to marry him."
All Eleanor could do was stare, open mouthed, in disbelief.