(Author's Note: Two points I want to note. One, Violet won't be in this story; just imagine she died during childbirth with her last child. I'm doing this for elements of the story. And two, Simon is going to be intentionally dislikable for the very first part. One of my favourite tropes is when the guy is a jerk and he does the hard work to change himself to be worthy of the one he loves by the end, not because the girl "works hard to change him" but because simply by knowing her and learning to love her does he want to be a better person. She inspires him to be a better person just by being herself, like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.
Told from Daphne's P.O.V. Enjoy!)
Once upon a time, three boys came upon a monkey's paw. Not just any monkey's paw, but one able to grant three wishes. Little did they know that the magician who enchanted the paw cursed it to punish those who tried to alter fate.
The first boy wished to be rich and have great lands and properties. His father died the very next day and he was named the next Viscount, being the sole inheritor of his father's vast wealth and estate.
The second boy wished to be the greatest boxer who ever lived. He never lost a match from that day on. Soon competitors grew anxious of fighting him, and he was reduced to a state of poverty, unable to earn a living from boxing.
The third boy wished for every girl he met to fall hopelessly in love with him. He was able to charm every lady who gazed upon him without effort or care.
Every woman, except the only one he'd ever want to marry.
Ten years to the day the wishes were made:
Anthony changed after Father died. It happened so suddenly, and from a bee sting of all things. We were all grief-stricken, especially our mother who died herself a month later. The doctors said she died in childbirth, but we were convinced it was of a broken heart. Our eldest brother, now the Viscount, was never the same after their passing. He became much more serious and graver, pessimistic about everything, even my first Season in London.
Our brother stared out of the window at the passing scenery, not saying anything for a long while. My other brothers, Colin and Benedict, preoccupied themselves dozing and reading poetry in the latter's case. He paused every once and a while to peer over at me from across the carriage, flashing me a cheeky smile. He was the romantic type, amused by this whole marriage-season business. I admit, I was a little excited myself, not about finding a husband but being out in society finally. I was finally "out" now, I guess. Most eligible young ladies were introduced at court by their mothers, but seeing as Anthony was my guardian now, it was up to him to chaperon and supervise this whole courtship ritual.
The cart hit a bump, and no one said anything. Then our eldest brother looked to me with a worried expression- the same one he always wore recently. His white-gloved hand, which was up by the corner of his mouth, lowered a tad as he looked me square in the eye.
"When we get there, I'll secure you a spot in line to be presented to the Queen. Stay right by my side until you're called upon to meet her." My eyes rolled internally, and I let out a soft sigh. "Yes, brother." "And do not speak to any acquaintances unless I am there. I shall have all introductions arranged by the host….. Once I determine who they may be." Another internal eye roll. "Yes, brother." "And do not engage in any intimate conversations with anyone, especially on the first night. You must be reserved and speak only with your brothers and friends whom I'm acquainted with, and with me present, of course."
I couldn't help by shake my head at this remark; really, he's being too overprotective, as usual. He'll never find a wife that way. "Don't you think you're fretting a bit too much, Anthony? After all, I am nineteen now, as we agreed I would be when I came out." "Not at all. You are the first of four sisters I'll have to attend the Season with. I shalln't start off on the wrong foot, and you remember, Daphne, that you're being the eldest sets a precedence for your sisters. Your conduct guides the rest, as you well know." "And you are worried of my conduct, brother?" My eyebrow raised and his spine stiffened defensively. "Certainly not! You kept reading those moralistic philosophies even after I told you read something else. Tell me, what is wrong with Mr. Fordyce's Sermons, I'd like to know."
Benedict snorted, not bothering to glance up from his poetry. "James Fordyce can put anyone to sleep. Even you, dear brother." "I did not ask your opinion, Benedict! I happen to think Mr. Fordyce's conduct books are excellent reading for fine young ladies such as our sister." "YOU think that," Benedict chuckled, earning a shoulder shove from Anthony. Colin too grinned slightly entertained, leaning back in his seat beside me. "I agree with Daphne. If you stifle her too much, she'll never be able to show off that dazzling personality of hers." "Colin," I also elbowed him in the ribcage, smiling a little. The only one who was not having fun was Anthony, who wore his typical scowl and sat erect, trying to regain control of the scene, as he was always wanting to do.
"I will not allow any gentleman to be "charmed" by our sister's personality, lovely as it may be. No, this shall be a rational, methodical affair approached with an excessive amount of care and tact. I shall interview each gentleman who wishes to be introduced to Daphne BEFORE any such interaction can occur. Only after his character, background, and social standing are positively examined will he have the privilege of knowing our sister." "How romantic," Colin rolled his eyes, making Benedict and I giggle. Anthony, of course, did not. "You lot are so ungracious. You must know I am only thinking of your best interest, sister. After all, one only accepts one proposal, if one is so lucky." "Indeed, brother," I still couldn't suppress my mocking grin.
Indeed.