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crack_van2009-02-13 04:32 pm
hlbr.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2009-02-13 04:32 pm
Entry tags:
A Singular Proposition by Tanya (R)
Fandom: JANE AUSTEN (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE)
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 189,200 words
Author on LJ: not to my knowledge.
Author Website: Tanya's fic at Mrs. Darcy.
Why this must be read:
This rec and the next couple are not personal favourites per se, but they are very well written examples of the typical crack of this fandom: Brotë-resque plots. The first example for today, kids, will be Elizabeth as agoverness companion.
If you're a stickler for canon-ness (is that a word?) this probably isn't the fic for you, but if you can let that go, I can promise you will enjoy it. It is great fun while being at the same time a very strong reflection in the disparity of the gentlewomen's powerlessness when (almost) stripped of their social class.
I was deeply impressed the first time I read Emma at Jane Fairfax's comment about the governess' work: "(...) offices for the sale, not quite of human flesh, but of human intellect." That, if nothing else, relates Jane Austen with the Brontës, and puts this story in a good context.
"Do move, please," Anne sidled over and sat down next to him. "You are hopeless at the piano-forte. You should sing instead, Cousin," she said. He gave her a look that meant he thought her quite insane for even suggesting this; but she shrugged and opened her music to a piece she liked.
"I have an idea," she said, as he watched, with poorly hidden envy, her lightly skimming hands. "You said you needed a companion for Georgiana."
"I did."
"Why not ask Mrs. Collins' sister?"
She threw a sideways glance at him. He stared back, seemingly in deep confusion.
"Mrs. Collins' sister?"
"Yes, Miss Elizabeth Bennett. The very woman who has just put your in your place as regards Diderot's philosophy."
He shrugged, looking pained. "Thank you, cousin, for meaning well, but-"
"She is certainly well-read-and in strained circumstances. Or so my mother tells me."
"Anne, I take Georgiana's education quite seriously," he said curtly. "For her companion, I should require someone truly accomplished-and not some silly country miss."
Anne shook her head, but continued to play. "I think you are too particular, Cousin. She is hardly silly. Look whom I have for a companion-Mrs. Jenkinson! And you would be doing a good deed, of which I know you are quite fond."
Sounding vexed, he spat out: "I am truly sorry for this woman's circumstances, but I am not in habit of providing for every impoverished spinster!"
"Pardon me."
The voice came from the side, deep and very, very angry. Incensed, rather. The keys of the piano-forte clanked rudely as Anne lost her bearing, messing up the piece. Darcy flew to his feet, both of them red in the face and staring, in deep shock, at the pretty young dark-haired woman, who was standing at the door.
"Pardon me," she repeated, "But Lady Catherine desires to see the two of you in her drawing-room."
With this, she turned on her heel and strode out, head held high. Anne turned to Darcy, about to say something; but he only held up one hand, demanding silence, and followed the incensed Miss Bennett back into his Aunt's clutches.
(post edited by the OP for initial lack of tact.)
A Singular Proposition.
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 189,200 words
Author on LJ: not to my knowledge.
Author Website: Tanya's fic at Mrs. Darcy.
Why this must be read:
This rec and the next couple are not personal favourites per se, but they are very well written examples of the typical crack of this fandom: Brotë-resque plots. The first example for today, kids, will be Elizabeth as a
If you're a stickler for canon-ness (is that a word?) this probably isn't the fic for you, but if you can let that go, I can promise you will enjoy it. It is great fun while being at the same time a very strong reflection in the disparity of the gentlewomen's powerlessness when (almost) stripped of their social class.
I was deeply impressed the first time I read Emma at Jane Fairfax's comment about the governess' work: "(...) offices for the sale, not quite of human flesh, but of human intellect." That, if nothing else, relates Jane Austen with the Brontës, and puts this story in a good context.
"Do move, please," Anne sidled over and sat down next to him. "You are hopeless at the piano-forte. You should sing instead, Cousin," she said. He gave her a look that meant he thought her quite insane for even suggesting this; but she shrugged and opened her music to a piece she liked.
"I have an idea," she said, as he watched, with poorly hidden envy, her lightly skimming hands. "You said you needed a companion for Georgiana."
"I did."
"Why not ask Mrs. Collins' sister?"
She threw a sideways glance at him. He stared back, seemingly in deep confusion.
"Mrs. Collins' sister?"
"Yes, Miss Elizabeth Bennett. The very woman who has just put your in your place as regards Diderot's philosophy."
He shrugged, looking pained. "Thank you, cousin, for meaning well, but-"
"She is certainly well-read-and in strained circumstances. Or so my mother tells me."
"Anne, I take Georgiana's education quite seriously," he said curtly. "For her companion, I should require someone truly accomplished-and not some silly country miss."
Anne shook her head, but continued to play. "I think you are too particular, Cousin. She is hardly silly. Look whom I have for a companion-Mrs. Jenkinson! And you would be doing a good deed, of which I know you are quite fond."
Sounding vexed, he spat out: "I am truly sorry for this woman's circumstances, but I am not in habit of providing for every impoverished spinster!"
"Pardon me."
The voice came from the side, deep and very, very angry. Incensed, rather. The keys of the piano-forte clanked rudely as Anne lost her bearing, messing up the piece. Darcy flew to his feet, both of them red in the face and staring, in deep shock, at the pretty young dark-haired woman, who was standing at the door.
"Pardon me," she repeated, "But Lady Catherine desires to see the two of you in her drawing-room."
With this, she turned on her heel and strode out, head held high. Anne turned to Darcy, about to say something; but he only held up one hand, demanding silence, and followed the incensed Miss Bennett back into his Aunt's clutches.
(post edited by the OP for initial lack of tact.)
A Singular Proposition.