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crack_van2009-02-18 03:52 pm
hlbr.livejournal.com) wrote in crack_van2009-02-18 03:52 pm
Entry tags:
A Most Convenient Mishap by Rebecca E (R)
Fandom: JANE AUSTEN (PRIDE AND PREJUDICE)
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 84,100 words
Author on LJ: unknown.
Author Website: Lavender Girls fanfic
Why this must be read:
This is a good example of another typical what-if scenario. Rebecca's other fic (A Shade in His Character) is more famous--and even begun its own kind of fics--but this one is a perfect example of a FMS fic. (And besides, ASIHC is a wip.)
FMS means Forced Marriage Scenario, and where Harry Potter ff writers use magic and soul bonds and the Minister of Magic, where sci-fi ff writers use aliens, the Jane Austen fandom uses social pressure. This fic is also a delightful comedy of errors, which is hard enough to come by, and Rebecca is a wonderful writer. The story takes over when Jane is sick at Netherfield, and Elizabeth has just been invited to stay with her.
When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, and very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise into an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint the family with her stay, and bring back a supply of clothes.
Before retiring to dress for dinner, Miss Bingley informed her brother that a room had been prepared for Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"Her trunk has not yet arrived. I cannot think why! Please see that when it does, the servant places it in the first bedroom on the right, down the left hallway."
Mr. Bingley looked up distractedly from the fire. Miss Jane Bennet’s illness was causing him grave worry.
"Did you hear me, Charles?"
"Yes, of course, Caroline. I will instruct the servant, do not worry. Now hurry, you have only an hour before dinner."
His sister ignored that last teasing reference to her vanity and hurried up the stairs. She wanted to look her best for Mr. Darcy and fully intended to out-do her unexpected competition.
Three quarters of an hour later, just as Mr. Bingley entered the hallway intent on making his own preparations before dinner, the awaited trunk finally arrived. He motioned his butler away and took care of the matter himself.
"Never mind, Johnson, my sister has given me strict orders about this!"
A relieved Johnson hurried back to help with the dining room preparations.
"Peter! You have at last returned with Miss Bennet’s trunk!"
"I’m very sorry, sir. The Mistress of Longbourn…well, er, there was a bit of a delay on that end."
"Well, never mind. Just take it up to the room that’s been freshly prepared for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. First door on the left, right hallway. And then please see that Miss Bennet is informed of the arrangements."
Peter looked at his master oddly for a moment. But Mr. Bingley was already hurrying up the stairs. With a shrug, Peter did as he was told.
A Most Convenient Mishap
Pairing: Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy
Length: 84,100 words
Author on LJ: unknown.
Author Website: Lavender Girls fanfic
Why this must be read:
This is a good example of another typical what-if scenario. Rebecca's other fic (A Shade in His Character) is more famous--and even begun its own kind of fics--but this one is a perfect example of a FMS fic. (And besides, ASIHC is a wip.)
FMS means Forced Marriage Scenario, and where Harry Potter ff writers use magic and soul bonds and the Minister of Magic, where sci-fi ff writers use aliens, the Jane Austen fandom uses social pressure. This fic is also a delightful comedy of errors, which is hard enough to come by, and Rebecca is a wonderful writer. The story takes over when Jane is sick at Netherfield, and Elizabeth has just been invited to stay with her.
When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, and very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise into an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint the family with her stay, and bring back a supply of clothes.
Before retiring to dress for dinner, Miss Bingley informed her brother that a room had been prepared for Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"Her trunk has not yet arrived. I cannot think why! Please see that when it does, the servant places it in the first bedroom on the right, down the left hallway."
Mr. Bingley looked up distractedly from the fire. Miss Jane Bennet’s illness was causing him grave worry.
"Did you hear me, Charles?"
"Yes, of course, Caroline. I will instruct the servant, do not worry. Now hurry, you have only an hour before dinner."
His sister ignored that last teasing reference to her vanity and hurried up the stairs. She wanted to look her best for Mr. Darcy and fully intended to out-do her unexpected competition.
Three quarters of an hour later, just as Mr. Bingley entered the hallway intent on making his own preparations before dinner, the awaited trunk finally arrived. He motioned his butler away and took care of the matter himself.
"Never mind, Johnson, my sister has given me strict orders about this!"
A relieved Johnson hurried back to help with the dining room preparations.
"Peter! You have at last returned with Miss Bennet’s trunk!"
"I’m very sorry, sir. The Mistress of Longbourn…well, er, there was a bit of a delay on that end."
"Well, never mind. Just take it up to the room that’s been freshly prepared for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. First door on the left, right hallway. And then please see that Miss Bennet is informed of the arrangements."
Peter looked at his master oddly for a moment. But Mr. Bingley was already hurrying up the stairs. With a shrug, Peter did as he was told.
A Most Convenient Mishap
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