Firthness Challegnes...

Isabella's Wedding

by Les

September 2003, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated PG

Author's Note: If I don't do this now I will chicken out and not post at all. I am sorry if there are any obvious errors. I was going to have my husband beta, but although I started this even before the challenge was issued (just playing with a longer story idea), keeping up with 3 children getting use to new school schedules and a toddler has not given me the time I would have liked.

"Was it not a lovely wedding Mr. Knightly?," commented Miss Taylor with a tearful smile. "Isabella and John look so happy."

"It was and yes, they do. John has even forgotten himself enough to seem to not be bothered with being the center of attention," was Mr. Knightly’s reply. "All present seem to be happy as long as they avoid Mr. Woodhouse while eating their cake."

Just then they were joined by Miss Bates. She was leading her mother and therefore greeted them in a rather loud voice with her usual joyful exuberance. "Miss Taylor. Mr. Knightly. Was that not just the most delightful wedding?" In her mother’s ear she repeated loudly, "DELIGHTFUL WEDDING." "The church was decorated so beautifully, and now all the flowers make Hartfield seem a garden rather than a house." Turning slightly, "GARDEN." "Isabella just looks like a princess, a very beautiful princess." "PRINCESS, MOTHER." "And what a smile Mr. John Knightly has. He seems so happy. Oh look, there is Miss Emma, I forgot, she is Miss Woodhouse now is she not. She is also looking lovely today, and such a fine dancer." "DANCER" Finally she concluded with, "well there is Mrs. Cox, we have not yet spoken to her. Excuse us."

Throughout this monologue, the other participants of the conversation smiled and nodded, or at least until the comment on Miss Woodhouses dancing. At this point Mr. Knightly looked quickly to the dance floor with a critical eye.

Once Mrs. And Miss Bates were far enough away so as not to overhear, Mr. Knightly turned to Miss Taylor and asked. "What has possessed Emma to except an offer to dance? She is only just 15 and not yet out! She should be grateful she was allowed to attend this event and be happy to watch from the sidelines."

"Emma could never be happy just watching from the sidelines. She has always been at the center of her families activities. As for the dance she is behaving very porperly.

"Isabella never had a formal coming out. She was allowed to gradually attend events with her family. Since the society is even smaller now then it was then, I think Emma’s debut will follow a similar path. Why not start now at such an important event for her family?"

"I see Emma can still do no wrong in your eyes. It obviously will not matter if Emma had permission to dance, she is pardoned without even asking," Mr. Knightly replied with a rueful smile.

Just then the music ended and a smiling Emma came to join the conversation. "Oh, Miss Taylor, has this not been a delightful afternoon?"

"It has my dear. Are you enjoying yourself?" Emma replied with a nod and then turned to Mr. Knightly.

"Good evening Mr. Knightly. How are you?," asked Emma with a smile.

"I am fine just as you appear to be," he replied.

"So what is my lecture for today to be, sir. I can see from your expression that you already have decided the subject even though I have just started to speak with you."

"As I am now your brother is it not my place to help you improve?"

"You have never needed a reason before to critique me. But, very well, since you are my brother, George, I am all ears."

Emma, expecting him to be affronted by the use of his christian name, was disappointed when he began talking without any acknowledgment of the unusualness of her address. "How was your dance with Mr. Edward Cole?"

"Very pleasant. It was nice to be able to finally apply my dance lessons. I have never been able to truly understand what it is like to pass down the set and interact with diverse partners. There has only been Miss Taylor and Isabella when I would practice."

"And how did your father feel about Mr. Edward Cole’s request to dance with you?"

"He made no objection, but his attention may have been elsewhere at the moment. He was discussing something with Mr. Perry when I asked for his permission and so just smiled and waved me away. You shall therefor have to ask him of his opinion."

"Mr. Perry’s presence seems to have been conveniently timed to your advantage. Was that by design?"

"You will have to ask Mr. Cole if it was by his design, because I assure you I had nothing to do with him asking me to dance or the timing of his application.

"Does it bother you most that I accepted the invitation or that someone found me worthy of the invitation in the first place?"

"I have said nothing of thinking you unworthy," exclaimed Mr. Knightly. "I myself would possibly ask you to dance if you were not but 15 year and not yet out."

"Well then it is good that I do not have the qualifications to be your ‘possible’ partner. It save me from having to refuse you. It would be unseemly to dance with my brother at such and event. If you will excuse me, Miss Taylor, George, Isabella is getting ready to leave and I need to say my farewell."

Emma left Mr. Knightly to again evaluate how, in the future, he should go about counteracting the overindulgence Emma received from everyone else. Things never seemed to go according to his plan.