General Fiction posted January 9, 2022 |
Unexpected romance
Wisteria
by zanya
It was a classic mid-winter night at Braemor Manor. Icicles were beginning to form on the eaves as the mercury dropped. The barks of the birch trees along the avenue glowed bright beneath a silvery moon.
Indoors, life at Braemor was proving difficult to negotiate. Plans were now well in train for the single biggest event in the calendar, the Christmas Ball. Lady Elise, youngest member of the Braemor household was refusing to attend. Such behaviour had never been witnessed within the walls of the Manor.
The young woman's voice could be heard all through the lower floors.
'No Mama,' she declared loudly,'I do not intend to spend the Christmas season fluttering my eyelashes at Squire James as you and Papa would have me do. I will only flutter my eyelashes at whomsoever I choose.'
Papa, Lord Braemor, lingered anxiously by the door of the morning room listening to his youngest child refusing to comply with parental wishes. It was indeed his first experience of a wilful child in the family. He thanked his lucky stars that Elise was the youngest child in his gentleman's family of two offspring.
He was growing increasingly concerned as his eldest son, Sir Igory and his wife, Lady Loya, would soon return from the Far East to assume control of the Manor's business affairs.
So he considered that the time was fast approaching when his youngest child should choose a husband. After all, spinsters were unheard of in Braemor Manor for centuries.
'But darling Elise..'Lord Braemor interjected, before being signalled to by his wife, Lady Anna to desist from commentary for the moment.
'Darling Elise,' Anna continued, 'Squire James is such a handsome fellow. He cuts quite a dash when he rides out with the hounds, don't you agree?'
'Mama,' Elise retorted, 'James is a middle-aged man, soon to reach the grand old age of thirty, whereas I am a mere twenty.'
Eavesdropping still by the wicker door, Papa was somewhat relieved to hear that Elise's only objection to James was his age.
What if it were his manners or his attire or even his approach to wooing young maidens.
Age, after all, far from being a disadvantage was to be favored in a man. An older man should most likely have sown most of his wild oats.
Remembering courtship rituals with her beloved Braemor, Anna shared some of those moments with Elise.
'Though Papa too was a decade my senior, I revelled in the attention of an older man.
Not given to flights of fancy or wild imaginings he wooed with delicacy and decorum, almost like the knights of old, ' Anna said.
Elise giggled at the description. 'Knights of old, why Mama, you lived in a different century. You and Papa are like fossils from another epoch.'
Anna began to smile for the first time that afternoon.
'Mama,' Elise continued,' I don't wish to be wooed by a knight of old. I want to live like a young woman of my era, post-war era, where women have a say. The war has been over since '44 has it not? That's all of two years ago.'
Now young women my age are free to decide with whom they fall in love.'
'Squire James,' Anna continued, 'is a young man of his era. He has recently returned from diplomatic service overseas and no doubt will have a number of young women who will happily flutter their aristocratic eyebrows at him.'
Just then the two women were interrupted by the sound of carriage wheels coming to a halt outside the Manor.
The great oak door creaked as footman Harry pulled it open.
'Evening Squire James,' Harry said.
'Evening Harry,' James replied.
'Mama..mama,' Elise began but was interrupted by the sound of Squire James's dulcet tones as he entered the morning room.
'Evening, Lady Elise, 'Squire James began as he curtsyed, 'Perhaps we shall meet at the ball later this week?
I plan on taking Lady Camille there so she can get acquainted with gentle folk in our neighbourhood.'
Lady Elise was drawn to Squire James by his ease of manner and golden locks. She did however, notice that the golden locks were distinctly streaked with shades of grey.
Anyway, she mused to herself, James is already partnered with a lady named Lady Camille.
She felt rather annoyed at herself for dwelling on the fact that Squire James was partnered for the ball.
'Why should it matter to me,' she wondered aloud.
Mama and Papa had by now exchanged furtive, conspiratorial glances while engaging Squire James in conversation.
Lady Elise lingered a little longer in the morning room as Mama and Papa engaged in discussion with Squire James about matters relating to the winter hunt.
Occasionally taking a furtive glance in James's direction she noticed that the streaks of grey in his golden locks only showed at his temples.
James, she grudgingly conceded, did seem like a handsome fellow.
Remembering that Squire James was partnered for the ball with a certain Lady Camille, she gathered her embroidery and prepared to leave the morning room.
Before exiting towards the marble staircase, she took a final, furtive glance at James.
How handsome he looks, she thought to herself with his countenance slightly tanned from his ambassadorial duties in warmer climes.
Buttoning his great coat as he prepared to leave, James glanced in her direction. Elise blushed a little.
The following morning, Lady Elise joined Papa at breakfast as he sat reading his newspaper to catch up with the events of the day.
Elise was curious but dared not enquire directly about Squire James. Papa, she thought, would be sure to get the wrong impression.
Perhaps she would wait and ask Mama.
She could wait no longer.
'Papa,' she began ' when will Squire James and Lady Camille wed?'
Engrossed in his newspaper Papa failed to answer.
Having finished reading, he laid his newspaper aside, replying,' wed, Elise, pray, who is getting wed?'
Feeling decidedly uncomfortable now, Elise prepared to leave the table.
As she did so, Papa called after her,' Elise, why not meet up with Lady Camille and show her around the neighbourhood. Though she is James's cousin, she is not well acquainted with the surroundings.'
Elise stopped in her tracks. Had she heard correctly 'cousin.' Her heart fluttered a little. She wasn't at all sure why.
On the evening of the Christmas ball, Lady Elise, assisted by her lady-in-waiting, Deborah spent many hours deciding which gown would be most appropriate.
'Lady Elise, I am happy to see you have changed your mind about the Christmas Ball. It is clearly the most important social event of the year. All the young men will be there. Many wonderful liaisons have been created there.'
Somewhat miffed by her Lady's maid commentary, Elise replied,' Deborah, I am simply doing my duty. How disappointed Mama would be if I didn't wear my new red ball gown this evening.'
'Will Squire James be in attendance?' Deborah enquired.
Attempting to be as nonchalant as possible in her reply, Elise answered,' Yes of course, with Lady Camilla.'
'With Lady whom..?' Deborah asked.
Determined to end this conversation, Elise replied,' Stuff and nonsense, Deborah,.. can you please arrange my corsage.'
Just then Papa called to Lady Elise,' My dearest Elise, Squire James has arrived and awaits you at the foot of the marble staircase.'
Being unaware of his arrival, Lady Elise was beside herself, whether with joy or the first stirrings of love she wasn't quite sure.
Looking elegant in his satin redingote, he extended a gloved hand as Elise descended the staircase.
Taking Elise's satin clad hand in his, he guided her towards the ballroom.
As the door to the ballroom swung open, Squire James took Elise in his arms and the pair immediately danced in step.
Occasionally Lady Anna glanced in their direction, careful not to be seen.
By now, Lord Braemor has retired to the smoking-room for a game of Piquet with his close associates and a glass of the finest brandy from Braemor's cave.
The following day as Mama passed by Elise's boudoir, she bumped into Lady Elise who emerged in her winter coat and muffler.
'Taking some brisk country air, Elise?' Mama enquired.'
'Shall I accompany you since night will fall soon?'
Elise smiled broadly,' No Mama, Squire James is all the company I need.'
Mama hurried along, the lines on her middle-aged brow creased into a happy smile.
Long Winter days passed and Spring finally came to Braemor.
Beneath the Spring sunshine the young lovers, Elise and James were eagerly awaiting the blossoming of Wisteria and Mimosa to adorn their wedding chapel.
Papa and Mama beamed with happiness as they gazed lovingly at the young couple.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Unexpected Romance writing prompt entry
It was a classic mid-winter night at Braemor Manor. Icicles were beginning to form on the eaves as the mercury dropped. The barks of the birch trees along the avenue glowed bright beneath a silvery moon.
Indoors, life at Braemor was proving difficult to negotiate. Plans were now well in train for the single biggest event in the calendar, the Christmas Ball. Lady Elise, youngest member of the Braemor household was refusing to attend. Such behaviour had never been witnessed within the walls of the Manor.
The young woman's voice could be heard all through the lower floors.
'No Mama,' she declared loudly,'I do not intend to spend the Christmas season fluttering my eyelashes at Squire James as you and Papa would have me do. I will only flutter my eyelashes at whomsoever I choose.'
Papa, Lord Braemor, lingered anxiously by the door of the morning room listening to his youngest child refusing to comply with parental wishes. It was indeed his first experience of a wilful child in the family. He thanked his lucky stars that Elise was the youngest child in his gentleman's family of two offspring.
He was growing increasingly concerned as his eldest son, Sir Igory and his wife, Lady Loya, would soon return from the Far East to assume control of the Manor's business affairs.
So he considered that the time was fast approaching when his youngest child should choose a husband. After all, spinsters were unheard of in Braemor Manor for centuries.
'But darling Elise..'Lord Braemor interjected, before being signalled to by his wife, Lady Anna to desist from commentary for the moment.
'Darling Elise,' Anna continued, 'Squire James is such a handsome fellow. He cuts quite a dash when he rides out with the hounds, don't you agree?'
'Mama,' Elise retorted, 'James is a middle-aged man, soon to reach the grand old age of thirty, whereas I am a mere twenty.'
Eavesdropping still by the wicker door, Papa was somewhat relieved to hear that Elise's only objection to James was his age.
What if it were his manners or his attire or even his approach to wooing young maidens.
Age, after all, far from being a disadvantage was to be favored in a man. An older man should most likely have sown most of his wild oats.
Remembering courtship rituals with her beloved Braemor, Anna shared some of those moments with Elise.
'Though Papa too was a decade my senior, I revelled in the attention of an older man.
Not given to flights of fancy or wild imaginings he wooed with delicacy and decorum, almost like the knights of old, ' Anna said.
Elise giggled at the description. 'Knights of old, why Mama, you lived in a different century. You and Papa are like fossils from another epoch.'
Anna began to smile for the first time that afternoon.
'Mama,' Elise continued,' I don't wish to be wooed by a knight of old. I want to live like a young woman of my era, post-war era, where women have a say. The war has been over since '44 has it not? That's all of two years ago.'
Now young women my age are free to decide with whom they fall in love.'
'Squire James,' Anna continued, 'is a young man of his era. He has recently returned from diplomatic service overseas and no doubt will have a number of young women who will happily flutter their aristocratic eyebrows at him.'
Just then the two women were interrupted by the sound of carriage wheels coming to a halt outside the Manor.
The great oak door creaked as footman Harry pulled it open.
'Evening Squire James,' Harry said.
'Evening Harry,' James replied.
'Mama..mama,' Elise began but was interrupted by the sound of Squire James's dulcet tones as he entered the morning room.
'Evening, Lady Elise, 'Squire James began as he curtsyed, 'Perhaps we shall meet at the ball later this week?
I plan on taking Lady Camille there so she can get acquainted with gentle folk in our neighbourhood.'
Lady Elise was drawn to Squire James by his ease of manner and golden locks. She did however, notice that the golden locks were distinctly streaked with shades of grey.
Anyway, she mused to herself, James is already partnered with a lady named Lady Camille.
She felt rather annoyed at herself for dwelling on the fact that Squire James was partnered for the ball.
'Why should it matter to me,' she wondered aloud.
Mama and Papa had by now exchanged furtive, conspiratorial glances while engaging Squire James in conversation.
Lady Elise lingered a little longer in the morning room as Mama and Papa engaged in discussion with Squire James about matters relating to the winter hunt.
Occasionally taking a furtive glance in James's direction she noticed that the streaks of grey in his golden locks only showed at his temples.
James, she grudgingly conceded, did seem like a handsome fellow.
Remembering that Squire James was partnered for the ball with a certain Lady Camille, she gathered her embroidery and prepared to leave the morning room.
Before exiting towards the marble staircase, she took a final, furtive glance at James.
How handsome he looks, she thought to herself with his countenance slightly tanned from his ambassadorial duties in warmer climes.
Buttoning his great coat as he prepared to leave, James glanced in her direction. Elise blushed a little.
The following morning, Lady Elise joined Papa at breakfast as he sat reading his newspaper to catch up with the events of the day.
Elise was curious but dared not enquire directly about Squire James. Papa, she thought, would be sure to get the wrong impression.
Perhaps she would wait and ask Mama.
She could wait no longer.
'Papa,' she began ' when will Squire James and Lady Camille wed?'
Engrossed in his newspaper Papa failed to answer.
Having finished reading, he laid his newspaper aside, replying,' wed, Elise, pray, who is getting wed?'
Feeling decidedly uncomfortable now, Elise prepared to leave the table.
As she did so, Papa called after her,' Elise, why not meet up with Lady Camille and show her around the neighbourhood. Though she is James's cousin, she is not well acquainted with the surroundings.'
Elise stopped in her tracks. Had she heard correctly 'cousin.' Her heart fluttered a little. She wasn't at all sure why.
On the evening of the Christmas ball, Lady Elise, assisted by her lady-in-waiting, Deborah spent many hours deciding which gown would be most appropriate.
'Lady Elise, I am happy to see you have changed your mind about the Christmas Ball. It is clearly the most important social event of the year. All the young men will be there. Many wonderful liaisons have been created there.'
Somewhat miffed by her Lady's maid commentary, Elise replied,' Deborah, I am simply doing my duty. How disappointed Mama would be if I didn't wear my new red ball gown this evening.'
'Will Squire James be in attendance?' Deborah enquired.
Attempting to be as nonchalant as possible in her reply, Elise answered,' Yes of course, with Lady Camilla.'
'With Lady whom..?' Deborah asked.
Determined to end this conversation, Elise replied,' Stuff and nonsense, Deborah,.. can you please arrange my corsage.'
Just then Papa called to Lady Elise,' My dearest Elise, Squire James has arrived and awaits you at the foot of the marble staircase.'
Being unaware of his arrival, Lady Elise was beside herself, whether with joy or the first stirrings of love she wasn't quite sure.
Looking elegant in his satin redingote, he extended a gloved hand as Elise descended the staircase.
Taking Elise's satin clad hand in his, he guided her towards the ballroom.
As the door to the ballroom swung open, Squire James took Elise in his arms and the pair immediately danced in step.
Occasionally Lady Anna glanced in their direction, careful not to be seen.
By now, Lord Braemor has retired to the smoking-room for a game of Piquet with his close associates and a glass of the finest brandy from Braemor's cave.
The following day as Mama passed by Elise's boudoir, she bumped into Lady Elise who emerged in her winter coat and muffler.
'Taking some brisk country air, Elise?' Mama enquired.'
'Shall I accompany you since night will fall soon?'
Elise smiled broadly,' No Mama, Squire James is all the company I need.'
Mama hurried along, the lines on her middle-aged brow creased into a happy smile.
Long Winter days passed and Spring finally came to Braemor.
Beneath the Spring sunshine the young lovers, Elise and James were eagerly awaiting the blossoming of Wisteria and Mimosa to adorn their wedding chapel.
Papa and Mama beamed with happiness as they gazed lovingly at the young couple.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Indoors, life at Braemor was proving difficult to negotiate. Plans were now well in train for the single biggest event in the calendar, the Christmas Ball. Lady Elise, youngest member of the Braemor household was refusing to attend. Such behaviour had never been witnessed within the walls of the Manor.
The young woman's voice could be heard all through the lower floors.
'No Mama,' she declared loudly,'I do not intend to spend the Christmas season fluttering my eyelashes at Squire James as you and Papa would have me do. I will only flutter my eyelashes at whomsoever I choose.'
Papa, Lord Braemor, lingered anxiously by the door of the morning room listening to his youngest child refusing to comply with parental wishes. It was indeed his first experience of a wilful child in the family. He thanked his lucky stars that Elise was the youngest child in his gentleman's family of two offspring.
He was growing increasingly concerned as his eldest son, Sir Igory and his wife, Lady Loya, would soon return from the Far East to assume control of the Manor's business affairs.
So he considered that the time was fast approaching when his youngest child should choose a husband. After all, spinsters were unheard of in Braemor Manor for centuries.
'But darling Elise..'Lord Braemor interjected, before being signalled to by his wife, Lady Anna to desist from commentary for the moment.
'Darling Elise,' Anna continued, 'Squire James is such a handsome fellow. He cuts quite a dash when he rides out with the hounds, don't you agree?'
'Mama,' Elise retorted, 'James is a middle-aged man, soon to reach the grand old age of thirty, whereas I am a mere twenty.'
Eavesdropping still by the wicker door, Papa was somewhat relieved to hear that Elise's only objection to James was his age.
What if it were his manners or his attire or even his approach to wooing young maidens.
Age, after all, far from being a disadvantage was to be favored in a man. An older man should most likely have sown most of his wild oats.
Remembering courtship rituals with her beloved Braemor, Anna shared some of those moments with Elise.
'Though Papa too was a decade my senior, I revelled in the attention of an older man.
Not given to flights of fancy or wild imaginings he wooed with delicacy and decorum, almost like the knights of old, ' Anna said.
Elise giggled at the description. 'Knights of old, why Mama, you lived in a different century. You and Papa are like fossils from another epoch.'
Anna began to smile for the first time that afternoon.
'Mama,' Elise continued,' I don't wish to be wooed by a knight of old. I want to live like a young woman of my era, post-war era, where women have a say. The war has been over since '44 has it not? That's all of two years ago.'
Now young women my age are free to decide with whom they fall in love.'
'Squire James,' Anna continued, 'is a young man of his era. He has recently returned from diplomatic service overseas and no doubt will have a number of young women who will happily flutter their aristocratic eyebrows at him.'
Just then the two women were interrupted by the sound of carriage wheels coming to a halt outside the Manor.
The great oak door creaked as footman Harry pulled it open.
'Evening Squire James,' Harry said.
'Evening Harry,' James replied.
'Mama..mama,' Elise began but was interrupted by the sound of Squire James's dulcet tones as he entered the morning room.
'Evening, Lady Elise, 'Squire James began as he curtsyed, 'Perhaps we shall meet at the ball later this week?
I plan on taking Lady Camille there so she can get acquainted with gentle folk in our neighbourhood.'
Lady Elise was drawn to Squire James by his ease of manner and golden locks. She did however, notice that the golden locks were distinctly streaked with shades of grey.
Anyway, she mused to herself, James is already partnered with a lady named Lady Camille.
She felt rather annoyed at herself for dwelling on the fact that Squire James was partnered for the ball.
'Why should it matter to me,' she wondered aloud.
Mama and Papa had by now exchanged furtive, conspiratorial glances while engaging Squire James in conversation.
Lady Elise lingered a little longer in the morning room as Mama and Papa engaged in discussion with Squire James about matters relating to the winter hunt.
Occasionally taking a furtive glance in James's direction she noticed that the streaks of grey in his golden locks only showed at his temples.
James, she grudgingly conceded, did seem like a handsome fellow.
Remembering that Squire James was partnered for the ball with a certain Lady Camille, she gathered her embroidery and prepared to leave the morning room.
Before exiting towards the marble staircase, she took a final, furtive glance at James.
How handsome he looks, she thought to herself with his countenance slightly tanned from his ambassadorial duties in warmer climes.
Buttoning his great coat as he prepared to leave, James glanced in her direction. Elise blushed a little.
The following morning, Lady Elise joined Papa at breakfast as he sat reading his newspaper to catch up with the events of the day.
Elise was curious but dared not enquire directly about Squire James. Papa, she thought, would be sure to get the wrong impression.
Perhaps she would wait and ask Mama.
She could wait no longer.
'Papa,' she began ' when will Squire James and Lady Camille wed?'
Engrossed in his newspaper Papa failed to answer.
Having finished reading, he laid his newspaper aside, replying,' wed, Elise, pray, who is getting wed?'
Feeling decidedly uncomfortable now, Elise prepared to leave the table.
As she did so, Papa called after her,' Elise, why not meet up with Lady Camille and show her around the neighbourhood. Though she is James's cousin, she is not well acquainted with the surroundings.'
Elise stopped in her tracks. Had she heard correctly 'cousin.' Her heart fluttered a little. She wasn't at all sure why.
On the evening of the Christmas ball, Lady Elise, assisted by her lady-in-waiting, Deborah spent many hours deciding which gown would be most appropriate.
'Lady Elise, I am happy to see you have changed your mind about the Christmas Ball. It is clearly the most important social event of the year. All the young men will be there. Many wonderful liaisons have been created there.'
Somewhat miffed by her Lady's maid commentary, Elise replied,' Deborah, I am simply doing my duty. How disappointed Mama would be if I didn't wear my new red ball gown this evening.'
'Will Squire James be in attendance?' Deborah enquired.
Attempting to be as nonchalant as possible in her reply, Elise answered,' Yes of course, with Lady Camilla.'
'With Lady whom..?' Deborah asked.
Determined to end this conversation, Elise replied,' Stuff and nonsense, Deborah,.. can you please arrange my corsage.'
Just then Papa called to Lady Elise,' My dearest Elise, Squire James has arrived and awaits you at the foot of the marble staircase.'
Being unaware of his arrival, Lady Elise was beside herself, whether with joy or the first stirrings of love she wasn't quite sure.
Looking elegant in his satin redingote, he extended a gloved hand as Elise descended the staircase.
Taking Elise's satin clad hand in his, he guided her towards the ballroom.
As the door to the ballroom swung open, Squire James took Elise in his arms and the pair immediately danced in step.
Occasionally Lady Anna glanced in their direction, careful not to be seen.
By now, Lord Braemor has retired to the smoking-room for a game of Piquet with his close associates and a glass of the finest brandy from Braemor's cave.
The following day as Mama passed by Elise's boudoir, she bumped into Lady Elise who emerged in her winter coat and muffler.
'Taking some brisk country air, Elise?' Mama enquired.'
'Shall I accompany you since night will fall soon?'
Elise smiled broadly,' No Mama, Squire James is all the company I need.'
Mama hurried along, the lines on her middle-aged brow creased into a happy smile.
Long Winter days passed and Spring finally came to Braemor.
Beneath the Spring sunshine the young lovers, Elise and James were eagerly awaiting the blossoming of Wisteria and Mimosa to adorn their wedding chapel.
Papa and Mama beamed with happiness as they gazed lovingly at the young couple.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Writing Prompt The topic for this contest is: Unexpected Romance. For poetry or prose. The story brings two people together, two people who don't necessarily realize that they belong together but the audience is rooting for them. |
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