Sense and Sensibility Drabble: A Very Proper Wife

[gilpin25]

I owe so many things - like fics, reviews of fics, review replies to fics, any fic things I haven't covered but probably owe anyway, news posts and New Year greetings. The catch-up post will have to wait a little longer, but I have owed this birthday drabble to katyscarlett76 for far too long.

Title: A Very Proper Wife
Author: gilpin25
Rating: G
Format & Word Count: Drabble(ish), 200 words
Summary: It struck her then how unequal their knowledge of each other was.
Author's Notes: For the lovely katyscarlett76, who requested a Brandon/Marianne drabble, for the prompt dance. This is my first ever attempt at the world of Jane Austen and am not sure how I feel about the result, though the long sentences were at least familiar, lol. Feedback is always appreciated, if only to tell me to quit at one... ;)



A Very Proper Wife

She had determined on study, on sober reflection; of remaining for ever more at her mother’s side and leaving uncontrollable passions behind for a lifetime of calm contemplation and usefulness to all.

Instead, she danced with her newly acquired husband and found it impossible not to smile at the rustle of her silk gown, the lively Scotch air of the music and, most of all, at the joyful animation on her husband’s face. There was a lightness that existed between them, a unity of mind and thought that she relished. Now here was a man she could dare to tease regarding such things as flannel waistcoats, and wonder how he would respond in kind.

It struck her then how unequal their knowledge of each other was. How romantic a lifetime of discovery would be.

“I have no gift for love,” he’d said to her, and she’d thought that not only did he do himself a great disservice but at once resolved to prove him wrong.

She had determined to make the best of this, to do the best for him; but she realised, with the most heart-felt delight and longing, that there would be no need.

This would be the best.



Back soon, hopefully with another birthday fic if I can get it to behave.

Comments

[katyscarlett76.livejournal.com]

Oh thank you so much, this is wonderful : )

I love it! It's very Marianne and I loved the little ref to flannel waistcoats ;) You've really captured Jane's style. It's perfect!

Sorry to give you headaches, I was just stretching you ;) And actually I still owe you an Emma/Knightley from that drabble meme ages ago which is giving me similar problems so I guess we're even ;)

[gilpin25.livejournal.com]

Am so glad you like it! It was definitely a bit of a panic-stricken stretch, but it's good to get out your comfort zone and obviously I can say that a lot easier now it's actually done, lol.

I think part of my panic was that I hadn't read the book for a long time, whereas the film is firmly in my head (possibly as a result of seeing it multiple times;)). I did remember the flannel waistcoats line, though, and love the idea of Marianne and Brandon having a gently teasing and loving relationship which builds and builds into something long-lasting for them both. I liked the idea of her realising that there was just as much romance with these kind of possibilities in front of them, and it reawakening all her enthusiasm and energy.

Good luck with the Emma/Knightley, but don't worry about it if it still induces headaches. (What you need is for them to show the film again!;)) And many thanks for the lovely comments.:D