Pride and Prejudices (cheerio/darkestfate)

[cheerio_cherry]

The chance to see new people was always one that Kimberly Daniels would take. The girl, a young, 38 year old American performer had always been a warm-hearted girl who loved to perform. Now she was out to find herself a new chance at life, which was why she was in London, seeking a chance for a big west-end stage. She was also looking for a young woman to train and care for. She had never really been brave enough to approach people and she was not likely to turn down a fresh chance to get the bravery.

The party had been going on for almost a half-hour when she arrived. Her dress, a silken blue dress that flattered and brought out the underlying green and blue from her grey and brown eyes was covered by a light jacket which she turned in at the door, all too happy to take her chance to get to the party. Her long brown hair was actually an add-on she'd had made to enable her to hide her short cropped hair, she knew people were less than likely to like the look of it and as she waited for her own to grow back she'd have to use the add-on. She had paused to look around the party, wondering who else would be coming.

 

[darkest_fate]

As usual, the party was dreadfully boring. Miss Amelia Sholfield was, as usual, hanging out at the fringes of the party and staring into the dancers before her. They moved and weaved with practiced skill, forming intricate patterns that were simply mesmerizing, if you actually bothered to watch. Amelia herself was dressed in a beautiful dress of beautiful green lace. It worked well, even on her decidedly boyish frame. Having no breasts or real hips to speak of was horrible to think about, especially with the latest fashions. At least Amelia had beautiful hair, hair that fell down her neck in beautiful dark brown waves.

One of Amelia's friends came over to speak with her, and they exchanged a few standard words of greeting and nonsense. Two seventeen year old girls talked about the usual things with each other: eligible men, fashions, dances. These two also spoke a bit more about literature and scientific findings than the average girl would have. Eventually, Amelia's friend mentioned that a famous American performer had arrived here, and she was looking about. The two girls were of course eager to see someone from the far off and rough land of America, not to mention anyone new and exciting. They elected to split up and try to find her, agreeing that they'd find the other as soon as they did.

Amelia began wandering the floors, looking for anyone who stood out as being drastically different. she'd only made it a few ways before nearly bumping into a fetching woman with a silken blue dress. The girl murmured her apologies and averted her eyes, as was proper, of course.

 

[cheerio_cherry]

"It's quite alright." Kimberly murmured, her words tinged with her American accent, one that spoke out loudly against the normal English words and tones. She needed to work on losing the accent a bit but she had smiled at the shy young woman. "Are you alright?" The question was gentle, softly spoken. She could feel tension in the girl and smiled quietly. "Your trembling... are you cold?" The girl seemed nervous and she could see why, she was a stranger after all and she was different from most. She needed to see the girl relax however as she added. "I don't want to leave you hurt..." She was pretty sure she'd trodden on the girl, much as she hadn't meant to. "You can look at me you know... I don't hold to tradition very well."

 

[darkest_fate]

the accent was immediately apparent to Amelia, and it made her smile. aha! so she'd found the American woman. Even better, she'd found the American before her friend did. This was truly something to celebrate. It didn't do much for Amelia's nerves though. She had to swallow, gathering herself. It wouldn't do to present a poor picture of herself before the visiting guest. She had to represent her family, even her country now.

"I'm quite alright, thank you," she replied. Now she was able to drop into a decent curtsy, smiling up at the woman. "it's a pleasure to meet you, miss. And do not worry about me, I'm quite alright."

The girl tucked a loose curl behind her ear and smiled at the other woman. she wasn't quite sure what all that about looking at the other woman was, though Amelia took it to admire the dress and the other woman's fashion for a while. It didn't look all that different from the fashions here, thankfully. It was a bit disappointing, but nothing that Amelia couldn't overcome.

"You do look quite splendid this evening," offered the girl. "Your dress is quite becoming."

Another smile and a nod of her head, before Amelia realized that she hadn't introduced herself. "Oh, forgive me, I am Miss Amelia Sholfield, of the Mansfield Sholfields. It's quite a pleasure to be meeting you, miss. I assume you are our visitor from across the Atlantic?'

 

[cheerio_cherry]

The girl was quite clearly nervous and Kimberly couldn't help but smile at it. She looked nervous and shy but sweet. The girl had swallowed and Kimberly had remained silent, sensing that the girl needed a little time to pull herself together. Clearly this girl had been looking for her. Something that made her smile. She liked how eager the girl was to meet her.

"Good, I'm glad you're alright." Kimberly's voice remained warm as she spoke, the accent only adding to the softness and kind quality in her voice. Many people seemed surprised by her warmth the first time they met her.

As the girl looked her over Kimberly smiled and flicked her hair back from her face, praying that she didn't look as nervous as she felt. She had never really much liked wearing dresses but she knew that she had to for these kinds of parties. She was willing to work hard to make it work.

The girl's soft words had drawn a second smile and Kimberly smiled sweetly. "Thank you ma'am." Her tone was gentle and she spoke again softly. "Your dress looks quite fetching too."

The words that came next made her smile all the more, the girl's nerves making her smirk all the more. "Yes." She was confident as she spoke. "Miss Kimberly Daniels." She was smiling as she added. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Sholfield."

 

[darkest_fate]

For her part, Amelia was slowly becoming more comfortable and poised. The other woman was clearly someone kind and nice, or at least patient. Being nervous was simply foolish, and Amelia really wasn't one for foolishness. She did wish that her hair would stay behind her face though. This is what she got for attempting to wear it in anything resembling a style. she blamed current fashion noce more.

"Oh, it's nothing. I've had a lot worse. I have danced with male cousins and such before," replied Amelia. she kept her voice airy and light, continually smiling at the other woman. Hard not to, Miss Kimberly just had a manner about her that made one naturally relax. At least it made Amelia feel naturally more relaxed. "And thank you for your compliments regarding my dress. I was concerned that it wouldn't work well for me. Most of the fashions do not fit my figure well at all," she sighed, shaking her head, "but we must make do, shan't we?'

Bit odd to see the smirk on the other woman's face. It almost reminded Amelia of what it was like when a boy fancied her and started glowering about it. But she put such thoughts out of her mind, nodding. "Miss Kimberly Daniels. It is quite an honor to be speaking with you. I certainly hope you're finding England to your liking. Please let me know if there's anything i can do to ease your stay."

Amelia felt like bowing again, but resisted the urge, instead lowering her hands to her sides and forcing another slightly nervous smile. "Forgive me, but I feel a bit taken aback. You are far friendlier than I had hoped."

 

[cheerio_cherry]

Kimberly had smiled as she watched the girl tuck her hair back behind her ear. As the hair moved back into the girl's face she smiled and produced a hairclip, moving to gently clip the girl's hair back. "That's better, now we can see that pretty face." She spoke warmly and somewhat sweetly. She couldn't help but like the girl who seemed shaky and still just the smallest bit timid.

The girl's words had drawn a light and playful life from Kimberly, her smile clear as she spoke. "I take it they treat on you then?" She spoke warmly, her voice remaining softly sweet and kind. She didn't want to upset or fluster the girl, she knew it would be a bad idea to do so. "I think that dress is very flattering." Kimberly spoke softly, sweetly. "You really must stop looking down on yourself Miss Amelia."

"I'm sure I'll find a way to make the time pass." She agreed, then spoke softly, the words almost coming automatically. "I wonder Miss Amelia if I might ask for your company?" She spoke kindly. "It is dreadfully lonely out here when you live alone." She sounded confident but slightly unhappy.

The next words had played on her mind before she spoke again. "Miss Amelia, you are really quite charming, it's a pleasure to talk to someone so kind."

 

[darkest_fate]

the hair clip worked beautifully, though Amelia found her hand absently going to it as it settled there. At least her curls wouldn't be bothering her face. Naturally the girl thanked her companion for it, smiling gratefully. Part of her was already thinking about how much fun it would be to tell all her friends that she'd worn a hair clip from the American woman. She would surely be the envy of the entire Shire inside a few days. Amelia could already picture even her closet friends going positively green.

"They treat on me from time to time," agreed Amelia. "I have a few sisters, so they also receive a good deal of the treating. and thank you for your compliments once more, Miss Daniels. I hope I can continue to live up to them."

More smiles, and Amelia nodded along with Kimberly's next words. The other woman would surely have some difficulty in finding something to do in this dreary county, beyond these occasional parties. But it was the next few words that truly caught Amelia by surprise. "Why, that would be most splendid. I have a friend or two would be most willing to spend time with us as well. Nothing quite like catching up and socializing with ones peers, no?"

She reached out to lightly grab the other woman's hands, feeling that those other words required at least a little contact. "I'm certain that a woman such as yourself will have little trouble finding someone to deal with the loneliness. Why, every man in the county will probably be interested, particularly those of a more primed age," she wound up cutting off and blushing at the further compliments. The red looked quite bright against Amelia's pale cheeks, and she quickly shook it off. "Really, the pleasure is all mine. the conversation can grow dreadfully boring and redundant around here. It's wonderful to speak to someone new."

 

[cheerio_cherry]

The girl seemed to be distracted by the hairclip and Kimberly couldn't help but laugh. When the girl thanked her she laughed and stroked her own hair back out of her face, clipping it back with a second clip once she had found it. The girl seemed quite happy and she couldn't help but find her charming. As Amelia spoke she paid attention to her, smiling slightly. "Perhaps we should try to teach your dear cousins how not to step on people?" As Amelia thanked her she laughed softly. "Stop thanking me dear girl."

"No, certainly not." She couldn't help but agree with her. Still she seemed quite happy with the girl's words all the same. "Still, are ou sure you're friends will like me?" The question was soft and almost surprised. She didn't want the girl to sense how shy she was outside of her comfort zone. As the girl caught her hands she smiled, glad the girl seemed happy. "Perhaps every man would but to be honest, most men really aren't my type." As the girl was blushing she smiled slightly, she seemed happy all the same. "Well, I'm sure we'll have plenty of things to discuss."

 

[darkest_fate]

"We've tried quite diligently to teach my dear cousins, but I'm afraid that they simply cannot seem to learn. Born with two left feet, I suppose,' replied Amelia. She stopped fidgeting with her hair, though it was something of an act of will to do so. She certainly didn't want to look foolish in front of the foreign visitor. She'd already done that quite well, thank you.

"I'm certain they shall be most interested," insisted Amelia, nodding confidently. "We were just talking about seeking you out, a friend of mine and I. Her name is Martha and she really is quite a dear, if a bit on the hefty side," which was why she had a few marriage prospects as her friend. "I'm afraid I've lost her in the this crowd, however."

She tried to squeeze the other woman's hands again. Most men weren't her type? This kind of conversation struck Amelia as decidedly strange, though she found herself agreeing readily enough. "Indeed, most men are simply boorish. I greatly prefer the company of women," she laughed lightly, "if only we didn't need them for marriage, I would think we could do quite splenddly without them.

 

[cheerio_cherry]

Kimberly had smiled as she watched the girl, waiting for her to speak again. She found the girl both charming and quite utterly distracting. She couldn't help but smile all the same. She felt happy and relaxed. It seemed this sweet girl had no idea what it was that had made so man people give her a wide birth.

"We shall have to find your good friend." She agreed softly. "I'm sure we can manage it." She seemed sure of herself again now, warm-hearted and steady. She didn't always feel that way but this charming and innocent girl had made her life really quite easier already.

As the girl squeezed her hands and spoke she smiled and laughed. "Oh dear girl, you really have no idea what I mean do you?" She spoke softly but warmly and kindly. "I am unmarried, in fact, the way I live is considered immoral in most places." She had shrugged a little.

 

[darkest_fate]

"I'm certain she's around here somewhere," agreed Amelia. She looped her arm around Kimberly's, much as she'd done with men before in the past. Another little squeeze, and Amelia tried to get them walking about the dance floor. Her eyes were scanning, searching for her friend, while her focus remained almost entirely on the utterly fascinating American woman who'd so bewitched her.

Confused by the next statement, Amelia looked at Kimberly. She frowned, tilting her head slightly. "I'm certain that some might feel it immoral to live alone at your age, but I would hardly think that it would be considered immoral overall. Surely there is nothing wrong with solitude..."

Though Amelia struggled to try and see behind what Kimberly was saying. It couldn't simply be solitude, because occasionally a woman sought just that. it would be rather unusual, given Kimberly's apparent station and wealth, but not something that you'd call immoral. Which must mean that the woman practiced something else that would make most members of society curl their toes in. that alone served intriguing to the vibrant, curious teenager, and she smiled up at her new friend.

"I must admit, you have my curiosity now, Miss Daniels," confessed Amelia. "Whatever could you be referring to, that would have you so nervous? Surely it can't be something too wild, even for an American..."

 

[cheerio_cherry]

The feel of Amelia's arm through her own had taken a lot of Kimberly's attention from the girl's words and she forced herself to concentrate. As the two walked she was aware of people passing and watching, clearly thinking she had taken the girl in. She would have done if she could but she was sure the girl would remove her arm once she realised the truth, a fact that made her all the more uncomfortable.

Amelia's next words had shown just how little the girl understood of what Kimberly was, what her life was like. Both in America and here she was despised for what she was even as they admired her talents as a performer. She was a little sorry of that fact.

As Amelia smiled at her Kimberly couldn't help but smile back, the lively and sweet girl had her attention. She seemed to not know what Kimberly was but she also wasn't pulling away with fear, which could have been the other thing that happened. All the same she dobted how the girl would react to her words next. Even as the girl asked she forced herself to concentrate on her words. She didn't want to let herself down now, not when she might have had a friend.

"Have you heard of Sapphics before?" Kimberly's attention was on the girl as she added a softer. "Not many women or men would let me this close to to their child."

 

[darkest_fate]

"Sapphics? You mean, women who prefer other women in a more... romantic fashion?" questioned Amelia. She blinked, trying to fathom such a thing. IT wasn't too far fetched. She herself had doubts about the male sex. Furthermore she had looked at her friends and admired their beauty before. It was odd to think about things going further than that, but it was more of an object of curiosity for the intelligent young girl instead of an object of disgust.

"Are you... this upfront about it with everyone?" asked Amelia. Her large brown eyes turned upon the woman now, half wondering, half amazed. "It doesn't seem like something you'd be this willing to share, if it bears so very many societal onuses."

The girl paused in conversation for a while longer, even stopping walking. They were thankfully some distance from the dance floor, so it wasn't as though there was anyone for them to bump into.

"Why would you choose a life like that?" she wondered aloud. Realizing that she'd voiced her thoughts, Amelia immediately blushed, only to look up at her companion with a slightly abashed look. "Forgive me, you don't need to answer that if you feel uncomfortable."

 

[cheerio_cherry]

"That is exactly what I mean." Kimberly nodded, smiling slightly sadly. She half-expected the girl to hate her now and pull away, many of her former friends had before. She was half-wondering what the girl would do next. When she didn't pull away Kimberly relaxed a little more. At least this girl wasn't yelling. After a short while she had made her way further away, turning her gaze to the girl again and wondering what her reaction would be.

As the girl questioned her she smiled sadly again. "No. No I don't." She sighed and paused then spoke gently. "Amelia, the very reason I am being this honest with you is because I really don't think I can handle much more hatred... especially from
young ladies such as yourself, it's a very difficult way to live."

They had paused and Kimberly paid her attention to Amelia fully now. Wondering just what was going to happen now. The question had drawn a smile to Kimberly and the girl's shy responce had made it all the easier for her to speak. The gentleness of her tone showed her affection towards the girl, shy as she was feeling.

"To be honest with you..." Kimberly paused, planning out her next words. "I didn't choose it." Her words came slowly, planned out cautiously. "It chose me." A slight smile pulled at her lips before she added. "In a way."

 

[darkest_fate]

This must have been quite a difficult, touchy thing for Miss Kimberly. Amelia couldn't even imagine what it would be like to deal with something like that every day. People judging you because of who you chose to love. It hardly made sense to Amelia. Then again, people already did that with more standard relations, why should something like this be any different?

"Well, I appreciate your honesty with me," confessed Amelia. It had set her mind a whirr though. How did you discover something like that? Did you simply catch yourself staring at women? daydreaming about them? Or was it something that had to be brought out of you? The curiosity was nearly overwhelming for poor Amelia. At least Kimberly had smiled, meaning that things weer going alright.

Didn't choose it? It chose her...

"I'm afraid I still don't follow. How did something like that choose you? Did you just wake up one morning and discover that you preferred other women? Or was it more complicated..." Amelia realized that once more her curiosity had carried her away. Yet she suspected that Kimberly wouldn't care; she hadn't so far. and if she did, Amelia could simply act appropriately abashed.

 

[cheerio_cherry]

Amelia appeared to be deep in thought about what she had said and Kimberly half-paused to watch her, wondering just what Amelia was thinking. Whatever it was the girl seemed to be watching her just as intently as she had done before. Clearly this girl was smarter than most and was unafraid of her and what she was. Still she found herself wondering just why the girl was so sweet.

The next words from Amelia drew a slightly shy smile and she found herself a little enchanted by the girl's beauty. Thoughts appeared to be playing across the girl's face and she enjoyed watching the girl fathom what her next words were, not only was this girl enchantingly beautiful and smart. She couldn't help but find it sweet. No matter what happened. She hoped so at least.

Her sigh was soft now as she watched her closely, praying she wasn't about to bolt.

"It was a little more complicated than that." Kimberly admitted. "You see, it happened when I was about your age. 18 or so." She paused, planning out the best way to tell the girl. How could she though? She wondered what to say next then forced herself to smile a little. "It's easier to... show than tell." Her smile grew shy again and her heartbeat sped up, telling her she was doing the right thing.

 

[darkest_fate]

Once more, Amelia watched Kimberly closely, reading her as well as listening to the words that were coming out. As she did, she studied the other woman, trying to see if she could see if she wasn't fetching as well. The woman did have a certain quality about her, the poise and gentleness. For a brief moment, Amelia allowed herself to wonder what it would be like to be the lover of someone such as that. She quickly dismissed the thought, knowing that her parents would never approve.

Still the curiosity remained.

"What do you mean show than tell?" asked Amelia. She tilted her head. There was this feeling, that she was standing on the edge of something. That curiosity that Kimberly had ignited simply wouldn't go away. Amelia simply had to figure out how you discovered something like this. Otherwise she'd spent the rest of her life wondering. "Is there some way you could show me, perhaps? I am quite curious to see how this works out..."

The girl's drive to discover this overwhelmed the little embarrassment she'd feel from asking that. It could be quite the simple operation, for all Amelia knew. Maybe you simply had to stare at something or read a book. There had to be something there in order to discover, and Amelia was determined to figure out what and how.

 

[cheerio_cherry]

Amelia appeared to be watching her again and Kimberly sighed softly, inwardly. She wondered just what it was that she had started. The girl was certainly pretty enough that she would be most willing to please her in any way she asked for, be it friendship or a deeper relationship. Amelia appeared to be watching her closer now and she smiled, knowing what kind of questions must be troubling her.

Still the girl seemed very happy to stand and look at her.

"Perhaps we should find somewhere a little more... private to continue the discussion." Her words were soft and sweet and she found herself praying that the girl would say yes. She needed her to say yes. "It could save us both a little trouble later on." She had paused to watch the girl again, wondering what to say next. The girl's next question had made her smile. "We'd definately have to find somewhere a little more private for the way I was planning."

She had paused only a couple more moments before she spoke. "Come with me Amelia, away from this party?" Her request was soft and she found herself smiling. "I am staying quite close by, it would be far less... open... there." She couldn't help but say it, wanting the girl to agree.

 

[darkest_fate]

The proposition thrilled Amelia. Not only was Kimberly willing, she was willing to do so right now! This would be yet another thing for her to lord over her friends: she'd been to the fabulous American visitor's estate! Even more appealing to the girl was whatever this private test was. The need for privacy was beginning to make Amelia more curious, and more than a little nervous. She'd only exchanged a few kisses with boys before; what if she failed with Kimberly? Oh well, it could still be something softer and nicer. Even if it wasn't, Kimberly was certainly polite enough.

"Yes, I do believe I shall take you up on that offer. I need to inform my parents first," said Amelia. She reached for it and gave the older woman's hands a light squeeze and another smile. Excitement shone in the girl's eyes now, eagerness coming forth. Who else could claim that they spent time with an American Sapphic? Even better, Kimberly was such an amazing, gentle person. Amelia would enjoy simply spending time with the woman, regardless of anything else. She was already looking forward to an extended friendship.

"Let me go get my parents' permission to visit your home," said Amelia, "and I shall meet you at the door."

another squeeze, and the girl hurried off, resisting the urge to squeal with excitement.

{if you wanted to go ahead and skip to their arrival at the house or estate or whatever, that would be fine by me. or we can play it out.}

 

[cheerio_cherry]

(I'll skip forward)

The girl had scurried off fast enough that Kimberly was left stunned. She had smiled to see how happy the girl was all the same and now she headed to the doors. She had been all too happy to wait there until the girl joined her. Soon enough the two were catching a carraige to her estate, the carraige leaving them both at the doors. She had looked over at the girl and smiled.

"Here we are."

She had pushed the doors open and headed inside, pausing to gently pull the girl inside, shutting then locking the doors before she shed her shoes, seemingly glad to get barefoot. She had paused to look the girl over again, a soft hand on the girl's cheek.

"Are you sure?"

 

[darkest_fate]

The house looked impressive, or at least intriguing enough. Amelia was all nervous smiles and shifting feet. Her parents had told her to be on her best behavior, though they of course had no idea why their daughter was visiting the woman. It was also fortunate that the information about Kimberly's sexuality hadn't quite spread throughout the small countryside yet. Give it a few days, and everyone and their pet dog would know.

For now, the young girl stood there, sliding out of her own painful shoes. As she felt the hand on her cheek, Amelia nodded. "Of course I'm sure. I want to find out how you know... and I want to see for myself. Perhaps I am one as well, and I was never made aware of it till now. It would be quite a shame to deny one's true self in that manner."

Amelia nodded, smiled once more, and took Kimberly's hand in hers. "Now, could you please show me how one discovers if one is a Sapphic or not?"

 

[cheerio_cherry]

Kimberly had smiled at the last of the girl's words, drawing her closer and into a warm and passionate kiss, gentle but strong enough to show what she had been feeling these last few moments. Her tuch on the girl's neck was soft as she drew her closer, allowing a hand to trail down the girl's body and back, keeping her close but remaining soft all the same.

 

[darkest_fate]

A kiss. Amelia should have figured it would be that, with the gentle touches. At first the girl stiffened, feeling her lips taken by the other woman's. Several heartbeats thundered as the warm, passionate lips took hers, giving pleasure even as it took from her. The girl couldn't help but kiss in return, using what little experience she had. Her lips moved against Kimberly's.

Then there were hands upon her neck, drawing her closer. What was she about to experience? once more excitement and nerves took over Amelia, nearly making her shudder. Yet her lips remained upon her companion, possibly soon to be her lover's. She had to pull back, breathless and staring at the other woman.

"oh, so that's..." she took several breaths, feeling herself pressed against the other woman. "I am to take it that you find me appealing, Miss Kimberly?"

She had to smile at that. Her face had flushed, the color obvious on her pale cheeks. Yet she had found it... nice. Pleasant and certainly pleasing. Was that all there was? Because Amelia certainly hadn't come to any conclusions based upon that, beyond that Kimberly knew well enough how to kiss.

 

[cheerio_cherry]

The girl's slightly trembling words and slight stumble over them had drawn a smile to Kimberly's lips. She nodded all the same and spoke with a voice that was gentle and kind as before although a little more roughened by passion and emotions. She couldn't help it. She truely did like the girl. "Yes Miss Amelia, I most certainly do." She had known she would have to admit it and she wondered what the girl's reaction would be. She only hoped it would not be one of revulsion.

As the girl smiled she knew she was alright. She wasn't scaring the girl too much and she knew she had to be careful and tender with the girl. She was after all innocent and trusting as Kimberly herself had once been. All the same she knew she was going to need to compose herself somehow and kept herself steady only by sheer force of will, she longed to kiss the girl again but held herself back, choosing to wait on a reply.