Time for another entry in Friday Fictioneers challenge, courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. If you want to give it a try, check the info on her blog. 100 words more or less, inspired by a photo, here we go….
Copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
My dearest Charlotte,
Bath is lovely as ever this time of year, yet I am filled with this sense of indifference. Father is running from one ball to the other, constantly in pursuit of younger interests, hoping to finally produce a male heir.
I saw Captain Gower today. My indifference to Bath can be easily matched by his indifference to me. I can see now that he will never forgive me. Thus, I must make my peace.
And still, my heart trembles every time I hear his name. I wish this pain to fade away, but the fire grows ever stronger.
The language and tone was exactly right – very well done. And the reflective, slightly rueful nature of the narrator came through really well. (Peace or piece?) 😉
Although I’m not familiar with Jane Austin other than knowing of the stories, I love the letter form to tell a short story. The voice is convincing and tells a complete story. Well done.
Love the form, and yes, the language felt right. I’ve only read a bit of Pride and Prejudice so can’t say for sure 🙂 Qh dear, the male heir obsession… it still exists here, though it has mostly died down.
The mention of Bath and the tone, immediately said Jane Austen.. though I could not pinpoint the characters. But there was never any good with those military men… better leave them.
The image reminded me of ball rooms from that period. But it doesn’t matter, it is not imperative to connect to my story. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
Loré, this is just delicious! I’ve learned to play your music, often as I read along… and the two work so well together, this week! You’ve really captured a tone and feel that is perfect for the period. Loved it!
Dear Dawn, I am so glad you liked the music, too. I often listen to the music when reading a book, so I tried to implement that here, with my stories. Happy that it works. Thank you!
I love Austen’s books and have read (most or all) many times. This made mw wonder which one the letter was from. This is a compliment, it read so real. Siring heirs, finding reasonably rich husbands, that was the life of nobility.
Gorgeously done! Made my own heart flutter.
I have never read Persuasion so I’m off to find it now – we have it somewhere. (Emma is my favourite.)
Don’t usually do shameless links to myself but you might like to visit Miss Austen herself on the beach at Lyme.
Nice work, Lore. I recognized the Victorian tone of the letter straightaway. I like the mention of the male heir–it gives a new dimension to the tale beyond the incessant courtship prattle that I find so tiring in some literature of this genre.
Honestly, I’ve never been much of a fan of Jane Austen. The one book of hers that I loved was Northanger Abbey–written first but published posthumously. If you are a fan of Victorian literature, I highly recommend it.
I am a fan of Austen’s work, my favorite is Persuasions. I think people focus on the romance side of her books and overlook how accurate her desriptions of socal circumstances were, especially regarding women rights and expectations. Thank you so much for your kind words, much appreciated.
Snow's Fissures and Fractures 
Nicely written piece, but AnElephant is unsure if he should recognise the characters here.
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Thank you. AnElephant is free to choose, but if he would recognize some Jane Austen stories here, he wouldn’t be wrong.
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Alas, dear lady, AnElephant’s knowledge of Ms Austen’s oeuvre is limited to P&P. She did not resonate big time in working class Scotland.
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The language and tone was exactly right – very well done. And the reflective, slightly rueful nature of the narrator came through really well. (Peace or piece?) 😉
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That is a great compliment, I was really trying to get the tone right. As for that piece, what can I say…thank you for the correction. 🙂
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Don’t worry, I published ‘were’ instead of ‘where’ the other day! My mortification was complete…
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😀
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Heirs and graces. It must be a terrible burden to be so rich that you need someone to leave it all to.
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it was especially hard because the estate could only be passed to sons.
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Dear Loré,
Although I’m not familiar with Jane Austin other than knowing of the stories, I love the letter form to tell a short story. The voice is convincing and tells a complete story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the letter form, too. One of my favorite ways to tell a story. Thank you so much.
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Love the form, and yes, the language felt right. I’ve only read a bit of Pride and Prejudice so can’t say for sure 🙂 Qh dear, the male heir obsession… it still exists here, though it has mostly died down.
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Glad you liked it, it was a pleasure to write this little story.
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Jane Austen for a rainy afternoon. Nicely done.
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My favorite combination. Thank you, much appreciated.
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You took me back to another time. Lovely.
Rosey Pinkerton’s blog
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Glad I achieved that, thank you.
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The letter format you have used is really fitting. A delight.
Visit Keith’s Ramblings!
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Oh, such a nice thing to say. Thank you so much.
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Such appropriate words for a past story. Nicely done!
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Glad you liked it!
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Cleverly written; I could feel her anguish over her situation.
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Thank you, Lynda!
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Loved the letter in which the story came. Wonderful! 🙂
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I am quite fond of letter format. Thank you, Norma.
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The mention of Bath and the tone, immediately said Jane Austen.. though I could not pinpoint the characters. But there was never any good with those military men… better leave them.
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I was in the mood for some Austin. 🙂 The characters are not from any of her book and they are from all of her books.
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You did the voice beautifully and I could see the the scene clearly, well done!
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YOu are very kind, thank you!
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I like the tone of the letter – it seems just right for the time period.
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GLad you liked it, thank you for your time. 🙂
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The voice in the letter was perfect for the historical element. Beautifully written!
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Thank you, I hoped I would achieve that.
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You did!
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Great pastiche. Jane would be honoured.
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Oh, that means a world. Thank you!
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This is very well written – authentically styled and Austen-ish. Or would that be ‘Austen-tatious’?
…
Perhaps I’ll leave the puns to others.
Cheers
KT
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I like that word! Thank you. 😀
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You have really captured the speech patterns of an earlier era in this sad little letter.
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I hoped to achieve that and your words mean that much more. Thank you.
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The letter is very sweet, but i didnt get the connection to the picture
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The image reminded me of ball rooms from that period. But it doesn’t matter, it is not imperative to connect to my story. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
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A lovely way to use the prompt and I could totally see the era and history you were writing in.
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Thank you, Sally. Much appreciated.
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The voice and tone are just right for the era, and the little glimpse into the narrator’s circumstance is tantalising. Lovely.
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I wanted to show the glimpse into her world and it was a little bit tricky in just 100 words. GLad i t worked for you, thank you so much.
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Loré, this is just delicious! I’ve learned to play your music, often as I read along… and the two work so well together, this week! You’ve really captured a tone and feel that is perfect for the period. Loved it!
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Dear Dawn, I am so glad you liked the music, too. I often listen to the music when reading a book, so I tried to implement that here, with my stories. Happy that it works. Thank you!
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Very nicely done. Jane would be so proud. It was pitch perfect.
Tracey
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Thank you so much, Tracy! It is very kind of you to say such a lovely thing.
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I love Austen’s books and have read (most or all) many times. This made mw wonder which one the letter was from. This is a compliment, it read so real. Siring heirs, finding reasonably rich husbands, that was the life of nobility.
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Oh my, what a compliment! Thank you so much. It was inspired by Persuasions.
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Gorgeously done! Made my own heart flutter.
I have never read Persuasion so I’m off to find it now – we have it somewhere. (Emma is my favourite.)
Don’t usually do shameless links to myself but you might like to visit Miss Austen herself on the beach at Lyme.
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Oh, thank you so much. To receive such kind words from an Austen fan is amazing.
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Nice work, Lore. I recognized the Victorian tone of the letter straightaway. I like the mention of the male heir–it gives a new dimension to the tale beyond the incessant courtship prattle that I find so tiring in some literature of this genre.
Honestly, I’ve never been much of a fan of Jane Austen. The one book of hers that I loved was Northanger Abbey–written first but published posthumously. If you are a fan of Victorian literature, I highly recommend it.
All my best,
MG
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I am a fan of Austen’s work, my favorite is Persuasions. I think people focus on the romance side of her books and overlook how accurate her desriptions of socal circumstances were, especially regarding women rights and expectations. Thank you so much for your kind words, much appreciated.
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