Welcome to Gaia! ::

Jane followed him through the mansion, curving down halfways and corridors until they had reached an impressive and stately door. Upon opening it, the smell of old parchment and leather floated towards her and drew her in like a moth to lamplight. There was such a magnificent collection of books surrounding her that she felt small and childlike in comparison. She was speechless. To be given use of such a magnificent place made her feel incredibly grateful. With Mingan gone, she walked over to a stack of books and sorted through them. There were travel journals and regional histories of various countries. There was also an assortment of fiction that struck her fancy. She would return here tomorrow and read to her heart's content, but for now she should retire and rest up for a busy day.

Returning to her room, Jane took account of the stack of work clothes that had been delivered in her absence. They seemed to be able to fit, and were sturdy enough to not tear while in the gardens. Gently removing her evening gown, the woman prepared herself for bed and dressed in her simple and comfortable nightgown. Plopping down in the pile of brown blankets she fell asleep almost instantly. Hopefully tomorrow wouldn't bring too much hardship.
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Miss, it's six o'clock! A maid called through the door and knocked on it viciously. Jane sat up, startled, and looked around the room in a brief moment of confusion. She had nearly forgotten where she was, until yesterday's occurrences came flooding back. The woman hurried out of bed, splashed a bit of water on her face, and got dressed in the work clothes delivered the previous evening. They fit well, although she had to add a chemisette to make the neckline more modest. She opened the door and followed the rush of servants to breakfast, held in a room just off the kitchen. Here is where the help ate, separate from the rest of the household. Jane ate her fill and was called upon to wait in the gardens. She took her leave and hastily found her way to her workplace to wait for instructions.

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A rather exquisite carriage was pulling into view of the estate, clouds of dust being kicked up behind it. Inside was a remarkably lovely woman, dressed elegantly for travel. Her blond curls were pinned elaborately atop her head, and her figure was complemented by a beautiful muslin day dress. She had a girlishness about her that drew in strangers like flies to sugar water. Her disposition was cheery and her assumed wealth was great. This was Emma Bingley, a long time friend of the Adelgunde inheritor. Her husband journeyed with the regiment very summer and in stead of joining him like other military wives did, Emma preferred to spend her days visiting friends. The carriage pulled to a stop and the fashionable woman exited, an eager smile on her face.

Emma nodded at the servant, a polite smile on her face. She loved visiting the estate, with its exuberant grounds and charming style. Of course, she also got to see her dear friend which alone made the long trip worth pursuing every summer. They had been friends for years, playing in the gardens as children or studying together as teenagers. She had always cherished the friend she found in Mingan, but a friend he had always remained. She was a socialite by heart, and although she would never admit it, pursuing a courtship with her ethnic friend would cause too much of a scandal. Charles Bingley, her husband, was a fine and amiable man. He earned a wealthy income and provided her with enough affection. But Emma couldn't say that she felt nothing for the wealthy owner of Adelgunde, though her feelings remained flirtatious by nature.

She heard his voice calling her name, and the blonde felt absolutely thrilled. Mingan! You look well. She offered her hand, of which he kissed, and gave him a good look. Yes, he did seem to be in excellent health. Perhaps he was getting more fresh air. Life has been a bore recently. Not enough parties and far too much time at home. The woman joked. She didn't detest her husband by any means, but he certainly wasn't exciting and thrilling. He spent far too much time talking about war strategies. A walk would be lovely, perhaps you can enlighten me as to what you've been doing since I've seen you last. Still no wife? You better hurry or else you'll end up an old bachelor without an heir. Emma teased lightheartedly and looped her hands around his arm as they began their walk towards the gardens. She hardly suspected Mingan would marry, something that saddened her and made her feel slightly glad. She wanted to see her friend well off, but worried a wife would interrupt their long friendship.

Oh please, Mingan, you could have whomever you wished. If not for your character, then your money should lure in someone at least. I know a few good ladies who are in want of a husband. Shall I write to them? Emma said as they continued their walk. The women she knew were all in peculiar circumstances, so they would be eager to accept the hand of a rich man. The woman smiled at her companion's mention of walking into town. At least he was getting out of the house. Too much interior confinement and one would go absolutely mad. Oh my, three to four children? That is quite a sum there Mingan. Emma herself rather liked children, in small numbers anyway. She listened intently as he briefed the past year for her. Oh, Adwin is an old coot. She added before studying a group of workers. One of them seemed far too...studious about her work. Almost like she was recalling school lessons about types of plants or soils. What he really needs is a distraction. Maybe one of his girls will lure him in and keep him preoccupied. I should talk to them and see what I can do. Emma was a star in the social ring in Derbyshire. Her cultured ways were exquisite to the countryfolk.

Emma couldn't help but chuckle at Mingan's idea of using Nando. Perhaps that could work. She paused for a moment, stopping their walk. That is actually a brilliant idea, Mingan. Have him go to the next party and clear up any suspicions. I could give him a few lessons to ensure he plays the part well, and then Adwin could be out of your hair. Of course, we would have to spruce him up a bit, Adwin knows Nando's face. Emma started to walk once more. If there was one thing she loved, it was a good dramatic ensemble. It would give her an excuse to attend a party as well, something she longed for desperately. After all, she was away from her husband, she was determined to have a good time. Oh the Hunningworths have had a girl? How precious. She will surely draw plenty of male suitors. Emma nodded. The family was relatively attractive, and they could use the attention of some wealthy bachelor in the future. Father and mother are well, they send their regards. Charles and I usually visit his family during the holidays, so I haven't had much time with my parents for a while. Emma looked out across the flowers, admiring their aroma and beauty before continuing. No children yet. Charles says he doesn't mind, but his mother is producing quite the pressure for me to produce an heir. Oh, you have no idea how blessed you are to be male, Mingan. What with corsets and baby talk all the time. It becomes rather dreary. She joked. She didn't really want children right now, she still wished to be the star socialite she was.

Emma nodded, loving that her friend was so blissfully unaware of what it meant to be a wife in this day an age. It's not like she married Charles Bingley out of love. He needed a son, and she needed a secure future. But, she would hold off on any children until she felt that she was adequately prepared. Who knew when that was going to be? Regardless, children she would have. Though, how Charles was going to get an heir being countries away from her for four months of the year was unknown to her.

When Jane was pointed out Emma simply tucked away the face for use later. Perhaps they would get along nicely, or perhaps not. It was all relevant to how intriguing she found the girl. Oh? The lake missed me? Are you sure it wasn't you, Mingan? She teased. The woman loved to poke fun at her friend, it was nearly her favorite past time.

Emma listened quietly, a small and slightly saddened smile on her lips. She missed those times too, when she was young and carefree. She could climb trees and roll in the grass and dive in the lake without any second thoughts. Those years had been golden. But now... now was different. She had been given lessons, an education. She was married to a high ranking man, she had well over 10,000 pounds a year, and she hardly had a want that was not satisfied. She had changed over the years, a fact that was sad, but one that Emma had accepted.

I have about two weeks, if you'll take me. My next destination after my visits to local friends is in Lancashire, I will give you the address in hopes that you will write? The woman was sad that her stay was to be short, but perhaps she could return on her way back home. Yes, unfortunately petticoats and muslin don't allow for easy swimming. Emma chuckled. She couldn't remember the last time she had gone swimming, besides a quick dip with her closest female friends once in a while. She took a long and deep breath, the smell of the water and the surrounding area bringing childhood memories flooding back. It is wonderful to be back here.