"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)

Ch. 49 (PG): Fanny's Birthday Surprises

Both Hannah and Cameron look at Baird quizzically--because they know that he also arrived with a tiara for Fanny to wear for their wedding as a surprise.  Trying to smooth things over, Cameron says in a jocular manner.

Cameron:  “Come now, Bairrrd. A lady should have whateverrr she wants to wearrr for herrr wedding day.”

Fanny: “Thank you, Cameron.”  She smiles politely. Then Fanny turns to Baird and needles him triumphantly. “See?”

Baird: Becoming agitated at his Fiona’s silliness about tiara’s, Baird intones pompously. “Well! Ye shall have to endure the wedding without a tiara.  Besides, a wedding is just a borrring cerrremony of unnecessarrry pomp and show.  It does not signify anything.”  Baird is focusing more on being married--rather than how he gets there.

Oh dear!  Baird has gone a bit too far--again.   Cameron shakes his head at his son’s pigheadedness. John’s eyebrows raise in astonishment at Baird’s callous stupidity.  Hannah’s and Margaret gasp audibly at Baird’s insensitivity.

Hannah and Margaret: “Hhhhh!”

Fanny:  Fanny looks sorrowfully at Baird for his seemingly cold statement about their upcoming wedding.  “But our wedding signifies our love for each other--to stand before our family and friends and promise to love each other always.”  Fanny is on the verge of tears--again, at something that Baird has said.

Fanny’s birthday luncheon goes on to be rather a stilted affair as everyone tries to smooth over the distress that Fanny is obviously feeling.  But they can not draw her out, no matter what topic they turn to.  Everyone shoots chastising looks at Baird--who wonders what their problem is.   Indigestion is felt all around. After luncheon is concluded, Fanny begs off to Margaret, who tells John that she would like to go home and rest.  John agrees, thanks his Mother and Cameron for their hospitality--as does Fanny.   Baird kisses Fanny’s hand, but she retracts it as quickly as his grip loosens.  Fanny and Baird are at odds with each other again. 

***

After John, Margaret and Fanny leave for Thornton Manor--and Hannah retires to her bed chamber to also nap--Baird’s father Cameron has a frank discussion with him.

Cameron: “If I did na know incontrrroverrrtibly that ye came frrrom me loins, I would say that Huberrt Galway sirrred ye!”  Cameron spews in disgust as he throws up his arms and glares at his son [(2) right].  Hubert Galway had been a most inept Mayor of Angus, Scotland who had almost invited riots when he had backed the English Crown--against the Ogilvy’s--in the Jacobite Rebellion a hundred years ago or more.

Baird: “Father!”  Baird is taken aback by this insult.

Cameron:  “How many chances do ye think ye get with a sweet and tender young lady like Fanny?  She could have any beau that she wants.  And she chose you!?!”  Cameron says incredulously.

Baird: “Ye arrre supposed to be on my side, Papa.”  Baird whines.

Cameron: “This is na about sides.  If ye want Fanny to be yourrr wife, then ye have ta wooo herrr.  Be considerrrate--and not an oafish clod.  Stop being selfish!”

Baird:  “How am I being selfish?”   Baird challenges.

Cameron: “Fanny wanted a simple little thing--a tiarrra to wearr for your wedding.”  Cameron shakes his head.  “And ye have it with you!”  Cameron squawks as he flails his arms about.  “But did ye give it to herrr?  Nayyyy!  Ye did na give herrrr the tiarrra out of pique--and pigheadedness!  Ye arrre daft!”