The only thing keeping me from killing myself at this point is my DVR, so…REGENCY SGA!
Suffice it to say, things are not going well: my note in my bio page on lj telling everybody that the journal has gone private, not friends-locked is being ignored (GUYS STOP EMAILING ME ABOUT IT ALL IT DOES IT MAKE ME FEEL GUILTY AND THEREFORE HATE YOU); my job is–wow, just ass, talking about it makes me cry, etc. etc., we should all feel bad for Hetrez because she has to listen to me bitch endlessly.
SO! FOLKS!  MORE REGENCY SGA!!!! (For previous SGA regency related wrongs, click here.)
*
John had not been subject to the niceties of proper society in ages, lingering in his country house as long as was proper, and sometimes quite a bit longer. He did sneak into and out of London during the Season to fulfill his duties to Parliament, but there was an understanding between he and his peers that nobody betrayed his presence, and he didn’t seduce any of their spouses. (Where they’d gotten the ridiculous idea he might was beyond John, but since his—unsolicited—reputation preceded him, he used it to the best of his ability.)
So it was entirely understandable that prior to dinner, at exactly 5 o’clock when he arrived at Samantha’s home, he was a nervous wreck.
“My God,†she exclaimed, flying off of the chaise and abandoning her book when she saw him in the doorway, “who tied your cravat? You look as if you were in a fight.â€
“It’s true,†John agreed. “I’m such an embarrassment.  You had better make it known we’ve agreed never to see one another again very publicly and release me to the countryside again.â€
Samantha only undid the scarf at his neck, retying it expertly. “Good try,†she said, “but not good enough. There—you look very fine now.â€
“I’m very rich,†John tried in a last-ditch attempt. “Is there no way I can bribe you with vast quantities of money?â€
She only blinked at him innocently. “What if I required a horse? For glue-making?â€
“In that case,†John sighed, “I suppose I shall be delighted to escort you to dinner.â€
“I thought you might,†Samantha said, and took his arm.
*
Rodney found himself suffering a severe attack of disinterest in escorting Jeannie to dinner, but revived after she let slip that Miss Carter had received an invitation to dine with the Baron McNeal as well. Rodney nursed a somewhat helpless fondness for Miss Carter, who although known for being eccentric had much to recommend herself insofar as being blonde and pleasantly well-endowed. Their children would, of course, be very fair and quite smart. He’d learned, however, the first time he’d been slapped by Miss Jennifer Fairbanks over the lemonade table, that even well-meaning compliments such as those were not necessarily interpreted that way by women—who were contrary and bothersome. To be fair, Rodney had been slapped by his fair share of contrary and bothersomely handsome men as well. On the whole, courtship and marriage was a far more dangerous enterprise than his father had intimated.
“You look very fine, Rodney,†Jeannie said, resigned, “but again, as I told you this afternoon, Samantha has a suitor already, one she is very fond of indeed.â€
“Fond is not married,†Rodney said, frowning at his coat. “Do I look foppish?â€
“Yes,†Jeannie told him, ringing for the servants to bring their cloaks, “but no more so than usual.â€
They arrived precisely half an hour after the hour and Jeannie melted seamlessly into the clutch of young ladies gathered at the far corner of the drawing room, cosseted on all sides by their chaperones, and Rodney sighed and went to pay his respects.  There was Lord Haywood, who in addition to being as dull as an ill-used quill was an obnoxious drunk as well. There was Lord Gasbert, who had once manned a curricle straight into a rock in Hyde Park.
There was also Mister Beckett, who Rodney counted among his most well-tolerated acquaintances, and not only because as the resident physician he was forced to make so many trips out to McKay House to inspect Rodney’s often rocky health.
“Beckett,†Rodney said, “it has been an age.â€
“Yes,†Beckett agreed, mouth twitching, “an entire half-month since I was pulled from my bed and called to your estate to inquire as to the state of a throbbing muscle.â€
Rodney flushed. “That may have been a sign of some sort of deeper medical issue.â€
“Breathing seems to be a sign of deeper medical issues with you, Lord McKay,†Beckett said, wry.
“And how fares your wife,†Rodney huffed, scowling and changing the direction of the conversation.
So far, Miss Carter’s radiant beauty was nowhere in sight and all he could see in his not-at-all-discreet glances around the room were curious glances from young unmarried gentlemen and misses. There had been a rumor about that he—by matter of default, naturally, and not the particular charm of his person—had become a most eligible bachelor this season. For Mister Hyatt had wed Miss Barrett and Lord Japsar and Mister Greggory paired off, and most surprisingly, Miss Nolan had finally condescended to accept one of Miss Regina Butler’s repeated, fumbling proposals. It was for the best, everyone in the ton agreed, to put poor Miss Butler out of her lovesick misery and infuse her family coffers with Miss Nolan’s dowry as well.
Beckett’s face had melted into one of preoccupied foolishness. “Aye,†he murmured, his Scottish brogue deepening in his distraction, “she is very well indeed, Lord McKay—furious about her confinement of course, but it is how things are done.â€
Rodney cocked a brow. “Oh? Not how it should be?â€
“Do not forget, Lord McKay,†Beckett laughed, “I am a medical doctor—there’s no harm to come of her taking a turn about the city, not even in her advanced state. But what a scandal.â€
“Oh, indeed,†Rodney agreed, absentminded, for at that moment a hush fell over the room, interrupted only when Baroness McNeal chirruped:
“My goodness, Miss Carter, what a way to be presented.â€
And Rodney was forced to agree, for she was radiant in her pale green lawn dress, the bustline cut enticingly low, and her spun-gold hair gleamed in the candlelight—but perhaps even more fair that she was the man on her arm. He looked shy and a little stunned by the sudden attention, his green-hazel eyes rounding at the sight of a roomful of silent partygoers, and suddenly he stood very straight in his fine, cream-colored breeches and dark blue coat, his patterned waist and elegantly-tied cravat. He had dark hair and a windswept look, and Rodney could not help but blush and find him very fine indeed.
“Lady McNeal,†he said stiffly, taking leave of Miss Carter to brush a kiss over the baroness’ gloved hand, “it is an honor.â€
“Oh, the pleasure is all my own, I assure you,†the baroness clucked, laughing. “Now, Miss Carter, you must introduce us—why, I haven’t the slightest idea who this young man even is!â€
“And that is my problem to rectify,†Miss Carter laughed merrily, retrieving her dinner companion and linking their arms. “Baroness, I would like for you to meet the Viscount of Lantea, Lord John Sheppard, who is returned from his travels.â€
A murmur rippled through the room, and Rodney watched Lord Sheppard grow even redder.
“My word,†Lady McNeal tittered, red and flushed with pleasure, for this was sure to be the social coup of the Season, if Jeannie’s enormous eyes were any measure of this moment’s importance. “Lord Sheppard—why I am charmed and thoroughly thrilled to meet you at last, my dear! And very glad indeed our dear Lady Samantha was able to compel you back to London.â€
Sheppard smiled ruefully. “Oh,†he said, too casually, “stolen horses could not have kept me away.â€
Rodney wasn’t certain, but he was nearly certain, that he saw the fine and very well-poised Lady Samantha Carter stomp on Lord Sheppard’s foot.
*
The dinner, Sam reflected, was extravagant, as all Lady McNeal’s were, for although she was very plain and plainspoken, she and her husband were fabulously wealthy and very good hosts—so Sam knew it could not be the quality of the meal that had John picking at his food so.
Of course, there seemed to be a terrible case of that going around, Sam noted with some amusement: young debutantes and newly-out gentlemen, too, where forsaking food in order to gape, astonished and obviously-infatuated. Sam, who had only been 8 years-old when a 17-year-old, and strikingly handsome, John had began distracting the village boys so badly they drove their carts into walls, was no stranger to this kind of reaction.
Clearing her throat, she said, “My goodness, it seems that too many of your guests took tea late this afternoon.â€Â Noting Lady McNeal’s indulgent smile, Sam continued, “For they’ve all barely touched their delightful suppers.â€
“It’s a tragedy for sure,†Mrs. McNeal quipped in return, sipping delicately at her wine. “I imagine Cook will spend hours weeping into the stove ashes at this insult.â€
“Oh! Lady McNeal, we had not meant—!†someone cried, mortified, interrupted by the wailing of the other, younger, equally-loud if far more endearing Jeannie McKay, “Lady McNeal, I never! How terrible to tease us so!†and poor Evan Lorne, saying, “Lady McNeal, I can assure you I—!â€
Lady McNeal waved away their good intentions with a twinkle in her eye. “I am satisfied,†she told them all. “Now, I should be quite happy to see you all applying yourselves to your meals and to rest your lingering gazes for a spell—they must be quite tired from all the staring.â€
John, if possible, turned even redder. He must love his horse very, very much, Sam thought.
TBC
Pru has returned! And she brought more Regency SGA!
♥
Oh yea! This was just delightful! SGA Regency = very happy me. :)
On the whole, courtship and marriage was a far more dangerous enterprise than his father had intimated.
I can *just* imagine Rodney thinking this, perfect!
I am sorry that people on LJ, at work, etc., are all being stupid. Maybe we could all chip in and send mean singing telegrams?
Oh, the hilarity!
Also, I have some LJ related suggestions, if you’re interested. Find me on IM if you’re interested.
Oh joy, oh joy! I love this Regency AU, the images of young Sheppard causing cart crashes is too adorable for words.
Sorry to hear how shitting RL is at the moment for you, so thank you for posting this and making other people happy.
Oh, oh, oh, this is marvellous. I can’t wait for the first conversation between Rodney and John. It’s got to be hilarious.
This has got me grinning llike a loon at 9am, and for that I thank you.
Can’t wait for the next installment
A thorough delight from start to TBC. ♥
Oh, great fun! There’s nothing quite like a good Regency - especially a good *gay* Regency! A pure delight.
By the way, sorry for emailing you, I understood your bio note, I just had been wondering if you’d archived them anywhere else. Again, my apologies for that one.
Poor, poor, miserable John. I would dislike Sam for causing him such embarressment if it hadn’t been so hilarious. Oh, painfully shy Sheppard, I love you so.
Rodney and Jeannie are delightful too, as is this whole universe. I wish more romance novels could be like this.
And I’m sorry to hear you’re having a rough time, but I’m also thankful to you for spreading joy to the rest of us.
That was great! I love John’s agreement with the other members of Parliament…and his love for his horse! Evil Sam for taking advantage of that…*giggle*
I’m sorry work sucks giant monkey balls, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things get better for you.
I am so sorry that life is pooping on your shoes at the moment. I hope things get better. And I completely understand your decision to privatize the LJ (although, dammit! Now I can’t reread your recaps, which make me laugh so hard my roommates think I’m dying). If there’s anything I can do, let me know!
Also, Regency SGA is the best idea ever. In the history of the word “ever.”
You’re evil and to be worshipped. I love the second part, even if it made me grasping for more, and I *so can’t wait* until they get past the foppish coats and into the porn of the age. Well turned ankles indeed!
In other words: loves it, wants more. :)
hee! he’s so overwhelmed! (everybody! put your hands to your cheeks and go “aww!”)
Ooh, I loved this! Regency AU always makes me happy, to the point that I read fandoms I HATE (Hercules!) for my fix. however, GOOD SGA Regency ftw, so thank you!
Sorry things aren’t going well in real life. Hope things get better.
*love* *love* *love* your Regency SGA AU
I’m so sorry RL sucks I hope it gets better quick !
…and…poking sore topic with long pointy pole…
I didn’t realize you’d changed your lj bio, so I went and looked…
I’d have been confused by it if that was all I had to go on…
a quick read implies you are going to post last of 14valentines on it, with a …oh, bye the way this is now private…
I’d have inferred that private meant locked from the context…and since I love following your writing too, I’d have been madly begging also ;}
…and there is no link to your new site on your bio page…
So I was clicking around my flist for the first time in *months* since I seem to have actually reached a pause in the two jobs I’m working and 24 credit hours that I am currently taking - and let’s not forget Rei’s homeschooling…
But there was a pause!
“Yay!” think I. “I’ll go read some fanfic! God, I haven’t been trolling any SGA for a while (especially since Rei pimped me into Bleach and Naruto). So I click on a link to your lj - and am forbidden!
*gasp*
*Cue insecurity attack*
Still, I’m thinking, okay there is something fishy here. So I check out other links in Jenn’s journal (cause I know you have this blog, but can’t remember the URL) and voila! Here you are moaning about how no-one reads the notice on your info page.
:-D
I am LIMP with relief.
Now I must put this on a feed so that I don’thave to hunt all over heaven for a link next time I want to be sure you still love me despite my antisocial behavior.
*smooches*
Now, I’m off to find out what this Regency SGA is that your speak of.
:D
I am loving this Regency AU - the idea of Rodney being foppish, but not any more so than usual, is unreasonably hysterical to me. Also, I kind of love the idea of Sam just absolutely blackmailing John into doing stuff he hates. Suckah!
Sorry life is crap right now, particularly work. I send good thoughts your way. *good vibes*
I’m glad you are okay!
Sorry, think I might be one of the people who emailed you- I think the distinction of friends only versus private was lost on me.
SGA regency… must go back and try this thing…
Intriguing!
I’m really sorry your week is sucking (I’m a tax accountant so take comfort in that it’s possible my week is sucking worse - maybe?). Thanks for writing this though because it definitely has been a nice distraction. I love Julia Quinn and you’ve got her style down with your own Pru-style flavoring added which is of the awesome :)
i totelli made your updating easier. i expect better updates, woman, or else i will do it for you. somehow. even though i don’t have the files… e_e
This made me giggle a lot. Especially all the cracks about horses and glue. And John blushing all the time, bwahaha.
Hi :)
I’m just a lurker, and I really don’t want to make you feel bad, but would you consider also adding the various snapshots and drabbles from your journal to your site?
Like the one where John comes across Marines watching military porn starring Rodney? Or the one where Bell Curve!Rodney has to pick up Joanna at school after she gets upset because people were insulting the military in class? Or those timestamp meme drabbles, like the one that had the bit about how they adopted Andy, or the one with Stitch&Bitch!Rodney trying to finish a present in time for John’s birthday? Or… pretty much everything else :D
There’s a lot of great stuff in there, and it would suck for it to be locked away forever.
06whbkrkmv2mc7w7