“N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons”, Ch. 62 (PG-13): At the Highland Games, the Ladies Go a Husband Calling, June 03, 2014 Gratiana Lovelace
(An original fan fiction copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace; All rights reserved; Based on the Elizabeth Gaskell novel, North & South and its 2004 BBC adaptation; No copyright infringement intended)
[I will illustrate my story using my dream cast from the 2004 BBC production of “North & South” and other actors for additional characters: Richard Armitage for John Thornton, Daniela Denby-Ashe for Margaret Hale, Lesley Manville for Mrs. Maria Hale, Tim Pigott-Smith for Mr. Richard Hale, Sinead Cusack for Mrs. Hannah Thornton Ogilvy, Jo Joyner for Fiona/Fanny Thornton Ogilvy, Brendan Coyle for Nicholas Higgins, Graham McTavish as Dr. Cameron Ogilvy, Holliday Grainger for Angharad Ogilvy MacIntosh, Simon Woods for Baird Ogilvy, and Emma Ashton as Mrs. Dillard, John Light as Henry Lennox, Tim Faraday as Watson, Gillian Anderson at Carlotta Quint Watson, Jeremy Northam as Dr. Miles Houghton, Gerard Butler as Lord Jamie Ogilvy, and Juliette Lewis as Lady Thistle Ogilvy, etc.] [(1) story logo, top right]
Author’s Mature Content Note: “N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons” is a story with mature themes of love and relationships set within a period drama of the 1850’s. As such there will be heartfelt moments of love and sensuality (S)--as well as other dramatic emotions (D), including some violence (V)--and I will rate those chapters accordingly. If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with the ratings that I provide, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer.
Author’s Recap from the previous chapter: The season opener of the Angus Scotland Highland Games hosted by Airlie Estate began with competitions of skill (archer) and brute strength (caber tossing) as well as the children’s tug of war that saw Airlie Team Scot acquitting itself well. And Fiona finally made her tiara selections--as well as, John finally revealing to his wife Margaret that she is more likely closer to nine months pregnant and could give birth any day.
“N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons”, Ch. 62: At the Highland Games, the Ladies Go a Husband Calling
On Saturday, June 20th, 1851, the Highland games involve another sport requiring skill, daring, and pluck. And this time, it is the ladies of the Scottish Teams who will have their say in the Husband Calling Contest. Hannah Lady Airlie is slightly bemused at the enterprise--as long as she is not required to participate in it. What she observes early on in the morning competition by the non-noble women competitors involves much shrieking with little finesse. Hannah will soon come to know the depth of prowess among her own kin in regard to husband calling.
First up is Lady Davina Ogilvy, Sir Angus Ogilvy’s wife. She is bold and brash anyway. And her audacious style of husband calling will set the bar very high for her kinswomen. Lady Davina moves to the center of the elevated stage as the other competitors, various and sundry husbands (hers and others), and attendees gather round her. She smiles prettily at everyone as her husband Sir Angus announces her in his capacity as the Angus Scotland High Games Season Opener Master of Ceremonies.
Sir Angus: “And herrre we have a lady whom I have known since childhood. Fairrr of face, possessing charrrm and wit, and the bonniest lass I have everrr known--me wife, Lady Davina Ogilvy. Ha ha ha ha ha!” Sir Angus claps his hands and the audience applauds.
Lady Davina: Touched by her husband’s praiseworthy introduction, she curtsies to him. “Thank ye, husband.” She smiles impishly. Then she raises her arms out to her sides and proclaims loudly. “Now stand back! And coverrr yourrr ears. Forrr calling me husband usually has to span larrrge distances.” Then Lady Davina cups her hands around her mouth--as if they were a megaphone directing the sound of her voice--and she begins to call her husband’s name. First she howls the first syllable in a loud honk. “Annnnnnnnnnnn…” Then her pitch lowers slightly for the second vowel. “…guuuuuuuuuuuus!” She repeats this call several times--extending syllables and getting louder each time. Finally, for her last call, Lady Davina goes on for so long and so loudly that all marvel at her breath control. “Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn … guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuus!”
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"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)
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