Lady Alina Fitzwilliam

An Introduction to the Lady

Chapter One

A/N: Pride and Prejudice has been my favorite Jane Austen novel for a long time. One fine day, Alina just came into my head, fearless, smart, vivacious and refused to leave. I could see her clearly, debating with Darcy, charming her father, writing letters to Richard, making friends with Elizabeth. It's like a movie playing in my head and I wanted to share her story with everyone, so here we are.

Summary: She was born on a rainy, stormy july night in the twilight of the 18th century. Perhaps, that made her the spitfire that she is. Undaunted by society's restrictions, fearless, vivacious Alina Fitzwilliam manages to charm everyone she meets. Starting from a joyous, fun-filled childhood and to an exciting and turbulent adulthood, this is Alina's story. Mainly features the Fitzwilliam and Darcy family.

It starts with Alina as a 12/13 old, so she is going to sound a bit childish and cocky but it will get better.

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to actual persons, whether living or dead is purely coincidental. This is a fictitious story about a fictitious family set in a real location. These characters in no way reflect any member of the Fitzwilliam family.

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Milton Hall

12th September 1804

My Dear Friend Michelle

My governess Miss Price says that in order to become a lady, I must learn to write proper letters and for that I must practice most assiduously by writing mock letters. I thought that if I was to go to the trouble of writing a letter, using the best of parchment and ink, then why may I not address it to my dearest friend? So, I write this practice letter to you.

I hope my letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. Oh Michelle! I miss you so. Why did you have to go to your grandmother's cottage and that too so far from Milton just because my dear Uncle Thomas is no more? You could have continued living at Canterbury with your Uncle. There is certainly enough space to accommodate your mother and you. I will take it up with your Uncle when he visits us for dinner. We must have you at Canterbury. Otherwise, how are we to trouble my dear cousin Darcy? I cannot carry out any mischief without you. You were always the best at getting out of tight spots the few times the cook caught us stealing cakes meant for tea!

How fare thee, my friend? You must not be surprised at my use of medieval phrases, Mich, for I have been reading the Bard's works (the ones Miss Price deems suitable for me to read) most devotedly.

I am quite lonely now that Richard has gone off to London to visit his friends. I thought now that his studies have ended, we would have amusement and gaiety at Milton Hall once again when he resided with us but he stayed here but a week and then left for London to meet his friends. I do not like these friends of Richard's who take him away from his family. Mother and Father disapprove of them too, I heard them arguing with Richard last evening when I was looking for my most precious treasure, my beautiful doll Rosie. Miss Price says that ladies do not eavesdrop on private conversations and our Indian maid says that the ones who do so become lizards in their next life but I assure you I didn't eavesdrop. They were so loud that I could hear them while I was searching the corridor outside father's study for my beloved Rosie. Nonetheless, I have asked for forgiveness from God, as mother says we must if we do something wrong and I hope he will forgive me.