Clayton Hill (REGENCY ERA) ~ Jane Austen Inspired

Chapter I

AN: Heads up this is written in proper english- Jane Austen Style Inspired-

Clayton Hill, a vast estate situated in the county of Dorset had none to claim it. As it was its landlord Mr Cluett- a gentleman whose affairs were solely sought out of merit by his father- a wonderful man who had lived a long and dutiful life. The son took over the business- even though his desire was to be a clergyman- he had the duty to protect his family. Mr. Cluett had been the only son of late that could handle the requirements- that of which had included being married to a respectable woman that his family would approve. It was a marriage of advantage- but after long and grueling years they began to love and respect each other- which wasn't something to be said of most couples. His partner Mrs Cluett had never been able to produce an air- which was quite a significant matter as of late. Mr. Cluett had lost the certitude that would provide him comfort. A son could take over- leaving Mr. Cluett to live comfortably, such as the option to read in his study whenever the time could grant him. As life holds many difficulties- the Cluetts, a childless duo - should now be burdened with the responsibility of seeking out an appropriate prospect. The couple held a great shred of dignity and respect in polite society- giving them the recognition as the most illustrious in the country. Even with this admission, it left them with little to no prospects- every gentleman of good breeding that claimed credibility was already entailed to their own estate.The options were slim- but they were lucky enough to be privileged with a sharp wit, and ordinary intelligence. There was a family who they could recall- who was definitely in need of a generous benefactor- that if they should appear they would make it their duty to serve the Cluetts.

The family of Blackwood had no title that they claimed, nor any fortune- leaving them with no option but to live a simple life. As head of house, Mr. Blackwood did his best to provide for his missus, and their ten children- leaving them with no more than five hundred pounds a year. His eldest being not of one and thirty also held up the responsibility to heed his fancies at present to help assist with care of his family. Mr. William Blackwood Jr did everything in his power to make sure they were well looked after - making him every bit of a gentleman by his sweet disposition in character- even though life should be cruel and remove his every chance of that respect. The second son should live to be quite the opposite, with his sense of obligation, not to mention his haughty demeanor. As time followed, they would have a great deal more children- to name a few; Joan, Adelaide, and Diana. They were the oldest of daughters in this family- some less sensible as the rest. The oldest Miss Blackwood was moderately handsome but not quite comparable to other women- she was plain- but her countenance was complex. Joan was not stupid-nor was she a textbook genius- she was just ordinary- which she frequently blamed her sisters for her misfortunes. Although they were blameless, the young woman could not help her callous behavior- in every situation she felt quite small compared to her sensible sister- Adelaide Blackwood. In short the second sister was quite admired by their father- for as he put it she had just as much sense as a man- and her parents were far less concerned for her welfare than that of her sisters. Adelaide Blackwood was an clever creature, with more than her charms to recommend her- she was in fact a natural beauty, but never used it as a subterfuge against the other sex. Instead Adelaide would use her genius to outwit all in a matter that was important- a passion in which no one could seize. This young woman was strong-willed to the very essence- refusing assertion, which would challenge any man's ego- but she was still determined to do it. Adelaide Blackwood had no intention of marrying- nor did she have the manner of which a respectable marriage would move forward- making the social climb together- that was clearly not her design for life.

Mr. and Mrs Cluett had every intention of choosing the eldest, but something had them intrigued to revert against the standard. Thus their attention turned into another direction entirely- one of the daughters. If it was a young woman, they could introduce her into society- as their own. In this respect they politely enquired about the possibility of the eldest Miss Blackwood to join them on their journey into London. They would even take her as far as Bath- making her an image of the public. Mr. and Mrs Blackwood quickly dismissed the idea of Joan being taken into society- but they were quick to come up with a solution, the latter responding. "My dearest Joan could not make the trip with ease, but might I offer you an alternative? My other daughter Adelaide is quite the one you would want in this instance- she has a good understanding of the world, and dare I say ever prepared for this sort of notion."

"Pray, how old are you dear?" Mrs Cluett questioned - shifting in her chair- hardly accustomed to this sort of circumstance. She took her tea cup in her hand gracefully, not once feeling the need to be imprudent or ill mannered against the polite family. Instead she felt welcome- which gave her a wholesome feeling.

"I am not yet twenty, Mrs Cluett." Adelaide responded with a polished tone- for she had a fine respect for her elders.

The Cluetts took the alternative- which would allow Adelaide to accompany them on their trip. She was told to expect them at half past twelve tomorrow day. As their visit came to an end- all of the Blackwoods did not forget to thank them- in a gracious manner. In fact they did not scarcely stop until the Cluetts decided to take their leave. The Blackwood family had joy in their house again, not to mention something greater. A potential advantage for their daughter, who had the chance to be exposed to more than just the lifestyle they were able to give to her. The possibility of a valuable trip was more than enough to satisfy the Blackwoods- the prospects of their daughter meant everything to them. Either way this trip would prove to be more than worthless.

AN: Whatcha think of my Jane Austen style novel? The leading man I see played by Tom Holland❤️