An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: A Chance Engagement
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Chapters: 22/?
Pairings: Eventual Carver/Merrill, background F!Mahariel/Tamlen, other pairings not revealed yet because of spoilers
Other characters: Marian Hawke, Bethany Hawke, Leandra Hawke, Isabela, Tamlen, Fenarel, Female Mahariel, Keeper Marethari, Sabrae Clan, Arishok
Other tags: Alternative Universe - Regency, Pride & Prejudice References, Bethany and Carver Hawke Live, Pride & Prejudice AU, Fluff and Humour
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, Lady Leandra Amell tried to impress upon her three children, that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife. However she hoped this wisdom would be received by her offspring, Lady Amell was dismayed to find that it had not had the effect she intended.”
Regency AU. When Miss Merrill attends the Kirkwall public assembly ball, the last man she expects to engage in a dance is Carver Hawke – a single man who has just come into possession of a large fortune. This chance meeting, however, sets them both on a path they never expected.
READ FROM THE BEGINNING ON ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN
The next morning passed in much the same way as the previous; and once breakfast was over, the ladies sat in the drawing room for a while to occupy themselves. Merrill busied herself in making her own bonnet for the winter. Elves, she explained to a curious Miss Hawke, did not often wear head-dresses because the caps and bonnets of current human fashion did not cater for pointed elf ears; so elves would usually make their own when the season turned in order to protect their ears from the colder weather.
‘How fascinating,’ Lady Leandra said, in a tone so polite Merrill couldn’t tell whether she was merely being courteous or whether she was truly interested, ‘and how very resourceful. I imagine that the stiffer, more rigid bonnets made of straw that accommodate human’s ears would be difficult for your people to wear.’
‘Yes,’ Merrill agreed. ‘Sometimes we do find a bonnet – even a straw one – that we can purchase and trim to suit our heads; but the bonnets we make ourselves tend to be softer. We make them of silks, or velvet, or cotton; although we trim them with ribbons or lace the same way, and make them up as pretty as we can.’
‘Speaking of hats,’ Miss Hawke said, ‘and please excuse my interruption, Merrill – Mother, were you not going to call on the milliners today, when you visit the Reinhardts?’
‘Yes, you are right,’ Lady Leandra recalled. ‘As a matter of fact, I was about to dress myself to go out. Is there anything you or Bethany need?’
Mother and daughter left the room in conversation, and a short time after, Sir Carver entered it. Bethany looked surprised to see her brother, for she thought that Mr Fenris was due to call soon, and said so.
‘He is not calling for another half-hour,’ her twin replied, ‘so I thought I would come and sit with you awhile. I thought Sister and Mother were here?’
