11/07/2011

Hello there! So I've had this idea for awhile and I've finally got around to writing it! I love historical fiction and I love Ezria and one day I thought, why not bring them together? Because I'm writing in a different historical context, the circumstances that make the relationship forbidden will be different! Know that there'll be some historical inaccuracies because I can't be bothered to look every detail up lol, but I will try to stay true to the period I'm writing in (using the Luxe series as a reference). Enjoy reading loves! x

September 1899

Aria Montgomery was a daughter of wealth and royalty, a figure of envy amongst the socialites of New York City. She had been born into luxury while many of her contemporaries were nouveau riche. Aria's porcelain beauty was ever present, and if all this was not reason enough for the resentment she received, Aria was not conceited. There was nothing wrong with her, and this in itself infuriated the other young women of class.

Being the object of such jealousy and distaste failed to vex Aria in the slightest, for she preferred books to people anyway. Though she attended the routine balls and social functions, dancing with whosoever asked her, and capably carrying out small conversations, her scene was at home in her library quarters. The conversations never went past the balls, the suitors never past the dance floor. Lately, her mother had become more insistent that Aria court at least a couple of the many eligible bachelors who asked her hand in dance. She knew it was because she was seventeen, the ripe age of marriage. But she could never bring herself to flirt back or accept the offers of any suitors.

It wasn't that she disliked men, or people in general, it was just that she disliked the people she knew. Perhaps it was simply her social circle she didn't fit into, for she got along quite well with her French maid, Genevieve and her tutor, Mr. Templeton. Genevieve was practically a second mother, while Mr. Templeton, one of the kindest old souls she'd had the good fortune of meeting. Unfortunately for her, Mr. Templeton had had to quit his position recently. His elderly wife had acquired tumelisis and the doctor advised him to move to the countryside, where the clean air would heal. In truth, the old man could not afford medical treatment in the city and like many others of his stature, was forced to retire to the country where the medical practitioners were undereducated yet affordable. Aria had offered to pay for the treatment out of her inheritance grant and vehemently so, but the proud man would have none of it.

Hence, here she was today, on this miserable September day, dreading the arrival of her new tutor. She tried to keep an open mind, but she couldn't imagine a tutor as intelligent and caring as Mr. Templeton had been. On top of that, she'd heard her new tutor was young, not much older than she was. What new things could this young man teach her that she didn't already know? Or did her parents assume he was inevitably smarter being male?

Aria lay on her Venetian bed, shaking her head at the unfairness of it all as Genevieve walked in. Opening the blinds, she smiled down at Aria, kissing her creased forehead.

"Good morning, Miss Aria!" Her heavy French accent had taken some getting used to, but by now Aria could mimic it precisely if asked.

"You know you should have been up already, your new tutor will be here in an hour! Never mind, we will just have to work quicker today. You wash up while I fetch a chemise and a comb."

The maid hustled about the room as Aria lay grumbling on the bed.

"Gene, ten more minutes, please? Please?" She attempted pouting.

Genevieve laughed and threw back the covers, leaving Aria shivering in her white nightgown. Giving her a dirty look, Aria unwillingly got off her bed and attended to nature. When she came back, Genevieve sat her down on the chair in front of the armoire, and began braiding Aria's dark, chestnut hair.

With the help of her always-merry maid, Aria managed to get dressed in record time. Her tutor had already arrived for she could hear her younger sister, Madeleine, flirting away shamelessly. No one seemed to have a problem with her younger sister's incessant flirting, likely because she was still a child of twelve. Then again, if their mother was to see Maddie's exchange with a lowly tutor, she would likely get a scolding. Aria worried about her little sister's future, her wild behavior was not a good match for her blond locks and baby blue eyes. Anyone could see that Maddie would blossom into a beautiful woman, and when that time came, Aria would likely be married off. The socialites who loathed her previously would find a new, far more entertaining victim to ridicule and rumor about.

Aria made her way down the spiraled stairs in a simple pale blue gown, fitted at the bodice and trailing into an Elizabethan inspired train. She saw her little sister holding out an expectant hand to the new tutor. She watched as he bent down to kiss it and shook her head in mock despair. The girl showed no promise.

"Maddie, you're a child for God's sake, would you stop enticing older men and hurry on to the carriage? William is waiting ever so patiently. You'll be late for school if you don't run along."

Maddie only laughed as she walked away to meet their driver, while the tutor started at the sound of Aria's voice. He turned to face her and she saw exactly what she expected. A young man of about twenty-three dressed in a scholarly vest atop a crisp white shirt and ironed trousers. Only she hadn't expected him to be so handsome. Which wasn't a good thing, it only made her dislike him more. Handsome boys were usually too arrogant for her liking.

"You must be Miss Aria Montgomery." He said with his hands in his pockets.

"Affirmative."

"I'm Ezra-" He began.

"Fitz, yes I know. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Mr. Fitz." Her face and her flat tone said it was anything but a pleasure.

"You can call me Ezra," He said, making his way over to her "if you like."

"Mr. Fitz," She said firmly. "Shall we head to the library? We don't have much time to waste." As if it was his fault she had been late.

Aria wondered why she was acting like this. If she was honest, it was because his attractiveness had thrown her off. She hadn't expected to be attracted to this man but she was. And that angered her because she was determined not to like him.

"Lead the way, Miss Montgomery."

He slurred her name as he said it, almost in a teasing way. She ignored it and proceeded on towards the library. Upon opening the latched wooden door, she heard an audible gasp behind her.

"This is…brilliant." Mr. Fitz said, looking around in awe. Rows and rows of bookshelves adorned the walls, while a cosy sofa set sat near the fireplace. In the middle of the room was a large desk, with two chairs on either end. Aria watched as he walked around the room in a daze, running his fingers along the rows of books. He looked like he was in heaven.

Aria gave a little cough, and he turned to face her with an apologetic face.

"Sorry, I get a bit carried away in libraries. Especially such ones of such grandeur." Glancing around once more, he noticed a record player in the corner of the room. "Do you mind if we play some music in the background? I always find classical music to be stimulating while I'm reading or teaching lessons."

Aria didn't mention that she too played music while reading, because voicing their common interests would likely lead to further conversation and soon she'd find herself taking a liking to him. Which she didn't want. It felt like betrayal to Mr. Templeton.

"That's fine." She said crisply and sat down at the desk, reclining in her leather chair.

Mr. Fitz put on a track she had never heard before, and she looked at him questioningly as he sat down on the chair opposite her.

"It's mine." He said with a shrug.

Aria wondered why a tutor owned a record, surely he couldn't afford a phonograph?

"It's nice." She said. She thought it was beautiful and melodic but he didn't need to know that.

"Alright, so I thought I'd start off by giving you this novel. I figure you can have it read by tomorrow and then we'll discuss the themes and the author's writing style."

"By tomorrow?" Aria asked.

Mr. Fitz nodded.

"Because I'm some dainty little rich girl with nothing important to do, so I must have time to start and finish a book by tomorrow, is that right?"

He looked at her with his mouth slightly ajar. Was she pulling his leg?

"No, I-Mr. Templeton told me that you could finish a novel within a matter of hours and that I should assign readings with this in mind. I didn't think it'd be an issue but if you-"

"You met with Mr. Templeton?" Aria interrupted.

"Yes." Mr. Fitz said slowly. "Don't get angry, I thought I'd just get a better idea of how I should approach our lessons if we met."

"Why would I be angry?" Aria asked.

"Well, I can't seem to say anything right." He replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Oh. I'm sorry that I've been, you know, behaving the way I have. It's completely unladylike and not like me at all." She said meekly.

"That's quite alright. I knew it wasn't really you. The Aria that Mr. Templeton spoke of was an intelligent, kind young woman." Mr. Fitz gave her a half smile. "It's my fault really, who can't blame you for acting irrationally around such a clever, handsome and modest man? You don't come around those very often."

For a second Aria looked shocked.

"I was just making a joke, I am so sorry-"

The sudden burst of laughter cut him off, and soon he joined in. Aria wiped tears from her eyes as Ezra gazed at her, shaking his head.

"You know, I don't know if I should be offended, the fact that you find my little joke so humourous. Am I really that dreadful?"

Aria blushed, shaking her head vigorously. "Not at all." She said, regretting immediately how quickly she had replied. How unbecoming. She hoped her cheeks weren't too red.

"Shall we take a look at the book?" Mr. Fitz asked, oblivious to her ordeal.

Aria took it from his hands and read out the title. "Sense and Sensibility. By A Lady…was this written by a woman?"

"Yes." Mr. Fitz said in surprise. "Haven't you read any books by women?"

"Well, Mr. Templeton tried to get his hands on one for me but couldn't. They're rare. How did you find this?" She asked in wonder.

"I make it a point to find things I know I'll like." He answered, staring into her eyes.

Aria's cheeks felt the brunt of his words, and she scolded herself for blushing. Men of lower class were never bold with women of her stature, so surely she was just imagining that the intensity of his gaze meant something.

Mr. Fitz cleared his throat and broke their gaze. "Right. So let's get started on the mathematics. I've written up a review sheet so I can figure out what level you're on." He handed her the paper and she began.

Aria worked diligently and neared the end of the questions before she found herself stumped on a question about differential equations. She frowned, trying to recall if she had learned this before when she noticed a figure beside her.

"Which question is it?" Mr. Fitz asked. He'd gotten up from his seat and now stood next to her. Within very close proximity, one might add.

She put her index finger on the question. Mr. Fitz brought his to it as well. His long, masculine finger beside her petite, slender one. They both stared at their fingers, breathing heavily.

"Aria!" The both of them quickly took their hands away and moved so as to leave some distance between them, as her mother's footsteps got louder.

"Aria! There you are." Mrs. Montgomery said, bursting into the library. "You need to get ready now, Thomas Pettyfer and Elizabeth Orleans have publicly announced their engagement. The party is tonight."

"Mother," Aria groaned. "Must I go? I'm not finished my lesson yet." And I want to spend more time with my tutor who I secretly and shamelessly fancy, Aria added silently.

"Aria, this is Elizabeth Orleans we're talking about here, the two of you used to attend Miss Collins School Of Manners together. And now you're both grown up and she's getting married."

Her message was as plain as day. Here was horrid Elizabeth tying the knot while Aria hadn't even a courtship to her name.

"You will meet Genevieve in your room now. Pick out something a little more daring today, would you? Perhaps a more low-cut dress. The suitors won't line themselves up, you know."

"Mother!" Aria gasped, catching a glimpse of a crimson faced Mr. Fitz. She couldn't believe her mother had said those words in front of him. Well, in all honesty, she could. Mrs. Montgomery thought no more of the tutor than she did of William or Genevieve-he was only a part of the help. She would have never dared utter such things in front of Elizabeth Orleanses or Thomas Pettyfers.

With a wave of her hand, Aria's mother left the room. Barely able to look at Aria, Mr. Fitz gathered his things and stood up.

"Well, I'd better go. I understand if you don't manage to finish Emma by tomorrow, you're in for a busy night it seems." He gave her a little smile and headed towards the door.

"Thanks for…today." Aria called as he left.

He turned around to smile once more and waved goodbye. Aria watched as he walked down the spiral stairs and grudgingly made her way up to her room to a very impatient Genevieve.

By the time she had gotten ready, it was near nightfall. Becoming pretty was an exhausting experience. After Genevieve fastened the last of the bobby pins in Aria's updo, she stood her in front of the mirror. The beautiful woman staring back stunned them both.

Genevieve clasped her hands together and wiped a fake tear saying, "You always look lovely Miss Aria, but tonight, you look like a beautiful princess."

And she did. Aria was a sight to behold. Her luscious hair was done up with tiny curls escaping here and there, whilst her face held a touch of rouge to emphasize her youth and vitality. Her gown was exquisite and the most beautiful thing she had ever worn. (It's the dress in my avatar. For a larger image, check out the link in my profile! It's gorgeous, completely worthy of a visit to my profile. I wish I owned it.)

A thought occurred to Aria, and she turned to her trusty maid in horror. "Gene, I can't wear this! I will be the most dressed up, likely more so than the actual bride-to-be! Can you imagine how much more they will hate me after tonight?"

"Miss Aria, relax. You will ruin the make up."

Aria gave her a pointed look. Genevieve laughed.

"Trust me, everyone will look as fancy as you do tonight. Besides Elizabeth, none of your other friends are engaged. What she's done by getting engaged first, is how you say…"

"Catastrophic?" Aria suggested.

"Yes," Genevieve nodded. Aria knew she understood. "All the other girls and their mothers especially, are now competing to snatch the most eligible suitors."

Sighing, Aria realized Genevieve was right. She smoothed out the front of her dress and took in a deep breath before heading to the hallway and descending the stairs.

Halfway down, she realized there were a pair of eyes staring at her. Looking up, she saw Mr. Fitz. His mouth was agape and he sported a look of pure amazement.

"Aria! My dear, I almost thought you'd fallen asleep up there." Her father, who stood beside her tutor, laughed good-naturedly. He hadn't noticed Mr. Fitz's expression, but by now it had vanished anyway.

"I was just talking to your tutor here while I waited for you ladies. He's quite bright for such a young lad." Her father said, patting Mr. Fitz on the back.

Mr. Fitz smiled at him and excused himself. "I think I'd better go now. It was a pleasure speaking with you, sir. I'll see you tomorrow, Aria."

Upon his departure, Aria and her father moved to sit by the fireplace. She took out Mr Fitz's copy of Sense and Sensibility while a maid handed her father that day's newspaper. By the time her mother and Madeleine came down, the hour had past and Aria was nearly done her novel. Reluctantly, she put down the book and the four of them left for the carriage.

The ride to the Thomas' estate was a long, winded one and without a book to keep her company, Aria was left to stare out the window. New York city was enchanting at night, and even more so alive than it was during the day. They passed the main district, comprised of shops of all kind, from clothes to stationary, and made a detour through some of the less affluent parts of town. Aria watched with envy as they drove by these quiet neighbourhoods, because these people were likely sleeping inside while she was being forced to attend a tedious engagement ball for a cruel girl she couldn't care less for.

One house in particular caught her eye, because there were people outside. She saw a man pushing a child on a tire swing, while a woman looked on from the doorway to their home. As the carriage grew nearer to the house, Aria caught a better profile of the little family. The woman was young and very pretty, while the child looked absolutely delighted to be spending time with the young father who pushed him. Aria turned her attention to the man, and suddenly felt her smile disappear…it was the object of her growing infatuation, it was Mr. Fitz.