Plain Expectations

By K.M. Bishop

Georgia Hamilton is not pretty. Her complexion is not bright, and her figure is not elegant. Her less than intriguing eyes are hidden behind glasses, and her nose is often stuck in either a book or her own writings. Long used to her mother's unfeeling comparisons between her and her younger, beautiful sister Evangelina,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shellville Press
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988695417

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Plain

Expectations

K.M.Bishop

—Shellville Press—

Copyright © 2023 K.M.Bishop

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Printed by Shellville Press in the United States of America

Cover generated by Midjourney

ISBN: 979-8-9886954-1-7

Print Version ISBN: 979-8-9886954-0-0

Shellville Press

a division of Shellville Design LLC

www.shellvillepress.com

To all the sisters

(and wallflowers)

with personalities.

1

The young woman sighed, a shrill exhaling of air, as she looked out the window. Is there not something romantic about the rain? she asked no one in particular.

Her elder sister glanced up at her over the brim of her book. What are you talking about, Evangelina? How is the rain romantic? she asked skeptically in return.

The young woman turned her head to look at her sister, her light brown curls bouncing about her head and still seeming to glow despite the lack of light in the room. "Oh, Georgia, you are too practical to understand, she teased. Can you not just imagine a handsome, young man galloping through the rain to save the woman he loved?"

Georgia blinked at her sister for a moment. No, she finally replied, turning her attention back to the words on the page before her.

The young woman sighed again, this time a little exasperatedly.

Just then, the girls’ mother floated into the room, a satisfied smile on her face and a letter in her hand. You will not imagine the news I bring, girls, she told them, her excitement barely visible through her usually reserved character.

Georgia adjusted her wire rim glasses, annoyed that she was once again interrupted in her reading. What news could that be, mamma? she asked knowing that her mother would not tell them unless someone did.

Mr. and Mrs. Dorset have invited their nephew down for the season. He will arrive just in time for their ball! their mother replied as if the younger women were supposed to know the importance of what such a statement meant.

Neither of the sisters replied.

He is a man of substantial income and is single! Completely unattached! their mother proclaimed. It is about time someone of means equal to our own comes into the neighborhood.

Georgia blinked at her mother, sure she must have read something quite similar to this situation in a book.

Evangelina looked at her mother indiscernibly. What do you mean, mamma? There are plenty of deserving men in our own little Barchester.

Mrs. Hamilton arched an eyebrow. What I mean, dear, is that he is said to have upwards of eight thousand pounds a year!

This time, Evangelina’s eyes widened. Eight thousand a year? she repeated. How becoming in a bachelor.

A handsome match for you to be sure! their mother continued.

I am sure it is, Georgia mumbled. She buried her face back in her book, uninterested by what was transpiring.

Oh, just think of him marrying one of you girls, their mother sighed. How happy that should make your father and I.

Georgia turned the page, knowing full well that what her mother meant by ‘marrying one of you girls’ she meant marrying Evangelina.

She knew that because Georgia Hamilton was not pretty. At least, she was not considered pretty in the traditional sense. Her sister, however, was considered to be the beauty of the country. Where Georgia’s dark hair lacked luster, Evangelina’s lighter features gleamed. Where Georgia’s pale, thin lips opened up to a pleasant smile, Evangelina’s full, red ones revealed a smile that brightened the room. Where Georgia’s figure was, well, fuller, Evangelina’s was slender and elegant.

These, of course, were all of the comparisons that Georgia had lived with since she could remember. Her sister was the beautiful one; while she was the eldest one. This had long stopped bothering Georgia, however. She learned to ignore the small comparisons people whispered about her and her sister. She had already acknowledged that she was on the plain side, and, therefore, not destined for great things ,and at nearly twenty-three, she was well on her way to spinsterhood.

Oh, mother, I must have a new dress, Evangelina exclaimed. I have already worn all the other ones.

Yes, yes, of course, my dear, her mother replied. I will not have you seen in something you have worn already. We shall all have new dresses.

Well, perhaps not Georgia, Evangelina laughed. She would much prefer a book.

I would, Georgia agreed tonelessly not even looking up.

Evangelina huffed. How strange you are.

"How silly you are," Georgia blandly retorted as she turned another page.

Her sister scoffed.

That is enough, girls, Mrs. Hamilton warned. You will give me a headache. She squeezed the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. Georgia, go and order us some tea, please.

Evangelina smirked at her sister triumphantly as Georgia obediently put down her book and rose from the couch slightly annoyed but glad for the excuse to leave the room. She had been long used to her mother and sister ganging up on her. As she made her way out the hall, she saw one of their servants dusting and decided to give the task to her.

Martha, could you have some tea sent to Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Evangelina, please?

Martha curtseyed. Yes, ma’am, she replied leaving her dusting and making her way to the kitchen.

Georgia decided to see what her father was up to, so moved to the other side of the house where his study was located. She knocked lightly on the doorframe the door having already been open.

Her father, not expecting the intrusion, jumped slightly, his face riddled in an expression Georgia couldn’t recall ever seeing him make before.

She frowned. Did I scare you, papa? she asked.

He quickly put a smile on his face. Not at all, child, he replied holding out his hand and inviting her in.

Georgia smiled in return and moved to her father’s side to give him a kiss on the cheek. What are reading? she asked him innocently. Is it a letter from uncle?

Her father folded the piece of paper up and stuffed it under a book. It is a letter of business, I am afraid, he told her. Something I would never bother you with.

Georgia creased her brow and tilted her head slightly. I would not mind if you did, she replied. You have never shied away from sharing business letters with me before.

He patted her hand. Yes, but some business is not meant for young ladies, my dear, her father said as he seemingly forced a smile.

Georgia regarded her father for a moment. Very well, she sighed. I suppose I would have found it odious and boring.

Indeed, you would have.

There was a brief silence between them.

What are your mother and sister up to then? Scheming no doubt?

Georgia grinned. What else? she replied. Mother received word about a prestigious visitor the Dorsets will be welcoming soon.

A rich, single man? her father guessed.

Is there any other kind of visitor? She smirked. He is their nephew, apparently, and is to be present at their ball next week.

And what do we think of him so far? her father teased. Are you already madly in love with this rich, single young man?

More than I could dare to dream! Georgia replied in an exaggerated manner.

Her father chuckled.

I am sure he is only handsome because his money makes him so, Georgia said in a more serious manner. If he had a wort on his nose and teeth like a rat, I am sure everyone would be willing to look past it with eight thousand a year.

Eight thousand a year, did you say? her father repeated almost breathlessly, his interest piqued.

Georgia laughed at her father. Not you, too! she exclaimed. There has to be someone other than myself who does not lose her mind over a man’s large income.

Eight thousand a year would be a wonderful thing for you girls, he told her. How fine you both would be.

Georgia laughed. Are we not fine now, papa? Your income is not so small! I am sure you made plenty of women swoon at the sound of it when you were younger.

Her father smiled, though fleetingly. Yes, I perhaps might have. But eight thousand a year is a fine prospect for you.

Georgia frowned. You mean for Evangelina, she corrected. A man with eight thousand a year, papa, is not going to look twice at me but to point out a blemish on my face.

Her father looked at her somberly. My dear Georgia, he started, do you not know there is more to give a man than a pretty face?

Georgia shrugged a little indifferently. What difference would it make either way? she asked. What am I to do with eight thousand a year? It is not like we need it.

He nodded slowly. Come, he told her after a moment. Let us join your mother and sister for tea. I am sure their conversation is lacking sense.

She gave a weak smile, but nodded and followed her father out of the room.

2

For the next week, the only thing Georgia’s mother and sister could talk about were the prospects of the ball. Dresses and hairstyles and dance partners were the only topics the two women seemed to care about. Even her father would join in every so often. It was enough to drive anyone mad.

Georgia, therefore, to avoid it all spent her time reading outdoors or going for walks around the neighborhood. She had hoped that she could spend the evening of the ball alone, at home, but when the time came, she was surprised that she was expected to go.

I do not understand, she almost argued. I have never been made to go to a ball before if I did not want to. What is so different about this one?

Georgia, there will no quarreling over this, her father replied gently. We were invited as a family and as a family we will go.

Thus, Georgia found herself at the Dorset’s ball, thrown among the extravagance and splendor she had wanted no part in. Silently she made her way to the opposite side of the dancefloor where she was greeted by her friend Ross Fairgrove.

He smiled and gave her a slight bow.

Have you finished your studies already, Ross? she asked him. I thought classes did not end until next week?

He shook his head. I got back a few days ago, he replied. Classes have been over for over a week now.

And you are finished for good?

He sighed softly. For good.

I congratulate you, she said beaming at her friend. It is a great accomplishment.

He thanked her heartily.

What are you to do now? Are you to join your uncle in the law?

Ross bobbed his head. It has been talked of, but I am yet undecided.

What would you do otherwise? she asked, but he didn’t hear her, and she watched as his eyes lit up when her sister came into view.

Miss Evangelina, he said with a bow.

Evangelina shot him a quick glance. Mr. Fairgrove, she replied in a partially strained voice before turning her attention to her sister. Have you seen Jennifer and Jessica?

Georgia felt shame for her sister at her mistreatment of Ross but said nothing on the point. Instead, she answered her sister’s question and pointed in the direction she saw the two Hayes sisters.

Miss Evangelina, Ross Fairgrove choked out as she moved away. Might you honor me with a dance later this evening?

I will think about it, Evangelina replied without looking back, leaving Ross deflated.

Ross Fairgrove had been connected to the Hamilton family since he and Georgia were children. He was from a respectable family with a modest, decent income. He was intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and had been hopelessly in love with Evangelina since she was fifteen years old. However much he felt for her, Evangelina seemed to care almost nothing for him. Though he was not frightful to look at, his average features did not seem to inspire anything more than boredom and apathy within her.

Georgia smiled at him sympathetically. She does not mean anything by it, she told him.

Do you think me a fool for trying? Ross asked her.

Yes, Georgia replied bluntly, never having a reason for letting someone down gently. You go through the same cycle every time.

I know, he sighed. I just keep hoping that today will be the day that she finally says, ‘yes’.

Though it is very strange, Georgia mused. It was not long ago that the two of you were rather close. I had at one time thought— she stopped herself. She was going to say that she once thought her sister in love with him, but had decided better of it. What good would it have done to wound her friend more?

Ross nodded. Perhaps, we were. Or, he paused, perhaps we were both mistaken.

There was a strange hush over the other guests and Georgia turned to see what was the cause. Everyone had stopped their conversations to look at the young man that had just entered the ballroom.

Who is that? Georgia asked. And why is everyone making such a big fuss over him?

That is Mr. Garrett, Ross explained. He is the Dorsets’ nephew. All the women here will be throwing themselves at him no doubt.

Yes, including my sister, Georgia added, regretting her comment as soon as she said it.

Ross gave a strained smile.

She sighed. I do wish Louisa were here. At least she would laugh at this scene with me. Have you heard from her recently?

My sister and her husband are both well, he informed her. My mother has just returned from a short stay with them.

I am glad to hear it. I have not heard from her lately and I was beginning to worry.

Do not look, but here he comes now.

Who? Georgia turned to see Mr. Garrett walking in their direction.

Why would you look if I asked you not to? Ross whispered harshly.

That is the exact thing people do when you tell them not to do things, she replied in the same tone. They do that exact thing.

Mr. Fairgrove, Mr. Garrett said in a pleasant, melodic voice—a pure voice. It was the only voice that could have come from someone as handsome as the man before them. His prominent cheek bones, his sparkling green eyes blinking under impossibly perfect lashes that seemed to flutter as his full, red lips revealed a dazzling smile. All of that was complete with raven black hair that bounced almost imperceptibly as he spoke; the soft timbre of his voice having the ability to melt away the coldest of winters.

Yes, he was handsome and the ridiculousness of how much his handsome features and voice matched each other overcame Georgia causing her to look away to stifle a laugh.

Mr. Garret, it is nice to see you again, Ross replied.

The men bowed at each other, though one more elegantly and perfectly than the other.

I was very glad to see a face I recognized, Mr. Garrett told him. I did not expect my aunt and uncle to invite the whole county. I feel as if I am in a sea of strangers.

Georgia felt for him, realizing, that despite his good looks and fortune being the best kind of recommendations, he was rather shy.

Well, I do hope you can swim then because sooner or later I do believe the tide will come in and whisk you away, Georgia replied playfully, nodding to the less than obvious onlookers.

Mr. Garrett smiled softly at her. I am sure it will, he replied.

Forgive me, Ross started. Mr. Garrett, this is Miss Georgia Hamilton. Miss Hamilton, this is Mr. Garrett.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hamilton, Mr. Garrett told her with a bow.

The pleasure is all mine. It is nice to put a face to the man the whole county has been talking about, she teased.

Mr. Garrett coughed and, perhaps, blushed. Am I so famous already? he shyly joked.

Word spreads fast out in the country, she told him. But do not fret. Most of the people here are harmless. If you are to fear anyone, however, it would be the scheming mothers to unattached daughters.

To this Mr. Garrett chuckled. I believe that is the fear of most men in my situation, he replied. Thank you for your advice. I shall certainly heed it.

Mr. Garrett was then called away by his aunt and his long evening of introductions began.

You were flirting with him, Ross pointed out.

What? Georgia said.

With Mr. Garrett just now. You were flirting.

I was not flirting, Georgia laughed. The poor man obviously cannot go anywhere without the weight of very high expectations of everyone around him on his shoulders. I was just trying to make him feel more comfortable.

Ross huffed. You do not have to hide yourself from me, Georgia Hamilton, he said. I have known you for too long.

Is that so?

Yes, and I know that deep down under your façade of stoic demeanor, lies the heart of a true romantic.

She lifted a brow at her friend. Do not be ridiculous, Ross, she replied. I am allowed to be kind.

Especially if that kindness is directed at a very handsome and rich young man? he challenged in a harsh tone.

What kind of mood is this? she asked him. Why are you being so irritable today?

He shook his head. Never mind. Forgive me. I have been of a brooding nature lately.

Well, stop it, or else I will not want to be around you, Georgia told him.

He nodded. "Forgive me. I have had a lot on my mind as of