The Norringtons: A Legacy
Chapter 1.1

Welcome to Guilford, Surrey, England. Home of my Victorian themed legacy. Though I will not be playing for points, I'll do my best to follow the rules or guidelines. Due to the timeline (Queen Victoria's reign.. hence the name) I'll be playing with the following handicaps: 1. No pre-marital or extra-marital woohoo within the legacy family. Once the spares move out, they're free to do what they will. 2. Only try for baby, no contraceptives. 3. Male heirs, except in extenuating circumstances. Times are a changing. 4. No modern appliances, electronics Any others I've forgotten, we'll discuss them along the way. For those of you really into old time themed legacies, look for these at the boolprop forums at boolprop.com: The original 'A Victorian Legacy' by Dicreasy; 'The Regacy' by Charris; and the 'Bradford Legacy' by SilverBelle1220. And now, without further ado, meet Stuart Norrington.

Stuart was orphaned as an infant and raised in the workhouse. Through some freakish inheritance he received 20,000 pounds in which to start his life. Being a man of vision, Stuart smartly purchased himself a 4x5 lot with a small pond out back, leaving himself just enough to build a small cabin, outhouse, small garden and just the bare essentials.

Stuart Norrington is a Libra whose greatest wish is to see 6 of his children married well and happy. He hopes that the Norrington name will one day mean something and that his family will call this plot of land home for many generations to come.

He's terribly sloppy and far too exuberant for a gentleman, despite his strict upbringing. But he makes up for it with his kindness, sense of humor and desire to get things done.

(In simman's terms: 1 sloppy, 7 outgoing, 6 active, 5 playful, 6 nice)

He hopes to find a young woman who can provide their family with many delicious meals. A bit of powder to make her handsome would not go amiss of course. He, like many superstitious young men, greatly fears the idea of the foul smelling undead risen from the grave to prowl among the minds of foolish youths.

In those first few months in his humble cabin, Stuart found work as an assistant to the town's surgeon. He hoped in time to be accepted as an apprentice to the talented man. Meanwhile, Stuart enjoyed his solitude and freedom. He found pride in building something of his very own.

But eventually, the loneliness wore on him. He greatly desired companionship. A wife was most needed if he were to have the large family he dreamed of.

But as a young man with no money, no name and no standing, there was little he could do about making a suitable match. The few young ladies available to a man like himself, were not what he was looking for in a wife. Because despite a life of humble poverty, Stuart had lofty standards.

He had but one card to play: Property. Something few women (even the most wealthy) were unlikely to posess. Stuart's future family was dependent on his finding a wife that would help build up his plot of land. He needed a woman with a dowry.

Enter Miss Evelyn Coulter. An independent young woman of no family name, she had but her intelligence to find her way in life. Fortunate for Stuart, Evelyn was not above introducing herself to a strange man with no chaperone.

Having been born and raised in Guilford, she was most interested in hearing from where Stuart had come.

They talked into the early autumn evening. Evelyn was not impressed to find that Stuart was a man of no fortune.

He enthusiastically explained how he was beginning his journey by living off the land.

Which to Evelyn translated as "Camping". She callously referred to him as a common tramp.

Her disgust did not dissuade Stuart from talking about the joys of enjoying the fruits of nature. He felt there was nothing between him and God but his precious land.

"Why Mr. Norrington, I find your enthusiasm has won me over. Perhaps there is something to be said about living a simple life and surviving on one's wits. You certainly seem happy enough. Which is more than can be said for many others."

With hope that he would see Miss Coulter again, Stuart continued to work his land. The warmth of making a new friend overflowing his heart.

He found himself dreaming of her. Miss Coulter certainly wasn't the most handsome of ladies, but she carried herself well and Stuart admired her intelligence.

Another day found Miss Coulter and Stuart once again in deep conversation. And once again they spoke of money. This time Evelyn explained the small dowry she'd been provided by a generous Great Uncle. Like Stuart, her very future was dependent on her making a fine match in marriage.

But she confided that it wasn't a great fortune that attracted her at all. She in fact preferred to find a young man with a creative side, perhaps a painter who would capture her likeness as a gift. If only she were free to chase her romantic sensibilities.

"Miss Coulter I find your confession to be quite refreshing. It is not often young ladies allow themselves true moments of honesty. I'm flattered you would share such intimate thoughts with me. The restraints placed on us by society can be so disheartening."

"I know this may come across as entirely improper and you are within your rights to never see me again... still, I would like very much to spend time with you in a more formal setting. Would you, perhaps, consider stepping out with me?"

Despite knowing that Mr. Norrington was far from the ideal suitor, Evelyn couldn't bring herself to decline. And when he reached for her hand and pulled her into a silly and entirely inappropriate waltz, she didn't pull away.

That is until Stuart ruined the romantic moment by trying for a kiss. "Mr. Norrington! You forget yourself Sir!"

Despite being highly insulted, Evelyn couldn't bring herself to walk away. There was something about Stuart that spoke to her. He was impulsive and far too outgoing to be proper, but he was charming and endearing as well. He also was not put off by her somewhat icy and bashful behavior. And though few would ever acknowledge it, she too had a decent sense of humor.

She of course accepted his apology with good grace.

And when he over stepped his bounds once more, Evelyn was swept away.

"Oh my... I... my apologies Mr. Norrington! I shouldn't... that is, I hadn't meant to... Oh, never mind."

"Miss Coulter!"

And with that, Evelyn was won over. Certainly it was improper and had anyone seen them... still, they were kindred spirits, and Evelyn, for all her intelligence, was powerless to resist.

Against all propriety, Evelyn left a token of her affection.

And Stuart went to bed with sweet dreams. Awakening with marriage on his mind. He would make Miss Coulter his wife. She wasn't everything he needed but she was everything he wanted.

He decided to splurge on a nice dinner in town. He may have been a poor man but he would move mountains to make Miss Coulter feel special.

Somewhere during conversation Stuart realized that he loved this coarse young woman. She was spirited and funny and her nose curled up so sweetly when she was upset. He wanted her as his wife, not because he needed one, but because he didn't wish to live without her. "Mr. Norrington? Are you quite alright?"

"Mr. Norrington?" "Miss Coulter, I am poor and uncouth and have no artistic ability. I am not even particular handsome and there will be no marble halls or castles in our future... But I do promise to love you all the days of my life if you would consent to marry me."

Evelyn gasped as the small comely gemstone winked at her. It was no diamond but it matched the blue of her eyes. Stuart was everything he had said and if asked, Evelyn could think of even more reasons to say no. And yet, Stuart was a good man and she had no doubt he would love her as she desired. They would have nothing but each other and with that in mind there was only one thing to say.

"Yes!"

Later that evening, after seeing his fiance home, Stuart went to the square to make a few last minute purchases. There were a few things he wished to buy for his wife to be and their life ahead.

And here is why I love him so much. In a burst of impromptu joy, Stuart shouted his happiness to the raining heavens and splashed about in the puddles looking quite mad.

News of their engagement went around and there were a few kind neighbors who wished them happiness. Ms. Dorothy Oxley had a low opinion of Mr. Norrington but hoped Miss Coulter would do him good. Already Stuart was having thoughts on expanding his new family.

The evening before their nuptials Stuart and Evelyn shared giddy promises over the phone. An extravagance Stuart purchased for his new wife.

He scrubbed the cabin. Evelyn had never stepped foot within and he worried about disappointing his bride. Early that morning he tended the garden...

And when Evelyn arrived, he greeted her as any eager bridegroom was want to do.

Evelyn was pleasantly surprised that Stuart was able to afford a ceremony. She hadn't expected much and the thought and care he put into her happiness made her heart melt.

They exchanged vows...

And enjoyed a rousing celebration with friends of Evelyn's in attendance. The bride blushed humbly while many a toast was made in her honor.

And the new Mr. And Mrs. Norrington danced late into the evening, the fireflies for company. Everyone, all together now... AWWWWWWWWWW (side note: I absolutely love Stu and Evy. they are sooo cute and in love. they heartfart each other all the time and it makes their hot and cold courtship all the more sweet)

The couple were a bundle of nerves as they lay down to christen their marriage bed, high on the magic of the day. That morning Stuart marveled on what he had been missing all these years ;)

Mid morning the Norringtons caught a carriage and left for their honeymoon at the Takemizu Village. An Asian inspired town in the English countryside. Stuart hoped that someday he would be wealthy enough to take his wife to real thing. They checked in...

And immediately christened their suite.

Later on they enjoyed a quite dinner, lost in one another's eyes. The next day they began learning all they could about their eastern neighbors.

"Ah, Mr. Norrington, this is most enjoyable. It's unfortunate our pond isn't a natural hot bath" "Unfortunate indeed, my dear. Then again, how ever would my fish survive?" "You and your fish."

The morning after that, Stuart brought his bride out determined to show her the joys of catching one's own food. Evelyn sportingly donned her sportswear and handled the disgusting little worms with no complaint. She even succeeded in learning something under her husband's patient tutelage "Well done, love"

She was so invigorated, Evelyn took to digging for treasure. The couple received odd looks a plenty but they were ignorant within their newlywed bliss.

They of course pampered themselves...

And giggled like school children in the pool. It was a picturesque trip and a lovely start to a marriage.

Once back in Guildford, Evelyn settled into her new role as wife. Despite the small cabin, archaic amenities and lack of funds, she was content. Evelyn Norrington nee Coulter Sagittarius, knowledge 2 sloppy, 3 shy, 9 active, 7 playful, 4 grouchy turn ons: custom hair, creativity turn offs: formal wear longs to max all 7 skills (her dowry of 5,777 pounds, enabled Stu to build another room onto the cabin)

The newlyweds could often be seen working in their newly enclosed greenhouse. While Evelyn enjoyed gardening, she didn't love it as much as her naturalist husband.

Some weeks later Evelyn began to feel queasy and light headed. She took to her bed and even being ill did nothing to curb her adoring husband's affections.

(it's about time Evy)

Evelyn found her corset cinched too tight these days and there weren't enough hours of rest to be had. Despite losing her womanly figure, Evelyn had reason to be pleased. That winter she and Stuart would be welcoming the birth of their first child.

Speaking of winter... the first snow found Stuart in his greenhouse as usual.

"Dr. Blackwell has accepted me as his apprentice which is why I'll be working longer hours. I apologize for leaving you on your own but I'm sure you understand the importance of this. I'm hoping that by next Summer I'll be able to begin construction on the new house. I promise to build you a lovely house love. With a parlor and formal dining. I've looked into some masonry so that we may have ourselves a fine fireplace. You will have your home my dear... dearest?"

As the newlywed period wore on, the Norrington's became increasingly comfortable in one another's presence.

And even though she was tired, cranky and extremely bloated, Evelyn found spots of joy during her confinement. She never ceased to gaze in wonder at a new snow. It made even the ugly things beautiful. Ever more she longed to see the face of her unborn child. It would be due any day now.

Stuart was of course even more anxious to meet his progeny. And as all fathers are want to do, he desperately wished for a son to carry on his name. With Evelyn so heavy with child, Stuart thought that now was a good time to present his wife with a gift to life her spirits.

"Why Mr. Norrington, A crib! How absolutely lovely! I had worried he would have to sleep in the wardrobe! Thank you so much." "Anything to put a smile on your face dearest."

Feeling better than she had in ages, Evelyn challenged Stuart to a snowball fight the next day. The world was blanketed in white, all sounds of the outside world muffled. It was as though they were the only two on the earth. "You cheeky blighter! I will get you Wife, that I promise."

"Wife?" "Oooowwwwww!" Yes, Evelyn had gone into labor. Stuart dashed off to fetch the midwife though his chances were slight with such a heavy snow on the ground. Evelyn suspected she would have to birth this child on her own.

Having failed to retrieve help, Stuart stood outside the bedroom door trying to slow his racing heart. What was he to do? Would Evelyn be alright without assistance? Should he go inside and try to help her himself? The very thought made him weak in the knees. Which of course led him to wonder if he was in the wrong profession.

"Oh good Lord this hurts!" Evelyn remained standing through her labor, finding that it relieved pressure on her lower back. Gravity worked in her favor and helped in bringing her child into the world faster than usual. And then he was there, a beautiful little boy. Evelyn quickly wrapped him up and gazed into green eyes.

In the other room Stuart waited anxiously. There was silence and then a lone baby's cry. "Is that...?"

"Welcome, my little son. Shall I change so that your father may get a look at you?"

And so, after a quick clean up and change of clothes, Evelyn called in the eager father to welcome the new arrival. "He's lovely dearest. You outdid yourself." Evelyn smiled. "He has your green eyes." "Yes, and your beautiful dark hair." "What shall we call him?" Stuart paused in thought.

"Asher... Asher Michael Norrington."

tbc

(special thanks to all the talented CC creators out there. most especially MTS2 and All About Style)