The Norr ing tons : A LegacyChapt e r 1 .6

Welcome back to the Norrington legacy! A Victorian themed legacy with all the old fashioned handicaps to match: No woohoo before or outside of marriage, Male heirs, No modern electronics (except fire alarms because I'm chicken), Females don't work outside the home except in careers such as teaching or cooking... etc.So, without further ado...

Here we find ourselves at the Simself Manor in Guilford, Surrey, England. I feel a disturbance in the force...

In the parlor I find my younger simself Miss Kitty Harris and simself Miss Hannah Koolio,

writer of "The Victoriacy". Both are well occupied and staying out of trouble. I

wonder what set off my radar?

* knock knock *

Oh... now I see. It's my older simself Mrs. Elizabeth Denbow. And dressed in her

afternoon best for visiting.

Liz dear, may I ask what you're doing here?

"You!"

Me?

"I can't believe you would so something like this! And without consulting me!"

Um... what uh, what exactly have I done?

"Don't play innocent with me! You know how little I tolerate stupidity! Now why are earth didn't you tell me about bringing her here?"

Alright, alright! Take a chill pill. I was going to tell you, I swear it. It's not as if I was trying to sneak her in behind your back. And honestly I don't see why it's such a big deal. Her being here will have no effect on you or your family.

"No effect?! There are two of us now!"

She's actually your younger self. Ten years to be exact so technically she's a different person.

"Codswollop! This is like some crude perversion of 'A Christmas Carol'!"

"Hey Liz! I thought I heard your dulcet tones out here."

"You! The minute I heard the rumors about my living in this green monstrosity and wearing some ludicrously overdone dress, I knew it was you. But I still hoped there had been a mistake. There couldn't really be a younger version of myself come to torture me. Yet here you are!"

"Take it easy! I thought we always swore to stay away from caffeine? You know we're too naturally high strung for that. And I'm not here to torture you. Yeesh, still a drama queen, I see."

"Don't go off topic young lady. I want you to explain yourself right now!"

"Explain myself? Why? What's so wrong with my being here? And why is it so surprising? I've always been fascinated with the Victorians. Clearly, we still are. Why does that bother you so much?

"And what's with the insults? This monstrosity of a house happens to be a Queen Anne. And I know I'm rocking this dress so what gives? Are you ashamed of me or something? Think I'll expose all our sordid secrets?"

"Ugh! No I'm not ashamed. I've no reason to be. But I mean honestly, there's ten years between us. I no longer think like I did when I was 19. I'm not as free thinking or as rash. I'm a wife and mother and I'm level headed and responsible... Just seeing you reminds me of some of the stupid crap we used to do. And I take this whole watcher of the legacy seriously. I'm living out my dream of existing in Victorian Britain and I wont have you making a mockery of this! There are rules and guidelines to follow..."

*giggle*

"Are you... laughing at me?"

"I'm sorry! *snort* It's just so funny! Looks like we're still a control freak!"

"Well, some things never change, I guess."

"I guess. *snicker* Oh, one more thing; what on earth happened to our butt? It's like, non existent!"

"Oh honestly Kitty! It's called childbirth!"

"Really? I thought popping out kids would make it... ya know, bigger!"

"Well, not in our case. Apparently we take after our grandmother and it's something I'm still sensitive about so could we move on? Besides, that dress of yours makes our butt look humongous! Really, ghetto diva doesn't even begin to cover it."

"This is who I turn into?! Why didn't you warn me?"

*sigh* I'm sorry to you both. I suppose I fooled myself into thinking you'd have little trouble reconciling the time between you. Apparently 10 years is a long time.

"I guess so. Also, If I'm Kitty and she's Liz, what do we call you?"

Well, nothing I guess. I don't usually interact with you guys.

"I gotta call you something. Talking to the great nothing is just weird."

Okaaaaay. I'm the Bohemian so you could refer to me as 'Bo'. That work for you? Yeesh.

Meanwhile, the real reason for Kitty's arrival was upstairs just waking up from a deep sleep. Sebastian Devereaux had had the

strangest dream. His older sister Lillian had been disowned for becoming a dark witch and he had married a cheerleader. Whom later was poisoned by said sister, leaving

him to wallow in agony over his loss.

Shaking the cloudy thoughts from his head he sat up and for the first time took in his

unfamiliar surroundings.

"What on earth?"

(Thanks goes to Peasant007, brilliant writer of the "The Devereaux Legacy" featured on boolprop.com.

She was kind enough to let me steal the smexy Sebastian for my own nefarious purposes)

He quickly discerned that he was uninjured and that the strange cotton pants he wore must be some sort of old fashioned underwear. On a desk across from the bed were a pile of well ironed clothes and some books. The titles he didn't recognize.

He took a moment to wonder if he were in some sort of danger. His last memory was of himself as a teenager. But he was clearly a man now. Where had time gone and where was he now? He decided to investigate the wardrobe for more clues...

But inside he only found more of the oddly themed clothing, for all occasions. Even what looked to be a nightgown and slippers to match.

"Well, I guess one of these suits will have to do. I can't run around like this if I want to know what's going on."

"So you see, my being here has absolutely nothing to do with you. I've no intention of making a mockery of this place or trying to do your job. Now don't you feel silly?"

"Yeah, a bit. But can you blame me for freaking out?"

"I guess not. And all this time I thought getting old would make you more mellow."

"Oh hush, I am mellow. My husband and children wouldn't survive my mood swings otherwise. Now do the polite thing and invite me in for tea."

"Not bad," Sebastian muttered to himself. It was far dressier than he personally cared for but there was no denying that he cleaned up quite nicely.

"What do you think so far of the 'Green Monstrosity'?"

*sigh* "It's nice Kitty. More tasteful than I would have given you credit for. But you have to admit, the outside is ridiculous."

"It's cliche Victorian and I love it Liz. It's like playing dress up in an enormous doll house!"

"Oh here he is! And looking awesomely hot in that suit I picked out. Liz I'd like you to meet Sebastian Devereaux."

"My my, he is rather dashing."

"Ain't he though?"

"So Sebby, how are you feeling? Did you get enough rest?"

"Uh... yeah, I think so. And it's Sebastian, actually."

"Okay, Sebastian. Did you have any trouble finding your clothes? Do they fit alright?"

"Yes, thanks. And no, they were easy to find. Um... do you mind telling me where I am?"

"Don't you remember anything?"

"Well... no actually. I'm feeling a bit confused about what's happened. I'm quite sure I know who I am and where I come from but it all gets hazy after high school. Oddly enough, you seem familiar. Have we ever met?"

"Oh you adorable flirt you. What a line. So you don't remember anything?"

"No."

"Perfect. I mean, what better way to enjoy your stay here without being burdened with thoughts of what you should be doing in your old life."

"My stay? No, no. I couldn't possible stay. I have to go home and see what's going on. I mean, I feel like there's something really important for me to do back there."

"And where would home be?"

"I... I'm... not sure."

"And what is it you have to do?"

"I... I don't know."

"You poor thing. See Sebby, you're meant to be here. You arrived, unconscious with nothing but a short letter stating who you were and asking us to look after you. Which I have every intention of doing."

"Unconscious?"

"Yes. I'm sure that when it's time for you to go back, your family will come get you. But for now, why don't you enjoy yourself? You must be starving. There's fresh bread and jam in the dining room. Go on and eat. After that we can talk, alright?"

*sigh* "Alright."

Hello Miss Hannah, lovely to see you here in Guilford. I trust your trip here was pleasant?

"It was quite lovely, thank you. Minimal amount of motion sickness."

And how are you finding your accommodations? I hope it's all to your liking.

"It's all perfect, really. Thanks. Now do you want to tell me what it is you need?"

You got me. Those three in the hallway are too wrapped up in their own drama to help me. But we have a legacy to tell and I need a recap. It's been so long that I'm sure the readers have prob'ly forgotten everything. Would you be so obliged?

"Of course, pull up a chair and I'll deal you in. Okay, where were we with the Norringtons?"

"Asher, the oldest boy and heir, had left for University. But not before stealing the heart of Miss Olivia Gordan, his pillow fighting paramour. Abigail stirred up lots of gossip over her brief acquaintance with a shop boy named Amar. Trace played chess... nothing new there, and he and his sisters became obsessed with American dance.

"After he and Abby left for school, Lora became ridiculously obsessed with lace and frilly dresses to wear on her travels. But heh, who am I to judge? Alice brought conflict between she and her parents because of her unladylike behavior and love of trousers. Eventually she and her father Stuart made peace with one another.

"Little Annie teenified and while she did as she was told, she didn't have the same drive towards perfection as her older siblings. When she finally left for university, Stuart and Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. Now all that lies between them and the 6 weddings Stuart pines for are several excruciating years of college."

Thank you Hannah.

Ah, there you two are. Is Sebastian alright?

"He'll be fine. He just needs some pampering, which I'm only so happy to give him."

I bet you are Kitty. Well then, I'll just leave you ladies to catch up over tea. I've a legacy to report.

"Do stop in when you're through. Kitty and I have some interesting ideas concerning your punishment."

Excuse me?

"Oh really. You don't honestly think we'll let today's little debacle slide, do you?"

Um... I... gotta go. Just looking at the two of you is creeping me out.

So Asher started his long tenure at Sterlington University, in Simcambridge.

Olivia wasn't far off, herself attending Weatherton's Finishing School for

Accomplished Young Ladies. His wants? For Abby, Trace and Annie to join him at school.

And he wants to be BFFL with his baby sister. All together now: AWWWWWWWW.

(reminder: 1 sloppy, 7 outgoing, 9 active, 10 playful, 1 grouchy. he rolled fortune and likes blonds who can cook well. zombies make his blood run cold.

and he dreams of being a space pirate)

Aside from calls to his family, Asher began networking right away. Getting in touch with members of the esteemed Brotherhood Fraternity at Weatherton Hall. He had hopes for post graduate study and travel abroad. A membership at Weatherton would give him an ivy league leg up in the world.

His spare time he spent with Olivia, going for long walks in the quad, playing games, taking tea and simply enjoying one another's company.

Of course, University life took some adjusting to.

Asher eventually chose to major in Literature, in aid of his future in the adventure career.

Despite his full schedule, Asher often felt lonely. Even though he lived in a large dormitory full of other young men, he still longed for the tiny farmhouse back home. He missed living there, packed to the rafters with his larger than life family.

And he missed tending the farm. Catching fireflies and butterflies just wasn't the same in Simcambridge. A couple times I caught him hunting bugs, in the rain, in obvious

desperation. Poor little dear.

(fortune sim, my foot)

He did his best to hide his apprehension from his family. He didn't want his parents to worry, considering they had five children at home who demanded their attention. Also, Asher believed that as a man, he ought to be able to handle a bit of homesickness.

He slowly began making headway with the other lads. He and Mr. Raymond Mcferren bonded over a nice game of Mahjong. Raymond didn't seem at all put off by Asher's outgoing nature. Seemed young Raymond was pretty easy going himself and spent a great deal of time smiling for no reason at all. It was rumored that he might be slightly soft in the head.

Asher also spent time at the University Clubhouse...

Where he found making friends an even more difficult task. Many of the other

students found him brash and uncouth. Common country trash.

"Heh heh. I was simply poking fun, you see? A jest meant to make you laugh."

"Was it really?"

"Eh... My apologies."

His friendships slow going, Asher threw himself into volunteer work. He assisted the grounds keeper on campus. He welcomed the mind numbing work and embraced the chance to get his hands dirty again. This was what he understood. Here, he felt at home.

At his mother's suggestion, he took up piano. Though he had no natural talent for music, unlike his sisters. Unfortunately for him, every wrong note he hit made him miss Lora's violin playing even more.

"I can't take it anymore! I don't want to dance, or study! I want to go skating in the park or play in the snow with my siblings! This place is driving me into pure lunacy! Everyone is so proper and our behavior is so restricted. I feel like I can not breathe!"

You poor, poor dear. It's only until the end of Sophomore year and then you'll be joined by Trace and Abby. Just hang in there a little bit longer.

Asher did what he could to preserve the last vestiges of his sanity. But I couldn't help but notice that the loneliness was bringing out his darker side.

I'm not sure I care for the look in your eyes young man...

"That's nothing. You should've heard what he wanted me to do!"

Fortunately Olivia hadn't lost her own sense of being a carefree country girl. She livened Asher's spirits with a rousing snowball fight. They were both chilled and soaked to the skin before the evening was out but Asher was smiling again.

When not with his beloved Olivia, Asher sought his fun, away from the prying eyes of his fellow collegians.

He eventually gave his faithful minion a companion. How considerate.

"So uh... what are we supposed to be doing?"

"Just look sinister and don't ask questions."

His second year at school passed far more pleasantly for Asher. He made the acquaintance of a friendly young man, James Prescott. Despite not being well liked, Asher's 4.0 gpa was well known. He and James often studied together.

That Spring Asher welcomed back his beloved butterflies. He found that he was quite out of practice and it took several attempts before he managed to actually capture any.

But his sheer joy was worth the effort.

In fact, everything seemed to be on the upscale, except for one... His father Stuart had been pressuring him to find a future wife with whom to continue the family legacy. Stuart didn't quite approve of Olivia Gordan due to her lack of wealth or name.

Only Asher wasn't interested in anyone but Olivia. He adored this young woman with whom he could be himself. She was charming and sweet and just as outgoing as he. They had fun together and nothing compared to the warmth he felt when by her side.

Olivia too felt that, despite his unconventional ways, Asher was the one for her

As they sat at dinner one evening, with this girl who made him feel so very alive, Asher realized he'd fallen in love. He also knew that this was the moment, when he was faced with fate. He wished to propose, to make this lovely young lady his bride.

Unfortunately he'd promised his father that he would at least attempt to cast his eyes further afield. How could he defy his father? Asher had never even asked Olivia about her finances or marriage prospects. He hadn't dared. While such things meant nothing to him, he knew their importance.

If he couldn't even bring up the serious subject of future matrimony, perhaps he wasn't quite as ready as his heart imagined.

He decided to wait and let things take their natural course. This love was all new to him and it was best to let his head clear out of the clouds before making any permanent decisions.

Finally, at the end of Asher's Sophomore year at school, Trace pulled up in a carriage, fresh off the train. He and Abby had parted ways on the other side of campus. Trace felt great trepidation as he entered the dormitory, though he was certain his older brother would make the transition easier for him. Speaking of said brother, Trace wondered where Asher was as he claimed his room.

Asher was... otherwise occupied and had forgotten his brother's impending arrival.

Honestly Asher!

Eventually the elder Norrington took notice of his little brother's presence.

"Trace! When did you arrive?"

"Within the hour actually. It's good to see you Asher."

"You've no idea how good it is to see you!"

The boys spent hours catching up, talking into the wee hours of morning.

Trace took to college life quite naturally. In fact, he was in his element. Books galore, plentiful study partners, group research,

endless games of chess, informative lectures and a mostly quiet environment. Trace loved his family but he didn't miss

listening to their chaos.

(reminder: 5 neat, 8 outgoing, 6 active, 3 serious, 3 grouchy. He rolled knowledge. turn ons: someone

who can cook and clean. no zombies please. lifetime want: to be the best in the oceanography profession. let it not be said that he hasn't a bit of

an adventurer in his blood as well. he is a norrington after all)

Trace also had an easy time making pleasant conversation with his fellow students. Though he quickly realized that his older brother wasn't exactly well thought of by some. It took a great deal of tact and decorum for Trace to field the masked insults to his brother's person without offending anyone.

Though Asher was not without his admirers. Which included the brothers of Weatherton Hall, with whom he had continued correspondence. They had finally invited him to pledge their esteemed fraternity.

Meanwhile, on the other side of campus, at Sterlington's Ladies College, young Abigail was slowly finding her way into University life. Somehow she had grown up badly and seemed to be in a somber mood because of

it.

(reminder: 5 neat, 2 shy, 6 active, 7 playful, 6 nice. she rolled family and has been thinking of adopting children since she was 13. she wants a hardworking

man with a fit form. fatness will break the deal. lifetime want: 6 grandchildren, doable)

She found the large halls of the great school to be intimidating. If it wasn't the desire of her parents that she find a proper husband, she would have gladly stayed home. Still, she was here and would do her best to make her parents proud.

She threw herself into the traditional studies of young ladies. Art...

Music... at both of which she excelled.

She loved having her own room but missed the constant chattering of her sisters.

And of course she made many calls to home, ensuring her family of her well being. She let them know about her declaring the Literature major. It seemed as good as any.

But Abby was quite melancholy all by her lonesome. Away from the others she allowed her pleasant facade to fade and spent hours gazing sadly into the fire. No one knew but it

had to do with the loss of her childhood crush, Amar, the shop boy. Who had simply disappeared, never to return. Abby greatly

regretted not having the chance to get know him better. It pained me to see her so forlorn.

(the amar mystery drove me into a tizzy! he was unavailable to phone, despite he and abby

becoming friends. also, he wasn't a candidate for college either so i couldn't send him to with the

others. he just up and disappeared like some ridiculous glitch. but hey, thanks for the storyline

amar, where ever you may be)

But there was good news to be had on the horizon. Her brothers had invited her over to the men's college to attend an after dinner party. Abby was so looking forward to seeing them both. She and Miss Gordan met up and walked over together.

At the door they met up with the other guests and Abby found herself quite dazed to be looking into the eyes of a most handsome young man. He too seemed slightly stunned. Several seconds passed before they were politely parted.

Both Trace and Asher saw that it was their responsibility to introduce their sister to any suitable young men. And Asher knew just the one.

Mr. Barrington Finch meet Miss Abigail Norrington. Barrington was also a pledge of Weatherton Hall, though he had no plans for post graduate study. He was a pleasing gentleman with a kind countenance. Abby liked him right away.

Asher also had someone in mind for his brother. Well liked though Trace might have been, he was completely uninterested in members of the fairer sex. In his time at school he had yet made the acquaintance of any young ladies. Fortunately, Asher was looking out for him.

"Trace, I would like to introduce you to Miss Sarah Ormley. Sarah, this my brother. The one I've been telling you about."

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Norrington."

"And you... Miss Ormley."

The party was a rousing success with everyone dancing and playing games. Barrington and Abby spent the entire evening talking. No one could interrupt them. Asher did seem to neglect Olivia in his attempt to be a perfect host. But he was simply having too much fun dancing with Mr. Roger Davies, whom he found to be quite an amiable sort of fellow.

Poor Trace had little luck with Miss Ormley. All his attempts at getting to know her were rebuffed. She refused to even dance with him, despite her card being entirely empty.For whatever reason, she found him lacking. Not that she was completely the right sort herself. Sensing that they were speaking two different languages, Trace excused himself.

Overall the party was a roof raiser. The guests thanked him for a good time as Trace politely saw them out.

"You seem to have enjoyed yourself Abby. More than I, at least."

"Oh I certainly did Trace."

"Is it me or is your face glowing?"

"Don't be silly brother. Whoever heard of such a thing? Goodnight."

Trace's popularity continued to grow. So much that many of the boys helped themselves to his room. Martin Roberts took it upon himself to take a nap in his bed. Fortunately he woke up and left before Trace was in need of the room.

"Thanks for the kip!"

And while Trace was sleeping, Both Basil and Raymond came in to study, despite having desks of their own. First thing in the morning, Trace decided to lock his door. More like weld it shut.

At his father's request, Trace asked Sarah Ormley if she would join him for tea or a walk some afternoon. He wasn't pleased about it and was more than happy when she turned him down. He would much rather spend the time studying.

And study he did. Much to James Prescott's bemusement.

Um Trace... you might be making your interest a bit too obvious. Though I don't blame him. Mr. Prescott is quite handsome.

Fortunately James seemed to like Trace just as much. The boys talked for long hours about school and their interests. Trace was pondering whether he should major in Mathematics. He had a love for sums but it didn't quite coincide with his dream profession of Oceanography.

James on the other hand wasn't certain what he wanted to study. He had the family business to go home to though he cared little for it. He admired Trace's drive and passion. No one had ever encouraged James to do anything remotely adventurous.

The two became fast friends, spending much of their free time together. Trace's search for a wife was easily cast aside. He found James' company much more pleasing after all.

So it wasn't at all odd to Trace when James requested his help in learning to dance.

"I'm aware of how strange it seems," James grimaced. "But I've never learned and I've promised to escort Miss Montgomery to the clubhouse dance. And it's no secret that you've studied extensively."

"I wouldn't go so far as to say studied. I can hold my own." Trace blushed gracefully. "And I don't mind assisting you at all. What are friends for? Wouldn't want you to tread all over Miss Montgomery's feet."

They retired to the upstairs hall where they wouldn't be disturbed.

"You're quite good at this. Your mother made you learn, is that right?"

"Yes. Much to the delight of my sisters."

"And your father? Tell me about him."

"Papa is a proud but kind man. He's always been patient and understanding of us children. I'm sure I've never met a better man."

"You seem to admire him greatly. I take it he's not the demanding sort."

"No, not at all. In fact he has but one great wish for us all and that is see each of us married. I honestly don't think anything could make him happier."

"And will you please your father?" James whispered.

Trace met James' eyes innocently. He hadn't realized how very close the two of them

were. He didn't see it coming but he didn't pull away when James kissed him gently. In

fact he only leaned in once more when James paused to give him a chance to

breathe.

(and i got gypped on the shower of hearts!)

They pulled away abruptly as Asher came noisily around the corner.

"Hey Trace, hello James. What are you two up to?" He missed his brother's guilty expression and the look of adoration on James' face.

"Asher!" Trace gasped. "We were only talking... about this and that."

"Oh, well are you coming to supper?"

"Of course. I'll meet you downstairs straight away."

After Asher had disappeared down the stairs, James pecked Trace's cheek softly.

"I'll leave you to it." He smiled and set off for the bath.

Trace watched him go, a slight fluttered chill running up his spine.

"What on earth am I thinking?!"

Back at the Ladies College, Abby continued with her studies which included sewing and embroidery. She had already received a bronze talent badge on the machine, which was acceptable for every wife and mother to be.

She also spoke with Barrington quite often about their shared interests. He was delighted by her talents and gushed over them unabashedly. After several days of conversation, he finally worked up the nerve to ask her out to dinner.

Of course she was more than pleased to accept. Though to the untrained eye, her reserved nature might say otherwise.

"A lady never makes herself obvious. It's unflattering."

Quite true. A woman must learn the art of subtlety. How else would she manipulate her husband into giving her what she wants? All the while believing it to be his idea in the first place?

She and Barrington met at the University shops and Parkway. A popular destination for students in Simcambridge. Immediately the shy display of flirting began.

They're so damn adorable I think I might gag myself.

Barrington found himself beyond smitten with the Miss Norrington, and could barely keep his eyes off her. She was everything a young lady ought to be. He was ever so flattered that she agreed to spend time with him.

In short he did everything in his power to impress his dinner companion.

"My fine man, may the lady and I see the house wine list please?"

"Right away Sir."

"Are you quite fond of wine, Miss Norrington?"

"I wouldn't know. I've not had it above twice in my life. My parents are temperate people. They only gave it to us children medicinally."

"Well then, pretend you have a cold. A lovely lady such as yourself deserves only the finest in life. I would like very much to see that you have it."

After dinner the two shared a slow walk through the Parkway, admiring the gardens.

"Well Mr. Finch, I must thank you. I've had a most enjoyable evening in your company."

"I'm pleased to hear it. And if I may be so forward I'd like to say... that you are quite possible the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on... Abigail."

Abby gasped at the intimate use of her name. She felt as though her heart would burst at any moment. She took a moment to compose herself and suddenly giggled as she heard Lora's lilting voice in her head.

"May I ask what is funny?"

"My sister." Abby smiled. "Had she heard your endearing comment, she might have said in response, 'Well Mr. Finch,' Abby mimicked perfectly. 'If you are so acquainted with such a large number of ladies... So much so that you've considered all of their good looks at length, well then I'd be a fool to trust you. Wouldn't I?'"

Barrington chuckled. "Indeed. Your sister is quite wise." He gently took her hand. "Well I suppose it would be too much to hope then that you would be foolish enough to see me again."

Abby leaned in hesitantly. "I wouldn't judge so quickly. After all, I am not my sister... Barrington."

Yes, it seemed Abby was struck by lightning for the Mr. Finch. She immediately called

home to arrange for her parents to meet him.

(handicap alert! all young men wanting to marry my girls must befriend their fathers first)

Tune in next time to find out if Barrington is approved by Stuart. What will become of

Trace and James' shared kiss? Will Asher get up the nerve to propose to the woman he

loves?

Special thanks to both hannahkoolio and peasant007. Check out their fun legacies at the boolprop forums. Also thanks to all the

talented CC makers out there, without whom this wouldn't be possible. Most especially

MTS2 and All About Style. See you next time! Thanks for reading.