Notes: AU - Set in the English countryside just before the war against Napoleon.  Bitchy heiresses, arrogant suitors, sexy servants, betrayal, love, death, and humor.  Pairings of all kinds appear and characters from many animes will be making appearances.  There will of course be some OOCness, but that is expected with an AU fic. R/R appreciated.

Disclaimer:  I do not own Gundam Wing or Samurai Troopers or any other anime contained herein.
 
 

Treize watched from his study as Dorothy marched defiantly back into the house in the same manner she had left.  No slinking in through the kitchen for her.  With a sigh he settled back in his chair.  “What are we going to do?”

“Let her have what she wants.”

He turned to his wife in surprise.  “What do you mean, Lady?”

“Well,” she began, slowly sipping her tea. Une moved away from the windows to settle in the overstuffed chair in front of Treize’s desk. “We have been searching for a husband that will allow Dorothy her freedom.  This boy Kento is a steady sort and seems to care for our daughter.  Dorothy for her part has shown much more interest in the blacksmith than anyone we’ve introduced her to.  Could we not consider allowing her to have the boy she’s chosen?”

“He is only a commoner with no refinement,” he said automatically, a contemplative look in his eyes.

“Since when has that bothered you?”

“The boy has lived a simple life, lacking many of the noblemen’s interests and weaknesses.  Kento would have to rely on Dorothy to manage the finances and estate.”  Treize continued warming to the idea. This could be a chance to train her husband from the ground up.

“If the young man had any questions or complaints I am sure Dorothy could handle him.  After all convincing him to have an affair with the daughter of the most dangerous and powerful man he knows would have been no easy feat.”

Treize’s teacup hit the saucer with a sharp clink.  “He’s bedded my little girl?”

Lady Une watched her husband, hiding a small smile behind her teacup. A rarely seen fire flickered in his eyes.  The mention of his favorite child was one of the few things guaranteed to crack Treize’s cool controlled shell.  There was no denying the close bond between father and daughter, while she was closest to their youngest child Marimeia.  A pang of guilt touched her heart each time she looked on their son.  They did their best to know Quatre and provide the support he needed, but neither could claim a close relationship with him.  His face and heart were those of an angel without the ruthless drive of his parents.  Sure he could be stubborn and a little reckless, but his gentleness and sensitivity often appeared as weakness next to Dorothy’s dominating spirit.  Just as they were deciding her future, Quatre’s also needed to be resolved.  She made a mental note to address the direction of their son’s life as soon as Dorothy’s was determined.

“No. I don’t believe so,” she reassured him. “Dorothy did not appear as a woman returning from a visit with her lover.”

Treize took some relief in that.  But the fact remained that Dorothy had set her mind on a boy she considered completely unacceptable to her parents.  Was the attraction purely physical or did she believe herself in love?  Was she determined to wed this boy or just showing defiance?  Would she sleep with him for sport or in an attempt to chase away her suitors once they realized she was no longer a virgin?  Treize knew himself to be a master strategist, but he could not determine Dorothy’s motives or next actions. He was forced to rely on Une’s opinion and advice.

“But knowing her, it is only a matter of time,” she continued.  “Dorothy has been nothing but resistant to the idea of choosing a husband from the men we have provided for her.  If we offer her the option of choosing this blacksmith, we can determine how serious her intentions are.  She has your intelligence.  If she has any doubts about him, she will back off and take time to think.  I have confidence she will not hastily throw away her future just to test us.”

“In turn, we will be testing her,” Treize commented.  He did not like the unpredictability of the plan, but understood the approach.  “Perhaps once she realizes the choice is ultimately hers, she will take a closer look at the men we have provided for her.”

Lady Une nodded, pleased at his easy capitulation. “If we are lucky, she may choose the young man you wanted for her without any further interference from us.”

Treize rose and gazed out the window again.  “We will go with your plan.  One way or another Dorothy will be married.  I wish she would let us advise her, but her future, good or bad, is ultimately hers to decide.”

Une came to stand at his side, gently placing a hand upon his arm.  “Have confidence.  She won’t let you down.”
 
 

A figure stood still behind the rose trellis until the Khushrenadas moved away from the open window.  So they were going to allow Dorothy to marry some local peasant?  If that is what she wanted.  That allowed for a lot of unpredictability, too much.  It was time to reduce the opponents’ options.  One of the chess pieces in this little game would have to be removed.  The figure quickly made its way through the garden.  No time like the present.