Pride and Prejudice: The Takahashi Way
By: Sandreline
I must admit, that I had only fairly recently watched the 2005 movie of "Pride and Prejudice" with my Marine's mother, and have then since become enthralled with it. Upon stumbling upon the "Classics" challenge in the forum, I thought it was a sign from above to do this.
So, with that said, I shall do some clarifying. First off, this is using the characters from our beloved "InuYasha" anima/manga as opposed to the original characters. I have done the very best I could to match up personalities, and must admit that I am rather proud of the result. Now, as I normally do not take up time away from the story, to help
avoid any confusion I figured that, just this once, I would post a list of who the characters portray. I hope that you all agree with my choices.
Elizabeth Bennet = Kagome Higurashi, 20
Fitzwilliam Darcy = Sesshomaru Taisho, 28
Jane Bennet = Kikyo Higurashi, 22
Charles Bingley = InuYasha Bingley, 22 (I left the last name the same, since InuYasha won't be related to Sesshomaru.)
Caroline Bingley = Tsubaki Bingley, 20
Georgiana Darcy = Rin Taisho, 16
Charlotte Lucas= Sango Taijiya, 26
William Collins = Miroku Houshi, 25
Lady Catherine de Bourgh = Princess Kaguya
George Wickham = Naraku Wickham
Lydia Bennet = Kagura Higurashi
Anne de Bourgh = Souten
Mrs. Bennet = Mrs. Higurashi
Mr. Bennet = Grandfather Higurashi (will be a grandfather, not father.)
Kitty Bennett = Yura Higurashi
Mary Bennet = Kanna Higurashi
Edward Gariner = Totosai
Mrs. M. Gardiner = Kaede
Colonel Fitzwilliam = Kouga
I hope that you all agree that these choices were a good match. I would also like to point out that since Mr. Higurashi is her grandfather and not her father, I am also making Mrs. Higurashi more her character; though still wishing to marry off her daughters and have grandchildren. It is also important to note that InuYasha will be in his human form.
I hope that you all enjoy the story!
Chapter 1: And so the Sun Rises...
"Father," called out Mrs. Higurashi as she entered the study that her father-in-law kept to himself. "Have you heard the news?"
"What news be this?" He asked from his desk.
"Mrs. Taijiya has been kind enough to inform me that Netherfield has been taken by a young man from North England with a vast fortune - four or five thousand a year at least." Mrs. Higurashi simply stated with a smile as she moved to sit before her late husband's father. She had become worried as of late; with no sons to give her husband before he passed, the estate would pass to her husband's cousin, a clergyman by the name of Miroku Houshi. She had to see to it that her daughter's were wed to well-off gentleman before her dear husband's father also departed from this world.
"Be he single or married?" The elder Higurashi inquired.
"Single, for sure." Mrs. Higurashi cheered. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if one of the girl's managed to catch his fancy? Father, you simply must pay him respects with a welcoming visit."
"You may go, if you so wish." Spoke the elderly man. "However, it is of no interest to me nor my old bones to make ventures in hopes of gaining prospects."
"I implore you, honorable Father, to think of the girls." Spoke Mrs. Higurashi. "Many of our neighbors and other parents of the town shall be attempting to do the same."
"I shall not, for I must care for our affairs; although, I can send a letter with you to express my welcomes. I shall be sure to add a few lines for Kaggie." Mr. Higurashi stated as he took out a quill and pen.
"Come now, Father. Surely Kikyo should be of better interest to capture Mr. Bingley's attention." Mrs. Higurashi began. "She is, after all, of greater beauty."
"Though not with Kagome's wit. Kagome is the only one of great worth to our family. The rest can be shallow and not recommendable for a man of Mr. Bingley's station."
"That is terrible of you to say!" Mrs. Higurashi stated. "I am sure each of my children could attain men of such welcome, twenty prospects at least!"
"Well then, my dear, I am sure that when those twenty arrive, I shall greet them. In the mean time, I shall write your letter and return to overlooking the affairs." Mr. Higurashi finished. He was an interesting character, both with a sarcastic humor yet reserved while demanding proper respect.
Mrs. Higurashi left her father-in-law's study and went to find her daughters. Surely one of them would manage to ensnare the attention of the rich young bachelor that was renting the estate along the way.
The two elder daughters were found talking in their rooms. Kikyo and Kagome were as close as sisters could be, and not just because they had to share a room. They were close in age, and as such their interests were the same. Yet even then, the sisters had their differences. While Kagome had more wit with an air of independence, Kikyo was more demure with a more mature beauty. Where Kikyo had black straight hair and light brown eyes, Kagome had wavy black hair and blue eyes. They had just been informed of the new residents of Netherfield, and both could not contain themselves from talking about the news. It was hoped that the new residents would make an appearance at the night's assembly.
"How do you think he would be?" Kikyo asked while brushing her long hair.
"I am sure the same as all those other richly men." Kagome pointed out, an open book in her lap. "He shall probably believe himself to be the center of the world, and that woman should flock to him in hopes of garnering his affections though they do not deserve them." Kagome smirked as she spoke, observing her sister in the mirror.
Kikyo was preparing herself for their visit, their mother having given expressed wishes for Kikyo to look her best. Kagome had already finished, and was waiting on her elder sibling. Since tonight was one of the assemblies that were very much liked by the elder sisters, Kikyo seemed to be looking forward to this one in particular. "Do you think he will be handsome?" She asked, turning to look at Kagome.
"I dare say so he shall. It is the curse they must pay." Kagome replied with a wink, causing both young women to laugh. Their mother gave a knock upon their door, a look of impatience on her features. They quickly rose and followed her to the carriage, sharing secretive smiles along the way.
Their two youngest sisters, to Kagome's mild disapproval, were gossiping about like immature children. Yura and Kagura were giggling like crazy over every possibility that could come from tonight. The third sister, Kanna, was more shy and reserved, and as such sat silently in the carriage as they made their way to the assembly.
The Bingley's presence at the assembly had been the talk of the town. Those that had already made the acquaintance of the young man had nothing but praise for him. It was said that in his company he would have with him his sister and a friend, though no one had yet to meet his friend.
Kikyo and Kagome quickly detached from their sisters, moving to find their dear friend Sango Taijiya. The brunette gave a bright smile as she met them in the hall, the music from the orchestra leaving a grand atmosphere. After exchanges greetings, the chatter began.
"I had the pleasure of meeting our new residents." Sango began with a secretive smile. Sango was the daughter of Mrs. Higurashi's dearest friend, which is why the three young women were so close of friends. "It seems my mother is already planning the wedding."
"How did it go?" Kikyo asked with curiosity.
"It went well, though I do not believe he showed the same interest in me." Sango began.
"I'm sorry, Sango." Kagome spoke with sympathy in her tone. Sango was older than Kikyo, and as such the possibility of her finding a husband was becoming slimmer. Because of this fact, Sango was constantly worrying that she had failed her parents and her job as a woman.
"It's alright. Oh, here he is now!" Sango spoke as she faced the entryway.
Kagome and Kikyo quickly turned to view the newcomers, and all noise ceased. Kagome's eyes watched their movements as she looked them over. The man in the middle had long ebony hair and bright brown eyes that surveyed the room. He held himself proud, not allowing any man to look down upon him. Kagome had a feeling that his life had been a rather difficult. The female to the far left was of great beauty with equally long black hair, though she seemed a bit too arrogant for Kagome's tastes. Her hair held expensive ornaments, and her gown was of rich silk and lace. However, it was the man to the right that truly caught her attention. His incredible silver hair swayed behind him, and his eyes were like molten gold; Kagome could not help but feel drawn to him as she watched the trio walk along the hall to greet the Mayor.
The music struck up once more, and with a smile both Kagome and Kikyo moved to the dance floor. Both were smiling as they talked to one another when in a range that permitted them to do so, and the younger of the two was quick to analyze hat her older sister had quickly become besotted with the black-haired man that had entered. It was easily enough to figure out that it was he whom was Mr. Bingley.
It was at the end of the current dance that Kikyo had been approached by the young Mr. Bingley. With a light blush staining her features, Kikyo allowed her younger sister to slink off without her as she accepted the man's hand for a dance.
Kagome watched from the side with Sango, who had rushed over to join her as Kikyo and InuYasha began to dance. "They look very much as though they fancy the other." Sango spoke with a smirk.
Kagome smiled. "So it would seem, Sango. I am pleased: he appeared to be a gentleman, though a part of me feels as if he could burst out and be rebellious."
"Kagome, that's terrible!" Sango laughed, though it was known that the two friends themselves were prone to such actions. They were terribly independent, Sango more so than Kagome, who had little care to marry without love. "I found out whom Mr. Bingely's friend was." Sango added.
"Who?" Kagome asked while watching her sister smile while conversing with the young man. The older Higurashi sister's brown eyes were dancing with joy.
"It would appear that he is Sesshomaru Taisho, one of the richest men around. He receives over ten thousand a year from inheritance." The brunette spoke.
"That is quite a sum." Kagome added, looking over at the handsome man. For all his appearance, it would seem his personality had room for improvement. He danced but once with the female that accompanied them, and Sango was quick to inform her that it was Tsubaki Bingley, InuYasha's sister with a large dowry of her own. Her blue eyes continued to watch Mr. Taisho, who had yet to smile and deemed fairly uncomfortable with all the female attention being thrown rather immorally his way.
She returned her gaze to her sister, who was now dancing for a second time with InuYasha."I am happy for her, truly." Kagome spoke. "Besides, knowing our Kikyo she very well may be the next Mrs. Bingley."
"I have no arguments." Sango added. When a hand was offered to her, Sango gave her friend a wink and was led to the dance floor.
Having been left alone, Kagome moved to sit down for the next dance. It was coincidentally close to Mr. Taisho, who had taken up solace at a small table near her own. Being free from the presence of her sisters, Kagome took the rare opportunity to people-watch. Her mother and Sango's mother were gossiping with the other older women of the assembly, getting the latest story on each person present. She listened in to the conversations around her, and was sorely interested to find they were all about Mr. Bingley and Mr. Taisho.
"Yo, Sesshomaru." InuYasha spoke as he approached his friend. "Why are you not dancing? Surely there is someone here who can catch your eye?"
"It would seem, InuYasha, that you have managed to find the only one close to this once standards." The silver-haired man spoke as he cast a glance towards Kikyo, who was talking with their two youngest sisters as the three cast excited glances towards the two males.
"Oh please. I haven't ever met anyone more beautiful than Kikyo, that's for sure; but her younger sister Kagome is pretty, too! She's sitting just over there, and she seems agreeable enough."
Kagome quickly turned her head away just in time, and waited a moment before turning her gaze back so it would see that she was merely glancing around. His stern gaze had softened only slightly upon meeting her gaze. "Hey eyes are unique, but it is below this Sesshomaru to be with a woman who is slighted by so many other males."
Kagome felt her inner fire flare to life as she rose from her seat and made to find Sango, all the while using some very vulgar words in her head. How had be judge her without knowing her? What made him so high and mighty?
Her ire was placated the next day with the new gossip her mother brought to the breakfast table. Sango and her mother had been invited to keep her own mother company, and they had - of course- begun to gossip. It would seem that Mr. Taisho was not rude to only her; her mother was all in a tizzy at the temperament of the aristocrat. He had shared his table for a time with Mrs. Long, a woman who lived with her husband on the other side of town. They were in hard times, and did not even own a carriage. So, the entire time he sat in her presence, he had not spoken a word nor spared her a glance. When Kagome informed them of his words about her - despite playing them off in jest as if to pretend they did not bother her- it only caused Mrs. Higurashi to react that much more harshly.
"Are you sure, Mother?" Kikyo began. "I had spoken with Miss Bingley, you see. Tsubaki told me that Mr. Taisho is not one to speak with others at all. It is only with close acquaintances that he is agreeable at all."
"His pride," said Mrs. Taijiya, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man with family, fortune, and every thing in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud."
"I could forgive his pride, had he not insulted mine..." Kagome spoke softly while taking a bite of her eggs.
"Pride," observed the third sister Kanna timidly, who piqued herself upon the solidity of her reflections, "is a very common failing I believe. By all that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common indeed, that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us." By the end of her statement, Kanna was blushing. The shyest of her sisters, she preferred to be solitary and play the piano or practice another accomplishment. Her words rolled around in the minds of her family for a moment.
"In any event, I do believe it is time to call on them." Mrs. Higurashi continued. "Perhaps with a visit, we can become better acquainted. It could be that perhaps Mr. Taisho was simply shy in light of his new surrounds and all the new people." She began.
The two youngest sisters and Kikyo quickly agreed, yet Kagome and Sango shared a glance. After her grandfather had dismissed them from breakfast, the two friends walked arm-in-arm around the estate, taking the time to talk about the recent events. "Perhaps your mother was right." Sango began. "While it does not excuse his behavior, it could be that he was just overwhelmed, and that is why he reacted as he did. You should give him another chance."
Kagome sigh. "You're right, Sango. Though his words still hurt, there was just something in his eyes that captured me. Perhaps he was simply, dare I say, scared to be in such a new, strange place." She gave a pause. "Do you believe I am forgiving him too easily?"
Sango laughed. "You forgive everything too easily; it is a charm of yours. Go now, prepare. If you be yourself, I am sure they will find themselves liking your company."
Kagome smiled as she bid Sango farewell, waving to her and Mrs. Taijiya as they took there leave. While moving to return to her room, she thought perhaps her friend was right. After all, for a man of his station and appearance, surely he had to have a wonderful personality to go with it. With determination, Kagome began to prepare for their visit to Netherfield.
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What do you all think? It seems rushed, but if you have ever read the book (and for those of you that haven't), believe it or not this is the speed at which the first several chapters takes place.
I do hope you all agree with the choices for who was who, and I know Kikyo seems a little out of character, but it gets better. Promise!
Please review and let me know what you think!
~Sandreline