"Fit to Print" (Hornblower drabble, G, Maria)

[lokei]

Her mother doesn’t think she should be exposed to the newspapers in her delicate condition, but Maria has her ways. Being a captain’s wife-especially the notorious, beloved Captain Hornblower’s wife-gives her a certain pull among the boys that run errands for the Admiralty, and they willingly listen at doors and pick up discarded papers for her,

Comments

[romanticalgirl]

Oh, Maria.

[lokei]

What does it say about us that we enjoy writing pieces like this so much? *wry grin*

[romanticalgirl]

Hey, stuff like this is what fanfic is FOR. Well, and sex. Maria is just the perfect character for that stalwart devotion and yet knowledge that she's not enough.

[lokei]

It's true, fanfic solves indulgences of all sorts. *grin* Plus, then I don't have to feel guilty for torturing the characters, because they aren't mine. *laugh*

[thehappyreturn]

but she’s cannier than her husband might believe,
TRUE. HH is such a dumbass sometimes.

Poor Maria. I like to see her getting some attention. Good to see you writing more Hornblower!

[lokei]

I adore Horatio, but he really does stink at the interpersonal stuff. Must be because he had no sisters.

I have really conflicted feelings about Maria. I started out thinking she was just not clever enough a wife for Horatio, but the more of the books I read, the better I liked her, and now I like her and feel horridly sorry for her.

Very glad to be writing Hornblower again, myself! I have missed it.

[thehappyreturn]

I agree about Maria - well, I'll never think of her as really super clever, but 'canny' is the right word. I like her qualities, like her emotional bravery in the face of letting her precious captain go (like in Hornblower's Temptation, when he gets off the ship and she's travelled hours to see him, and he know he has to go direct to London and she thinks she can have him for a few days, and he won't even kiss her before getting back in the carriage? What a bitch! I'd go mad!).

What I never understand is how I warm to her but not Barbara, who if you think about it is a rare thing in novels, an independent-minded, self-assured, non-pretty pretty woman who is still irresistably attractive. So as a feminist I think she's great, but I just can't warm to her.

Maria, though. Poor, brave, dull, hardworking Maria. I think over the course of things CSF is very tough on her but also her strength comes through.

[lokei]

The thing that bothers me about Barbara is that I find her cold and somewhat calculating. That might be mean of me, but it seems to me she wants what she wants and damn the consequences or anyone who gets in her way. Maria's far more selfless, and what she does want for herself seems so reasonable that it's a pity she doesn't get it.

[nolivingman]

Oh, Maria. That's wonderful and sad, and so very Maria.

[lokei]

Thank you! Haven't written her in ages, and this bit just made me so happy when it appeared.

[johnnypenn]

A wonderful look at Marai. She really is a wonderful wife. I like the way you characterized her, I don't much like her in the book (the one I read). Thank you for writing this.

[lokei]

CSF has fluctuating attitudes towards Maria: in some books he's more understanding than others, and that makes a difference. Romanticalgirl, nolivingman, and I all have a certain amount of respect and affection for Maria, and have written a number of pieces from her point of view. I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you for the comments!

[johnnypenn]

Your welcome. :)
I'm kind of inspired to write a Maria fic myself. Soemthing about her time away from Horatio while she's pregnant or something. I'm not exactly sure, but, it'll be dedicated to you because you gave me the inspiration from this fic. *lol*

[lokei]

Well, the world certainly needs more Maria stories, so I'm glad you're feeling inspired!