Emma: Chapter 5 Part 1

8/8/2019 Emma: Chapter 5 Part 1

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The gossip within Simshire society is revolving around the most

cent event, the ball at Regalton House held by the Legacy family. It is

eing said that the ball in question has bested even the famed evening at

lickling Hall held by the Blackthorne family so many years ago. The

ader will remember the Blackthornes from the news last week that the

milys patriarch, our benevolent Regents cousin Henry Blackthorne, has

een given the title of Viscount Darcy, and


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Oh, do NOT remind me.


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Oh yes how perfectly dreadful. Mary Jane paused. Good Heavens,

hat wouldbe dreadful! Thank Plumbob.


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Francis laughed and shook out the paper. May I read on?


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Mary Jane rolled her eyes dramatically and rested her head on her arms

Yes, but do skip the nonsense about my fathers investiture and how

bsolutely mad it was of the Prince Regent to be thatexcited about dogs. It

oes speak of the ball more, no?


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Indeed. Let us seeah! Here.

-----


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The ball was an absolute success, as the paper went on to describe, but

ne person in particular had been rather discontented near the end.

After dancing with her several times, Francis was completely driven

ad with the urge to kiss Mary Jane, but instead of acting on it he forced

mself to sit, alone, consumed with lust for the rest of the evening.


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Mary Jane also felt something stirring within her, but she chalked it up

simple excitement.

However, as she and Kitty settled in at Blickling Hall that night after th

all, she could not stop herself from twirling around in her night dress,

umming the tunes that she and Francis had danced to.

Kitty too was ecstatic, giggling along with her friend. Mary Jane hopedi

as due to some new young man taking Kittys fancy, and considering theush Kitty was wearing it seemed likely.


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The following week had seen Francis visiting Simdon on business far

ore than should have been really necessary for a gentleman not yet come

to his inheritance, and so the ladies saw quite a bit of him. Often he

rought his brother Fulwar along, and the four would sit together playing

ards or reading together.


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As time passed nothing of much interest happened(other than the now

latively uncommon rows between Mary Jane and Francis) for quite a

hile. The winter at M. Bennets went by as winters tend to do.

There was snow.


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There were presents.


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There was more snow.


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The girls at M. Bennets studied hard through the chilly season, and

oon many of them would be leaving. Raphaelle, of course, had left when

he was married, but nobody seemed to miss her.


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Apolline OLeery, daughter of Gwendolen and Olivet OLeery, had

ined them immediately after the ball, but she was mostly ignored by Mar

ne, and spent a good deal of her time with Requiem.

What the two of them had to talk about, Mary Jane did not wish to

now. She DID wonder how Apolline got Requiem to speak freely,

hough.


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Before anyone anticipated it, the weather had turned warm again. It

as Spring, and the ladies of M. Bennets were off to a picnic on a very

ne Saturday. Elle, Mary Jane, Kitty, Lucy, Apolline, & Requiem had been

vited to Dargent House by the young Mr. and Mrs. Howard, and as

uch as the girls disliked Raphaelle, they hadreasonsto attend.


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These reasons took the forms of William Blackthorne, Francis Howard

ulwar Howard, George Haggerty the Second, Apollines twin Bleu

Leery, who had just started at Pemberley, and a young man called

aughn Fitzhugh. Mary Jane had learned that Vaughn was the son of one

f the simselves, and that his mother had a notion to set him up with

polline. As such, shed managed to pull some wily simself strings and ge

m introduced to all the right people, so that he was presently included in

he Group.


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The interesting part about him (for, as Mary Jane saw it, having a

mself for a mother was not at all uncommon anymore) was that he was

aguely related to both Requiem and Elle, but nobody was quite sure how

polline seemed to think he was Requiems brother, but how that was

ossible remained unconfirmed.


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SO pleased you could come, said Mrs. Raphaelle Howard, patting her

ightly enlarged belly.


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Mary Jane blinked.

She blinked again, and the other ladies of M. Bennets remained

nmoved.


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Hee! Oh, Mary, surely you were informed that we are expecting a littl

essing soon? I have high expectations that it will be a son.

Ino. Congratulations, cousin, Miss Blackthorne said, forcing a grin

he knewRaphaelle was gloating, and wondered bitterly if that was why

hey had all been invited that day.


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I propose we play a game! Fulwar Howard said an hour later, after th

a and sandwiches had been devoured and cleared away, and the

onversation run out.


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Ooh! A game, what sort of game? Elle sat up straight from stealthily

aning on Hams shoulder, and glanced around happily at the group.


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Fulwar smiled and bowed to her. Looking around at the group he

xplained, I command that we each tell Miss Blackthorne something entertaining.

ou may offer one thing very clever, two things moderately clever, or three things very

ull, indeed. And in return, Miss Blackthorne will laugh heartily at them all.


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At the very idea, the party laughed.

Yes, I suppose I can oblige you all with laughing for a short while,

Mary Jane said, amused.


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Raphaelle, who had hoped to hear more praise for what she thought

ere her glorious sandwiches and excellent tea, huffed at the turn of the

onversation to Mary Jane. She could not bear it.

I do not pretend to be a wit, though I have a great deal of vivacity in

y own way, of course. These diversions are tolerable in winter, when one

around the fire, but in my opinion it wastes the outdoors. My dear Mary

ou must excuse me, she said, and began the difficult maneuver of

anding, clutching her belly.


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When her husband didnt join her in standing to leave, she tapped him

n the shoulder. Mr. H?

Ah, right, Benjamin nodded. Excuse me as well, for I am an old

arried man, and have nothing to say that would please Miss Blackthorne

r any young lady.


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Are you calling me old as well then, brother? If youll recall I was bor

ve minutes before you, Francis joked.

The party laughed amiably, but Benjamin Howard had no reply; he

corted his very pregnant wife off toward the house.


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As was turning out to be her purpose in life, Elle Fitzhugh broke the

wkward silence. Well, as to the game, I need not be uneasy as long as

e're allowed to say dull things, she said.


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Very dull, in fact. I should be sure to say things very dull in fact as

oon as I open my mouth, shan't I? she added, laughing at herself. Ham

eamed at her, and shook his head at her.


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Mary Jane, who had not stopped being upset with Raphaelle since shed

rived and, whod become even more put out after the obvious snub over

silly game, smiled evilly at innocent Elle. That may be a difficult thing,

he said.


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Elle did not recognize the malice in Mary Janes tone. Oh, I doubt

hat. I'm sure I never fail to say things very dull.


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Mary Jane dropped the false smile. Yes, dear, but you will be limited i

umber, only three.

Franciss eyes tightened.


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The previously smiley, giggly group fell silent, all side conversations

ropped.


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Ham took a sharp intake of breath and positively glared at his sister as

lles shoulders drooped very noticeably.


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She tried, and failed, to produce a believable smile.

Oh. To be sure Yes. I see, I see, I see what she means. I will,

htry and hold my tongue


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I must have made myself very disagreeable or she would not have

id such a thing to afriend. Just three...


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Yes.

Ham whimpered almost inaudibly and wanted nothing more at that

oment than to grab her hand.


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Mary Jane nodded and looked around at the party. Expecting to see

nowing smiles and amused faces, she was shocked to see heads shaking

nd downcast eyes.

She tried to catch Kittys eye, but she was too busy picking at a flowers

etals. She attempted to catch Apollines and Lucys too, but the young

dies were looking straight away from where Mary Jane sat. It was clear,

owever, even at the odd angle, that they were blushing fiercely.


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Mary Jane didcatch Franciss eye, but regretted it; he was looking at her

ith the most disappointed face shed ever witnessed, and...it hurt. What

ad she done?


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Elle stood up and brushed down her dress. Actually I think I will

he began, but her sentence remained incomplete as she walked off in a

ompletely random direction.

Two seconds after she faded from sight, the group resumed their many

iniature conversations immediately, and with much enthusiasm. Francis

ontinued to stare at Mary Jane, Apolline was carrying on a conversation

ith Vaughn without looking at anyone, and Kitty picked at her flower.


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Ham yanked himself out of his sitting position and, with one furious

ance at his sister, dashed off to find Miss Elle.


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Fulwar rubbed his neck nervously. Erm, about my game


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I think the moment is lost, do you not Miss Blackthorne? Francis

urted crankily.


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Mary Jane blushed furiously and ripped several blameless threads from

rge rug they were resting on.


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Em and Kitty jumped up all too eagerly and linked arms with Fulwar.

fter another moment, Apolline, Bleu, Vaughn, George, and Lucy left too


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They were alone then, Mary Jane and Francis. They both stood, stiff

om sitting for so long on the ground, but they were silent. Under norma

rcumstances they would amuse one another with little teasings and jokes,

ut the look on Franciss face kept Mary Jane quiet


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Francis, after a minute, decided he had no problem speaking. How

ould you say such a thing?


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What? To Elle? It was nothing but the truth! Mary Jane argued.


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Francis groaned and looked at the ground. He took a deep breath to

alm himself but it did not help at all.

The truth it may be, though personally I find her ramblings quite

musing, but what in the worldprompted you to say it? She is a modest

oung lady, extremely shy! And she has never been anything buy kind to

ou, to anyone!


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Oh yes, we agree that she is the most gentle, sweet woman to ever

xist, but you cannotdeny that blended alongside of the good there is an

qual amount of the ridiculous in her.


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Perhaps, if she was a woman equal to you in situation, I would not

uarrel with any liberties of manner. But she is not! She is an heiress, to b

ure, but Simerican, and without many connections in this country! That

one should secure your compassion! But your brother lovesher!


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Mary Jane, who had been petulantly looking away from Francis

hroughout his rant, whipped back around to look at him. He doesnt.

e doesnt! Not really, she is just something to amuse him, she

She thought of all the attention her brother had paid Miss Elle, of all

he times hed spoken of her. For a long time shed merely assumed that i

as a brief infatuation, but now that she thought about itreallythought

bout it


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It was badly done, Janie. Badlydone, Francis murmured. He reached

s hand out to touch hers, but she pulled away.


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Miss Elle has been a good friend to you since she joined you at schoo

have never heard anything but a good word about you leave her lips.

Miss Blackthorne this, Miss Blackthorne that And now you are

umbling her and laughing at her in front of people who would be guided

y your treatment of her. It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but

ust tell you the truthwhile I still can, proving myself your friend by th

ost faithful counsel, trusting that sometime you will do my faith in you

reater justice thanthan you do it now.


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Mary Jane turned to walk away, for she would not let him see her cry.


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Miss Elle! William Blackthorne shouted. Hed almost run clear

ound the grounds when he found Miss Elle near the stables, pacing.

He slowed to a walk. Please


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He reached out and grabbed her hand when she would not

cknowledge him, but dropped it immediately when she did turn. Forgiv

e, he muttered.


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No, forgive me. It was very improper of me to just walk offerm.

Mr. Blackthorne why are you looking at me like that? Elle tilted her head

the side, making herself look rather like a confused puppy.


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Ham, meanwhile, was having a moment. As he looked into Elles brigh

reen eyes he couldnt think of anything but how much he loved her, and

ow much he wanted to make her his own. As he had not as yet come to

rms with the fact that he loved her at all, he was, as said, having a

oment.

And then there was the other matter; in theory hed wanted to do this

ght, to speak to the ladys father first, and then take her to some beautiful

cation in Simshire, tojust do it well. As this particular ladys fatherved thousands of miles away, that part of his plan was slightly flawed, bu

heywerein one of the prettier parts of Simdon

Plumbob save me, he thought. He swallowed.


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Softly, he took Elles hand in both of his. He forced himself to make

ye contact, though the radiance in her countenance was a mite blinding.

I knowI know I have no right to ask you this, considering what my

ster has just done...but... he got down on one knee as he paused, not

reaking his lock on her face.


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Miss FitMiss ElleEllie. From the very second I saw you I felt the

ost divine warmth in my heart, but it has taken me far, far too long to

now what it was. Blame it on inexperience, I do not knowbut I love

ou. I love you, heart and soul, and I would be inexplicably euphoric ifi

ou would agree to marry me.


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?


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Oh my


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Ham stood up, not receiving quite the response hed hoped for. Is

omethingwas I wrong in thinkingI dont


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You want to marry me? Me? Good Plumbob in Heaven, me. Are yo

ure? Your sister kind of hates me and I cannot understand why, but she

oes, so surely you wouldnt want to marrymeIsnt your father a

iscount nowyou cant just go off and marry some Simerican heiress, if

oure going to be a Viscount one dayIgood Lord that would make

eId be Lady Elleare you absolutely ,entirely, completely, irrevocable,

holly, utterly, from tip to toe?


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Has anyone ever told you that you chatter a great deal? Ham

hispered, chuckling softly.

Yes, Elle breathed


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Yes, you will marry me or yes, you are aware that you speak faster than

scared rabbits heart beats?


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Both.


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-----


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Elle froze hovering over her packing at the sound of a knock at the

oor. She had a fairly good idea who it was, and thought about pretending

ot to hear.


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Of course, then Mary Jane knocked louder. Miss Elle, are you there?

Elle sighed. Yes, do please come in.


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Mary Jane poked her head in shyly before entering the room fully. She

epped in and smiled tentatively at Elle, but did not speak.

It had been a bit over a week since the both tragic and glorious garden

arty, during which time Elle had avoided her future sister-in-law like the

ague. She was hurt, badly so, and as she did not expect Mary Jane to be

ery happy with the engagement, she kept away from her in the interest of

ot being hurt further.


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After half a minute Elle dropped her eyes from Mary Jane and started

oing through her wardrobe.

Mary Jane was at a complete loss. Shed apologized before, of course,

Kittyand once or twice to her brother, but it was not one of her mos

ommon pursuits. However, she was trying to be a kinder person. This

as to be her brothers wife, after all, and she really, reallyought to make

eace with that fact, and the woman herself.


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Youre leaving, I take it?

Elle nodded. Yes, Im to stay with Marina and the other simselves

ntil the wedding, and they are to help me with all the preparations for it,

nnouncement cards and such. After it is all said and done I suppose I

hall be moving towell, your home. I


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You must take my room, Mary Jane blurted.


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Mary Jane. We are to be sisters now, are we not? You must call me

Mary Jane, Miss Blackthorne insisted. She smiled, hoping to calm Elles

erves.

Again, Elle just stared. She was confused. Very, very confused. Had

ot Mary Jane always been rather abrasive toward her?


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Mary Jane could see this, and smiled wider this time. I know this mus

em like it is coming from nowhere and, well, I suppose it almost is, she

id, laughing. Elles eyes widened at that. Elle, may I call you Elle?

Y-yes?


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Elle, I have been maddeningly unkind to you, to everyone, really, but

hat is a failing of mine. Afriendhas recently shown me that, and I am

ying to change, tryingso hard. But that is beside the point. What I am

ying to say, Elle, is that my unkindness to you has nothing to do with you

a person, but with my own vanity and prejudice, and that is wrong.

ven were you not marrying my brother it would be wrong. However, you

remarrying him, and when it comes right down to it, I love my brother. I

ay tease him, but he is my brother and he is everything to me. And so I

ust love you, as well, for making him so very, very happy.


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At this Mary Jane felt the uncomfortable warmth in her throat and

anted nothing more than to dash out of the room. However, she stood

er ground, and forced herself to continue looking at Elle with kindness.

I am so sorry for the rudeness I have shown you in the past, and I am

pecially sorry for my actions the other week. I hope you will forgive me

nd that we may be friends, truefriends, in time.


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The smile Elle wore then was more than enough to make Mary Jane

ad to put aside her prejudices to apologize and accept her.

Thank you, I cannot tell you what it means to hear you say that. I do

orgive you.


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Mary Jane beamed and reached out to hug her potential friend.

Wait, Elle said, pulling back. There is one more thing.


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If you want to call me every evil thing you can think of I shall not

egrudge you for it, though I reserve the right to

Elle laughed. No! No, nothing like that

Well?


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Im not taking your room. A kind gesture it may be but there is far

o much pink in there. Elle looked at Mary Jane levelly, forcing down th

mirk that threatened to cover her face.


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Mary Jane was shocked.Igood Lord, Elle was that ajab?


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They may have had an extremely rough start, but Mary Jane could see

hat real closeness was not far away.

-----


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Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art

Not in lone splendor hung aloft the night

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like Nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,


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The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,


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Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors


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To feel for ever its soft swell and fall,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest


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Mr. Blackthorne, you may kiss your bride.


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Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live everor else swoon to death.


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The Reverend Warner smiled widely at the assembled family and friend

nd announced, Mr. and Mrs. William Blackthorne.


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You really do not mind if I sit here? That little Henry Austen is payin

e far,fartoo much attention for my liking..

Elle shook her head, smiling. No, no. Please, do sit.


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Oh, is he not to be yours? I could swear I saw you blush at him

efore.


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My dear Miss Blackthorne, you are such a nuisance! Certainly not.

or one, he is far too young for me. For another, well, I was blushing

nothing.

Oh! Oh, do tell.

No!


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Come now, Kitty! Mary Jane whined

Cake, Miss Fitz? Fulwar Howard offered, appearing at Kittys side jus

time to save her from more of Mary Janes begging.


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Mary Jane watched her friend closely, and was not disappointed: there

as a blush, and it was deep. She beamed her most impressive smile, and

rivately applauded herself on guessing that Kitty and Fulwar would make

good match.


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Erm, thank you Mr. Howard, Kitty answered after a moment. Then

he broke into a wide smile. Yes! Rescue me from Henry Austen with

ake!


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Francis sighed at his brother. WELL. I suppose I ought to be off.

pologies again, Blackthorne, he said conspicuously, causing the rest of

he table to look at him oddly.


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But breakfast is not yet served! Ham said with a grin. Though there

as almost nothing in the world that could ruin his wedding day, he added

ts my wedding. Ill not have you ruin it.


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I sincerely regret it but I must go. Business, you know. Forgive me,

rancis muttered as he made his escape.


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How extraordinarily rude of my brother, do you not think Miss Fitz?

ulwar said conspiratorially.

Kitty looked at her cake. Er, well I should think he had a very pressin

ngagement or he would not have

But Fulwar interrupted as he noticed another person was leaving their

ble. Miss Blackthorne where are you going?


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Mary Jane turned around, halted in her steps, and thought up a quick

b. Erm. To pray. In the, ahchurch. I find myself in need of spiritua

dvisement, she lied, and retreated quickly before anyone could call her

ut on her obviousness.


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Francis! she called as she caught up with her target. Wait a

oment.


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Ah, Janie, the young man said, suppressing a laugh. Somehow he wa

ot surprised to see Mary Jane had followed him.


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Mary Janes came to a halt just as she realized what Francis had just

id. Janie?

I knowyou despise it so, but I am afraid I never will stop.

Butyoure angry with me. You never call me Janie when youre

ngry at me, which, by the way, makes absolutely no sense as one


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Janie.

would thing that youd try to irritate me moreif you were upset.

nd really I

Mary Jane.


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Yes?

I am not angry with you. Not anymore, at least.


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But what has changed?

Your brother told me what you said to Miss Elle, he said youpologized. He also told me that you had been making a sincere effort to

ot be quite so prejudiced and rude to the people around you.


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That is true. It is devilishlydifficult, however.


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Though Francis was clearly teasing, Mary Jane looked at her feet. Yes

ou probably ought to have sooner, but I do not think that I would have

tened. Not until I met Kitty.

That girl has had a profound effect on you, it is true.


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I really ought to be going now.


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I wish you could stay. We could havetalked.


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rancis smiled. As wonderful as spending an entire day bickering with yo

ounds, I really must do the shocking thing of leaving my dear friends

edding frightfully early.

You arerather breaking protocol. What business is so pressing?

I must see my brother on a matter which is most perplexing and personal

am afraid.


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Yes, I noticed he is not here today, choosing instead, I assume, to

main with his charmingwife during her confinement?

Francis nodded. Perhaps sometime soon I will speak of this business

ith you. Good day, Janie.


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-----


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187 Villai-Nous Place, Simbrighton

Dearest Sister,I hope my letter finds you very well. Elle and I have

rrived in Simbrighton and are settled into our house,

which is quite marvelous and has a view of the ocean. Im so grateful that Papa purchased it for us and I havewritten him my thanks.

The weather is exceedingly fine. Today Elle wishes to

ry sea bathing and I confess I am rather wary of such ahing, but for her I shall attempt to soldier on.


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Elle wishes me to send her love. I cannot express how

happy it makes me that the two of you have come to annderstanding. Though I know you will never say so, Inow you made the effort for my sake, and I thank youincerely.

I must go. I have already neglected my poor bride forhalf an hour and I can see she is anxious to try this seabathing business

Your favorite brother

W. Hampson Blackthorn


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Mary Jane smirked at her brothers letter and grabbed the next one

agerly. Seeing it was from Leonora she nearly ripped it in two so excited

as she to break the seal.

As she read, however, her excitement was gradually replaced with

orror.


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Regalton House, Simshir

My Dearest MJ,The most horridly shocking news has just come to me from

Mrs. Simself and Miss Di. They were here with Mrs.Simselfs son Carew for tea with my Mama-in-law, Ceciliand I (poor Carew surrounded by we ladies!), and Mrs.

Simself seemed most distressed, so we prodded her to tell us what

was the matter, and oh! You will not believe it, but FulwarHoward is engaged! And hehasbeen engaged for quite some


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me, secretly, to Miss Requiem Bohemian-Fitzhugh! He

lways seemed so very occupied with NOT being in love wither. Not even her guardians Miss Marina and Miss Jaminew until this very morning when she declared she would beeaving school and joining Fulwar in Simmaica. It is all soery odd!

We cannot understand why it was kept secret up until now, buMrs. Simself has a theory. She seems to think that our Aunt

Smith and late Uncle wished for little Anna to marryFulwar, so that the plantation could be passed to her in that way


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(just as Raphaelle now has the run of her fathers estate as her

usband will inheritthat.) Good gracious, these Howard menre lucky! But I digressMrs. Simself says that there wasome sort of informal understanding between Anna and

Fulwar before he returned to Simland the last time. However,when Fulwar met Miss B-H in Portsimouth all that timego, they formed an immediate attachment and became engaged

When Fulwar returned to Simmaica he seems to have informed

Anna of this (she has come forward as knowing the entire time)n the hopes that he would let her off gently, but Anna has been


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uite cross with him since. It appears as if she truly liked him, an

hat is quite, quite unfortunate. To love a man without any hope ofim reciprocating is something no lady should have to endure.

At any rate, it seems Fulwar did not wish the engagement toe publicly known for he worried that Aunt Smith would

disapprove and say he could not take the plantation, but now thatverything is quite decided and he is to leave very soon, he and

Miss B-H are publicly betrothed, and her father has been sent

or.I suppose this rather explains why Miss B-H left school


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nd returned to the Simselves at the same time as Miss Elle

Mrs. Blackthorne. Goodness, that is so odd to write!I am afraid I am out of time; Cecilia and Carew have

een practically shut out of the house in the garden and I promiseCecilia I would rescue her after 10 minutes. As you haverobably guessed, a husband is being sought for my sister-in-law.

I hope you are well, despite this shock. Write to me soon!Yours in friendship

Leonora Legacy


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MISS BLACKTHORNE, I require IMMEDIATE. ATTENTION.


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Mary Jane yelped toppled off her bed as Kitty threw the door open and

nnounced herself so thoroughly.


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Once situated somewhat more properly on the floor, she took in Kitty

anicked expression and bit her lip, hard.


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Mary Jane stood up slowly, gripping the offending letter in one hand.

Soso youve heard?


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I DO NOT THINK YOU UNDERSTAND THE GRAVITY

hats this? Kitty demanded, jabbing a finger at the letter MJ was

utching. Heard what?

It is a letter from Leonora. YouI dont understand.

No, I dont think YOU understand.


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Thatis what I said, Kitty.

So you did. But OH MY GOODNESS listen to this!


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I was on my way home from the bookshop when I noticed a new milliners shop

nd I stopped to admire some fabric in the window.


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As I did, who should come by but Miss Orikes andand Mr. Legacina!. Oh, I

ought I should have fainted! They saw me, and began whispering, then, oh, Miss

lackthorne, I could not believe this, but Miss Orikes came up to me and spoke!


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She said, It has been far too long since you visited us at Simfield. And

said, Oh, you're too kind. Then, I saw that Mr. Legacina, my Mr. Legacina

as coming toward me!


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Good day, Mr. Legacina.

Good day, Miss Fitz.


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I could not think atall. So finally I said I had to go and sort ofran off.


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Kitty stared pitifully at Mary Jane, who merely blinked as she gathered

er thoughts.

Oh, Miss Blackthorne! I am very distressed and as I say, I require

mmediate attention!

Mary Jane sighed. I suppose this would not be the right time to mention that M

Howard is engaged, she thought. This was awkward because it was the first

me you've seen Mr. Legacina since rejecting his proposal. You, and I musy he, behaved very well. Now, the kindest thing you can do for yourself i

put Mr. Legacina out of your head. For good.


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Kitty wilted.

Yes. I will. I will do so immediately He's behind me now.


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Mary Jane let out a sigh of relief. She would have to find another way

another time to tell Miss Fitz of Fulwars engagement. Wonderful!

he said. I thought I might sketch the horses, would you join me?

But Kittys eyes had drifted back to the letter Mary Jane was still

olding. Nowheard what, Miss Blackthorne?


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Resigned, Mary Jane handed the letter to Kitty. She watched the young

dy read and braced herself for the onslaught of tears sure to come. The

he felt her jaw pop open as Kitty merely looked at her, then set the letter

own and sighed.


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Well that is very odd. Mr. Fulwar Howard is engaged, Kitty said as if

he was informing MJ that it was surely to rain.

Yes. I am so sorry.

Kitty raised an eyebrow. Sorry? Such odd, odd newshad you any

ea of it?


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Mary Jane inhaled sharply. Of course not! Can you imagine, if I

new, that I would be mentally encouraging you to give way to your own

elings? Had I known I would have cautioned you!


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?


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I thought raising my thoughts to him would be a sign of my very good

ste


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Kitty, please! Before we can go on, there is something that I must

arify! Is it possible that you are speaking of ...Mr. FrancisHoward?

To be sure!

But youyou danced with Fulwar for AGES. He practically openly

ourted you at my brothers wedding! And you spoke of him rescuing you

om Henry Austen!

Oh, I never said that!

I remember it with perfect clarity. The cake


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Oh, that was just playing. The only man who ever rescued me was Mr

rancis Howard when his other brother snubbed me. At the ball? That

as when I knew how superior a man he is.


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Mary Jane began to panic. Good God! What a horrible mistake! Wha

to be done?


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Must something be done about it? You must think him five hundre

illion times more above me than Mr. Benjamin Howard, yet

Kitty, have you any idea of Francis returning your affection?

Yes, I must say that I have. After Benjamin hurt me so you told me to

t a gentlemans behavior be the rule of mine, and so I have! Am I wrong

hope as I do?


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Kitty I can only venture to declare thatFrancis is the last man in

he world who would intentionally give any woman the idea of feeling

ore for her than he really does.

-----


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Emma: Chapter 5 Part 1

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Transcript of Emma: Chapter 5 Part 1