When we got this prompt I had thought it would play in nicely for me to pick back up writing my novel, but I just couldn't get myself to write anything. So then I thought I tried writing something, anything really and was still drawing a blank. Then the morning of our writers' group, I saw an email that lamented the end of 2013 and the 200th celebration of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and I just knew what I was going to write.
Story:
Prompt:
I knew he was being patronizing but I was still glad that he showed up
Dearest Jane,
I must tell you about an encounter I had with Mr. Darcy yesterday. I will relate to you as best as I can what transpired. I was writing some letters when the door bell sounded. I will admit, only to you dear sister, that I had hoped it would have been Colonel Fitzwilliam. Well, imagine my surprise when instead of the Colonel it was Mr. Darcy, to see me. He was polite and asked after my health but I could tell something was bothering him. He paced a bit and then seemed to stop to gather his thoughts before turning to me and blurting out that he admires and loves me and he’s been struggling for quite a while with these facts. LOVES ME? Well imagine my shock. It’s not as if the man acts like he admires anyone but himself. I believe I recovered quite well and told him that I’m sorry but it was never my intention of making him fall in love with me since I don’t want or need his admiration.
Things got very heated after that, and we both let it all hand out. He doesn’t think very highly of our family, but according to him I should feel grateful that he would even consider me suitable for a spouse. I won’t get into all the details here, but rest assured I let him know exactly what I thought of him and his treatment of others. He left wishing me all the best for my health and happiness. I knew he was being patronizing but I was still glad that he showed up, and we had out this whole nasty business. I spent the rest of the day at an utter loss, and will admit that this morning I’m still very confused. How can I dislike the man so much, but still have been momentarily excited that he would want me for his wife? I had to really think this out so I went for a walk. I specifically tried to avoid paths I knew he favored but he still found me. He asked me to read a letter and then quickly turned to leave.
My dear Jane, I opened and read the letter and I fear I have made the biggest mistake. I have made judgments on only partial information and I fear that the damage will not be reversible.
Whatever shall I do?
Elizabeth
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