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1TheTortoise
Chapter One: The Book Traveller
N.B. Revised to introduce Sky - 18th January 2009
Thomas Howard had said goodbye to the world of work and was looking forward to a life of leisure and of taking things easy and with this thought in mind, he went shopping. Now ordinarily Thomas hated shopping, unless it was for books, because of all things in life Thomas loved reading. In fact, he would rather do DIY than go shopping and he hated DIY. So you can imagine how much he hated shopping. But this was no ordinary shopping trip. It is true that Thomas was actually contemplating buying something other than books but this was to be a special purchase. How special, even Thomas did not suspect.
Thomas had often passed Ridley’s Emporium, an antique shop that he was now heading towards, together with his Stafforsdshire Bull Terrier, Sky. The shop was hidden away in a side street, and he passed it as he walked home from the railway station every evening on his way back from work. He had often thought that it was a strange location for an antique shop being off the beaten track as it was. But he guessed the owner must know what he was doing as the articles in his shop window, Thomas noticed, changed quite frequently. Thomas was a little anxious on that account because he was worried that the item he wanted to buy had now been sold. But as he approached the shop and looked into the window there it was in all its glory and it was exactly what Thomas wanted for the prospect he had in view.
“What do you think of that chair, Sky.” Thomas asked.
“Woof.”
You don’t really want my opinion, do you, Thomas, Sky replied.
It was a high backed cloth-covered wing chair that looked extremely comfy and Thomas was anxious to try it. The reason he was so keen to try it was the sign attached to the chair which read: The Book Traveller. Now Thomas, who as you know loved books was very curious about this odd sign and wondered what it could possibly mean in relation to the chair. It was a very handsome chair and it was just what Thomas wanted to provide the comfort he now envisioned for himself in his retirement. Assuming that is that it was as comfortable as it looked.
Thomas entered the shop and the bell over the door gave a reassuring tinkle. The owner appeared from behind a curtained-off doorway. He looked very old. Thomas guessed he was in his late eighties at least. The old man had a round owl-like face and wore round spectacles which made his eyes look beady. His face was wrinkled with laughter lines and he had a warm welcoming smile on his friendly face.
“You’ve come about the chair,” the old man said.
“Well, yes,” Thomas said with a certain feeling of amazement. “How did you know?”
“I saw you looking at it in the window,” the old man replied. “And you are puzzled by the sign; you want to know what it means?”
“Well, yes, but again how did you know?”
“I have often seen you walking past my shop with a book in your hand and you are obviously well-read and therefore a man with a great sense of curiosity,” the old man replied. “It would be only natural that you would want to know the secret of the name. But first I am sure you would like to sit in it to discover if it is comfortable and to your liking.”
So saying the old man came from behind the counter and approached the window.
“What a handsome dog” the old man said indicating Sky. A Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier. What is his name.”
“It’s Sky, on account of his colouring, you know, blue/grey like the sky”
“Very apt,” said the old man. “It suits him.”
Thank you, Sky said.
“Thank you,” Thomas said.
“You are welcome” said the old man looking at Sky.
The old man stroked Sky’s head and Sky looked at the old man inquisitively. He understands me, Sky thought. Not like Thomas.
“Would you be so kind as to help me to remove the chair from the window,” he asked Thomas. Together Thomas and the old man lifted the armchair from the window onto the shop floor.
“Please”, the old man gestured, “help yourself.”
Thomas sank into the chair and it was indeed wonderfully comfortable. A strange sensation briefly passed through his mind as if a dream had suddenly presented itself and then quickly passed away. Thomas gave it no more thought but just luxuriated in the comfort of the chair as he slid his hands over the soft material of the arms of the chair.
“Can’t you just see yourself sitting comfortably at home reading one of your favourite books in this armchair?” the old man asked.
“Yes, indeed I can,” Thomas agreed. “But why is it called: The Book Traveller?”
“Because when you sit in this chair and read your favourite books you will travel to the scenes of your books.”
“Oh, I see, it is just a metaphoric expression for day dreaming,” Thomas said.
“If you like”, the old man said, with a huge beaming smile.
The transaction having been concluded and delivery agreed Thomas made his way home to await the arrival of his purchase.
Thomas did not have to wait long. The chair arrived within an hour of his return home. The delivery men carried it into his book-lined study and he showed them where to position it. Thomas bid them goodbye and quickly returned to his study so he could sink into the depths of that wonderful chair. With a sigh of contentment Thomas sank into it once again and he marvelled at how extraordinarily comfortable it was. It was unlike any chair he had ever owned before and again he had a brief sensation as though a series of visions quickly passed through his mind. But they passed away as quickly as they had come.
Thomas had not eaten yet and so he reluctantly vacated his new chair and went to the kitchen to prepare some food for himself. He prepared it as quickly as he could because he wanted to get back to his wonderful chair and settle down for some seriously enjoyable reading.
Now what shall I begin reading in my new chair, he thought, as he began eating his dinner. Thomas had the idea of christening his chair with a really good book. What about Pride and Prejudice he mused. I fancy reading about Darcy, he has always been one of my favourite characters. Darcy, he thought, is such an admirable man, perhaps a trifle haughty and a bit pretentious but on the whole very worthy.
Thomas quickly finished his dinner tidied up the kitchen, washed the dishes and put them all away tidily in the kitchen cupboard.
Now it was time to relax and read. He took Pride and Prejudice from the shelf, settled himself comfortably in his new chair, opened the book and began to read. Sky settled himself comfortably at Thomas’s feet and curled up for a snooze. Thomas had been reading for about an hour and was thoroughly immersed in the story. His everyday concerns had fallen away; he had lost sight of the room he was in and all bodily sensation had ceased. A somnolent mood overcame him and as he drifted off into a reverie he found himself transported back in time and instead of sitting in his armchair in his own room he found himself looking through the eyes of Mr Darcy sitting at his desk contemplating the letter he had just written to Miss Elizabeth Bennett.
N.B. Revised to introduce Sky - 18th January 2009
Thomas Howard had said goodbye to the world of work and was looking forward to a life of leisure and of taking things easy and with this thought in mind, he went shopping. Now ordinarily Thomas hated shopping, unless it was for books, because of all things in life Thomas loved reading. In fact, he would rather do DIY than go shopping and he hated DIY. So you can imagine how much he hated shopping. But this was no ordinary shopping trip. It is true that Thomas was actually contemplating buying something other than books but this was to be a special purchase. How special, even Thomas did not suspect.
Thomas had often passed Ridley’s Emporium, an antique shop that he was now heading towards, together with his Stafforsdshire Bull Terrier, Sky. The shop was hidden away in a side street, and he passed it as he walked home from the railway station every evening on his way back from work. He had often thought that it was a strange location for an antique shop being off the beaten track as it was. But he guessed the owner must know what he was doing as the articles in his shop window, Thomas noticed, changed quite frequently. Thomas was a little anxious on that account because he was worried that the item he wanted to buy had now been sold. But as he approached the shop and looked into the window there it was in all its glory and it was exactly what Thomas wanted for the prospect he had in view.
“What do you think of that chair, Sky.” Thomas asked.
“Woof.”
You don’t really want my opinion, do you, Thomas, Sky replied.
It was a high backed cloth-covered wing chair that looked extremely comfy and Thomas was anxious to try it. The reason he was so keen to try it was the sign attached to the chair which read: The Book Traveller. Now Thomas, who as you know loved books was very curious about this odd sign and wondered what it could possibly mean in relation to the chair. It was a very handsome chair and it was just what Thomas wanted to provide the comfort he now envisioned for himself in his retirement. Assuming that is that it was as comfortable as it looked.
Thomas entered the shop and the bell over the door gave a reassuring tinkle. The owner appeared from behind a curtained-off doorway. He looked very old. Thomas guessed he was in his late eighties at least. The old man had a round owl-like face and wore round spectacles which made his eyes look beady. His face was wrinkled with laughter lines and he had a warm welcoming smile on his friendly face.
“You’ve come about the chair,” the old man said.
“Well, yes,” Thomas said with a certain feeling of amazement. “How did you know?”
“I saw you looking at it in the window,” the old man replied. “And you are puzzled by the sign; you want to know what it means?”
“Well, yes, but again how did you know?”
“I have often seen you walking past my shop with a book in your hand and you are obviously well-read and therefore a man with a great sense of curiosity,” the old man replied. “It would be only natural that you would want to know the secret of the name. But first I am sure you would like to sit in it to discover if it is comfortable and to your liking.”
So saying the old man came from behind the counter and approached the window.
“What a handsome dog” the old man said indicating Sky. A Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier. What is his name.”
“It’s Sky, on account of his colouring, you know, blue/grey like the sky”
“Very apt,” said the old man. “It suits him.”
Thank you, Sky said.
“Thank you,” Thomas said.
“You are welcome” said the old man looking at Sky.
The old man stroked Sky’s head and Sky looked at the old man inquisitively. He understands me, Sky thought. Not like Thomas.
“Would you be so kind as to help me to remove the chair from the window,” he asked Thomas. Together Thomas and the old man lifted the armchair from the window onto the shop floor.
“Please”, the old man gestured, “help yourself.”
Thomas sank into the chair and it was indeed wonderfully comfortable. A strange sensation briefly passed through his mind as if a dream had suddenly presented itself and then quickly passed away. Thomas gave it no more thought but just luxuriated in the comfort of the chair as he slid his hands over the soft material of the arms of the chair.
“Can’t you just see yourself sitting comfortably at home reading one of your favourite books in this armchair?” the old man asked.
“Yes, indeed I can,” Thomas agreed. “But why is it called: The Book Traveller?”
“Because when you sit in this chair and read your favourite books you will travel to the scenes of your books.”
“Oh, I see, it is just a metaphoric expression for day dreaming,” Thomas said.
“If you like”, the old man said, with a huge beaming smile.
The transaction having been concluded and delivery agreed Thomas made his way home to await the arrival of his purchase.
Thomas did not have to wait long. The chair arrived within an hour of his return home. The delivery men carried it into his book-lined study and he showed them where to position it. Thomas bid them goodbye and quickly returned to his study so he could sink into the depths of that wonderful chair. With a sigh of contentment Thomas sank into it once again and he marvelled at how extraordinarily comfortable it was. It was unlike any chair he had ever owned before and again he had a brief sensation as though a series of visions quickly passed through his mind. But they passed away as quickly as they had come.
Thomas had not eaten yet and so he reluctantly vacated his new chair and went to the kitchen to prepare some food for himself. He prepared it as quickly as he could because he wanted to get back to his wonderful chair and settle down for some seriously enjoyable reading.
Now what shall I begin reading in my new chair, he thought, as he began eating his dinner. Thomas had the idea of christening his chair with a really good book. What about Pride and Prejudice he mused. I fancy reading about Darcy, he has always been one of my favourite characters. Darcy, he thought, is such an admirable man, perhaps a trifle haughty and a bit pretentious but on the whole very worthy.
Thomas quickly finished his dinner tidied up the kitchen, washed the dishes and put them all away tidily in the kitchen cupboard.
Now it was time to relax and read. He took Pride and Prejudice from the shelf, settled himself comfortably in his new chair, opened the book and began to read. Sky settled himself comfortably at Thomas’s feet and curled up for a snooze. Thomas had been reading for about an hour and was thoroughly immersed in the story. His everyday concerns had fallen away; he had lost sight of the room he was in and all bodily sensation had ceased. A somnolent mood overcame him and as he drifted off into a reverie he found himself transported back in time and instead of sitting in his armchair in his own room he found himself looking through the eyes of Mr Darcy sitting at his desk contemplating the letter he had just written to Miss Elizabeth Bennett.
2alcottacre
Huh, I was sure we were getting chapter 2 here. Did I miss something?
3MusicMom41
Thanks-finally got to read it! Of course I loved it! And now I'm "starring' it so I can find Chapter 2 when it is finished.
4TheTortoise
>2c Stasia, sorry if your expectations were disappointed:
Here is my explanantion:
I originally imagined that The Book Traveller would have thirteen chapters. But that was before I had worked out the basic plot. Having now done so, I see that seven parts would be more suitable, making for a tighter, more coherent story.
All the themes I want to include in my novel are contained within six classic stories and they form a natural transition from story to story within the tragic drama of Thomas Howard’s life.
After an introductory chapter, there will be six chapters of between 12,000 – 15,000 words.
So because I have had to rethink the development of Chapter Two it will be twice as long as originally planned. I will try to post the first section of Chapter Two soon!
I am absolutely loving writing this story. Thanks to Linda Whisper who encouraged me!
- TT
Here is my explanantion:
I originally imagined that The Book Traveller would have thirteen chapters. But that was before I had worked out the basic plot. Having now done so, I see that seven parts would be more suitable, making for a tighter, more coherent story.
All the themes I want to include in my novel are contained within six classic stories and they form a natural transition from story to story within the tragic drama of Thomas Howard’s life.
After an introductory chapter, there will be six chapters of between 12,000 – 15,000 words.
So because I have had to rethink the development of Chapter Two it will be twice as long as originally planned. I will try to post the first section of Chapter Two soon!
I am absolutely loving writing this story. Thanks to Linda Whisper who encouraged me!
- TT
5TheTortoise
This is how I imagine Thomas Howard looks sitting and thinking in The Book Traveller.
- TT
6debherter
You're writing this online for us? It is already a great story! I was going to wish list it on Amazon, but I love that I can read it here.
You need to be contacting some publishers. Your writing definitely should be out there where it can make you some money!
Thank you so much, TheTortoise.
You need to be contacting some publishers. Your writing definitely should be out there where it can make you some money!
Thank you so much, TheTortoise.
7cerievans1
Love the story and I am going to teach myself how to star your list so I can come back to it. It makes me want a reading chair, which I do not have!
8Prop2gether
What a fabulous shot of Robert Donat! Exactly right!
9alcottacre
#7 ceri: To star this thread, look in the upper right corner. You will see a grayed out star right next to a grayed out x. Click on the star and it should turn yellow. The thread will then be starred and easy to find next time around.
10alcottacre
#4 TT: I guess I will have to forgive you or I may never get chapter 2, lol. Looks like you have a good handle on what you are doing and where you are going, so I will learn (maybe) to be patient.
11TheTortoise
>6 debherter: furdog. My plan is to post only chapter two. As a taster!
Then I plan to send my synopsis with the first two chapters to a publisher or maybe an agent. I will post the synopsis of Chapter Two on Monday with the briefest of outline on the rest of the chapters - I don't want to give the plot away!
Chapter Two still needs a lot of work done on it. I have it all worked out but need to actually write it - I have five thousand words written and a thousand words of chapter three!
My output should increase shortly as I am waiting for a new laptop and I will be able to write on the train to and from work. 65 minutes each way.
Thank you for all your kind words - they are very encouraging - which is the reason I am posting it here!
- TT
Then I plan to send my synopsis with the first two chapters to a publisher or maybe an agent. I will post the synopsis of Chapter Two on Monday with the briefest of outline on the rest of the chapters - I don't want to give the plot away!
Chapter Two still needs a lot of work done on it. I have it all worked out but need to actually write it - I have five thousand words written and a thousand words of chapter three!
My output should increase shortly as I am waiting for a new laptop and I will be able to write on the train to and from work. 65 minutes each way.
Thank you for all your kind words - they are very encouraging - which is the reason I am posting it here!
- TT
12cerievans1
#9 thanks Stasia, that was easy!
13alcottacre
#12: No problem. Just do not ask me about any of the fancy HTML stuff! I am lucky I can do bold and italics in that, lol.
14MusicMom41
#13 Stasia--
that makes me feel so much better! I assuming that bold can be done the same way as italics--which I have finally figured out! except by using b instead of i. The rest of it is still Greek to me!
that makes me feel so much better! I assuming that bold can be done the same way as italics--which I have finally figured out! except by using b instead of i. The rest of it is still Greek to me!
15alcottacre
Greek I can understand much better than HTML, lol . . . I at least had Greek in high school.
17TheTortoise
>16 judylou: Thanks Judy,
I have decided to start posting Chapter Two in sections, one each day, starting on Monday- so look out for the next exciting episode!
- TT
I have decided to start posting Chapter Two in sections, one each day, starting on Monday- so look out for the next exciting episode!
- TT
18alcottacre
Thank goodness Chapter 2 is coming soon! Some of us are turning blue in the face, we have been waiting with bated breath for so long.
19TheTortoise
>18 alcottacre: Stasia:
One, Two, Three, Four.
Keep them waiting at the door.
Five, Six, Seven, Eight.
It always pays to make them wait!
Nine, Ten.
Then they'll want some more, again!
- TT
One, Two, Three, Four.
Keep them waiting at the door.
Five, Six, Seven, Eight.
It always pays to make them wait!
Nine, Ten.
Then they'll want some more, again!
- TT
20alcottacre
I know that you could not possibly tell, TT, that patience is not my strong point!
22TheTortoise
Something to whet your appetite!
Synopsis of The Book Traveller
The Book Traveller is tragic drama of a marital misalliance. It explores the nature of good and evil by using characters from classic fiction to unlock the memories of an old man, living a quiet and simple life in his retirement in a little cottage by the sea. Against this backdrop the dramatic events of the past unfold as they are recalled by him as re-reads some of his favourite Classics of fiction sitting in The Book Traveller, an armchair he bought from old Ridley, a mysterious antique dealer.
Chapter One
Introduces Thomas Howard and how he acquires The Book Traveller and the effect it has on him as he begins to read.
Chapter Two
Thomas becomes Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. The love affair between Darcy and Elizabeth acts as a catalyst that unlocks his memory. Thomas recalls his love affair with Heather Lee. a Chinese/Hawaiian girl of stunning beauty and charisma. This leads to further reflection about the qualities of Darcy which he contrasts with his own lack of those qualities and the effect that this had upon his relationship with the passionate and wayward Heather Lee. She becomes bitter, resentful and uncontrollable because of Thomas’s insistence that they wait until they are married before having sex. Her frustration and uncontrolled passion threaten and undermine Thomas’s scruples.
Synopsis of The Book Traveller
The Book Traveller is tragic drama of a marital misalliance. It explores the nature of good and evil by using characters from classic fiction to unlock the memories of an old man, living a quiet and simple life in his retirement in a little cottage by the sea. Against this backdrop the dramatic events of the past unfold as they are recalled by him as re-reads some of his favourite Classics of fiction sitting in The Book Traveller, an armchair he bought from old Ridley, a mysterious antique dealer.
Chapter One
Introduces Thomas Howard and how he acquires The Book Traveller and the effect it has on him as he begins to read.
Chapter Two
Thomas becomes Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. The love affair between Darcy and Elizabeth acts as a catalyst that unlocks his memory. Thomas recalls his love affair with Heather Lee. a Chinese/Hawaiian girl of stunning beauty and charisma. This leads to further reflection about the qualities of Darcy which he contrasts with his own lack of those qualities and the effect that this had upon his relationship with the passionate and wayward Heather Lee. She becomes bitter, resentful and uncontrollable because of Thomas’s insistence that they wait until they are married before having sex. Her frustration and uncontrolled passion threaten and undermine Thomas’s scruples.
23alcottacre
I, for one, am reserving judgement until this masterpiece (Chapter 2 at least) is produced.
24TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas at Rosings
Thomas was possessed of an extraordinary feeling. He knew that he had just written to Elizabeth and that he was deeply in love with her. He was also strangely agitated because she had verbally abused him and spurned his offer of marriage. How could she have used him so? Thomas felt his pride had been deeply wounded by Elizabeth. What, after all, did she have to offer him? Her family, Thomas felt, was a disgrace. Her mother was foolish, her sisters were frivolous and her father was without any authority over his spoiled daughters. Nevertheless, Thomas could not shake off the fact that Elizabeth moved him deeply and her eyes had bewitched him.
What on earth would his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, have to say? Thomas shuddered to think. She would no doubt be deeply offended by his trying to ally himself with such a family. But O Elizabeth, I would move heaven and earth for you, he thought. Little did Thomas realise that he would have to do just that before his adventure as Darcy was over.
Thomas folded the letter to Elizabeth very carefully, sealed it with the Darcy family crest and sprinkled sand over the hot wax seal. Thomas knew that in such a delicate matter he could not use one of the servants to deliver the letter. He had to do it in person. How would Elizabeth receive it, he wondered. Would she even take it from him? Common courtesy demanded that she do so. But would Elizabeth extend the common courtesies to him? She had made it plain what she thought of him. If she took it, would she deign to read it? She must! She must, out of common decency read his explanation of his conduct. It must not be allowed to go unanswered. Thomas felt that his pride was at stake and it irked him to think that Elizabeth was so prejudiced against him that she might not give him a fair hearing.
Thomas decided the time for decisive action had come so he stood up and descending the majestic staircase at Rosings he quickly exited across the finely panelled hall.
As he strode away from Rosings across the Park Thomas tried to recall how long it had been since he had seen Elizabeth. Thomas could not work it out. Well, his prime concern now was to put his letter into Elizabeth’s hands. Thomas knew that Elizabeth liked to walk within the Park and he hoped that he would encounter her in her walk. He recalled how bright and captivating her eyes were when she had walked briskly to Netherfield to enquire after Jane’s health on the occasion when her sister had taken cold. Bingley’s sisters, Thomas recalled, had only noticed the mud on her dress but to Thomas that had been nothing compared to her beauty. His pulses quickened at the thought of her.
To Be Continued
Thomas at Rosings
Thomas was possessed of an extraordinary feeling. He knew that he had just written to Elizabeth and that he was deeply in love with her. He was also strangely agitated because she had verbally abused him and spurned his offer of marriage. How could she have used him so? Thomas felt his pride had been deeply wounded by Elizabeth. What, after all, did she have to offer him? Her family, Thomas felt, was a disgrace. Her mother was foolish, her sisters were frivolous and her father was without any authority over his spoiled daughters. Nevertheless, Thomas could not shake off the fact that Elizabeth moved him deeply and her eyes had bewitched him.
What on earth would his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, have to say? Thomas shuddered to think. She would no doubt be deeply offended by his trying to ally himself with such a family. But O Elizabeth, I would move heaven and earth for you, he thought. Little did Thomas realise that he would have to do just that before his adventure as Darcy was over.
Thomas folded the letter to Elizabeth very carefully, sealed it with the Darcy family crest and sprinkled sand over the hot wax seal. Thomas knew that in such a delicate matter he could not use one of the servants to deliver the letter. He had to do it in person. How would Elizabeth receive it, he wondered. Would she even take it from him? Common courtesy demanded that she do so. But would Elizabeth extend the common courtesies to him? She had made it plain what she thought of him. If she took it, would she deign to read it? She must! She must, out of common decency read his explanation of his conduct. It must not be allowed to go unanswered. Thomas felt that his pride was at stake and it irked him to think that Elizabeth was so prejudiced against him that she might not give him a fair hearing.
Thomas decided the time for decisive action had come so he stood up and descending the majestic staircase at Rosings he quickly exited across the finely panelled hall.
As he strode away from Rosings across the Park Thomas tried to recall how long it had been since he had seen Elizabeth. Thomas could not work it out. Well, his prime concern now was to put his letter into Elizabeth’s hands. Thomas knew that Elizabeth liked to walk within the Park and he hoped that he would encounter her in her walk. He recalled how bright and captivating her eyes were when she had walked briskly to Netherfield to enquire after Jane’s health on the occasion when her sister had taken cold. Bingley’s sisters, Thomas recalled, had only noticed the mud on her dress but to Thomas that had been nothing compared to her beauty. His pulses quickened at the thought of her.
To Be Continued
25alcottacre
OK, now that is just patently unfair - To Be Continued!? Argh!!
27TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas meets Elizabeth
Approaching the avenue of trees that lined the Park Thomas entered the woods Thomas began to saunter towards a cluster of trees that lay in the direct path that he believed Elizabeth would take in her walk. After waiting 45 minutes Thomas saw Elizabeth from afar. His heart gave a lurch as he recognised her. He judged that if he emerged from the trees within about 60 yards of her he could approach her without startling her. Grasping his letter in his hand his heart gave a leap of excitement as he went towards her, He saw her stop momentarily and begin to change her course but as she saw he was determined to overtake her she remained where she was until Thomas came up to her.
Thomas noticed her determined look but also the brightness of her beautiful eyes and he felt a wave of emotion sweep over him. Taking control of his emotions Thomas held out the letter to her. Without realising what she was doing Elizabeth responded by automatically taking the letter as Thomas gave a slight bow and turned on his heel to leave Elizabeth alone to hopefully read his letter.
Thomas was elated at the thought that Elizabeth now held his letter in her hand. Crossing the Park he strode back to Rosings to be greeted by his cousin, Colonel Fitwilliam..
“Ah, my dear Fiztwilliam, I am so glad to see you”, Thomas said.
“What is it, Darcy? You seem very agitated.”
“I need to get away from here, I feel stifled by the very atmosphere of the place”, Thomas replied.
“Would you mind if we left in the morning?” He added.
“Of course not, if that is what you wish.”
“I do,” Thomas said emphatically. “I will tell you all about it tomorrow, but first I must see my Aunt.”
To Be Continued
Thomas meets Elizabeth
Approaching the avenue of trees that lined the Park Thomas entered the woods Thomas began to saunter towards a cluster of trees that lay in the direct path that he believed Elizabeth would take in her walk. After waiting 45 minutes Thomas saw Elizabeth from afar. His heart gave a lurch as he recognised her. He judged that if he emerged from the trees within about 60 yards of her he could approach her without startling her. Grasping his letter in his hand his heart gave a leap of excitement as he went towards her, He saw her stop momentarily and begin to change her course but as she saw he was determined to overtake her she remained where she was until Thomas came up to her.
Thomas noticed her determined look but also the brightness of her beautiful eyes and he felt a wave of emotion sweep over him. Taking control of his emotions Thomas held out the letter to her. Without realising what she was doing Elizabeth responded by automatically taking the letter as Thomas gave a slight bow and turned on his heel to leave Elizabeth alone to hopefully read his letter.
Thomas was elated at the thought that Elizabeth now held his letter in her hand. Crossing the Park he strode back to Rosings to be greeted by his cousin, Colonel Fitwilliam..
“Ah, my dear Fiztwilliam, I am so glad to see you”, Thomas said.
“What is it, Darcy? You seem very agitated.”
“I need to get away from here, I feel stifled by the very atmosphere of the place”, Thomas replied.
“Would you mind if we left in the morning?” He added.
“Of course not, if that is what you wish.”
“I do,” Thomas said emphatically. “I will tell you all about it tomorrow, but first I must see my Aunt.”
To Be Continued
28alcottacre
I have decided to ignore this thread until I see those two magical words "The End". I will never survive it otherwise :)
30TheTortoise
What I hoped you would all appreciate is that I am sharing with you a work in progress, to try to involve you in the process. Chapter Two is not yet complete; I am still working on it. However, I have about five thousand words which I could post in one go, if you would prefer it that way. I thought that by breaking it down it would be easier to read on line. What would you all prefer?
- TT
- TT
31alcottacre
That's an easy one for me to answer - the whole book :)
33TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas Confronts His Aunt, Lady Catherine de Burgh
“Ah, there you are Darcy” said Lady Catherine de Burgh as Thomas entered the drawing room. “Where have you been, I have been left alone all morning, come and sit near me and tell me all about what you have been doing. I want to know all about your love affair with my daughter. When are you going to settle the match?”
Thomas tried not to look as disconcerted as he felt, “Well, Aunt”, he began. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t been thinking very much about it lately.”
“Really! “ Lady Catherine exclaimed. “I understood that an engagement was about to be announced.”
“I don’t think that is likely at present, Aunt,” Thomas replied.
“And may I enquire why that might be?”
“Well, I am not sure that she is right for me, Aunt,” Thomas ventured.
“Whatever can you mean, Darcy, you astonish me exceedingly,” Lady Catherine said with some indignation. “You have a long-standing understanding with my daughter, is it not so? she asked.
“Well,” Thomas was about to prevaricate.
“Darcy, you would oblige me exceedingly if you would refrain from prefacing your remarks with “Well”. It seems to me that you are trying to hide something from me by addressing me in such a tentative manner.”
“The truth is Aunt, that I am in love with someone else,” Thomas blurted out at last.
“May I ask who that someone else is?”
“I would rather not say at present. Aunt, if you will pardon me.”
“I will do no such thing. Am I to understand that you mean to thwart my wishes by refusing to marry my daughter.”
“Of course, I do not want to go against your wishes, Aunt, but I really cannot work up any enthusiasm for Anne, though I know nothing against her personally.”
“I should think not, my daughter is of a most estimable character, and your slighting her is deeply offensive to me.”
“I truly regret that Aunt, but I must follow my heart in this matter.”
“Stuff and nonsense,” Lady Catherine retorted. “The very idea is preposterous, why, what would become of our great families if we allowed ourselves to be carried away by our emotions. All our great families are held together by using our common sense and reason. Love follows as a matter of course.”
“I am sure you are right Aunt, and in the normal course of events I would be only too pleased to carry out your wishes. But I regret that I am not able to do so.”
“Not able to do so! Why, what is to prevent you? If you truly mean what you say that you find nothing against my daughter, what is to prevent you from marrying her?”
“I mean, Aunt, that I do not want to marry her because I am in love with someone else.”
“Oh, is that all, that is nothing, these feelings will soon pass and then you will do your duty and marry Anne.”
“It may well be, that these feelings will pass, Aunt, but until they do, I cannot possibly make any further overtures to Anne or consider myself committed in any way.”
“Darcy, I am most displeased,” said Lady Catherine.
“I am sorry to hear that, Aunt”, said Thomas sorrowfully. “I shall be leaving Rosings tomorrow morning, Aunt. I have some business in London that I need to attend to. Fitwilliam will be accompanying me.”
“Very well, Darcy. We shall speak of this another time.”
“Certainly, Aunt”
To Be Continued
Thomas Confronts His Aunt, Lady Catherine de Burgh
“Ah, there you are Darcy” said Lady Catherine de Burgh as Thomas entered the drawing room. “Where have you been, I have been left alone all morning, come and sit near me and tell me all about what you have been doing. I want to know all about your love affair with my daughter. When are you going to settle the match?”
Thomas tried not to look as disconcerted as he felt, “Well, Aunt”, he began. “To tell you the truth, I haven’t been thinking very much about it lately.”
“Really! “ Lady Catherine exclaimed. “I understood that an engagement was about to be announced.”
“I don’t think that is likely at present, Aunt,” Thomas replied.
“And may I enquire why that might be?”
“Well, I am not sure that she is right for me, Aunt,” Thomas ventured.
“Whatever can you mean, Darcy, you astonish me exceedingly,” Lady Catherine said with some indignation. “You have a long-standing understanding with my daughter, is it not so? she asked.
“Well,” Thomas was about to prevaricate.
“Darcy, you would oblige me exceedingly if you would refrain from prefacing your remarks with “Well”. It seems to me that you are trying to hide something from me by addressing me in such a tentative manner.”
“The truth is Aunt, that I am in love with someone else,” Thomas blurted out at last.
“May I ask who that someone else is?”
“I would rather not say at present. Aunt, if you will pardon me.”
“I will do no such thing. Am I to understand that you mean to thwart my wishes by refusing to marry my daughter.”
“Of course, I do not want to go against your wishes, Aunt, but I really cannot work up any enthusiasm for Anne, though I know nothing against her personally.”
“I should think not, my daughter is of a most estimable character, and your slighting her is deeply offensive to me.”
“I truly regret that Aunt, but I must follow my heart in this matter.”
“Stuff and nonsense,” Lady Catherine retorted. “The very idea is preposterous, why, what would become of our great families if we allowed ourselves to be carried away by our emotions. All our great families are held together by using our common sense and reason. Love follows as a matter of course.”
“I am sure you are right Aunt, and in the normal course of events I would be only too pleased to carry out your wishes. But I regret that I am not able to do so.”
“Not able to do so! Why, what is to prevent you? If you truly mean what you say that you find nothing against my daughter, what is to prevent you from marrying her?”
“I mean, Aunt, that I do not want to marry her because I am in love with someone else.”
“Oh, is that all, that is nothing, these feelings will soon pass and then you will do your duty and marry Anne.”
“It may well be, that these feelings will pass, Aunt, but until they do, I cannot possibly make any further overtures to Anne or consider myself committed in any way.”
“Darcy, I am most displeased,” said Lady Catherine.
“I am sorry to hear that, Aunt”, said Thomas sorrowfully. “I shall be leaving Rosings tomorrow morning, Aunt. I have some business in London that I need to attend to. Fitwilliam will be accompanying me.”
“Very well, Darcy. We shall speak of this another time.”
“Certainly, Aunt”
To Be Continued
34TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas Makes Up His Mind
Thomas had a lot to think about as he lay on his bed in his room at Rosings that evening. He had been a fool, he now realised. Elizabeth had made him smart under her tongue lashing. He had been too hurt to see the truth of her remarks. He had been thoughtless and unkind. He had hurt Jane by preventing his friend from following his heart just as he had told his aunt that that was what he wanted to do. He had alienated Elizabeth and earned her ill will by his interference. It may not be too late to make amends and to restore his friend to Jane, Thomas thought. He was sure that his friend was still enamoured of Jane. Elizabeth had assured him that Jane was in love with his friend. He would go to him and discover the truth and encourage him to return with him to Pemberley. He was sure his friend would not refuse. Alas, Thomas realised that his own position with regard to Elizabeth seemed hopeless. She had told him that there was no hope for him – that there was nothing he could do or say that would induce her to accept him. Perhaps his aunt was right and that a marriage based on reason and common sense was all that he could hope for.
The next morning Thomas and Fitwilliiam set out for London and as they rode Thomas poured out his heart to Fitwilliam.
“So you see, I am in a quandary, I must persuade Charles to return with me so he can make it up with Jane.” At least one of us can find happiness,” Thomas said woefully. “I fear that my love for Elizabeth will remain unrequited.”
“In my experience, limited as it is, women are fickle creatures, easily offended, but as easily wooed if you know how to go about it,” said Fiztwilliam.
“Alas, that is my problem, I fear, I do not know how to go about it, I lack the finer graces and charms that some men seem to possess quite naturally.” (Thomas was thinking of how easily Wickam had charmed and led astray his own dear sister.)
“I am sure, if you put your mind to it, Darcy you will find a way, “ Fitwilliam encouraged.
Thomas doubted it, but said nothing.
On arrival in London Bingley was delighted to see him, Thomas took him aside and began to sound him out regarding his feelings for Jane and he revealed to him what Elizabeth had told him regarding Jane’s feelings for him. His friend smiled with delight and pleasure at the thought of renewing his acquaintance with the lovely Jane.
“I am so grateful to you, Darcy,” his friend exclaimed as he clasped his hand. “I have been so very miserable these past months with thinking of her and knowing that you disapproved was a great sorrow to me.”
“My dear, Charles I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I acted rashly and without considering your feelings. At least, I thought I was considering your feelings but I think my infernal pride blinded me to the true nature of the situation. Tomorrow, I will go ahead of you to Pemberley and you and your sisters and Georgiana must come on the day after. I will give you a dinner to celebrate your forthcoming reunion and future happiness.”
“Darcy, that will be splendid. There is nothing that would delight me more, except of course meeting Jane again,” he smiled.
Thomas felt gratified to see his friend’s great pleasure and he looked forward to bringing the two lovers together again.
To Be Continued Tomorrow: Thomas at Pemberley
Thomas Makes Up His Mind
Thomas had a lot to think about as he lay on his bed in his room at Rosings that evening. He had been a fool, he now realised. Elizabeth had made him smart under her tongue lashing. He had been too hurt to see the truth of her remarks. He had been thoughtless and unkind. He had hurt Jane by preventing his friend from following his heart just as he had told his aunt that that was what he wanted to do. He had alienated Elizabeth and earned her ill will by his interference. It may not be too late to make amends and to restore his friend to Jane, Thomas thought. He was sure that his friend was still enamoured of Jane. Elizabeth had assured him that Jane was in love with his friend. He would go to him and discover the truth and encourage him to return with him to Pemberley. He was sure his friend would not refuse. Alas, Thomas realised that his own position with regard to Elizabeth seemed hopeless. She had told him that there was no hope for him – that there was nothing he could do or say that would induce her to accept him. Perhaps his aunt was right and that a marriage based on reason and common sense was all that he could hope for.
The next morning Thomas and Fitwilliiam set out for London and as they rode Thomas poured out his heart to Fitwilliam.
“So you see, I am in a quandary, I must persuade Charles to return with me so he can make it up with Jane.” At least one of us can find happiness,” Thomas said woefully. “I fear that my love for Elizabeth will remain unrequited.”
“In my experience, limited as it is, women are fickle creatures, easily offended, but as easily wooed if you know how to go about it,” said Fiztwilliam.
“Alas, that is my problem, I fear, I do not know how to go about it, I lack the finer graces and charms that some men seem to possess quite naturally.” (Thomas was thinking of how easily Wickam had charmed and led astray his own dear sister.)
“I am sure, if you put your mind to it, Darcy you will find a way, “ Fitwilliam encouraged.
Thomas doubted it, but said nothing.
On arrival in London Bingley was delighted to see him, Thomas took him aside and began to sound him out regarding his feelings for Jane and he revealed to him what Elizabeth had told him regarding Jane’s feelings for him. His friend smiled with delight and pleasure at the thought of renewing his acquaintance with the lovely Jane.
“I am so grateful to you, Darcy,” his friend exclaimed as he clasped his hand. “I have been so very miserable these past months with thinking of her and knowing that you disapproved was a great sorrow to me.”
“My dear, Charles I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I acted rashly and without considering your feelings. At least, I thought I was considering your feelings but I think my infernal pride blinded me to the true nature of the situation. Tomorrow, I will go ahead of you to Pemberley and you and your sisters and Georgiana must come on the day after. I will give you a dinner to celebrate your forthcoming reunion and future happiness.”
“Darcy, that will be splendid. There is nothing that would delight me more, except of course meeting Jane again,” he smiled.
Thomas felt gratified to see his friend’s great pleasure and he looked forward to bringing the two lovers together again.
To Be Continued Tomorrow: Thomas at Pemberley
35TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas at Pemberley
On his arrival at Pemberley Thomas rode towards the stables where Ridley, his groom, was waiting to take the horses’ reigns.
The groom was holding the reigns of Thomas’s horse when he descended from his horse onto the courtyard. Hardly noticing the man at first, Thomas dismounted the horse and just as he was about to walk away he turned to thank the man. Thomas observed an old man with small eyes set in a round face. A puzzled look came over Thomas’s face:
“Make sure you give her a good rub down and a feed,” Thomas commanded peremptorily. He knew it was hardly necessary to state the obvious but something about Ridley disturbed him and he could hardly contain himself.
“Very good, sir,” Ridley replied. And he gave his master a beaming smile. “I love this old mare and I’ll take good care of her.”
“Yes, of course, I know you will, Ridley, I don’t know what came over me.”
“That’s all right, sir, I expect you’ve got other things on your mind just now”, Ridley said beaming.
Thomas looked at the old man, and wondered how old he was now. He had been with his father from when he was a young boy and now he was an old man. The creases of the laughter lines around his mouth had given his face a perpetual smile. A look of benevolence suffused his features and kindness oozed out of his small beady eyes.
“Take things easy, Ridley”, Thomas said compassionately. “How is your health?”
“Never better thank you, sir.” Ridley replied
“No aches and pains? Thomas enquired
“Oh no, nothing like that, sir.”
“Well, any way, take it easy. We don’t want you falling ill do we?”
“Thank you, sir; I will do as you say.” And Ridley gave him his characteristic beaming smile.
“There are some visitors in the grounds, sir”, Ridley added.
“Oh, I see,” said Thomas absent-mindedly.
“Yes, sir, they are presently walking at the front of the house. I felt sure you would want to greet them, sir.”
“Yes, I am sure I should,” said Thomas not really knowing why he should. Something about Ridley’s suggestion compelled him to look towards the front of the house.
“I better get the old girl rubbed down if you’ll be pardoning me, sir.”
“Oh, right, very good, Ridley.” Thomas watched as Ridley led the mare off to the stable and then he turned towards the front of the house musing as he went.
As he walked away from the stables Thomas tried to recall how long Ridley had been in his employ. Ridley had been one of his father’s grooms and Thomas had inherited him when the Pemberley Estate passed to him on the death of his esteemed father. How long ago was that now? Five years, or more? Why did Ridley puzzle him? What was it about Ridley that seemed strange? Thomas could not work it out. Well, his prime concern now was to greet the people who were walking in his grounds. Why Ridley had impressed him with this idea he couldn’t fathom. People were always looking over the house and grounds and he generally ignored them.
Thomas rounded the corner from the stables and to his astonishment and utter delight Elizabeth stood before him in all her loveliness. Thomas started with astonishment at seeing her and observing her embarrassment and confusion he gathered his thoughts together and enquired after her family. Then seeing that she was accompanied by a man and a woman he asked:
“Won’t you introduce me to your friends?”
“This is my Aunt Gardiner and my Uncle Gardiner.”
“I’m Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance”, Thomas said oozing charm and affability.
After the introductions to her aunt and uncle were made Thomas and Elizabeth walked along the river and chatted.
“Yes, I came back a day earlier than I had expected because I am expecting a large party to join me tomorrow. My sister Georgiana will be among them and as you are staying in the vicinity I would be delighted if you would permit me to introduce her to you.”
Elizabeth agreed but thought it was just a passing whim of Darcy’s as she could not think of any reason why he should wish to introduce his sister to her. But Thomas was absolutely serious and he felt, although he couldn’t think why, that it was absolutely vital to his future happiness that Elizabeth make the acquaintance of his sister, Georgiana. The thought that the two people whom he loved most in the world should come to know and love one another was a delightful thought to Thomas. He determined that he would effect the introduction at the earliest opportunity.
Thomas felt free and easy as Elizabeth walked beside him in the grounds of Pemberley and he imagined what it would be like to have her there permanently as the mistress of Pemberely, How ardently he wished it and his feelings towards Elizabeth stirred him greatly. It was with great regret that he saw Elizabeth ride away with her aunt and uncle. He stood gazing a long while after the carriage had gone filled with longing for Elizabeth. Then stirring himself, he remembered that he had a mission to perform that was of vital concern to Elizabeth and her family and to his friend, Charles as well. But it was of Elizabeth that he mostly thought. Gathering his thoughts he strode off in search of his housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, to make the arrangements for the forthcoming dinner.
As soon as his party arrived Thomas took his sister, Georgina, to visit Elizabeth immediately. He hoped to impress upon her the seriousness of his ardent love and affection for her. He felt that by introducing his sister to her acquaintance in the presence of her aunt and uncle he could begin to redress some of the wrong that he felt his infernal pride had caused. After the introductions were over and Bingley too had visited, Thomas reiterated his desire that Mr Gardiner would come and fish in his river the very next day.
As Thomas, Bingley and Mr Gardiner fished in the river at Pemberley, Mr Gardiner said:
“So what brings you into these parts, again, Mr Bingley?”
Bingley who was without guile replied: “Why, it is my earnest desire to be reacquainted with Jane Bennett, for whom I hold the highest regard.”
Thomas smiled at his friend’s exuberant reply.
“I am delighted to hear it, Mr Bingley for I know that Jane Bennett holds you in particularly high regard also”, Mr Gardiner replied.
A huge smile swept over Bingley’s boyish face at those words, which delighted Thomas immensely.
He wished his own love affair with Elizabeth could be as easily resolved, but, alas, he feared that he might have sullied her regard in him forever. As though divining his thoughts Mr Gardiner said:
“By the by, Darcy, the women are a paying a visit at this very moment.”
“Are they really?” he exclaimed. “Then I think I really ought to show my face, don’t you? “he asked hopefully.
“Oh, by all means do, Darcy I am sure Elizabeth would be pleased to see you.”
“Do you really think so”, Thomas said absently.
Mr Gardiner merely smiled and nodded gently. With that reassurance filling his mind Thomas made his way to the drawing room and had the pleasure of furthering the acquaintance of his sister with Elizabeth and of gazing upon her whom he loved. Unknown to Thomas within forty eight hours this peaceful scene would give way to a scene of utmost distress and consternation to them both.
To Be Continued On Monday: Thomas and the Wickham Affair
Thomas at Pemberley
On his arrival at Pemberley Thomas rode towards the stables where Ridley, his groom, was waiting to take the horses’ reigns.
The groom was holding the reigns of Thomas’s horse when he descended from his horse onto the courtyard. Hardly noticing the man at first, Thomas dismounted the horse and just as he was about to walk away he turned to thank the man. Thomas observed an old man with small eyes set in a round face. A puzzled look came over Thomas’s face:
“Make sure you give her a good rub down and a feed,” Thomas commanded peremptorily. He knew it was hardly necessary to state the obvious but something about Ridley disturbed him and he could hardly contain himself.
“Very good, sir,” Ridley replied. And he gave his master a beaming smile. “I love this old mare and I’ll take good care of her.”
“Yes, of course, I know you will, Ridley, I don’t know what came over me.”
“That’s all right, sir, I expect you’ve got other things on your mind just now”, Ridley said beaming.
Thomas looked at the old man, and wondered how old he was now. He had been with his father from when he was a young boy and now he was an old man. The creases of the laughter lines around his mouth had given his face a perpetual smile. A look of benevolence suffused his features and kindness oozed out of his small beady eyes.
“Take things easy, Ridley”, Thomas said compassionately. “How is your health?”
“Never better thank you, sir.” Ridley replied
“No aches and pains? Thomas enquired
“Oh no, nothing like that, sir.”
“Well, any way, take it easy. We don’t want you falling ill do we?”
“Thank you, sir; I will do as you say.” And Ridley gave him his characteristic beaming smile.
“There are some visitors in the grounds, sir”, Ridley added.
“Oh, I see,” said Thomas absent-mindedly.
“Yes, sir, they are presently walking at the front of the house. I felt sure you would want to greet them, sir.”
“Yes, I am sure I should,” said Thomas not really knowing why he should. Something about Ridley’s suggestion compelled him to look towards the front of the house.
“I better get the old girl rubbed down if you’ll be pardoning me, sir.”
“Oh, right, very good, Ridley.” Thomas watched as Ridley led the mare off to the stable and then he turned towards the front of the house musing as he went.
As he walked away from the stables Thomas tried to recall how long Ridley had been in his employ. Ridley had been one of his father’s grooms and Thomas had inherited him when the Pemberley Estate passed to him on the death of his esteemed father. How long ago was that now? Five years, or more? Why did Ridley puzzle him? What was it about Ridley that seemed strange? Thomas could not work it out. Well, his prime concern now was to greet the people who were walking in his grounds. Why Ridley had impressed him with this idea he couldn’t fathom. People were always looking over the house and grounds and he generally ignored them.
Thomas rounded the corner from the stables and to his astonishment and utter delight Elizabeth stood before him in all her loveliness. Thomas started with astonishment at seeing her and observing her embarrassment and confusion he gathered his thoughts together and enquired after her family. Then seeing that she was accompanied by a man and a woman he asked:
“Won’t you introduce me to your friends?”
“This is my Aunt Gardiner and my Uncle Gardiner.”
“I’m Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance”, Thomas said oozing charm and affability.
After the introductions to her aunt and uncle were made Thomas and Elizabeth walked along the river and chatted.
“Yes, I came back a day earlier than I had expected because I am expecting a large party to join me tomorrow. My sister Georgiana will be among them and as you are staying in the vicinity I would be delighted if you would permit me to introduce her to you.”
Elizabeth agreed but thought it was just a passing whim of Darcy’s as she could not think of any reason why he should wish to introduce his sister to her. But Thomas was absolutely serious and he felt, although he couldn’t think why, that it was absolutely vital to his future happiness that Elizabeth make the acquaintance of his sister, Georgiana. The thought that the two people whom he loved most in the world should come to know and love one another was a delightful thought to Thomas. He determined that he would effect the introduction at the earliest opportunity.
Thomas felt free and easy as Elizabeth walked beside him in the grounds of Pemberley and he imagined what it would be like to have her there permanently as the mistress of Pemberely, How ardently he wished it and his feelings towards Elizabeth stirred him greatly. It was with great regret that he saw Elizabeth ride away with her aunt and uncle. He stood gazing a long while after the carriage had gone filled with longing for Elizabeth. Then stirring himself, he remembered that he had a mission to perform that was of vital concern to Elizabeth and her family and to his friend, Charles as well. But it was of Elizabeth that he mostly thought. Gathering his thoughts he strode off in search of his housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, to make the arrangements for the forthcoming dinner.
As soon as his party arrived Thomas took his sister, Georgina, to visit Elizabeth immediately. He hoped to impress upon her the seriousness of his ardent love and affection for her. He felt that by introducing his sister to her acquaintance in the presence of her aunt and uncle he could begin to redress some of the wrong that he felt his infernal pride had caused. After the introductions were over and Bingley too had visited, Thomas reiterated his desire that Mr Gardiner would come and fish in his river the very next day.
As Thomas, Bingley and Mr Gardiner fished in the river at Pemberley, Mr Gardiner said:
“So what brings you into these parts, again, Mr Bingley?”
Bingley who was without guile replied: “Why, it is my earnest desire to be reacquainted with Jane Bennett, for whom I hold the highest regard.”
Thomas smiled at his friend’s exuberant reply.
“I am delighted to hear it, Mr Bingley for I know that Jane Bennett holds you in particularly high regard also”, Mr Gardiner replied.
A huge smile swept over Bingley’s boyish face at those words, which delighted Thomas immensely.
He wished his own love affair with Elizabeth could be as easily resolved, but, alas, he feared that he might have sullied her regard in him forever. As though divining his thoughts Mr Gardiner said:
“By the by, Darcy, the women are a paying a visit at this very moment.”
“Are they really?” he exclaimed. “Then I think I really ought to show my face, don’t you? “he asked hopefully.
“Oh, by all means do, Darcy I am sure Elizabeth would be pleased to see you.”
“Do you really think so”, Thomas said absently.
Mr Gardiner merely smiled and nodded gently. With that reassurance filling his mind Thomas made his way to the drawing room and had the pleasure of furthering the acquaintance of his sister with Elizabeth and of gazing upon her whom he loved. Unknown to Thomas within forty eight hours this peaceful scene would give way to a scene of utmost distress and consternation to them both.
To Be Continued On Monday: Thomas and the Wickham Affair
36TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas and the Wickham Affair
Two days later Thomas called upon Elizabeth at Lambton and was disturbed to find her in a state of extreme agitation. With tears streaming down her lovely face Thomas found Elizabeth opening her heart to him as she revealed that Lydia, her youngest sister had eloped with Wickham.
Thomas was thrown into a state of turmoil as he cursed and fretted over the depths of Wickham’s scoundrely actions. First his sister had been his victim and now Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia was in his clutches. The man was a plague and had been since they were young men together. A solemn resolve formed itself in Thomas’s mind as he observed the distress being shown by the woman he loved with all his heart. He would call Wickham to account, if it was the last thing he did. He would not let him get away with it this time. Now he had gone too far. The man must be made to account for his actions and to make redress.
Thomas was loath to leave Elizabeth in her distress but he knew that whatever he might say or do by staying would only cause her further distress, so wishing her family well Thomas took his leave. He knew that he must act immediately if he was to beard the scoundrel in his den while the trail was still hot. He may yet be able to salvage something from this loathsome situation and bring relief to Elizabeth as proof of his undying love for her. Thomas resolved that whatever it cost him in terms of exertion or money or even pride that he must bring about a happy resolution of this situation if he was ever to stand a chance of earning Elizabeth’s regard.
Thomas knew just the place to start. That despicable woman, Mrs Younge, would undoubtedly know where Wickham was. So without further ado Thomas headed off to confront her.
“Once again, it appears, that I must appeal to you regarding the whereabouts of your friend Wickham,” Thomas said on making contact with her.
“What do you mean? I know nothing about Wickham”’ she replied sneeringly.
“I am sure you do and I think this will help to aid your memory”, Thomas said producing a sheaf of bank notes.
Mrs Younge eyed the notes greedily and put out her hand to take them. Thomas raised his hand with the notes in them and looked at her quizzically. “Where did you say Wickhan was”, he enquiired.
“I really do not know where he is at this moment’” she lied “but give me a couple of days and I am sure I can locate him” she said. “For a consideration of course’, she added indicating the notes in Thomas’s hands. “It may cost me something to get the information“, she lied again.
“Have no fear this money shall be yours when I have the information I desire, and I will add another £20 to it for your trouble”. Thomas did not believe her, but he was not going to haggle for the sake of another £20.
Mrs Younge satisfied that she had the word of a gentleman said: “You shall have it the day after tomorrow.”
“He is not to know that I seek him or you will not get a penny of this money” Thomas advised.
“Your secret is safe with me”’ she confided conspiratorially. Thomas felt nothing but disgust for the deceitful and grasping old woman but for the love of Elizabeth he held his peace.
When Thomas called on the day indicated, Mrs Younge told him that she had obtained Wickham’s address. I shall need a bit more than we agreed because I had to pay more for the information than I anticipated’” she said craftily.
Thomas extracted another £20 banknote and added it to the notes in his hand. Mrs Younge told him the address and Thomas handed over the promised bank notes into the grasping woman’s hand. She received the banknotes greedily. The information secured, Thomas, with a look of disdain, departed to the address she had given him.
Mrs Younge had not deceived him and he found Wickham and Lydia living at the address indicated.
Thomas was pleased to see that Wickham was taken aback by his appearance although Lydia was brazen and foolish.
“What the devil are you doing here, Mr Darcy”. Lydia cried uncivilly. “We don’t want you here, do we Wickham, my love’” she added fawningly.
Wickhan smirked ruefully. “Hush, Lydia, my love, go into the bedroom and put some decent clothes on he”, he requested sheepishly.
“Oh, I don’t care about what he thinks” she said sneeringly indicating Thomas.
“Well I do, my love. Mr Darcy is a gentlemen and it is not ladylike to be in dishabille in front of a gentleman.”
Thomas could not help but notice that her chemise was cut low and revealed her ample breasts and the flimsy material hardly hid the rest of her charms. The realisation that she had completely thrown herself into Wickhams hands could not be denied.
“Pooh” said Lydia disdainfully as she nevertheless went off into the bedroom to get dressed.
“You might stay there, my love, until Mr Darcy leaves”, he added to her departing back.
“I am glad to see that you are not altogether despicable Wickham”’ Thomas said.
“Well I do my best to live up to a certain standard, even if it is below your ideas of gentlemanly conduct.” Wickham replied.
“It is about your conduct that I am sure you realise I have come to call on you”, Thomas said.
“I guessed as much.”
“This action of yours cannot be allowed to stand”’ Thomas informed him.
“What do you suggest” Wickhan replied offhand.
“Why common decency itself should make it obvious that you must marry the girl”.
“My dear Darcy, even if I wanted to, I am afraid that I can’t, my finances I fear are in a parlous state.”
“I assume that you love Lydia?”
“Well I like the girl well enough but it was never my intention to marry her!” he exclaimed.
“Wickham, you are a despicable cad and your conduct is infamous.”
“Lydia doesn’t seem t think so’” he remarked.
“Lydia is a foolish young girl whose head you have turned by your supposed charm’” Thomas sneered. “But she is not the only one to suffer from your misconduct, there is her family and those closely associated with them”, Thomas said, thinking of Bingley and Jane and Elizabeth. “I will try to persuade her to return to her family, perhaps her honour can be recovered in time.”
“Oh, I doubt she will listen to you, she is a headstrong and feisty young thing, but you are welcome to try. I have no objection.”
Wickham went to the bedroom door and ensuring that Lydia was decently dressed, he called her into the living room.
“Mr Darcy would like to speak to you, my dear”’ he said.
“Well I don’t want to speak to him”’ she said saucily.
“Nevertheless, I said that he can talk to you, so listen to what he has to say.”
“Oh, all right” she replied sulkily.
“Lydia I have come from your family who are in the deepest distress imaginable and I implore you to return with me to your family who will welcome you back with open arms and complete forgiveness.”
“Oh, I don’t care for their forgiveness, there is nothing to forgive and why should I leave my darling Wickham. I won’t do it”’ she said emphatically.
“You see what I mean Darcy, she is besotted with me. There is nothing for it, we shall have to go on as we are.”
“Yes, I mean to go on with my darling, Wickham. I don’t care if we are not married. I know we will be one day, won’t we, Wickham darling.”
“Well, it might not be for a long time, my dear”’ Wickham prevaricated.
“I shall wait no matter how long it is, just so long as we can be together”’ Lydia said naively
“You see how it is Darcy”, Wickham said nonchalantly, with a shrug of his shoulders.
“On what terms have you left your regiment, as I see that you have been here some time”, Thomas enquired, seeing it was presently hopeless to further pursue his requests to Lydia.
“Oh it was a question of some debts of honour which, of course, I found it impossible it fulfil. So I had to get away as quickly as possible. The fellow called me out and as I am a terrible shot and a worse swordsman I thought it best to make a speedy exit from the regiment.”
“So it is obvious that you will not be able to return there with any honour”, Thomas said absent-mindedly. “So what did you have it in mind to do?”
“To be quite honest, if I had any honour I should think that I ought to blow my brains out as I am completely penniless and my credit is completely used up.”
“Oh don’t say such a terrible thing, Wickhan darling”, Lydia said throwing her arms about his neck.
Thomas looked at Lydia thoughtfully and saw how she doted on the despicable Wickham. Could anything yet be redeemed from this awful situation? Thomas wondered. Thomas softened his attitude when he said:
“Wickham, I have some business in town but I should be obliged if you would remain here in these lodgings until I return. Would you at least promise not to do anything rash until then?”
“We have no other prospect in view at present have we, my dear?” Wickhan said to the clinging Lydia.
“I should say not”’ she said brightly. “We have a perfect little love nest here, haven’t we, Wickham darling. “
Wickham smiled sickly and raised his eyebrows in Thomas’s direction as Thomas took his leave.
To be continued Next: Thomas Consults with Mr Gardiner
Thomas and the Wickham Affair
Two days later Thomas called upon Elizabeth at Lambton and was disturbed to find her in a state of extreme agitation. With tears streaming down her lovely face Thomas found Elizabeth opening her heart to him as she revealed that Lydia, her youngest sister had eloped with Wickham.
Thomas was thrown into a state of turmoil as he cursed and fretted over the depths of Wickham’s scoundrely actions. First his sister had been his victim and now Elizabeth’s sister, Lydia was in his clutches. The man was a plague and had been since they were young men together. A solemn resolve formed itself in Thomas’s mind as he observed the distress being shown by the woman he loved with all his heart. He would call Wickham to account, if it was the last thing he did. He would not let him get away with it this time. Now he had gone too far. The man must be made to account for his actions and to make redress.
Thomas was loath to leave Elizabeth in her distress but he knew that whatever he might say or do by staying would only cause her further distress, so wishing her family well Thomas took his leave. He knew that he must act immediately if he was to beard the scoundrel in his den while the trail was still hot. He may yet be able to salvage something from this loathsome situation and bring relief to Elizabeth as proof of his undying love for her. Thomas resolved that whatever it cost him in terms of exertion or money or even pride that he must bring about a happy resolution of this situation if he was ever to stand a chance of earning Elizabeth’s regard.
Thomas knew just the place to start. That despicable woman, Mrs Younge, would undoubtedly know where Wickham was. So without further ado Thomas headed off to confront her.
“Once again, it appears, that I must appeal to you regarding the whereabouts of your friend Wickham,” Thomas said on making contact with her.
“What do you mean? I know nothing about Wickham”’ she replied sneeringly.
“I am sure you do and I think this will help to aid your memory”, Thomas said producing a sheaf of bank notes.
Mrs Younge eyed the notes greedily and put out her hand to take them. Thomas raised his hand with the notes in them and looked at her quizzically. “Where did you say Wickhan was”, he enquiired.
“I really do not know where he is at this moment’” she lied “but give me a couple of days and I am sure I can locate him” she said. “For a consideration of course’, she added indicating the notes in Thomas’s hands. “It may cost me something to get the information“, she lied again.
“Have no fear this money shall be yours when I have the information I desire, and I will add another £20 to it for your trouble”. Thomas did not believe her, but he was not going to haggle for the sake of another £20.
Mrs Younge satisfied that she had the word of a gentleman said: “You shall have it the day after tomorrow.”
“He is not to know that I seek him or you will not get a penny of this money” Thomas advised.
“Your secret is safe with me”’ she confided conspiratorially. Thomas felt nothing but disgust for the deceitful and grasping old woman but for the love of Elizabeth he held his peace.
When Thomas called on the day indicated, Mrs Younge told him that she had obtained Wickham’s address. I shall need a bit more than we agreed because I had to pay more for the information than I anticipated’” she said craftily.
Thomas extracted another £20 banknote and added it to the notes in his hand. Mrs Younge told him the address and Thomas handed over the promised bank notes into the grasping woman’s hand. She received the banknotes greedily. The information secured, Thomas, with a look of disdain, departed to the address she had given him.
Mrs Younge had not deceived him and he found Wickham and Lydia living at the address indicated.
Thomas was pleased to see that Wickham was taken aback by his appearance although Lydia was brazen and foolish.
“What the devil are you doing here, Mr Darcy”. Lydia cried uncivilly. “We don’t want you here, do we Wickham, my love’” she added fawningly.
Wickhan smirked ruefully. “Hush, Lydia, my love, go into the bedroom and put some decent clothes on he”, he requested sheepishly.
“Oh, I don’t care about what he thinks” she said sneeringly indicating Thomas.
“Well I do, my love. Mr Darcy is a gentlemen and it is not ladylike to be in dishabille in front of a gentleman.”
Thomas could not help but notice that her chemise was cut low and revealed her ample breasts and the flimsy material hardly hid the rest of her charms. The realisation that she had completely thrown herself into Wickhams hands could not be denied.
“Pooh” said Lydia disdainfully as she nevertheless went off into the bedroom to get dressed.
“You might stay there, my love, until Mr Darcy leaves”, he added to her departing back.
“I am glad to see that you are not altogether despicable Wickham”’ Thomas said.
“Well I do my best to live up to a certain standard, even if it is below your ideas of gentlemanly conduct.” Wickham replied.
“It is about your conduct that I am sure you realise I have come to call on you”, Thomas said.
“I guessed as much.”
“This action of yours cannot be allowed to stand”’ Thomas informed him.
“What do you suggest” Wickhan replied offhand.
“Why common decency itself should make it obvious that you must marry the girl”.
“My dear Darcy, even if I wanted to, I am afraid that I can’t, my finances I fear are in a parlous state.”
“I assume that you love Lydia?”
“Well I like the girl well enough but it was never my intention to marry her!” he exclaimed.
“Wickham, you are a despicable cad and your conduct is infamous.”
“Lydia doesn’t seem t think so’” he remarked.
“Lydia is a foolish young girl whose head you have turned by your supposed charm’” Thomas sneered. “But she is not the only one to suffer from your misconduct, there is her family and those closely associated with them”, Thomas said, thinking of Bingley and Jane and Elizabeth. “I will try to persuade her to return to her family, perhaps her honour can be recovered in time.”
“Oh, I doubt she will listen to you, she is a headstrong and feisty young thing, but you are welcome to try. I have no objection.”
Wickham went to the bedroom door and ensuring that Lydia was decently dressed, he called her into the living room.
“Mr Darcy would like to speak to you, my dear”’ he said.
“Well I don’t want to speak to him”’ she said saucily.
“Nevertheless, I said that he can talk to you, so listen to what he has to say.”
“Oh, all right” she replied sulkily.
“Lydia I have come from your family who are in the deepest distress imaginable and I implore you to return with me to your family who will welcome you back with open arms and complete forgiveness.”
“Oh, I don’t care for their forgiveness, there is nothing to forgive and why should I leave my darling Wickham. I won’t do it”’ she said emphatically.
“You see what I mean Darcy, she is besotted with me. There is nothing for it, we shall have to go on as we are.”
“Yes, I mean to go on with my darling, Wickham. I don’t care if we are not married. I know we will be one day, won’t we, Wickham darling.”
“Well, it might not be for a long time, my dear”’ Wickham prevaricated.
“I shall wait no matter how long it is, just so long as we can be together”’ Lydia said naively
“You see how it is Darcy”, Wickham said nonchalantly, with a shrug of his shoulders.
“On what terms have you left your regiment, as I see that you have been here some time”, Thomas enquired, seeing it was presently hopeless to further pursue his requests to Lydia.
“Oh it was a question of some debts of honour which, of course, I found it impossible it fulfil. So I had to get away as quickly as possible. The fellow called me out and as I am a terrible shot and a worse swordsman I thought it best to make a speedy exit from the regiment.”
“So it is obvious that you will not be able to return there with any honour”, Thomas said absent-mindedly. “So what did you have it in mind to do?”
“To be quite honest, if I had any honour I should think that I ought to blow my brains out as I am completely penniless and my credit is completely used up.”
“Oh don’t say such a terrible thing, Wickhan darling”, Lydia said throwing her arms about his neck.
Thomas looked at Lydia thoughtfully and saw how she doted on the despicable Wickham. Could anything yet be redeemed from this awful situation? Thomas wondered. Thomas softened his attitude when he said:
“Wickham, I have some business in town but I should be obliged if you would remain here in these lodgings until I return. Would you at least promise not to do anything rash until then?”
“We have no other prospect in view at present have we, my dear?” Wickhan said to the clinging Lydia.
“I should say not”’ she said brightly. “We have a perfect little love nest here, haven’t we, Wickham darling. “
Wickham smiled sickly and raised his eyebrows in Thomas’s direction as Thomas took his leave.
To be continued Next: Thomas Consults with Mr Gardiner
37TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas Consults with Mr Gardiner
Having secured Wickham’s promise that he would remain where he was, Thomas made his way to his Bankers. Having made certain financial arrangements he then made his way to Mr Gardiner’s house.
“My dear, Mr Darcy!” Mr Gardiner exclaimed, “What brings you to London?”
“ I have found Lydia”, Thomas replied.
“Thank goodness, but how, where?” Thomas explained the situation to Mr Gardiner.
“So you see she is adamant, that she will not leave Wickham.” he said finally.
“Oh, she is such a foolish girl; her mother is beside herself with anxiety.”
“I can imagine it”, said Thomas. “It is most distressing.”
“It certainly is. But what is to be done?” Mr Gardiner asked in despair.
“This is why I have come to see you, Mr Gardiner.” Thomas said. “I believe there is a way out and I am here to provide the means, but I need your help and also certain assurances from you.”
“Anything I can do to help resolve this dreadful situation I will most certainly do.”
“I knew I could rely on you, Mr.Gardiner.”
“What do you propose, Mr Darcy?”
“Wickham has disgraced himself with his regiment by contracting debts of honour and he has run out on them. Firstly, these debts must be cleared and I myself undertake to pay them. I want you to act as my agent. Of course he must now resign his commission in the regiment and I will undertake to secure another one for him in a northern regiment.”
“This is going to cost a fearful amount of money. Is there anything I can do to help?
Thomas looked intently at Mr. Gardiner.
“Mr Gardiner”, he said deliberately. “I take the blame for this situation squarely on my own shoulders.”
“Surely not, Mr Darcy! he exclaimed.
“Yes, I was fully aware of the man’s propensities and danger to the Bennett family and yet due to my pride I did not make his infamy known.” Thomas replied “It pains me to have to inform you that this is not the first instance of Wickham’s callous and thoughtless behaviour. My own sister, Georgiana was carried away by this man’s seductive charm. It was only by great good luck that I managed to rescue her before he seduced her. I am afraid that Lydia has not been so fortunate and now she is fully besotted with him. I blame myself entirely.”
“My dear sir, you could not have known that he would have repeated his behaviour.”
“I suspected he would, but in my selfishness I did not think that he would strike again so as to hurt those for whom I have come to have some regard.”
“I think I understand you, Mr Darcy.”
“Very well, in that case you will understand that I will do anything and everything to protect the reputation of the family, as my own interest is so bound up with the outcome. The first thing we must do is to ascertain the extent of Wickham’s debts. I intend to discharge them fully. It is only on this basis that I can persuade him to marry Lydia and to avert the disgrace and scandal that would attach to the family otherwise.”
“Yes, I see that”, Mr Gardiner said thoughtfully.
“We must contact all his creditors and undertake to pay them. I have arranged for my Banker’s to make funds available for this purpose. I will call upon Wickham again tomorrow to obtain a list from him. However, I should be infinitely obliged to you Mr. Gardiner if you would keep my involvement confidential, as I am loath to bring any further embarrassment on the family. Neither, do I wish them to feel indebted to me in any way. I am doing this for Elizabeth. “
“I understand, Mr Darcy, you have my word on it.”
Thomas satisfied with Mr Gardiner’s assurances, went on: “Do you think you could prevail upon Mr Bennett to settle an income on Lydia.”
“Yes, I am sure that could be arranged.”
“I myself intend to settle an amount on her. I believe that if she has an income and some money of her own, this would be another inducement for Wickham to marry her.”
“But does the young scoundrel not love her?” Mr Gardiner exclaimed indignantly.
“In such cases as these there must be a financial inducement to bring the scoundrel to do his duty, I am afraid,” said Thomas sadly.
Mr Gardiner shook his head. “I suppose if we can avert a disgrace then all will be well.”
“Depend upon it Mr Gardiner, when I outline to Wickham the financial benefits of the arrangement he will certainly be induced to his duty. He is desperate, and I will offer him a lifeline. Besides, I believe that Lydia is just the sort of girl that will suit him very well. She is lively, attractive and will lead him a merry dance!”
Mr Gardiner smiled. “Mr. Darcy, I think you are right!”
Thomas smiled broadly. “Mr Gardiner, we will redeem this situation satisfactorily between us before many days hence.”
To be continued Next: Thomas and Lydia
Thomas Consults with Mr Gardiner
Having secured Wickham’s promise that he would remain where he was, Thomas made his way to his Bankers. Having made certain financial arrangements he then made his way to Mr Gardiner’s house.
“My dear, Mr Darcy!” Mr Gardiner exclaimed, “What brings you to London?”
“ I have found Lydia”, Thomas replied.
“Thank goodness, but how, where?” Thomas explained the situation to Mr Gardiner.
“So you see she is adamant, that she will not leave Wickham.” he said finally.
“Oh, she is such a foolish girl; her mother is beside herself with anxiety.”
“I can imagine it”, said Thomas. “It is most distressing.”
“It certainly is. But what is to be done?” Mr Gardiner asked in despair.
“This is why I have come to see you, Mr Gardiner.” Thomas said. “I believe there is a way out and I am here to provide the means, but I need your help and also certain assurances from you.”
“Anything I can do to help resolve this dreadful situation I will most certainly do.”
“I knew I could rely on you, Mr.Gardiner.”
“What do you propose, Mr Darcy?”
“Wickham has disgraced himself with his regiment by contracting debts of honour and he has run out on them. Firstly, these debts must be cleared and I myself undertake to pay them. I want you to act as my agent. Of course he must now resign his commission in the regiment and I will undertake to secure another one for him in a northern regiment.”
“This is going to cost a fearful amount of money. Is there anything I can do to help?
Thomas looked intently at Mr. Gardiner.
“Mr Gardiner”, he said deliberately. “I take the blame for this situation squarely on my own shoulders.”
“Surely not, Mr Darcy! he exclaimed.
“Yes, I was fully aware of the man’s propensities and danger to the Bennett family and yet due to my pride I did not make his infamy known.” Thomas replied “It pains me to have to inform you that this is not the first instance of Wickham’s callous and thoughtless behaviour. My own sister, Georgiana was carried away by this man’s seductive charm. It was only by great good luck that I managed to rescue her before he seduced her. I am afraid that Lydia has not been so fortunate and now she is fully besotted with him. I blame myself entirely.”
“My dear sir, you could not have known that he would have repeated his behaviour.”
“I suspected he would, but in my selfishness I did not think that he would strike again so as to hurt those for whom I have come to have some regard.”
“I think I understand you, Mr Darcy.”
“Very well, in that case you will understand that I will do anything and everything to protect the reputation of the family, as my own interest is so bound up with the outcome. The first thing we must do is to ascertain the extent of Wickham’s debts. I intend to discharge them fully. It is only on this basis that I can persuade him to marry Lydia and to avert the disgrace and scandal that would attach to the family otherwise.”
“Yes, I see that”, Mr Gardiner said thoughtfully.
“We must contact all his creditors and undertake to pay them. I have arranged for my Banker’s to make funds available for this purpose. I will call upon Wickham again tomorrow to obtain a list from him. However, I should be infinitely obliged to you Mr. Gardiner if you would keep my involvement confidential, as I am loath to bring any further embarrassment on the family. Neither, do I wish them to feel indebted to me in any way. I am doing this for Elizabeth. “
“I understand, Mr Darcy, you have my word on it.”
Thomas satisfied with Mr Gardiner’s assurances, went on: “Do you think you could prevail upon Mr Bennett to settle an income on Lydia.”
“Yes, I am sure that could be arranged.”
“I myself intend to settle an amount on her. I believe that if she has an income and some money of her own, this would be another inducement for Wickham to marry her.”
“But does the young scoundrel not love her?” Mr Gardiner exclaimed indignantly.
“In such cases as these there must be a financial inducement to bring the scoundrel to do his duty, I am afraid,” said Thomas sadly.
Mr Gardiner shook his head. “I suppose if we can avert a disgrace then all will be well.”
“Depend upon it Mr Gardiner, when I outline to Wickham the financial benefits of the arrangement he will certainly be induced to his duty. He is desperate, and I will offer him a lifeline. Besides, I believe that Lydia is just the sort of girl that will suit him very well. She is lively, attractive and will lead him a merry dance!”
Mr Gardiner smiled. “Mr. Darcy, I think you are right!”
Thomas smiled broadly. “Mr Gardiner, we will redeem this situation satisfactorily between us before many days hence.”
To be continued Next: Thomas and Lydia
38TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas and Lydia
The following day Thomas returned to Wickham’s lodging’s. This time he was pleased to notice that Lydia had on a modest dress showing only as much of her bosom as was fashionable. Wickham greeted him affably. In spite of his difficulties he had lost none of his natural charm and sweetness of manner.
Lydia too seemed much more amenable and greeted him civilly:
“Good morning, Mr Darcy,” she chimed sweetly. Thomas suspected that Wickham had coached her, well even so, it was better than her previous saucy manner towards him.
“Good morning, Lydia, I trust you are well”. Thomas enquired.
“Never better, thank you, Mr Darcy”, she replied.
These civilities concluded Thomas said, “Lydia, I have some good news to tell you and I trust you will be so kind as to hear me out.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy, just so long as you don’t try to persuade me to leave my darling Wickham, I will listen to anything you have to say.”
“Yes, you have made that perfectly clear and it not about that that I wish to discuss with you. “
“Then I am all ears, Mr Darcy”, Lydia replied reasonably.
“Let us take a turn in the park, it is such a lovely day and we can walk and talk. You have no objection, Wickham?
“None at all, by all means take a stroll in the park”, Wickham agreed.
“What a lovely day it is today, Mr Darcy”’ Lydia said as she took his arm as they strolled together in the park. “Look how the sun dapples the leaves in the trees and the birds are singing merrily. I feel so glad to be alive, I can’t tell you,” she said gaily.
Thomas could not help smiling to himself at her girlish pleasure in feeling so alive and in tune with the glories of nature. He knew that she fancied herself in love with “her darling Wickham” as she termed him. And indeed Thomas believed that she did really love him. He himself felt a frisson of excitement at the plan he was about to unfold to Lydia. Indeed he felt that he would be doing the girl some lasting good.
“Lydia, my dear”, Thomas began paternally. “I have come on behalf of your Uncle Gardiner to bring you news of certain financial arrangements made on your behalf that will enable you and Wickham to be married and to start life together on a sound footing.”
“Oh Mr Darcy, I should be ever so glad, if I could marry my dearest, darling Wickham”, she cried effusively.
“Yes Lydia, I know you should. That is why it is in your best interests to encourage Wickham to agree to resign his commission and to take up another commission which will be procured for him in a Northern regiment. All his debts will be paid and you yourself will bring him a handsome dowry.”
“Oh, Mr Darcy, I will do anything if I can marry my dearest…”
“Yes, quite”, said Thomas interrupting her. “Now, would you kindly remain in the park for a little while and I will talk to Wickham and tell him of the financial arrangements that will enable him to marry you.”
“Yes, Mr Darcy”, Lydia replied meekly and she smiled her sweetest smile.
To be continued Next:Thomas and Wickham
Thomas and Lydia
The following day Thomas returned to Wickham’s lodging’s. This time he was pleased to notice that Lydia had on a modest dress showing only as much of her bosom as was fashionable. Wickham greeted him affably. In spite of his difficulties he had lost none of his natural charm and sweetness of manner.
Lydia too seemed much more amenable and greeted him civilly:
“Good morning, Mr Darcy,” she chimed sweetly. Thomas suspected that Wickham had coached her, well even so, it was better than her previous saucy manner towards him.
“Good morning, Lydia, I trust you are well”. Thomas enquired.
“Never better, thank you, Mr Darcy”, she replied.
These civilities concluded Thomas said, “Lydia, I have some good news to tell you and I trust you will be so kind as to hear me out.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy, just so long as you don’t try to persuade me to leave my darling Wickham, I will listen to anything you have to say.”
“Yes, you have made that perfectly clear and it not about that that I wish to discuss with you. “
“Then I am all ears, Mr Darcy”, Lydia replied reasonably.
“Let us take a turn in the park, it is such a lovely day and we can walk and talk. You have no objection, Wickham?
“None at all, by all means take a stroll in the park”, Wickham agreed.
“What a lovely day it is today, Mr Darcy”’ Lydia said as she took his arm as they strolled together in the park. “Look how the sun dapples the leaves in the trees and the birds are singing merrily. I feel so glad to be alive, I can’t tell you,” she said gaily.
Thomas could not help smiling to himself at her girlish pleasure in feeling so alive and in tune with the glories of nature. He knew that she fancied herself in love with “her darling Wickham” as she termed him. And indeed Thomas believed that she did really love him. He himself felt a frisson of excitement at the plan he was about to unfold to Lydia. Indeed he felt that he would be doing the girl some lasting good.
“Lydia, my dear”, Thomas began paternally. “I have come on behalf of your Uncle Gardiner to bring you news of certain financial arrangements made on your behalf that will enable you and Wickham to be married and to start life together on a sound footing.”
“Oh Mr Darcy, I should be ever so glad, if I could marry my dearest, darling Wickham”, she cried effusively.
“Yes Lydia, I know you should. That is why it is in your best interests to encourage Wickham to agree to resign his commission and to take up another commission which will be procured for him in a Northern regiment. All his debts will be paid and you yourself will bring him a handsome dowry.”
“Oh, Mr Darcy, I will do anything if I can marry my dearest…”
“Yes, quite”, said Thomas interrupting her. “Now, would you kindly remain in the park for a little while and I will talk to Wickham and tell him of the financial arrangements that will enable him to marry you.”
“Yes, Mr Darcy”, Lydia replied meekly and she smiled her sweetest smile.
To be continued Next:Thomas and Wickham
39TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas and Wickham
Thomas found Wickham lounging. sprawled out on the sofa when he returned. He looked as though he hadn’t a care in the world.
“Wickham I have just been discussing certain financial arrangements that have been made on Lydia’s behalf. “
On this Thomas noticed Wickham's interest perked up and he swung his legs off the sofa on to the floor. "I now wish to discuss with you your own financial affairs, which you told me are in a parlous state.”
“I am afraid that is so.”
“Quite, well. I am sure we can come to some financial arrangement to pay your debts and to clear the way for you to marry Lydia.”
“Well, I am not sure if paying my debts will do the trick, what should we live on, even if I wanted to marry her?”
“Wickham, I have come here today with the express purpose of inducing you to marry her and to perform your duty as you ought.”
“That is all very well, but I don’t see how it can be done.”
“It is my intention of settling a thousand pounds on Lydia and her father will settle a thousand pounds on her also, and she will also have £100 per annum during his lifetime and £50 per annum after his decease.”
“But what about my own situation?”
“I am coming to that. I suggest that you resign your commission and I will arrange for another commission for you in a Northern regiment, I will clear all your outstanding debts and on top of that I will settle an amount of £5,000 on you, only on the basis that you marry Lydia.”
“I don’t think I could do it for less than £10,000, Darcy.”
“£5,000 plus what Lydia herself will have, will provide you with very handsome means to live as a gentlemen.”
“Remember, she is a gentleman’s daughter, and clothes can be damned expensive for a young girl of Lydia’s tastes. No, I shall need at least £10,000, I couldn’t marry her for less.”
Thomas paused for a moment and observed Wickham’s manner. He was insolent and insistent. He was a thorough scoundrel and was holding out for all he could get. Thomas knew that with what he had promised to do for Lydia and obtaining another commission for Wickham and paying his debts would amount to a goodly sum. Thomas thought of Elizabeth. He had to avert disgrace from her and her family at all costs.
“Alright, £10,000 it is.”
Wickham held out his hand, but Thomas disdained to shake it. Wickham merely laughed and going to the table he poured himself a drink.
“To Lydia”, he said and downed the drink in a single gulp.
Thomas sighed. He had averted disaster from Elizabeth, but he felt sorry for Lydia. What kind of a life would she have with Wickham?
“Be ready the day after tomorrow. I will collect you and we will go to St Clements Church together, “ Thomas said. “I should be obliged if for the sake of propriety if you will persuade Lydia to accompany me to her Uncle’s house in Gracechurch Street from where she will be married. Meanwhile, I will draw up the necessary papers to complete the financial arrangements.”
“Agreed,” said Wickham affably.
To be continued Next:Thomas at Netherfiled
Thomas and Wickham
Thomas found Wickham lounging. sprawled out on the sofa when he returned. He looked as though he hadn’t a care in the world.
“Wickham I have just been discussing certain financial arrangements that have been made on Lydia’s behalf. “
On this Thomas noticed Wickham's interest perked up and he swung his legs off the sofa on to the floor. "I now wish to discuss with you your own financial affairs, which you told me are in a parlous state.”
“I am afraid that is so.”
“Quite, well. I am sure we can come to some financial arrangement to pay your debts and to clear the way for you to marry Lydia.”
“Well, I am not sure if paying my debts will do the trick, what should we live on, even if I wanted to marry her?”
“Wickham, I have come here today with the express purpose of inducing you to marry her and to perform your duty as you ought.”
“That is all very well, but I don’t see how it can be done.”
“It is my intention of settling a thousand pounds on Lydia and her father will settle a thousand pounds on her also, and she will also have £100 per annum during his lifetime and £50 per annum after his decease.”
“But what about my own situation?”
“I am coming to that. I suggest that you resign your commission and I will arrange for another commission for you in a Northern regiment, I will clear all your outstanding debts and on top of that I will settle an amount of £5,000 on you, only on the basis that you marry Lydia.”
“I don’t think I could do it for less than £10,000, Darcy.”
“£5,000 plus what Lydia herself will have, will provide you with very handsome means to live as a gentlemen.”
“Remember, she is a gentleman’s daughter, and clothes can be damned expensive for a young girl of Lydia’s tastes. No, I shall need at least £10,000, I couldn’t marry her for less.”
Thomas paused for a moment and observed Wickham’s manner. He was insolent and insistent. He was a thorough scoundrel and was holding out for all he could get. Thomas knew that with what he had promised to do for Lydia and obtaining another commission for Wickham and paying his debts would amount to a goodly sum. Thomas thought of Elizabeth. He had to avert disgrace from her and her family at all costs.
“Alright, £10,000 it is.”
Wickham held out his hand, but Thomas disdained to shake it. Wickham merely laughed and going to the table he poured himself a drink.
“To Lydia”, he said and downed the drink in a single gulp.
Thomas sighed. He had averted disaster from Elizabeth, but he felt sorry for Lydia. What kind of a life would she have with Wickham?
“Be ready the day after tomorrow. I will collect you and we will go to St Clements Church together, “ Thomas said. “I should be obliged if for the sake of propriety if you will persuade Lydia to accompany me to her Uncle’s house in Gracechurch Street from where she will be married. Meanwhile, I will draw up the necessary papers to complete the financial arrangements.”
“Agreed,” said Wickham affably.
To be continued Next:Thomas at Netherfiled
41TheTortoise
>40 ladydzura: Thanks Aly! I thought everyone had lost interest. :(
Keep reading because the best is still to come!
- TT
Keep reading because the best is still to come!
- TT
42alcottacre
I want you to know that just because I am not commenting does not mean I am not looking. I am looking for 'The End' before I read all the parts that come before . . .
44TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas at Netherfield
Having made all the necessary financial arrangements with Mr Gardiner and after witnessing Wickham and Lydia’s wedding Thomas saw the couple safely off to Longbourn. Thomas then bade Mr Gardiner adieu and headed off to see his friend and to go with him to Netherfield, as Bingley had told him that he would by no means go without him.
Three days after settling in at Netherfield Thomas and Bingley called at Longbourn. Thomas was delighted to see that Jane and Bingley resumed their old easy relations from where they had left off. Elizabeth, Thomas observed, was quiet and reserved and paid him very little attention other than to be civil. Mrs Bennett received him coldly and with ceremonial politeness. But he was pleased to see that she was warmer to his friend and he was delighted on that account. But he kept a serious demeanour in her presence. However, Thomas had the pleasure of seeing that Elizabeth was distressed by her mother’s disdainful attitude towards him.
“How are Mr and Mrs Gardiner?” he ventured to ask. Thomas noticed Elizabeth’s confusion.
She in her turn asked: “and how is Georgiana?”
“Tolerably well thank you,” Thomas replied, after which they both lapsed into silence.
After receiving an invitation to dine a few days hence Bingley and Thomas departed. On their arrival for the dinner Bingley went and sat with Jane and, Thomas observed, was given every opportunity to converse with Jane. Thomas felt gratified that the dinner had been a success from that point of view, but for himself he had had very little opportunity to speak to Elizabeth or to be alone with her.
“So Charles, you have made it up with Jane I take it?”, Thomas asked when they were alone.
“Yes, I think we understand one another and I plan to go to her father soon to arrange the match.”
“I must return to London I shall be away above a week, so I shall expect to congratulate you when I next see you.” Thomas smiled at his friend and Bingley gave him a friendly smile in return. All was proceeding as Thomas had anticipated.
To be continued Next:Lady Catherine visits Thomas in London
Thomas at Netherfield
Having made all the necessary financial arrangements with Mr Gardiner and after witnessing Wickham and Lydia’s wedding Thomas saw the couple safely off to Longbourn. Thomas then bade Mr Gardiner adieu and headed off to see his friend and to go with him to Netherfield, as Bingley had told him that he would by no means go without him.
Three days after settling in at Netherfield Thomas and Bingley called at Longbourn. Thomas was delighted to see that Jane and Bingley resumed their old easy relations from where they had left off. Elizabeth, Thomas observed, was quiet and reserved and paid him very little attention other than to be civil. Mrs Bennett received him coldly and with ceremonial politeness. But he was pleased to see that she was warmer to his friend and he was delighted on that account. But he kept a serious demeanour in her presence. However, Thomas had the pleasure of seeing that Elizabeth was distressed by her mother’s disdainful attitude towards him.
“How are Mr and Mrs Gardiner?” he ventured to ask. Thomas noticed Elizabeth’s confusion.
She in her turn asked: “and how is Georgiana?”
“Tolerably well thank you,” Thomas replied, after which they both lapsed into silence.
After receiving an invitation to dine a few days hence Bingley and Thomas departed. On their arrival for the dinner Bingley went and sat with Jane and, Thomas observed, was given every opportunity to converse with Jane. Thomas felt gratified that the dinner had been a success from that point of view, but for himself he had had very little opportunity to speak to Elizabeth or to be alone with her.
“So Charles, you have made it up with Jane I take it?”, Thomas asked when they were alone.
“Yes, I think we understand one another and I plan to go to her father soon to arrange the match.”
“I must return to London I shall be away above a week, so I shall expect to congratulate you when I next see you.” Thomas smiled at his friend and Bingley gave him a friendly smile in return. All was proceeding as Thomas had anticipated.
To be continued Next:Lady Catherine visits Thomas in London
45TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Lady Catherine visits Thomas in London
Thomas had been in London several days when he was surprised to receive a visit from his aunt,Lady Catherine.
Thomas greeted his Aunt warmly.
“Good day, aunt, I trust I find you well?” he enquired.
“Well enough, as regards to my health”, she replied pointedly.
“Aunt, I am sure you know that I esteem you highly”, Thomas began.
“But you will not conform to my wishes, is that how you mean to continue?” she said.
Thomas looked suitably humble and crestfallen. “I do beg you to forgive me, Aunt?”
“So you mean to marry Elizabeth Bennett, I take it?”
“Well, not exactly aunt, I mean... how did you know... I mean... if she will have me...”Thomas stuttered
“So, it is true then, you are in love with Eliza Bennett?”
“To tell the truth Aunt, I am.”
“So when Mr Collins informed me that you had been paying particular attention to the girl, he was not mistaken.”
“I have indeed asked her to marry me.”
“And you will not marry my daughter, Anne, is that about the size of it.”
“I am afraid it is Aunt.”
“So you are positively engaged to Miss Eliza Bennett. She told me positively that you were not engaged. When is the wedding to take place?”
“No, aunt, you are mistaken there is not going to be a wedding, we are not engaged.”
“Not engaged, did you not just inform me that you had proposed marriage to the girl?”
“I did indeed, aunt, but she refused me.”
“Refused you! Is the girl insane?”
“No aunt, she is only too rational, I am afraid. She was rightly incensed at the proud and arrogant way in which I requested her hand and I believe that she was right to refuse me. I am not proud of the unmannerly way in which I made my request. I fear that I may have lost her forever.”
“Perhaps it is all for the best,” said his aunt,” considering her family, her connections, and her lack of fortune? I should have thought that in view of her sister’s scandalous conduct you would not even think of connecting yourself with such a family.”
“You have heard that Wickham and Lydia eloped. But have you also heard that they are now married and that no scandal now attaches to the family?”
“No, I had not been apprised of that. So that rogue married the girl did he.”
“Yes, aunt, so I can now see no impediment to my connection with the family, supposing of course, that Elizabeth will have me.”
“ You astonish me Darcy. I could get no assurance from the girl that she would not engage herself to you, I expect therefore that you will give me that promise.”
“I am sorry Aunt but I can no more do so than Elizabeth can. Though she has refused me, perhaps her feelings have changed towards me, I can but hope.”
“So you are determined to have her then? “
“Yes, aunt, I have considered all those things which you mentioned and it was because of those things that my request for her hand was both arrogant and thoughtless. I have since reconsidered and now realise that my future happiness with the woman who is in every sense my equal is more important than those other things. We will not need to see her family very often, we will forge new connections and as to fortune, I have sufficient for us both.”
“Darcy, I am extremely displeased.”
“I know aunt and I understand your feelings completely, but I have no alternative until I know for certain that Elizabeth will not have me. Thank you for listening to me, Aunt”, he said as bent towards her and kissed her gently on her aged cheek.”
To be continued Thomas and Elizabeth which is the final scene of Chapter Two, Part One
After that, Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee.
Lady Catherine visits Thomas in London
Thomas had been in London several days when he was surprised to receive a visit from his aunt,Lady Catherine.
Thomas greeted his Aunt warmly.
“Good day, aunt, I trust I find you well?” he enquired.
“Well enough, as regards to my health”, she replied pointedly.
“Aunt, I am sure you know that I esteem you highly”, Thomas began.
“But you will not conform to my wishes, is that how you mean to continue?” she said.
Thomas looked suitably humble and crestfallen. “I do beg you to forgive me, Aunt?”
“So you mean to marry Elizabeth Bennett, I take it?”
“Well, not exactly aunt, I mean... how did you know... I mean... if she will have me...”Thomas stuttered
“So, it is true then, you are in love with Eliza Bennett?”
“To tell the truth Aunt, I am.”
“So when Mr Collins informed me that you had been paying particular attention to the girl, he was not mistaken.”
“I have indeed asked her to marry me.”
“And you will not marry my daughter, Anne, is that about the size of it.”
“I am afraid it is Aunt.”
“So you are positively engaged to Miss Eliza Bennett. She told me positively that you were not engaged. When is the wedding to take place?”
“No, aunt, you are mistaken there is not going to be a wedding, we are not engaged.”
“Not engaged, did you not just inform me that you had proposed marriage to the girl?”
“I did indeed, aunt, but she refused me.”
“Refused you! Is the girl insane?”
“No aunt, she is only too rational, I am afraid. She was rightly incensed at the proud and arrogant way in which I requested her hand and I believe that she was right to refuse me. I am not proud of the unmannerly way in which I made my request. I fear that I may have lost her forever.”
“Perhaps it is all for the best,” said his aunt,” considering her family, her connections, and her lack of fortune? I should have thought that in view of her sister’s scandalous conduct you would not even think of connecting yourself with such a family.”
“You have heard that Wickham and Lydia eloped. But have you also heard that they are now married and that no scandal now attaches to the family?”
“No, I had not been apprised of that. So that rogue married the girl did he.”
“Yes, aunt, so I can now see no impediment to my connection with the family, supposing of course, that Elizabeth will have me.”
“ You astonish me Darcy. I could get no assurance from the girl that she would not engage herself to you, I expect therefore that you will give me that promise.”
“I am sorry Aunt but I can no more do so than Elizabeth can. Though she has refused me, perhaps her feelings have changed towards me, I can but hope.”
“So you are determined to have her then? “
“Yes, aunt, I have considered all those things which you mentioned and it was because of those things that my request for her hand was both arrogant and thoughtless. I have since reconsidered and now realise that my future happiness with the woman who is in every sense my equal is more important than those other things. We will not need to see her family very often, we will forge new connections and as to fortune, I have sufficient for us both.”
“Darcy, I am extremely displeased.”
“I know aunt and I understand your feelings completely, but I have no alternative until I know for certain that Elizabeth will not have me. Thank you for listening to me, Aunt”, he said as bent towards her and kissed her gently on her aged cheek.”
To be continued Thomas and Elizabeth which is the final scene of Chapter Two, Part One
After that, Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee.
46Whisper1
TT
Way to go... You are making progress in your book. Doesn't it feel wonderful to write so well and work toward this goal/dream?
Keep it up..I'm anxious to learn more.
Linda
Way to go... You are making progress in your book. Doesn't it feel wonderful to write so well and work toward this goal/dream?
Keep it up..I'm anxious to learn more.
Linda
47TheTortoise
>46 Whisper1: Thanks Linda,
I am really enjoying writing this book - I have finished the first draft of Chapter Two and everything is now in place, including the introduction of another character, Sky, Thomas' Blue Stafforshire Bull Terrier. See my revision of Chapter One, because Sky is going to play a major role in the book. The story is a tragedy but Sky is very witty and amusing and will provide a change of pace in the story. You will read more about Thomas and Sky in Chapter Two, Part Three.
- TT
I am really enjoying writing this book - I have finished the first draft of Chapter Two and everything is now in place, including the introduction of another character, Sky, Thomas' Blue Stafforshire Bull Terrier. See my revision of Chapter One, because Sky is going to play a major role in the book. The story is a tragedy but Sky is very witty and amusing and will provide a change of pace in the story. You will read more about Thomas and Sky in Chapter Two, Part Three.
- TT
48TheTortoise
Chapter Two: Part One: Thomas as Darcy
Thomas and Elizabeth
On his return to Netherfield Thomas had the pleasure of learning that Bingley and Jane were engaged.
“Congratulations, my dear friend, I am delighted for you, really I am, “ Thomas enthused.
“If it were not for you Darcy, I should never have had the courage to ask her,” Bingley replied.
“Nonsense, I am sure it was your constant love that did the trick.”
“And Jane’s, too,” Bingley said with a pointed expression.
Thomas was only too aware that he had been the means of misrepresenting Jane’s feelings to his friend.
“And Jane’s, too”. Thomas agreed humbly.
The next morning Bingley and Thomas paid a visit on the Bennett family at Longbourn and Bingley wanting to be alone with Jane proposed that they all go out for a walk. So Bingley and Jane, Thomas and Elizabeth together with their younger sister, Kitty, all went out together. Jane and Bingley lagged behind rapt in each other, while the others walked on ahead. Kitty, having determined to pay a visit on her friend, Maria Lucas, left Elizabeth and Thomas to walk on alone.
Thomas was surprised when Elizabeth opened the conversation by thanking him for aiding her sister and all her family. He had not thought that his actions were known to her.
“While I respect your family, I thought only of you,” Thomas said. “My feelings for you are unchanged. Tell me Eliza do you still feel the way you did last April. If so, I will never mention the subject again’” Thomas said tenderly.
“My feelings have undergone such a change that I don’t know where to begin, except to say that I welcome your attentions and it is with gratitude and pleasure that I accept your assurances that you still hold me in some regard after the way I treated you.”
“Elizaberh, my dearest, I have never ceased to love you, although I must admit that I smarted under your censure, which after some reflection I thought was very just.”
“Well, let us not quarrel as to who was to blame for being the most uncivil. I am sure that neither of us were without our measure of blame.”
“Then if you will permit me’” said Thomas turning towards Elizabeth. Thomas saw her radiant face and the sparkling eyes looking at him filled with love. Her took her beautiful face in his hands and placed a chaste kiss on her lovely lips.
To be continued Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee
Thomas and Elizabeth
On his return to Netherfield Thomas had the pleasure of learning that Bingley and Jane were engaged.
“Congratulations, my dear friend, I am delighted for you, really I am, “ Thomas enthused.
“If it were not for you Darcy, I should never have had the courage to ask her,” Bingley replied.
“Nonsense, I am sure it was your constant love that did the trick.”
“And Jane’s, too,” Bingley said with a pointed expression.
Thomas was only too aware that he had been the means of misrepresenting Jane’s feelings to his friend.
“And Jane’s, too”. Thomas agreed humbly.
The next morning Bingley and Thomas paid a visit on the Bennett family at Longbourn and Bingley wanting to be alone with Jane proposed that they all go out for a walk. So Bingley and Jane, Thomas and Elizabeth together with their younger sister, Kitty, all went out together. Jane and Bingley lagged behind rapt in each other, while the others walked on ahead. Kitty, having determined to pay a visit on her friend, Maria Lucas, left Elizabeth and Thomas to walk on alone.
Thomas was surprised when Elizabeth opened the conversation by thanking him for aiding her sister and all her family. He had not thought that his actions were known to her.
“While I respect your family, I thought only of you,” Thomas said. “My feelings for you are unchanged. Tell me Eliza do you still feel the way you did last April. If so, I will never mention the subject again’” Thomas said tenderly.
“My feelings have undergone such a change that I don’t know where to begin, except to say that I welcome your attentions and it is with gratitude and pleasure that I accept your assurances that you still hold me in some regard after the way I treated you.”
“Elizaberh, my dearest, I have never ceased to love you, although I must admit that I smarted under your censure, which after some reflection I thought was very just.”
“Well, let us not quarrel as to who was to blame for being the most uncivil. I am sure that neither of us were without our measure of blame.”
“Then if you will permit me’” said Thomas turning towards Elizabeth. Thomas saw her radiant face and the sparkling eyes looking at him filled with love. Her took her beautiful face in his hands and placed a chaste kiss on her lovely lips.
To be continued Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee
49TheTortoise
Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee
Thomas and The Kiss
Thomas opened his eyes and looked down at the book in his hands. He could still feel Elizabeth’s kiss on his lips. As he savoured the taste of her sweet lips he drifted back in memory to 25th March 1964 to the event that determined the course of his life for the next 35 years. Heather Lee, he remembered, was sitting in an armchair, her short white skirt revealing a beautiful expanse of soft thigh. Her white chiffon blouse, he noticed, revealed the contours of her breasts. He remembered how he had looked at her filled with desire. Her dark eyes resulting from her Chinese-Hawaiian ancestry, were like magnets that drew him in. The light sparkled in her eyes as she smiled and her features lit up as though the sun had come out, Thomas thought. Her dark shoulder length hair shone with a black lustre framing her smiling face. Her lips were pink slivers of desire and her teeth sparkled as she smiled.
In three days Heather would be 18 and Thomas had bought her some expensive perfume for her birthday. Her mother, who was about to leave the room, had told Heather to give Thomas a kiss to show her appreciation. As Thomas bent over her to kiss her on the cheek, Heather had turned her face towards him and kissed him full on the mouth with a kiss full of passionate intensity. Thomas had felt the blood rushing to his face as his passion was kindled by her kiss and his emotions tumbled over one another as the blood coursed through his veins’ and aroused his desire. Thomas did not know then that Heather had already decided that she was going to marry him. Her kiss made Thomas decide that he would marry her and he imagined that it was his own idea. He would find out in due course that when Heather Lee decided on a course of action that she nearly always got her way.
Although Thomas at nineteen had had several girl friends and had engaged in passionate kisses with them, no girl had ever kissed him the way Heather Lee had. She had fused such tenderness and such passion into a single kiss. Thomas felt moved to the very depths of his being by Heather’s kiss, it aroused all his passion, his tenderness and his love in a single experience of sheer delight and wonder. Heather was full of graceful movement; her hands were soft and slender. Her voice was soft and sensual. Thomas had never known anyone with such a mixture of grace and sensuality. She was easily the most beautiful girl that he had ever met.
There was a world of promise in her every utterance as though she was seducing him with her words. Her manner was charismatic. She lit up the room with her presence. Her smile was radiant and captivating. Thomas was lost in the depths of her dark and inviting come-to-bed eyes. He knew that he loved her as he had never loved anyone before. She was his one and only love, the very epitome of all his longings and desires and she, he knew, would fulfil them to the uttermost.
That kiss, for Thomas, was the prelude to a lifelong romance full of passion, turmoil and heartache. They had known each other for 10 days.
On the 30th of March1964 at Heather’s eighteenth birthday party Thomas announced their engagement to everyone’s astonishment. They had known each other for 15 days.
Over the next two weeks Thomas and Heather were inseparable as their love blossomed into a full-blown romance of intense passion and desire. Every day Thomas returned eagerly from work, as a temporary clerk, to be greeted by an enthusiastic embrace and a lingering passionate kiss from Heather. Each morning, Thomas recalled, Heather would wrap herself around him clad only in her Winceyette Pyjamas sitting on his knee and kissing him intently as he fondled her and returned her passionate kisses. He recalled how he skipped down the road to the amusement of the neighbours living opposite, but Thomas was in such a state of ecstasy that he paid them no heed, his mind filled up with love for Heather.
They went to Kew gardens and had a picnic together and sat under the trees in the spring sunshine revelling in each other’s company. They went to see The Sound of Music together and enjoyed the triumph of a young girl’s love for a crusty Captain who was melted by her love and her music. They attended church together on Sunday and Thomas recalled that the Pastor had taught them from the Song of Solomon.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” Thomas could hardly contain himself when Heather kissed him and he was driven mad with desire and longing for her. Her kisses were so succulent that Thomas agreed that they were better than wine.
“O thou fairest among women,” Heather Lee was certainly the fairest among women, there was none neither more lovely nor more beautiful.
“Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.” The beauty of Heather Lee’s face was a joy to behold, Thomas thought, and he loved to see her neck graced with a slender gold chain. He loved to nuzzle into her neck breathing in the fragrance of her perfume that sent his senses reeling.
“Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.” Heather Lee had the darkest brown eyes he had ever seen on a woman. They were captivating. The dark brown cornea and the black iris seemed fused together as one making her eyes seem large shining orbs of ebony. They utterly captivated Thomas.
“Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.” Thomas was overwhelmed by his intense feelings of love for Heather Lee and it did indeed feel like a sickness, it raged as fiercely as a fever.
“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.” Thomas thought of the many times that he held Heather in his arms and embraced her. Her wonderful softness and warmth filled him with such tenderness.
“Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely.” Thomas thought that Heather’s lips were sensual and inviting and her speech was soft and attractive: he never tired of listening to her melodious tones.
“Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.” Thomas was fascinated by Heather’s breasts, so soft and beautiful and feminine and in perfect proportion.
“Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one look of thine eyes.” When Heather looked at him with her soulful eyes Thomas was ravished and overcome with love and desire.
“Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” How sweet were Heather’s kisses, Thomas thought and the fragrance that emanated from her captivated his senses.
“Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.” Thomas knew that Heather wanted him to make love to her, she desired him and her whole manner towards him was one of invitation to taste of the delights of her beautiful body. Thomas went as far as he dared but drew the line at penetrative sex, because he just felt it would be sinful and would sully an otherwise wonderful relationship.
“I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” Thomas was overwhelmed with sexual desire and longing for Heather just as she was for him but he had to withdraw himself to keep to his intention of saving the full act of sex until they were married.
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.” Thomas knew that Heather was being made sick with love and desire, just as he was.
“Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me.” Thomas knew that there were times that he was so overcome by the look of intense passionate desire in Heather Lee’s eyes that he was in danger of giving in to Heather’s passionate intensity.
“How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!” Thomas reassured Heather that he was madly in love with her and wanted to make love to her but he found it impossible to overcome his scruples.
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.” Thomas wished that Heather would adopt that attitude and not awaken his intense sexual desire until the moment when they could lawfully enjoy it without recriminations.
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” Thomas was so filled up with Heather’s love that he knew that it was as strong as death that nothing would ever quench the love he felt for her.
“Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.” Heather wanted Thomas and she wanted him now. Thomas, also, couldn’t wait to make her his wife so they could be alone together, instead of living with her mother
Whatever spiritual significance the Pastor drew from those intensely physical and passionate words were lost on Thomas. He could only think of them in terms of Heather Lee’s physical presence and their sexually-charged relationship.
To Be Continued: Next:Chapter Two, Part Two:Thomas and his One and Only Love?
Thomas and The Kiss
Thomas opened his eyes and looked down at the book in his hands. He could still feel Elizabeth’s kiss on his lips. As he savoured the taste of her sweet lips he drifted back in memory to 25th March 1964 to the event that determined the course of his life for the next 35 years. Heather Lee, he remembered, was sitting in an armchair, her short white skirt revealing a beautiful expanse of soft thigh. Her white chiffon blouse, he noticed, revealed the contours of her breasts. He remembered how he had looked at her filled with desire. Her dark eyes resulting from her Chinese-Hawaiian ancestry, were like magnets that drew him in. The light sparkled in her eyes as she smiled and her features lit up as though the sun had come out, Thomas thought. Her dark shoulder length hair shone with a black lustre framing her smiling face. Her lips were pink slivers of desire and her teeth sparkled as she smiled.
In three days Heather would be 18 and Thomas had bought her some expensive perfume for her birthday. Her mother, who was about to leave the room, had told Heather to give Thomas a kiss to show her appreciation. As Thomas bent over her to kiss her on the cheek, Heather had turned her face towards him and kissed him full on the mouth with a kiss full of passionate intensity. Thomas had felt the blood rushing to his face as his passion was kindled by her kiss and his emotions tumbled over one another as the blood coursed through his veins’ and aroused his desire. Thomas did not know then that Heather had already decided that she was going to marry him. Her kiss made Thomas decide that he would marry her and he imagined that it was his own idea. He would find out in due course that when Heather Lee decided on a course of action that she nearly always got her way.
Although Thomas at nineteen had had several girl friends and had engaged in passionate kisses with them, no girl had ever kissed him the way Heather Lee had. She had fused such tenderness and such passion into a single kiss. Thomas felt moved to the very depths of his being by Heather’s kiss, it aroused all his passion, his tenderness and his love in a single experience of sheer delight and wonder. Heather was full of graceful movement; her hands were soft and slender. Her voice was soft and sensual. Thomas had never known anyone with such a mixture of grace and sensuality. She was easily the most beautiful girl that he had ever met.
There was a world of promise in her every utterance as though she was seducing him with her words. Her manner was charismatic. She lit up the room with her presence. Her smile was radiant and captivating. Thomas was lost in the depths of her dark and inviting come-to-bed eyes. He knew that he loved her as he had never loved anyone before. She was his one and only love, the very epitome of all his longings and desires and she, he knew, would fulfil them to the uttermost.
That kiss, for Thomas, was the prelude to a lifelong romance full of passion, turmoil and heartache. They had known each other for 10 days.
On the 30th of March1964 at Heather’s eighteenth birthday party Thomas announced their engagement to everyone’s astonishment. They had known each other for 15 days.
Over the next two weeks Thomas and Heather were inseparable as their love blossomed into a full-blown romance of intense passion and desire. Every day Thomas returned eagerly from work, as a temporary clerk, to be greeted by an enthusiastic embrace and a lingering passionate kiss from Heather. Each morning, Thomas recalled, Heather would wrap herself around him clad only in her Winceyette Pyjamas sitting on his knee and kissing him intently as he fondled her and returned her passionate kisses. He recalled how he skipped down the road to the amusement of the neighbours living opposite, but Thomas was in such a state of ecstasy that he paid them no heed, his mind filled up with love for Heather.
They went to Kew gardens and had a picnic together and sat under the trees in the spring sunshine revelling in each other’s company. They went to see The Sound of Music together and enjoyed the triumph of a young girl’s love for a crusty Captain who was melted by her love and her music. They attended church together on Sunday and Thomas recalled that the Pastor had taught them from the Song of Solomon.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” Thomas could hardly contain himself when Heather kissed him and he was driven mad with desire and longing for her. Her kisses were so succulent that Thomas agreed that they were better than wine.
“O thou fairest among women,” Heather Lee was certainly the fairest among women, there was none neither more lovely nor more beautiful.
“Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.” The beauty of Heather Lee’s face was a joy to behold, Thomas thought, and he loved to see her neck graced with a slender gold chain. He loved to nuzzle into her neck breathing in the fragrance of her perfume that sent his senses reeling.
“Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.” Heather Lee had the darkest brown eyes he had ever seen on a woman. They were captivating. The dark brown cornea and the black iris seemed fused together as one making her eyes seem large shining orbs of ebony. They utterly captivated Thomas.
“Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.” Thomas was overwhelmed by his intense feelings of love for Heather Lee and it did indeed feel like a sickness, it raged as fiercely as a fever.
“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.” Thomas thought of the many times that he held Heather in his arms and embraced her. Her wonderful softness and warmth filled him with such tenderness.
“Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely.” Thomas thought that Heather’s lips were sensual and inviting and her speech was soft and attractive: he never tired of listening to her melodious tones.
“Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.” Thomas was fascinated by Heather’s breasts, so soft and beautiful and feminine and in perfect proportion.
“Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one look of thine eyes.” When Heather looked at him with her soulful eyes Thomas was ravished and overcome with love and desire.
“Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.” How sweet were Heather’s kisses, Thomas thought and the fragrance that emanated from her captivated his senses.
“Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.” Thomas knew that Heather wanted him to make love to her, she desired him and her whole manner towards him was one of invitation to taste of the delights of her beautiful body. Thomas went as far as he dared but drew the line at penetrative sex, because he just felt it would be sinful and would sully an otherwise wonderful relationship.
“I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” Thomas was overwhelmed with sexual desire and longing for Heather just as she was for him but he had to withdraw himself to keep to his intention of saving the full act of sex until they were married.
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.” Thomas knew that Heather was being made sick with love and desire, just as he was.
“Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me.” Thomas knew that there were times that he was so overcome by the look of intense passionate desire in Heather Lee’s eyes that he was in danger of giving in to Heather’s passionate intensity.
“How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!” Thomas reassured Heather that he was madly in love with her and wanted to make love to her but he found it impossible to overcome his scruples.
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.” Thomas wished that Heather would adopt that attitude and not awaken his intense sexual desire until the moment when they could lawfully enjoy it without recriminations.
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.” Thomas was so filled up with Heather’s love that he knew that it was as strong as death that nothing would ever quench the love he felt for her.
“Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.” Heather wanted Thomas and she wanted him now. Thomas, also, couldn’t wait to make her his wife so they could be alone together, instead of living with her mother
Whatever spiritual significance the Pastor drew from those intensely physical and passionate words were lost on Thomas. He could only think of them in terms of Heather Lee’s physical presence and their sexually-charged relationship.
To Be Continued: Next:Chapter Two, Part Two:Thomas and his One and Only Love?
50TheTortoise
Chapter Two, Part Two: Thomas and Heather Lee
Thomas and his One and Only Love?
When they were alone together in Thomas’s room of an evening or at the weekend they played Eddie Arnold on Thomas’s Dansette turntable and this became their song:
Make the world go away
Get it off my shoulder
Say the things we used to say
And make the world, make it go away
Do you remember when you loved me
Before the world took you away
Well if you do, then forgive me
And make the world, make it go away
Now I’m sorry if I hurt you
Let me make it up to you day by day
And if you will please forgive me
And make the world, make it go away
But Thomas knew that although he wanted to make love to her they would have to wait until they were married. But the way Heather kissed him and aroused his desire was sapping his power to resist. He tried to kiss her chastely, but Heather was too passionate and full of fire for him to resist her for long. Besides which, Thomas was madly in love with Heather and desired her with every fibre of his being.
“We must get married”, Thomas had said to her. “Before we do something that we shouldn’t.”
Thomas had been so earnest, that Heather had smiled sweetly at him and throwing her arms about his neck she kissed him passionately until she took his breath away! He felt her intensity, smelled the sweetness of her perfume, saw the gaiety in her face, the sparkle in her eyes, the warmth of her embrace, her soft voice, which entranced him as she said: “But I love you Thomas.”
Thomas had been helpless to resist in her sweet and lovely hands. But even so his mind was a whirl of confused emotions. On the one hand he loved Heather to distraction but on the other hand he wanted to wait until they were married until they made love. Heather pressed herself against him and Thomas put his hand on her soft thighs and felt himself almost swooning with sexual desire but he could not bring himself to pursue his desire to the ultimate. Fighting back his desire he managed to extricate himself from the soft and sensual arms of his beloved Heather.
Thomas wished that he could set an early date for the wedding, before he lost his mind completely.
However, he knew that at the end of April, Heather was due to go to work for a family as a Nanny and on the 15th he was going to University for a further two years to continue his degree in Economics. This was some relief to Thomas but Heather was bitterly disappointed by the change in their circumstances.
He wrote her a poem to console her:
“You are my one and only love
As sweet and gentle as a dove,
The one whom the Lord above
Gave to me.”
Heather said, “That is very sweet, Thomas”, when he had presented the poem to her.
Thomas remembered how she had been in tears when she saw him off on the train, when it was time for him to return to University and it nearly broke his heart to see her sad looks and tears. He remembered how Heather had clung to him and kissed him passionately as her tears streamed down her face. He could taste the salty tears as he sat back in the carriage of the train that bore him away from her. With her passionate kisses lingering on his lips Thomas was filled with a tender sadness. He remembered her look of grief at his going away and the big, brown, beautiful eyes filled with tears and his heart swelled with joy at the thought that this beautiful, wonderful, passionate woman loved him so much.
Thomas could hardly believe how lucky he was. Then he remembered Penelope. Oh dear, he thought, what will I say to Penelope? In his mad whirlwind romance with Heather Lee, Thomas had scarcely given a thought to Penny. Now he had to face her once more and to somehow tell her that their brief, gentle romance, begun only months before the break for holidays, had to come to an end. Thomas knew that it was not going to be easy for him. Thomas hated confrontation and emotional scenes and he shrank from the ordeal to the extent that he hoped that it would just somehow blow over and fizzle out. As the train trundled through the Sussex countryside the words he had written to Heather Lee came back to haunt him: “You are my one and only love.” which kept repeating itself in his tortured brain to the rhythm of the train. Thomas groaned inwardly.
To Be Continued: Next: Chapter Two, Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Thomas and his One and Only Love?
When they were alone together in Thomas’s room of an evening or at the weekend they played Eddie Arnold on Thomas’s Dansette turntable and this became their song:
Make the world go away
Get it off my shoulder
Say the things we used to say
And make the world, make it go away
Do you remember when you loved me
Before the world took you away
Well if you do, then forgive me
And make the world, make it go away
Now I’m sorry if I hurt you
Let me make it up to you day by day
And if you will please forgive me
And make the world, make it go away
But Thomas knew that although he wanted to make love to her they would have to wait until they were married. But the way Heather kissed him and aroused his desire was sapping his power to resist. He tried to kiss her chastely, but Heather was too passionate and full of fire for him to resist her for long. Besides which, Thomas was madly in love with Heather and desired her with every fibre of his being.
“We must get married”, Thomas had said to her. “Before we do something that we shouldn’t.”
Thomas had been so earnest, that Heather had smiled sweetly at him and throwing her arms about his neck she kissed him passionately until she took his breath away! He felt her intensity, smelled the sweetness of her perfume, saw the gaiety in her face, the sparkle in her eyes, the warmth of her embrace, her soft voice, which entranced him as she said: “But I love you Thomas.”
Thomas had been helpless to resist in her sweet and lovely hands. But even so his mind was a whirl of confused emotions. On the one hand he loved Heather to distraction but on the other hand he wanted to wait until they were married until they made love. Heather pressed herself against him and Thomas put his hand on her soft thighs and felt himself almost swooning with sexual desire but he could not bring himself to pursue his desire to the ultimate. Fighting back his desire he managed to extricate himself from the soft and sensual arms of his beloved Heather.
Thomas wished that he could set an early date for the wedding, before he lost his mind completely.
However, he knew that at the end of April, Heather was due to go to work for a family as a Nanny and on the 15th he was going to University for a further two years to continue his degree in Economics. This was some relief to Thomas but Heather was bitterly disappointed by the change in their circumstances.
He wrote her a poem to console her:
“You are my one and only love
As sweet and gentle as a dove,
The one whom the Lord above
Gave to me.”
Heather said, “That is very sweet, Thomas”, when he had presented the poem to her.
Thomas remembered how she had been in tears when she saw him off on the train, when it was time for him to return to University and it nearly broke his heart to see her sad looks and tears. He remembered how Heather had clung to him and kissed him passionately as her tears streamed down her face. He could taste the salty tears as he sat back in the carriage of the train that bore him away from her. With her passionate kisses lingering on his lips Thomas was filled with a tender sadness. He remembered her look of grief at his going away and the big, brown, beautiful eyes filled with tears and his heart swelled with joy at the thought that this beautiful, wonderful, passionate woman loved him so much.
Thomas could hardly believe how lucky he was. Then he remembered Penelope. Oh dear, he thought, what will I say to Penelope? In his mad whirlwind romance with Heather Lee, Thomas had scarcely given a thought to Penny. Now he had to face her once more and to somehow tell her that their brief, gentle romance, begun only months before the break for holidays, had to come to an end. Thomas knew that it was not going to be easy for him. Thomas hated confrontation and emotional scenes and he shrank from the ordeal to the extent that he hoped that it would just somehow blow over and fizzle out. As the train trundled through the Sussex countryside the words he had written to Heather Lee came back to haunt him: “You are my one and only love.” which kept repeating itself in his tortured brain to the rhythm of the train. Thomas groaned inwardly.
To Be Continued: Next: Chapter Two, Part Three: Thomas and Sky
51Whisper1
TT
I see that you are making great progress. I'm enjoying reading what you are writing.
Continued good luck to you!
I see that you are making great progress. I'm enjoying reading what you are writing.
Continued good luck to you!
52richardderus
Good heavens! Our own LT version of Charles Dickens!
54TheTortoise
Chapter Two, Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Thomas groaned out loud at the memory and Sky looked up inquiringly. He stroked Sky on his handsome head. Then Thomas remembered that he hadn’t yet taken Sky for his evening walk. Thomas closed the book on his lap, stood up and replaced it on the shelf. .
“Shall we go for our walk now, Sky? Eh, shall we, boy.”
That’s a great idea, Thomas, Sky replied. But all Thomas heard was “Woof.”
Sky grew excited and Thomas played with him, teasing him and Sky responded by running around and barking in response. “Go on then, Sky, get your lead? Get your lead, boy.”
“Woof, woof, woof, woof.” Thomas heard, but Sky actually said: Alright, you were just playing with me like that to get me to do something for you, weren’t you? Well I don’t mind, it seems to give you pleasure.
Sky went to fetch his lead and offered it up to Thomas.
“Woof, Woof.”
Here you are Thomas, one lead. Anything else, you would like me to fetch? he asked
Thomas ignored him, so Sky waited patiently while Thomas put on his shoes, his scarf, his coat, and his woolly hat. “We don’t want to catch cold, do we, Sky?” Sky put his head on one side as though he was appraising Thomas.
“Woof, Woof.”
Well you don’t, anyway,Thomas. I’ve got nice thick fur to keep me warm.
Thomas smiled at him. “Sometimes Sky, the way you look at me, I think you can understand every word I say.”
“Woof, woof.”
Of course, I can, which is more than I can say for you, Thomas.
“We mustn’t forget your ball, must we Sky?”
“Woof.”
Definitely not, I like playing catch.
Thomas took Sky’s ball and launcher and taking his car keys from the hook in the hallway he opened the door and Sky made for the car in the driveway. Sky waited patiently while Thomas disabled the immobiliser and opened the rear door of the car for him. Sky Jumped in and settled himself comfortably on the back seat.
“Are you comfortable, Sky?” Sky barked his reply. “Shall we go then?”
“Woof, woof.”
Yes, OK.
Thomas always likes to play these little games, Sky reflected. It keeps him amused.
Thomas turned over the engine and put the car in gear. “Here we go, then.”
The journey to the sea front took only ten minutes. When they arrived Thomas parked the car and opened the back door for Sky. Sky jumped down and waited patiently while Thomas closed the door, turned on the immobiliser and fixed the lead to his collar. Then together they walked towards the sea, through the car park, up the hill and onto the grass verge that skirted the sea-front. On arrival Thomas released Sky from his lead and Sky raced away to do his doggy thing. Thomas always carried plastic bags with him and cleared up after Sky and then he walked to the bins provided by the council and deposited it in the receptacle.
With this business concluded, Thomas called to Sky. “Here Sky.” Thomas raised his arm with the ball in the launcher and made a feint. Sky turned and looked behind him at Thomas as he launched the ball into the air. Sky raced after the ball and caught it after it bounced once. Sky returned the ball to Thomas and dropped it at his feet.
Here you are, no problem, Thomas, Sky said. But to Thomas it just sounded like: “Woof, Woof.”
Using the launcher Thomas scooped up the ball and once again he launched it high into the air as Sky raced after it to catch it after its one bounce. Thomas tried to catch him out and pretend to throw it to the left and then threw it to the right but this did not fool Sky, he had seen it too often. Thomas knew that no matter what he did to try and fool Sky he always managed to get to the ball after it bounced once and then he would catch it. It seemed like a point of honour with Sky that he would be failing in his duty if he let the ball bounce more than once so he exerted all his boundless energy to this one aim and he always succeeded. Thomas was proud of him and gave him lots of praise and encouragement but secretly he would like to fool Sky just once!
“You are too quick for me Sky, aren’t you boy”, Thomas said as Sky dropped the ball in front of him.
Sky woofed.
Of course, I am, Sky said
Thomas quickly launched the ball thinking that Sky was not ready and that he had caught him out this time. But Sky was not going to be taken in by that old trick and he launched himself after the ball like a bullet from a gun and caught the ball after its first bounce. Thomas shook his head. “There’s no fooling you, is there Sky?”
“Woof,” Sky replied in acknowledgement. You certainly won’t fool me with any of those old tricks, Thomas.
After they had played this game for half an hour and Thomas judged that Sky had had a good run, Thomas made his way to his favourite seat on the sea front overlooking the sea. Thomas never tired of reading the inscription on the seat. The dedication was to one of the Tiller girls and the inscription read: “Dancing through the heavens as she danced through life.” Thomas thought that it was a pretty conceit and no doubt the author found some comfort in that thought. Thomas liked it because it was poetic and conjured up a pleasing image. But Thomas’ down to earth common sense told him that it was just that, a pleasing image. The burial service had it about right he thought and Thomas had buried two wives. “Dust to Dust, Ashes to Ashes, …in hope of the resurrection.” This seemed to Thomas to be more reasonable and in keeping with Scripture, nevertheless, there was something about “dancing through the heavens” that was infinitely appealing.
Thomas sat on the bench. Sky went wandering off, sniffing about delighting himself in all the different scents, some of which he inhaled for a long time before moving on to another smell.
I recognise this smell, it’s that Border Collie from across the road. Mmm, lovely scent she’s got.
Thomas watched him for a while and then looked out on the horizon. The sun was beginning to lower in the Western sky leaving a pink glow across the water and the sky was streaked with red. Thomas gazed up into the sky and his thoughts turned to Darcy.
Sky looked at Thomas. He’s off on one of his reveries, Sky thought. I’ll just wander about a bit and see if I can smell any of my friends. Ehew, that’s a nasty smell, I don’t much like that. If that one comes anywhere near me, he’d better watch out. Sky sniffed about a bit but couldn’t find anything as interesting as the Border Collies’ smell so, after wandering back and taking another good sniff he went and lay down on the grass next to Thomas’ feet.
If only I had had more of Darcy’s self-control, Thomas thought. More of his self-posession. Of course, Darcy had had the advantages of birth and an excellent father. I was born in a slum with a father who was always out of work and who, if he did earn any money, promptly spent it on beer down the pub.
It was only by sheer good fortune that I managed to go to University having won a bursary. But that was all in the past now. I made my own way in life and I am sure my parents did everything they could with the slender means at their disposal. They had had five other children to clothe and feed and life had been tough after the war.
Thomas liked to think like this about his upbringing because it helped him to forget all the bitter feelings he had once had. Thomas did not want to feel bitter. He preferred to justify his parents and to think of them with compassion.
Meeting Heather had been the turning point in my life, Thomas recalled. If I had been like Darcy, more in control of my feelings and having a more rational attitude to love and romance things might have been very different between us. Of course, Heather was not Elizabeth either. Heather was wild, wilful and ungovernable. I was so dazzled by her beauty and charm that I never once stopped to reflect on her character. I was flattered and overwhelmed that a girl with her looks would want to begin a relationship with me. Even so, I tried to hold myself aloof from her but it was a losing battle. I was young and passionate and full of a desire that drove me wild and made me reckless.
I had a sincere religious faith and I wanted to do the right thing but Heather did not share my attitude and felt I was just being foolish and depriving her of the joy of making love for no good reason. Her arguments and her passion overwhelmed me and my senses screamed out to possess my beautiful girl friend whose willing and pliant body any sensible man would not have spurned. Looking back now I wonder if I had been too priggish, if the fact that we were engaged to be married was sufficient reason to indulge ourselves. It is all very well to be wise after the event and to imagine that it wouldn’t really have really mattered. It mattered to me a great deal at the time and I don’t regret my decision, but it put an awful strain on our feelings and I don’t think Heather ever forgot it or forgave it. Perhaps some of her subsequent behaviour and attitudes towards me stemmed from this initial thwarting of her passion. She was not one to be thwarted without feeling deep resentment, especially in light of what happened between Penny and I after I returned to University. Thomas groaned at the memory and Sky stirred, opening one eye and then quickly closing it again.
He’s doing groaning again, Sky thought. I wonder what he is thinking about now. He seems to be doing a lot of that lately.
When I think about it, our initial relationship was more like Wickham’s and Lydia’s, rather than like Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s. Based, as it was, on a foolish passion, without any semblance of rational thought going into the relationship, I acted like a brute beast. If I had had the time and inclination to engage in any serious thought I might have come to a better understanding of Heather’s character. But would that have made me act any differently, I wonder. I was so besotted with Heather and she was so determined to have her way that I seriously doubt that I would have been able to think rationally, in any case.
Darcy and Elizabeth contracted a rational union based on mutual suitability of mind, rather than physical passion. I can’t imagine Darcy ever behaving as foolishly with Elizabeth as I did with Heather Lee. Darcy and Elizabeth came to a mutual understanding and self-knowledge. They resolved their mistaken views of one another and developed mutual respect and realised they were ideally suited to one another. They did not allow passion to cloud their judgement. On the other hand, Heather Lee and I never did resolve our differences, never really came to a mutual understanding, we were always at loggerheads with one another. I couldn’t sympathise with her viewpoint and she was violently opposed to mine. I put her all out of countenance with my moral scruples, which she scorned as so much nonsense. We totally failed to develop mutual respect. I thought she was devoid of moral rectitude and she thought I was a complete ninny in not using the physical faculties that God had given me, to satisfy her desires for intimacy. If we both had taken time to reflect on our respective temperaments and characters we would surely have seen that we were wholly unsuited to bring one another happiness. Our passions completely clouded our judgements and over-rode our critical faculties. Well, I used my critical faculties more than enough subsequently, Thomas thought ruefully.
Then Thomas remembered that he hadn’t yet fed Sky. Thomas stood up and looking at the sun setting in the West and the orange glow that tinted the sky, Thomas thought:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
The firmament shows His handiwork.
Then he looked down at Sky and thanked God for him:
“Come on Sky, time for your dinner” he said cheerfully.
Sky stood up and wagged his tale vigorously at the mention of dinner.
When they arrived home and Thomas had hung up his coat and scarf, Sky followed Thomas into the kitchen and waited patiently while Thomas prepared his bowl of food.
“Here are you, Sky; it’s your favourite, it’s….” Thomas turned the tin round and looked at the label. “It’s rabbit.”
Sky looked briefly at Thomas as though trying to decide if he was joking or not, then seeing that he seemed perfectly serious he put his head down and wolfed down his dinner.
It’s all the same to me, Sky thought. Thomas always says that, no matter whether it’s beef, chicken or rabbit.
Thomas watched him lovingly. Sky, he reflected had been a real comfort to him since the death of his second wife. She had loved Sky like a child and, apart from his memories, Sky was all that was left to him of her. There was the cottage of course, the cottage that had been her idea. A very good idea, it was too, Thomas thought pleasantly.
“Are you finished, Sky?” Thomas asked needlessly.
“Woof, woof.”
Give me a chance, I’m bolting this food down as fast as I can, Sky said.
Thomas was always asking Sky little questions like that; it made their relationship seem more companionable to Thomas somehow. Thomas picked up Sky’s bowl. “Let’s just clean your bowl, shall we?”
“Woof, woof”
I know, Sky answered, why don’t you do it,Thomas, while I watch. So Sky sat and looked up at Thomas while he carefully washed Sky’s bowl and laid it on the draining board.
“Well, Sky, it’s been an interesting day today. We took a trip down memory lane, didn’t we?”
Sky looked at Thomas with a puzzled expression.
“Woof. Woof.”
Did we, I don’t remember going down any lane.
“And it’s tired me out, so I think it’s an early night for us tonight Sky.”
“Woof, woof.”
I’m quite tired out myself, Thomas. Remember, it was me that was doing all the running around?
“Are you ready for bed, Sky?”
“Woof.”
Ready, when you are, Thomas.
“I’ll just make some cocoa, shall I Sky?”
“Woof. Woof.”
You can if you like, Thomas. I’ll wait. Sky thought: If I sit here and watch I might get a cookie.
“I think we’ll have some cookies, too, shall we Sky?”
“Woof.”
Now you’re talking!
Thomas groaned out loud at the memory and Sky looked up inquiringly. He stroked Sky on his handsome head. Then Thomas remembered that he hadn’t yet taken Sky for his evening walk. Thomas closed the book on his lap, stood up and replaced it on the shelf. .
“Shall we go for our walk now, Sky? Eh, shall we, boy.”
That’s a great idea, Thomas, Sky replied. But all Thomas heard was “Woof.”
Sky grew excited and Thomas played with him, teasing him and Sky responded by running around and barking in response. “Go on then, Sky, get your lead? Get your lead, boy.”
“Woof, woof, woof, woof.” Thomas heard, but Sky actually said: Alright, you were just playing with me like that to get me to do something for you, weren’t you? Well I don’t mind, it seems to give you pleasure.
Sky went to fetch his lead and offered it up to Thomas.
“Woof, Woof.”
Here you are Thomas, one lead. Anything else, you would like me to fetch? he asked
Thomas ignored him, so Sky waited patiently while Thomas put on his shoes, his scarf, his coat, and his woolly hat. “We don’t want to catch cold, do we, Sky?” Sky put his head on one side as though he was appraising Thomas.
“Woof, Woof.”
Well you don’t, anyway,Thomas. I’ve got nice thick fur to keep me warm.
Thomas smiled at him. “Sometimes Sky, the way you look at me, I think you can understand every word I say.”
“Woof, woof.”
Of course, I can, which is more than I can say for you, Thomas.
“We mustn’t forget your ball, must we Sky?”
“Woof.”
Definitely not, I like playing catch.
Thomas took Sky’s ball and launcher and taking his car keys from the hook in the hallway he opened the door and Sky made for the car in the driveway. Sky waited patiently while Thomas disabled the immobiliser and opened the rear door of the car for him. Sky Jumped in and settled himself comfortably on the back seat.
“Are you comfortable, Sky?” Sky barked his reply. “Shall we go then?”
“Woof, woof.”
Yes, OK.
Thomas always likes to play these little games, Sky reflected. It keeps him amused.
Thomas turned over the engine and put the car in gear. “Here we go, then.”
The journey to the sea front took only ten minutes. When they arrived Thomas parked the car and opened the back door for Sky. Sky jumped down and waited patiently while Thomas closed the door, turned on the immobiliser and fixed the lead to his collar. Then together they walked towards the sea, through the car park, up the hill and onto the grass verge that skirted the sea-front. On arrival Thomas released Sky from his lead and Sky raced away to do his doggy thing. Thomas always carried plastic bags with him and cleared up after Sky and then he walked to the bins provided by the council and deposited it in the receptacle.
With this business concluded, Thomas called to Sky. “Here Sky.” Thomas raised his arm with the ball in the launcher and made a feint. Sky turned and looked behind him at Thomas as he launched the ball into the air. Sky raced after the ball and caught it after it bounced once. Sky returned the ball to Thomas and dropped it at his feet.
Here you are, no problem, Thomas, Sky said. But to Thomas it just sounded like: “Woof, Woof.”
Using the launcher Thomas scooped up the ball and once again he launched it high into the air as Sky raced after it to catch it after its one bounce. Thomas tried to catch him out and pretend to throw it to the left and then threw it to the right but this did not fool Sky, he had seen it too often. Thomas knew that no matter what he did to try and fool Sky he always managed to get to the ball after it bounced once and then he would catch it. It seemed like a point of honour with Sky that he would be failing in his duty if he let the ball bounce more than once so he exerted all his boundless energy to this one aim and he always succeeded. Thomas was proud of him and gave him lots of praise and encouragement but secretly he would like to fool Sky just once!
“You are too quick for me Sky, aren’t you boy”, Thomas said as Sky dropped the ball in front of him.
Sky woofed.
Of course, I am, Sky said
Thomas quickly launched the ball thinking that Sky was not ready and that he had caught him out this time. But Sky was not going to be taken in by that old trick and he launched himself after the ball like a bullet from a gun and caught the ball after its first bounce. Thomas shook his head. “There’s no fooling you, is there Sky?”
“Woof,” Sky replied in acknowledgement. You certainly won’t fool me with any of those old tricks, Thomas.
After they had played this game for half an hour and Thomas judged that Sky had had a good run, Thomas made his way to his favourite seat on the sea front overlooking the sea. Thomas never tired of reading the inscription on the seat. The dedication was to one of the Tiller girls and the inscription read: “Dancing through the heavens as she danced through life.” Thomas thought that it was a pretty conceit and no doubt the author found some comfort in that thought. Thomas liked it because it was poetic and conjured up a pleasing image. But Thomas’ down to earth common sense told him that it was just that, a pleasing image. The burial service had it about right he thought and Thomas had buried two wives. “Dust to Dust, Ashes to Ashes, …in hope of the resurrection.” This seemed to Thomas to be more reasonable and in keeping with Scripture, nevertheless, there was something about “dancing through the heavens” that was infinitely appealing.
Thomas sat on the bench. Sky went wandering off, sniffing about delighting himself in all the different scents, some of which he inhaled for a long time before moving on to another smell.
I recognise this smell, it’s that Border Collie from across the road. Mmm, lovely scent she’s got.
Thomas watched him for a while and then looked out on the horizon. The sun was beginning to lower in the Western sky leaving a pink glow across the water and the sky was streaked with red. Thomas gazed up into the sky and his thoughts turned to Darcy.
Sky looked at Thomas. He’s off on one of his reveries, Sky thought. I’ll just wander about a bit and see if I can smell any of my friends. Ehew, that’s a nasty smell, I don’t much like that. If that one comes anywhere near me, he’d better watch out. Sky sniffed about a bit but couldn’t find anything as interesting as the Border Collies’ smell so, after wandering back and taking another good sniff he went and lay down on the grass next to Thomas’ feet.
If only I had had more of Darcy’s self-control, Thomas thought. More of his self-posession. Of course, Darcy had had the advantages of birth and an excellent father. I was born in a slum with a father who was always out of work and who, if he did earn any money, promptly spent it on beer down the pub.
It was only by sheer good fortune that I managed to go to University having won a bursary. But that was all in the past now. I made my own way in life and I am sure my parents did everything they could with the slender means at their disposal. They had had five other children to clothe and feed and life had been tough after the war.
Thomas liked to think like this about his upbringing because it helped him to forget all the bitter feelings he had once had. Thomas did not want to feel bitter. He preferred to justify his parents and to think of them with compassion.
Meeting Heather had been the turning point in my life, Thomas recalled. If I had been like Darcy, more in control of my feelings and having a more rational attitude to love and romance things might have been very different between us. Of course, Heather was not Elizabeth either. Heather was wild, wilful and ungovernable. I was so dazzled by her beauty and charm that I never once stopped to reflect on her character. I was flattered and overwhelmed that a girl with her looks would want to begin a relationship with me. Even so, I tried to hold myself aloof from her but it was a losing battle. I was young and passionate and full of a desire that drove me wild and made me reckless.
I had a sincere religious faith and I wanted to do the right thing but Heather did not share my attitude and felt I was just being foolish and depriving her of the joy of making love for no good reason. Her arguments and her passion overwhelmed me and my senses screamed out to possess my beautiful girl friend whose willing and pliant body any sensible man would not have spurned. Looking back now I wonder if I had been too priggish, if the fact that we were engaged to be married was sufficient reason to indulge ourselves. It is all very well to be wise after the event and to imagine that it wouldn’t really have really mattered. It mattered to me a great deal at the time and I don’t regret my decision, but it put an awful strain on our feelings and I don’t think Heather ever forgot it or forgave it. Perhaps some of her subsequent behaviour and attitudes towards me stemmed from this initial thwarting of her passion. She was not one to be thwarted without feeling deep resentment, especially in light of what happened between Penny and I after I returned to University. Thomas groaned at the memory and Sky stirred, opening one eye and then quickly closing it again.
He’s doing groaning again, Sky thought. I wonder what he is thinking about now. He seems to be doing a lot of that lately.
When I think about it, our initial relationship was more like Wickham’s and Lydia’s, rather than like Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s. Based, as it was, on a foolish passion, without any semblance of rational thought going into the relationship, I acted like a brute beast. If I had had the time and inclination to engage in any serious thought I might have come to a better understanding of Heather’s character. But would that have made me act any differently, I wonder. I was so besotted with Heather and she was so determined to have her way that I seriously doubt that I would have been able to think rationally, in any case.
Darcy and Elizabeth contracted a rational union based on mutual suitability of mind, rather than physical passion. I can’t imagine Darcy ever behaving as foolishly with Elizabeth as I did with Heather Lee. Darcy and Elizabeth came to a mutual understanding and self-knowledge. They resolved their mistaken views of one another and developed mutual respect and realised they were ideally suited to one another. They did not allow passion to cloud their judgement. On the other hand, Heather Lee and I never did resolve our differences, never really came to a mutual understanding, we were always at loggerheads with one another. I couldn’t sympathise with her viewpoint and she was violently opposed to mine. I put her all out of countenance with my moral scruples, which she scorned as so much nonsense. We totally failed to develop mutual respect. I thought she was devoid of moral rectitude and she thought I was a complete ninny in not using the physical faculties that God had given me, to satisfy her desires for intimacy. If we both had taken time to reflect on our respective temperaments and characters we would surely have seen that we were wholly unsuited to bring one another happiness. Our passions completely clouded our judgements and over-rode our critical faculties. Well, I used my critical faculties more than enough subsequently, Thomas thought ruefully.
Then Thomas remembered that he hadn’t yet fed Sky. Thomas stood up and looking at the sun setting in the West and the orange glow that tinted the sky, Thomas thought:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
The firmament shows His handiwork.
Then he looked down at Sky and thanked God for him:
“Come on Sky, time for your dinner” he said cheerfully.
Sky stood up and wagged his tale vigorously at the mention of dinner.
When they arrived home and Thomas had hung up his coat and scarf, Sky followed Thomas into the kitchen and waited patiently while Thomas prepared his bowl of food.
“Here are you, Sky; it’s your favourite, it’s….” Thomas turned the tin round and looked at the label. “It’s rabbit.”
Sky looked briefly at Thomas as though trying to decide if he was joking or not, then seeing that he seemed perfectly serious he put his head down and wolfed down his dinner.
It’s all the same to me, Sky thought. Thomas always says that, no matter whether it’s beef, chicken or rabbit.
Thomas watched him lovingly. Sky, he reflected had been a real comfort to him since the death of his second wife. She had loved Sky like a child and, apart from his memories, Sky was all that was left to him of her. There was the cottage of course, the cottage that had been her idea. A very good idea, it was too, Thomas thought pleasantly.
“Are you finished, Sky?” Thomas asked needlessly.
“Woof, woof.”
Give me a chance, I’m bolting this food down as fast as I can, Sky said.
Thomas was always asking Sky little questions like that; it made their relationship seem more companionable to Thomas somehow. Thomas picked up Sky’s bowl. “Let’s just clean your bowl, shall we?”
“Woof, woof”
I know, Sky answered, why don’t you do it,Thomas, while I watch. So Sky sat and looked up at Thomas while he carefully washed Sky’s bowl and laid it on the draining board.
“Well, Sky, it’s been an interesting day today. We took a trip down memory lane, didn’t we?”
Sky looked at Thomas with a puzzled expression.
“Woof. Woof.”
Did we, I don’t remember going down any lane.
“And it’s tired me out, so I think it’s an early night for us tonight Sky.”
“Woof, woof.”
I’m quite tired out myself, Thomas. Remember, it was me that was doing all the running around?
“Are you ready for bed, Sky?”
“Woof.”
Ready, when you are, Thomas.
“I’ll just make some cocoa, shall I Sky?”
“Woof. Woof.”
You can if you like, Thomas. I’ll wait. Sky thought: If I sit here and watch I might get a cookie.
“I think we’ll have some cookies, too, shall we Sky?”
“Woof.”
Now you’re talking!
55TheTortoise
I hope you have all enjoyed Chapters One and Two of The Book Traveller, as much as I have enjoyed writing them and sharing them with you. Thank you to all those who made kind and encouraging comments. If anyone would like to receive a word document containing the full text of Chapters One and Two then please send me a Private message with your email address. If anyone has any constructive criticisms then please feel free to share them with me.
As I am planning to send a full synopsis to a publisher, I am only going to provide the briefest comment on the synopsis of the remaining chapters to avoid giving away the plot and its treatment,
Synopsis of Chapters Three to Eight of The Book Traveller
Chapter Three: Part One: Thomas becomes Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Part Two: Theme: Jealousy and Revenge Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Four: Part One: Thomas becomes Sherlock Holmes from A Scandal in Bohemia. . Part Two: Theme: Deceit. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Five: Part One: Thomas becomes Charles Bovary from Emma Bovary. . Part Two: Theme: Adultery. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Six: Part One: Thomas becomes Bishop Grantly from Barchester Towers. . Part Two: Theme: Arrogance. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Seven: Part One: Thomas becomes Rochester from Jane Eyre. . Part Two: Theme: Mental Illness. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Eight: In which all the conflicts are resolved in a surprise ending!
ETA: Just for Stasia: THE END!
- TT
As I am planning to send a full synopsis to a publisher, I am only going to provide the briefest comment on the synopsis of the remaining chapters to avoid giving away the plot and its treatment,
Synopsis of Chapters Three to Eight of The Book Traveller
Chapter Three: Part One: Thomas becomes Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Part Two: Theme: Jealousy and Revenge Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Four: Part One: Thomas becomes Sherlock Holmes from A Scandal in Bohemia. . Part Two: Theme: Deceit. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Five: Part One: Thomas becomes Charles Bovary from Emma Bovary. . Part Two: Theme: Adultery. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Six: Part One: Thomas becomes Bishop Grantly from Barchester Towers. . Part Two: Theme: Arrogance. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Seven: Part One: Thomas becomes Rochester from Jane Eyre. . Part Two: Theme: Mental Illness. Part Three: Thomas and Sky
Chapter Eight: In which all the conflicts are resolved in a surprise ending!
ETA: Just for Stasia: THE END!
- TT
56alcottacre
Ending? You mean as in "The End"? I can read it finally!
58alcottacre
Woo Hoo!
60suslyn
I'm only to Msg 27 and am completely enchanted. Praying for the right publisher. Wonderful.
61TheTortoise
25,000 Words - Yeehaa! I am still working on Chapter Three and it is taking shape nicely. As this is a really dark and desperate story, I have introduced Sky into the action at Wuthering Heights with two other dogs - they provide a counterpoint of humour to the main action.
Thank you for all your encouraging words. It really helps to motivate me!
- TT
Thank you for all your encouraging words. It really helps to motivate me!
- TT
62billiejean
I just now found your first two chapters and they are wonderful! Thanks for sharing with everyone and the best of luck with your publisher. :)
--BJ
--BJ
63TheTortoise
Thanks billiejean, I am glad you liked them.
I have nearly finished Chapter Three. I think it is better than Chapter Two, and I am really excited by the way this story is shaping up. Sky has become a major character and is having adventures of his own. Then it is on to Chapter Four where Thomas is Sherlock Holmes and meets the devious Irene Adler. I have already started this chapter and it is looking good!
- TT
I have nearly finished Chapter Three. I think it is better than Chapter Two, and I am really excited by the way this story is shaping up. Sky has become a major character and is having adventures of his own. Then it is on to Chapter Four where Thomas is Sherlock Holmes and meets the devious Irene Adler. I have already started this chapter and it is looking good!
- TT
64TheTortoise
I passed the halfway mark today! 51,000 words and counting!
- TT
- TT
67alcottacre
Woo Hoo!!
68TheTortoise
60,000 words today! Nearly two thirds of the way there! Still aiming for completion of first draft by the end of April.
- TT
- TT
