This Vignette was inspired by the trailers of S&S 2008: The newest adaptation by Andrew Davies. It describes what I saw, or what I thought I saw, the spoken words were drowned by the music of the trailer. It takes place at the ball in London where Marianne is treated badly by Willoughby. The Colonel steps in and saves the day.
There are at least two more S&S08 Vignettes that will be posted later on in this story thread.
London Vignette
The tension of the past months had worn her out. She was near exhaustion and the slow realization that all was over grew more definite with every passing day without letters or calls. Her spirit was slowly extinguishing and the process seemed to be irreversible. Then the day of the ball arrived and in spite of her weariness she attended with a faint hope to find him there.
She felt his presence when she entered the ballroom. He stood with his back to her but she would have recognized him anywhere. She remained at the door, silently willing him to notice her and come to her.
Sensing something was happening behind his back, he turned around slowly. He blanched visibly when he saw the cause of the sudden lull in the conversation. Slightly lifting one eyebrow he silently questioned her presence.
All hope died the moment she met his eyes. Even though she pressed for an explanation she knew in her heart of hearts that it was over. She scarcely comprehended his cold words and the curt nod with which she was dismissed was the final blow. He resumed his conversation as if nothing had happened.
Bewildered, hurting, and angry at the same time she retraced her steps without noticing where she was going. Willoughby, how could you? Why? Have we not always spoken plainly to one another?
Elinor was standing at the door wearing a frown on her dear face. Marianne faltered, tripping over her feet. Her vision blurring, she reached out desperately for her sister. The room grew dark as if the candles were snuffed out one by one. There was a strange ringing in her ears but the intense feeling of sorrow and despair remained. Her legs gave in, and she had the strange notion of the floor rushing up to her. A strong arm shot out suddenly from behind and wrapped itself around her waist, holding her gently. A supporting hand closed reassuringly around her shoulder. The last thing that penetrated the dense fog in her head was a low, soothing voice. She did not catch the meaning of the words but all of a sudden it was like she had found the one safe place in the world. She blacked out and knew no more.