Author's Note: Ok, firstly I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who reviewed my first story (coming up for 600 hits!) – I know everybody says it, but all your comments meant a lot to me. I don't actually let anyone close to me read what I write, guess I'm too afraid of what they'll say; so just the fact that I got hits sent me into a major high for about a week! And the reviews were just amazing!
Moving on, this is one of five new stories I'm working on, (three Jane Austen and two Tamora Pierce). Really hoping that I can get updates out fairly regularly, but school is manic what with applying to Uni, being head of fundraising for our Leaver's Ball and all my wonderful essays :/ So for any delays I hope you'll forgive me. Umm, that's about it, hope you like this – reviews always welcome, just please be nice, I'm fragile lol. Just a quick warning, the characters may be a little OOC at times, but I think you need that for a well rounded MODERN story; something a little different sparks the imagination! So please, don't email me saying if they are, it's the way its intended – but I will, of course, try my best not to stray
Disclaimer: Owing to my lack of beautiful Regency dresses, I must confess I'm not Jane Austen; I'm just...borrowing! Also, don't own any ideas I may have pinched and tweaked from films etc.
Prologue
"Gee!!! What are you doing?"
The girl's giggling squeal broke the calm of the countryside as a red MG convertible sped through the lanes, hedges and plant life flashing by in a blur of colour.
"What? Don't you like it honey? I thought all girls liked a fast car?!?" he mocked.
Taking one hand off the wheel, the man stretched over and traced the back of her neck lightly with his finger, playing lazily with the wisps of wavy blonde hair that had escaped her bun in the breeze. She shivered agreeably as the car's speed continued to increase.
"George, please, it's too fast!" Starting to panic now, the girl gripped the edge of her seat. The man only laughed and pressed the accelerator flat to the floor, causing scenery to zoom by even quicker.
"Come on sweetheart, don't be scared. You know I would never hurt you, I'm in complete control. Cheer up cherub, sweetums, poppet, ma petite chou..."
"You're drunk," she spat in disgust. "I want to get out, stop the car. George, stop the car!" But he made no move to slow down. Snatching his hand back, George gripped the steering wheel tightly.
"Don't be such a baby Gia." His voice was no longer soft and melodical, but harsh and slightly slurred.
The girl was now crying, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
"Please, George, stop. Please!"
Shaking his head furiously, he yanked the wheel hard as the narrow country lane began to curve. However, the bend didn't stop. Desperately pulling on the wheel and slamming the brakes, he tried in vain to get the car round safely.
They were going too fast.
Gia screamed as the back of the car swung wide from the momentum and it crashed through the fence at the side of the road. Grass and shrubs came rushing up to meet them as the MG careered through the field.
She saw the tree before they hit it, directly in their path and looking very imposing, but it didn't seem to register. There was a loud crash and she was thrown forwards violently in her seat.
The last thing she heard was shouting in the far distance and a groan beside her before everything went black.
Author's Note: Well, that was the first part. Don't worry, the rest of the chapters will be longer, I promise. Please let me know what you think BTW ma petite chou means "my small cabbage" – just something our French teacher used to call us lol.