Sense & Sensibility

by Shealtiel

'I, who insisted upon this secret so forcefully in its conception and was nearly the reason for its downfall.' Rated for sophisticated language. Oneshot.

Sense & Sensibility
by Shealtiel
Rated: K+ for sophisticated language.
Summary: 'I, who insisted upon this secret so forcefully in its conception and was nearly the reason for its downfall.'

A/N: This is another practice SAC I wrote. A letter from Frank Churchill to Jane Fairfax.

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[To Miss Fairfax]

My Dear Miss Fairfax,

Enscombe — April

Having left in rather a hurry last week, I feel it is my duty to tell you that I am grieved to have left Highbury for your sake, and I hope to return presently, though my aunt keeps me by her side night and day, scarcely allowing myself a few hours of rest during the night. She is much afraid I will quit her and return to where she can clearly see my heart is – in Highbury, though she does not suspect you to be my reason for desiring my own swift return. Her illness seems to be of the same nature of those others that have frequented her – to ensure the presence of myself and my uncle.

I regret I was not able to adequately express my pain in having to quit Highbury so suddenly. Had your aunt, Miss Bates, not entered as untimely as she had I would have communicated just how anxious I am being away from you at this time. Concerning my journey, it was tiresome but no other hardships appeared to trouble us. I am now quite safe at Enscombe and hope I may return very soon to Highbury and to you.

Now I must speak of more important matters. On the morning of my leaving Highbury, I felt it especially proper to take my leave of one Miss Woodhouse and her father. After discussing the ball that has now been postponed, she mentioned something to me which suggests she may suspect an attachment concerning you, on my side at least. She inquired after the reasons why I delayed my coming to Highbury initially. She mentioned immediately following this, the tragedy that I was not able to spare five minutes for yourself and Miss Bates. I assured her then that I had seen you, but I now realise this might not have been the wisest course of action, as I feel my words and my behaviour gave away a little of my thoughts on the subject. It was at this point that I nearly gave us away to her, and I am quite ashamed to have to tell you this; I, who insisted upon this secret so forcefully in its conception and was nearly the reason for its downfall. Thankfully Miss Woodhouse has more sense than I, as she stopped me with a brief comment on my visit to you. She seemed to suggest that it would be wiser that she not know. We must thank her good sense dear Miss Fairfax. In any case, I took my leave then. I was afraid to stay longer.

I felt I should communicate these events to you Miss Fairfax and I hope you do not think too much less of me for my near betrayal of my promise to you.

I hope to be in Highbury and with you again very soon.

Yours &c.
Mr. Frank Churchill

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