Becoming Jane: the Vignettes

By Icha

Rated: T

Summary: Scenes of Becoming Jane. Can't stop loving it! Thanks to Rachel Kingston for the faithful beta! Chapter 10: THE KISS! For those who have yet to see the movie: SPOILERS ahead. But I suggest you to watch it still, it worth it! And thanks for the read and reviews!

Chapter 10. 'I am yours, heart and soul.'

Tom Lefroy waited anxiously, observing a private room in which Jane had reluctantly entered with Lady Gresham upon her request. Such a discreet conversation conducted at such a grand event could only mean one thing – her Ladyship inquired after an utmost important matter. What important matter could involve Jane Austen other than the courtship between Jane and the lady's nephew, Mr. Wisley?

The door opened and Jane exited the small room. Tom, who was positioned in the corridor of the first floor, was eager to follow her when he realised that he was not alone. Lucy Lefroy followed his gaze and began to speak.

'I do hope that Jane accepts Mr. Wisley's proposal of marriage soon. Ah, they are such a matching couple, are they not?'

These words stunned Tom. He had no idea that a marriage proposal had been made. A pain shuddered through his entire body; his mind was instantly filled with panic and turmoil. The notion of Lady Gresham forcing Jane into marrying Wisley was an abominable idea that made Tom revolted. Wisley could never make her happy. What does he know of Jane's favourite poetry or what makes her laugh? He knows only of money, something that Jane views as subservient to love. He snorted and watched as Jane disappeared into the garden. Mrs. Anne Lefroy responded to her daughter by adding, 'Hush, Lucy…hush…' of which Lucy retorted, 'Do you not think so?' Upon noticing the anguish etched on Tom's face, mother and daughter shared a knowing look, and glided away, leaving Tom to ponder his thoughts alone.

Wisley would not make Jane happy, he was very certain of that. But what if…what if Lady Gresham had forced Jane into consenting? Her appearance as she left the room had not been one of obstination. What if she has to consent for the sake of her family? For money? What if I am to lose her?

Unable to bear such thoughts, Tom tentatively followed Jane into the rose garden. He found her standing absent-mindedly by the pond, gazing into the distance. After a few reluctant moments, he approached and stood beside her. He cleared his throat to announce his presence but no words left his mouth. The girl that had captivated his heart said nothing either. He finally spoke.

'I….. have just learned of Wisley's proposal,' he decided to play safe. 'Congratulations.' He looked at her and saw the agony in her eyes. Indeed, Jane Austen was silently crying. A pang of sorrow hit his heart; he dropped his false countenance to declare his true feelings. 'How could you marry him? How could you, of all people, dispose of yourself without love?'

Jane stirred from her stupor. With tears running down her rosy cheeks, she whispered, 'How could I dispose of myself with it?' She slowly turned to face him; their eyes met. 'You are to leave tomorrow…'

Tom searched Jane's eyes and found nothing but the truth: she loved him dearly, as he loved her ardently. He had felt her silent affirmation of love during their dance but his reluctance to speak had prevented him from confirming this declaration. But now, looking into the dark eyes adorned with tears, he finally erased any doubt; he was certain that she loved him. Elated, he realised that he did not want any other woman but Jane Austen. He was preparing to speak when she slowly closed the space between them and kissed him.

The revelation that Jane kissed him first shocked Tom.Gathering his composure, he began to return her kiss…gently… tenderly. He savoured her sweet scent and the taste of her lips with gratitude…he was in eternal bliss. Yet, suddenly she stopped and innocently asked,

'Did I do it well?'

Again, Tom was stunned. He chuckled, softly stroked her cheek and replied, 'Yes. Very well.'

She smiled shyly. 'Oh, good. I have always wanted to do it well. Just once, to do it well.'

Tom could reply no more. He kissed Jane with joy and tears. As the passion between them began to escalate, some voices travelled from the main building. Somebody is coming! Swiftly, Tom led his lady away from the pond towards a large tree, camouflaged by shadow. Panting with apprehension, they spotted several gentlemen walking along the cobble stone path into the garden, away from their hiding place. Tom waited for a moment before making sure that they were truly alone before he faced the love of his life once more, who was leaning on the tree, her face flustered. For safety, he led her several steps deeper into the darkness whilst hastily proclaiming,

'Jane…I have no money. I am entirely dependent on my pretentious, mean uncle for survival. But upon my words…' he held her passionately, '– I'm yours, Jane! I'm yours! Heart and soul!' He found himself sobbing as he continued, 'I love you, and I want only you!'

He found her half chuckling and half crying. 'When did we decide that?'

He chuckled as well. 'I do not know…' He was about to kiss her again when his ears caught voices in the distance. The gentlemen were back, but they would not steal his chance of expressing his love for her. Promptly, he moved Jane deeper into the darkness and resumed his sentence. 'But I do know that I want to be with you.' He kissed her again and found her ardently kissing him back, muttering, 'But what are we to do?'

Tom passionately cradled Jane's angelic face in his hands as he replied, 'What we must.'

-TBC-

Author's note:

Ahhhh!!! The kiss! One of the best kisses I've ever seen on the silver screen! The precious expressions of Jane and Tom as they confessed their love to each other. Ahhhh!!! I want to see it again! Why in the world do they have to air the movie so late in the U.S.?! I can't have my DVD beforehand!

Please read and review, and thanks! Next: London.