A/N: Well, here's the new chapter, mind you I'm a bit nervous due to the length since my last update. If you have any thoughts on the chapter, let me know. Otherwise, I hope it is up to what you guys expect :D Happy reading.
After a few moments of silence, Mr. Rochester seemed to have found his tongue once more – although I remained in dumbfounded silence. "What a surprise to see you here, Miss Allen. I was under the impression you despised London." he said coolly, reminding me of one of the first conversations I had with him which (As I recalled later, Reader) had included the subject.
"Yes, well, Adele wished me to come. I couldn't refuse her." I replied with a smile, looking down at the girl beside me who was looking between us with interest. For a moment, I wondered if she knew what had occurred between Mr. Rochester and myself; but then was reminded that she couldn't possibly have that knowledge. Then again, I knew that Adele was more than apt at finding things out, or spying if she wished.
Mr. Rochester smiled briefly at Adele, "Perhaps I shouldn't have hired you, Miss Allen. If you can be so easily influenced." he said, inciting a curious look from myself, but he ignored it as he continued, "However, considering Adele has increased in her studies – especially well with music – then I shall overlook this rather minute flaw."
I almost felt the immature urge to roll my eyes, but refrained from doing so, remembering that he was only teasing. "Thank you sir, for your forbearance. I shall endeavor to be more firm." I replied as Adele whispered in my ear. She asked if she could go talk to my brother, and with a brief look at my employer I gave her permission. She ran off without so much as a word to the man in front of us, but we could only laugh at her antics.
"And where is she off to?" he asked me.
"She is fetching my brother. Heaven only knows why." I answered as we lapsed into momentary silence.
"So are you staying in London overnight?" he inquired, shifting his hat in his hands.
"Not to my knowledge, we were only supposed to spend the day and return to Branhurst after dinner – but I am unsure, Hetta would know more than I."
"And did you have a pleasant trip?"
"Yes, very pleasant." I replied quietly, "As pleasant as six people in a carriage can be – one being a chatterbox."
Mr. Rochester chuckled, "Yes, she can be rather talkative."
"I fear for when she grows older, you might have a hard time keeping her attention away from young man."
"It is the French in her, I'm afraid. Her mother was very much the same." Mr. Rochester said.
Once more, we lapsed into uncomfortable silence.
"But I am surprised to see you here, sir." I said suddenly, causing his dark eyes to instantly snap to mine, "I was unaware you were planning a trip to London. We came quite impromptu ourselves. Apparently, Hetta has some more shopping to do."
Mr. Rochester's eyes became quizzical, his mouth turning into a frown "You were unaware?" he repeated, a confused look passing over his features. "But I sent –"
"Mr. Rochester, how surprised I am to see you." George's voice came from behind me, interrupting Mr. Rochester, and inciting a quick handshake between the gentlemen. "How are you sir?"
"Never better, Mr. Allen. I take it your studies have improved?"
George smiled, "Yes, they have, thanks to your advice. The Headmaster, Mr. Heatley, was more than happy to oblige with your suggestion." he answered, leaving me completely in the dark to just what my employer and brother were referring to.
"Good" Mr. Rochester replied, "With any luck you'll be in Cambridge by next year. Then you receive your family estate – correct?"
"Yes, Livingston." George said with a wistful look, "Once I graduate, I will move there. Molly will no doubt be pleased." he looked at me to find that the very thought of our family home made me smile. "She has always dreamed of returning home."
Mr. Rochester chuckled, but his eyes did not reflect the amusement of his tone, "You are to take her from my employ then?"
"Not yet." George replied quickly, "I'm not returning to the family home for a few years yet. Though if I had to take her from your employ, then I'm sure she could still help her pupil."
"Oh?" Mr. Rochester said, "How would that work?"
George shrugged, "I'm sure Molly would find a way. Besides, Ade – that is to say, Miss Varens – would always be welcome in our home." my brother said, not really to my surprise, but it seemed definitely to Mr. Rochester's.
"I'll keep that in mind then." my employer replied looking over my head. "Your six companions seem to have discovered us, Miss Allen."
With a quick glance behind me, I found (to my surprise) that Adele had not only fetched George, but also Henrietta – and therefore, Mr. Gibson, who had asked Mr. Rochester if he had lunched.
"Not yet." Mr. Rochester answered simply, "I was about to meet with one of my business associates at his home, lunch was the furthest thing from my mind. No doubt his mother and sister will insist that I stay for luncheon, therefore I did not think about it much." it was clear that any invitation that was to be extended from my cousin, was to be met with a rejection.
Henrietta soon moved forward, "Perhaps, then, we could meet for supper?" she proposed, "We plan on staying at least that late."
"I certainly hope not." George said quietly, earning a glare from my cousin. George was never very fond of shopping – unless of course it was concerning something which interested him.
"I'm afraid not." Mr. Rochester replied, "I have a dinner engagement as well."
Mr. Gibson spoke next quickly protesting Mr. Rochester's blatant declination of their invitation to sup with them. "Perhaps you could come to visit Branhurst – Mrs. Polk has asked after you, sir. Didn't she Molly?" he asked me, bringing me once more into the fray of conversation. Five sets of eyes settled on me (and for the first time, I realized that Georgianna was not there).
"Yes, she did, Mr. Rochester. She was surprised you declined the invitation to the wedding, and was rather put out. She hoped you would come." I informed him quietly.
"Yes, I'm sorry, but this business in London has caused me to refuse. I honestly wish I could come, but alas I cannot." Mr. Rochester said.
Henrietta quickly contested it, informing him that he was still invited, and hoped that he would come. He gave a pointed look at me, surprising me with his intent gaze. "I'll consider it." he replied to her, "If I can come, I might." then after a few moments longer – he excused himself, disappearing amongst the streets of London.
"Well!" Henrietta said with exasperation, "I would hope he would have accepted our invitation. That was rather rude of him."
"He said he was busy." I replied meekly. "He probably was. You can't force a man to lunch with us, Hetta."
Her hazel gaze settled on me in a curious manner, and taking Mr. Gibson's arm she went to the table which George had been able to acquire for us. Adele took George's arm herself, quite the little chatterbox as she spoke of Mr. Rochester's business (of which she knew very little about)
"Do you think its because of you, Molly?" Georgianna's voice came from behind me, as she linked her arm with mine. I honestly didn't know, and wondered myself if that was the reason with which he was so adament about his refusal.
"I don't know." I admitted, "I left Thornfield on good terms." at least I thought I had, and he had seemed cordial enough.
The trip to London ended later that evening, without another view of Mr. Rochester at the George. Henrietta was determined that he should come to the wedding now that she had seen him, and handed me a note to give to the innkeeper with the request that it be received by Mr. Rochester. Why my cousin chose me, I found out later; but for that time, I was thoroughly confused.
The next morning, I woke early to once more go on a walk before breakfast. I wished a bit of reprieve from the busy household of matrimonial plans. Indeed, for now that Hetta had finished putting together her trousseau, I was sure that from that moment on I would be obliged to steal time to myself.
My mind was confused at Mr. Rochester's actions the day before, and I wondered just what he would do with the invitation from Henrietta. Would he accept? And if so, how would he act after what had transpired between us? Would I be disappointed if he did not? Of course, I almost expected him not to accept; but I must confess, Reader, I had a slight hope that he would accept her invitation.
I had not gotten far, however, when I found myself face to face with the one person I wanted very much not to see: Charles Nelson.
"Good day, Miss Allen." he greeted cordially, astride the magnificent stallion which – if my memory served me well – was named Udolpho. He had always had a fondness for Radcliffe.
"Mr. Nelson." I replied, a tinge of irritation obvious in my voice, betraying my true discomfort. I almost hoped that he would simply nod and ride on – but to my dismay, he dismounted and came toward me. Although I could have turned and walked away, I found myself mysteriously rooted to the ground, too weak to protest as he took my hand and kissed it.
"I'm surprised to see you here, Miss Allen." he said in one of his most charming tones.
"Are you indeed?" I countered, "Somehow I doubt that, Mr. Nelson."
"Oh? And why is that?" he asked.
"Because you know I like to walk, and this is the path which I frequent." I answered, cursing my inability to counter his questions with a snide remark. Gaining my senses for a moment, I was able to retract my hand from his grasp. "I'm surprised to see you here, Mr. Nelson." I said.
"Are you indeed? Somehow I doubt that." he mocked me, reminding me of our banters almost two years previous.
"Why do you doubt that, Mr. Nelson? You are suppose to be in London." I replied, trying to move down the path so as to get away.
He laughed, "I am visiting my mother. Besides, do you know where you are?" he asked me, causing me to look around. I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks as I realized where I had absent-mindedly wandered to. "Do you not remember this place?"
"Yes – I – I –" I wished to tell him to leave me be, but could not form the words. My quiet, stuttering reply seemed to cause him to continue.
"I come here whenever I come to visit my mother. The place where I was the happiest, were you happy here Molly?" he asked, moving far too close for comfort. "I asked you to marry me here."
"Stop." I was finally able to whisper, secretly hoping that someone would come along and discover us – if only to make him leave. Yet, if we were found, my reputation would have been in tatters. I found myself in a quandary, which I would have given anything to get out of.
"Why?" he asked just as quietly, "Why do not wish me to remember? It is all I have left."
"That was your choice." I replied, finally regaining my courage, "For my memory reminds me of what you did."
"I loved you."
"You lied." I said stoically, watching almost helplessly as he came closer.
"Did you not love me, Molly?" he asked, taking my hand once more. By the grace of God, his actions did something which he did not plan, snapping me out of the strange fog of my mind, returning the functionality of my senses.
"How can you ask me that?" I demanded, snatching my hand from his grasp. I spun away from him and stepped back, "Was I not willing to risk my reputation for you?" I inquired, "But you did not love me."
"Yes I – "
"Then explain why you are married to another?" I told him, my broken heart finally having the chance to speak all it desired. "Speaking of Mrs. Nelson, why is it that she is not here? Why is it you are not with her?"
"I am with you and you inquire about another woman?" he retorted.
"That other woman, sir, happens to be your wife!" I took action to walk away when his strong hand grasped my arm. "Let me go!" I exclaimed, struggling in his arms.
"Molly please! Listen to me!"
"What is there to listen to? You made your decisions years ago, you chose what you did."
"I chose you, remember?" his temper flaring.
"No, you never did." I replied, beginning to fear my own emotions more than Charles' heartbreaking look.
"I was going to marry you."
"But did you?" I countered.
"I would have if your cousins had not interfered." he replied.
I shook my head, "Oh, Charles, but does it follow that in marrying me you would have been truly happy? You would have had a wife who adored you, but no money. Not to mention, your philandering ways would have come up eventually. Quite frankly, I'm happy that Richard intervened. It saved me a life of misery." I replied.
Charles looked dumbfounded, "Misery?" he repeated incredulously, "You would have been happy with me!"
"For how long?" I replied, "For how long until I found out what kind of a man I had chained myself to? Perhaps a year, or two – but not five, or ten. Not after I had had your children, not when I had seen you turn them into yourself. Can you honestly tell me that you would have not taught our son, or sons, your ways? Can you tell me you would have been faithful to one wife? No, I don't believe you can."
"They were all lies."
"What are you talking about?"
"Richard, he told you lies, I was not like-"
"Oh? I met her. I met your wife before you were married. She explained everything to me." Charles blanched, and for a moment I wondered if I had been too cruel to him – but then he returned to his previous forcefulness.
"You are wrong. I always loved you." he insisted.
"I won't listen to this anymore. Let me go Charles! Leave me be!" I shouted louder, hoping that he would obey me but not expecting it. I could feel the wetness on my cheeks as I cried for my resolve which was beginning to fail.
"Not until you listen to me!"
I struggled more, my strength waning as Charles' large frame was much stronger than I. I very nearly gave up when I heard the sweetest voice in the world say, its gruff assertion in a chilly undertone enough to cause Charles to let me go as if I were a coal. Eyes full of seeming fire, Mr. Rochester repeated himself:
"I believe she told you to let her go, Nelson."
Well? What do you guys think of my comeback? Review below.