PRIDE and PREJUDICE
CHECK-MATE
I do not own the copy rights to the book, or bbc special, Pride and Prejudice
A/N Please be patient. The Bennet's DO come into the story SOON.
FOG
Ch. 2
Going to bed after supper had been my intention only Mrs. Hughes, a woman my mother would have called pleasantly plump, had walked into the dining room just as we'd gone to stand up. The lady was carrying a cake and was thrilled when Jasmine instantly sat down. I can't say Mrs. Hughes, or my friend, were thrilled when I declined saying a walk was being considered even though there was very little light.
"Surely, you can handle a little desert." Mrs. Hughes smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. No, the only thing her eyes were doing darting nervously from the window to the table; I call her on it, and she points out a fog has rolled in. "It's not really safe to be outside." Again, the lady offer the pie and I again decline.
"If it makes you feel better, I'll stay inside." A look of relief comes into her eyes, and she shoulders relax; she confesses she'd hate the idea of me going missing like so many had. "Like who?"
"I doubt any would be people you would have ever known." Mrs. Hughes shook her head. "However; while fog is no stranger to this country, a thicker one than normal has been rolling in the past month. One that -at times – almost seems to hold strange shapes and forms. And, like I've just stated, we've had guests up and disappear with no trace. Yes, most show back up, but…" Her voice trails off letting me know at least one has not. Instinctively, I know who it is... and which brother it is who has really sent for me to come home. It means the lady is either clueless the subject or playing ignorant because of Jasmine's presence. No matter which the case may be, I do not care to discuss with our hostess in the room.
"I'm going to the library." I pretend not to see that Jasmine has not really touched her desert and hear her footsteps softly following me once I leave; to softly for my taste. "So…" I twirl around without notice and bite back a laugh over the look of shock appearing on her face as I finish my sentence, "...when did you plan on telling me you were sticking to me like glue?"
"I'm doing no such thing." Jasmine huffs and says she's tired and going to bed. I doubt that was her intention, but I step aside and wave my hand towards the banister and its stairs. She brushes past with a 'I don't need to be shown the way' type of attitude. It's only when my brother's puppet goes around the corner do I slip into the library, sitting in a chair facing the door as to allow her not to be able to slip in unawares.
I sigh as I think of 'that' brother, one I still refused to put a name to- and what he caused to take place.
"It's not like I am asking you to leave for good."
I sat appalled at what I was being asked to promise. "Most of us do not believe the charges our 'dear' brother is making. Any evidence of your ...crime...is flimsy at best," Maynar ran his hand through his hair. "However, I have to do something or our brother's group will squawk even louder than they already are." It does not matter what that...male...had said after to Maynar or the others. No, all that does is the fact I am...allowed?…to make vow in front of not only the family, but our people as well, I will leave and not return. Personally, I think Bryant would prefer to see me dead. Good heavens-I actually allowed myself to think of 'him' by name for a moment.
"If I can get solid proof of your innocence. I will let you know." Maynar whispers into my ear what he thinks is really going on.
The memory makes me wonder about Jasmine's real motive in coming. She had not come on any simple whim; she never did things on a spur of the moment type energy. Also, her eyes had looked a little too eager to keep an eye on me, even if she'd not shown any visible sign of doing so. It was more of a gut instinct than anything else. My eyes left the door to the libry and soon rest one a door that was next to the fireplace.
There was nothing special about it. No fancy carvings. No letters etched onto its handle as I'd seen on a few others. And certainly, no hidden message to decipher. So, why the pull I felt? I'd have gone to check it out only blasted footsteps were coming towards the door, and my money was on the puppet. Sure enough, she entered the library.
"Thought you were tired." I speak dryly as I drape my hands over my knee which is crossed over my other leg.
"I couldn't. Things are too...odd in that room." Jasmine sat down and bit her lip; I'm shocked to hear genuine uneasiness in her voice.
"Like what?" I can't help but lean forward.
Jasmine explained the thick fog that had rolled in had hugged her window. "You're going to think me crazy…"
"Try me." I go back to sitting normal unsure whether I will believe, or commit, her.
"S...She...was in the fog."
Asking who 'she' was is, in my book, totally unnecessary. It's one Jasmine knows I would not need to be told; one I remember faster than any of my blood relations. I could call Jasmine crazy, or a liar, might have been an option; she'd pulled enough stunts in the past to qualify as either. However, there was a different aurora around the...lady... this time. And with Mrs. Hughes words still l ringing in my year, Jasmine's words are given a level of trust though I do not show it.
"Do you need me to walk you to your room?"
"If you don't mind," For once Jasmine does not attempt to speak to me, not even when we get to her room.
"Just stay in bed; I doubt anyone will harm you." I make my mouth stay in a straight, unemotional line. she nods and goes to bed. I go back to the library uninterrupted though I must confess...there was a sense of change in the air.