If it is absolutely necessary that you read the disclaimer, it's on the first chapter.
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"She Walks In Beauty"- Lord Byron (1788-1824)
Chapter 5
Rumors soon swirled around London that Jessie Kingsbridge, heir and only child of the illustrious Dr. Alfred Kingsbridge was betrothed, not to Robert Alderman as many believed, but to George Challenger, a student of her father's. It was also told that Jessie chose George over Robert just to rebel against her father, who was not pleased with the engagement. However many also knew Jessie by reputation as rebellious and the engagement surprised few.
"You wished to see me?" George walked into Dr. Kingsbridge's office; the note he received with his last paper seemed to reverberate disappointment and anger.
"I gave you a simple task, George, to make Jessie think you were courting her. Now I see this in newspaper" George winced at the sound of the paper hitting the desk, aware of the rumor that had already spread.
"Dr. Kingsbridge, I assure you, whoever wrote this is wrong. Jessie and I are not getting married". In the back of his mind, he winced. Someone somewhere would find out and reveal the truth. He knew he would loose everything, including Jessie.
"Excellent, I was getting worried that you had reneged on our deal".
"Regarding Jessie, sir, I believe she dislikes Robert because she finds his demeanor and attitude distasteful. Perhaps if he were to alter his approach toward her, she might be accepting of him and his marriage proposal," George offered.
"I've always found Robert personable".
"Yes, you might, but when one first meets Robert some would say that he is well, conceited and egotistical. In my experience with women, they prefer a man who is a gentleman and treats a lady with respect and dignity" George dug into his brain for the right words, hoping not to anger Dr. Kingsbridge.
"If Robert were to show a gentler side, then perhaps she might accept his proposal?".
"Yes, sir".
"Now I understand my daughter. Thank you, George; your insight has been very helpful".
A week later, Jessie sat in the garden, reading. She always loved a day like this. A clear, calm day that always seemed to remind her of her mother. Her mother had been dead fifteen years, her father growing colder and more interested in his work than her as the years passed.
"Good afternoon, Jessie" the rose was gently placed on the seat beside her.
"George, I thought you had class…." She turned around not to see, George, but Robert.
"My father is not here, Robert. You may leave a message with Adrian" she turned away from him.
"I guess I should have expected this reception. My behavior has not quite up to par lately. I hope you can forgive me" He sat down gently beside her.
"As I told you, I am not interested in your proposal. There are many women in London who would be thrilled to find you proposing, but I am not" Jessie was wondering if the fumes from his experiments were getting to his head.
"That may be true that there are many women who may desire to be my wife, but there is only one I desire to marry" dropping the poem on the seat beside her, he quietly left.
2-She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade more, one ray less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
What do you think? Is it enough drama? I apologize about the level of mushiness, but no one said a little love triangle never hurt a story. So, that being said, I humbly and politely ask you to hit the blue button. Thank you.