Okay, this is my first try at this fandom, so if it sucks, please tell me so and how I can fix it. Other than that, enjoy the story!
"Such a long face isn't befitting of a lady, you know." Jessamine said. "It isn't very attractive."
Tessa merely nodded once, then continued to glower out the window. She was in a foul mood today.
"Would you like to tell me what's the matter?" The last thing she wanted to do right now was talk to Jessamine, but Tessa sensed the attempt at friendship, and decided there was no point in antagonizing her.
"Oh, it's just Will, that's all." Tessa said.
"Oh, is that it? That's good. For a minute there I thought there was something seriously wrong." Tessa gave her a look, then went back to staring out the window. Jessamine frowned. "Oh, that's not what I meant. Will's always a bother." Silence. "Well, what did he do?"
Tessa looked at her for a minute, then said, "Oh, we were arguing about my brother. He blames Thomas and Agatha's deaths on him, and in turn me."
Jessamine looked shocked at that. Then she said, "You know it's not your fault, not at all. Will is a jerk at times, you can't let him get you down."
"I know, but it wasn't very nice of him to say." Jessamine nodded her agreement. She was in a surprisingly optimistic mood today. Before she could continue the conversation, however, the carriage pulled to a stop.
"Looks like we're here. Now, what would you like to do first, look for dresses or shoes?"
After a few hours of shopping all the latest fashions, Tessa and Jessamine found themselves in the park. They walked along the path, enjoying the warm day. Well, warmer day. It was never truly warm in winter. Jessamine was chattering on like usual about pointless things, but if she was happy, why should Tessa upset her? Tessa tuned in and out of the conversation, never really saying more than the occasional 'no, really?' and 'of course!'
Now Jessamine was going on about men. She was talking about her ideal man, and the ideal one for Tessa. It was no surprise he was the polar opposite of Will, from his looks down to his mannerisms. Realizing she was now pointing out the more attractive ones in the park, Tessa decided she should actually pay attention. "Oh, he's absolutely gorgeous," exclaimed Jessamine, "don't you think? Oh, how I'd like a man like him!"
"Yes, he his rather handsome." replied Tessa. They went on like this for another minute or so, until one of the gentlemen approached them.
"Excuse me, ladies, but I couldn't help but notice how radiant you look this fine winter day." he said gallantly. Jessamine giggled and returned with a similar complement. "May I have the pleasure of knowing your names?"
"Oh, of course! My name is Miss Jessamine Lovelace. This is my cousin, Miss Gray." Tessa did not miss the tone in which she introduced Tessa.
"Well, Miss Lovelace, Miss Gray, I am Mr. Jenkens." They carried on the conversation, chatting about pointless nonsense for a few moments. Then Mr. Jenkens said, "Miss Lovelace, would you mind too terribly if I were to borrow Miss Gray for a moment?"
"Oh, of course not!" Jessamine replied, just a little hint of jealousy in her voice.
Mr. Jenkens nodded his thanks, and turned to Tessa, offering her his arm. "Miss Gray?" Tessa gave Jessamine a quick look, but saw only envious encouragement from her, and obliged. They walked for a bit, Mr. Jenkens flirting with her. At first Tessa was reluctant, but after a few moments in the handsome man's company, she loosened up. She was terrible at flirting, and in the back of her mind she knew she was making a fool of herself, but something compelled her to ignore it. Jenkens didn't seem to notice, he seemed pleased with her. Tessa thought only once that she was making a mistake, and felt she was betraying Will slightly, but quickly dismissed the thought. After all, Will was being unpleasant at the moment, and Mr. Jenkens was charming. Anyways, nothing would come of the harmless complementing and eyelash batting, would it? It was fun.
In fact, Tessa was so wrapped up in the conversation that she didn't even notice that they had wandered into the more wooded part of the park, away from everyone else. There was a nagging doubt pulling at her, and she decided to try to turn back and find Jessamine again. The trouble of it was, she didn't know how to without being rude. Luckily, Mr. Jenkens led her over to a bench. They sat for a few moments, watching the birds and commenting on them. Just as soon as Tessa was about to suggest turning back, he looked down at her (for he was quite tall) and said, "You know, Tessa, you're awfully beautiful. You're the kind of girl that would drive a man insane."
Tessa merely nodded, too nervous to know what to say. "Your eyes are amazing." he murmured. Then, very slowly, he bent over and kissed her. She was a little shocked, but then return it. The feeling was truely amazing.
Tessa felt a sharp prick on her neck. She yelped a little puling back. Looking at Mr. Jenkens with a mixture of suspicion and fear. Looking down at his hands, she saw the small syringe in his hands, and put twoand two together. "Why, Tessa dear, is something the matter?" he said with an innocent smile on his face.
"You- you- how do you?" She stuttered, finding it impossible to form complete sentences. She didn't think of screaming until it was too late. She felt herself sway and fall. The last thing she thought before passing out completely was, how does he know my first name?
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