Notes:
Written for AHA's Drabblefest 2023, the Writer's Bingo edition. For the prompt: 'Write a story in dialogue only'
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"Engaged? We are not engaged!"
"Of course we are, you gave me the most positive encouragement when we spoke about it, just before my departure to town."
"We did not speak about getting engaged at any time Sir. You have never asked me to marry you, and even if you had, I should have refused you. I do not even like you!"
"Now that's doing it too brown. What of all the attentions I paid to you? All the encouragement you gave me? I know for a fact you told your brother that you liked me quite well indeed."
"You know nothing of the sort."
"Yes I do know, for I heard you tell him so myself. And you cannot deny you were quite pleased to drive out with me in my carriage. I daresay you have never ridden in a more comfortable conveyance, nor have experienced such pleasant driving. You do not yet realize the honour of my addresses, of course, but I assure you your brother is quite in favour of the match. As will your father be, when I speak to him."
"I may have told my brother a little white lie. I would not want to hurt his sensibilities by telling him I despise one of his best friends and his future brother. That is still a very long stretch from wishing to marry you myself. And while we were driving, I begged you to stop. I begged you to let me off and let me go speak to Miss Tilney. You know, my prior engagement? The one I abandoned because you deceived me into thinking they had gone elsewhere? Was not that a most dishonourable course of action? Would you treat your future wife with such deception, such disdain for her own interests and feelings? I daresay I should not like such a husband for myself."
"That was an honest mistake. Surely you cannot believe I would intentionally deceive you. I was sure I saw them departing before we came to collect you. In any case, that does not matter now. Once we are married, you will learn to use more discretion in choosing your friends."
"I am using much discretion now. And you Sir, are not my friend. Your sister is my friend, and my brother is your friend. We will become brother and sister in a few years" time. There is no further connection between us, nor shall there be any. I will not marry you, no matter the circumstances. Good day to you, Sir."