Secret Ones–as Jane Austen would have it
October 30 marks 200 years since Jane Austen's wonderful words first saw print with the publication of her debut novel, Sense and Sensibility.
It was widely re-written before publication because it was originally written as a series of letters (apparently Jane re-wrote it because epistolary novels had fallen out of favour – see, commercial considerations were important even then!).
Four novels were published over her lifetime, two posthumously. Pride and Prejudice is my favourite, but I've read and enjoyed them all, and own several movies of the books.
In honour of Ms Austen, I've decided to re-write a section of Secret Ones as she might have written it. I doubt it will be any where near as good as she actually may have done, but let it stand as a sign of my love and admiration.
***
Mr Valeroso stopped under the sweeping bough of the apple tree. On the other side of the fence stood an orchard, silent and sweet. After the walk across the paddock it drew him and despite knowing he was undoubtely trespassing, he climbed over the fence and walked beneath the trees.
The orchard was well tended – the grass trimmed, the fruit rosy on the branches. The shade relieved the heat of the day and he was content.
"I say – what you you doing here?"
Valeroso watched a strange little man approach – cheeks florid, hands gesturing with furious intent. Dirt on his hands and face suggested he was the gardener.
"My apologies," Valeroso said. "I simply wished a moment of cool before returning to the town. I have not damaged anything."
"An American! I might have known." The man glared. "Your free ways may well be suitable in your land, but here in Ireland we respect a man's land."
"Again, my apologies. I will leave." Valeroso turned to leave but he was caught in the action by the sweet timbre of a woman's voice.
"Is anything the matter, Jefferson?"
A vision approached. Blonde curls bounced under a lacy blue bonnet that exactly matched the young lady's eyes. Her smile was bright and her cheeks rosy.
The man who had accosted Valeroso stepped in front of her, stopping her.
"You should not be here, Miss Margaret."
She looked not at Jefferson but at Valeroso as she answered. "I was walking and heard your argument. Is there something wrong?"
Valeroso bowed. "I mistakenly came to seek some shade before walking back to the village and disturbed this good man's work. I will leave at once."
"An American." She smiled. "You must be the new lecturer at the university!"
"I am."
"Are you attending the dance tonight? I am very much looking forward to it myself. Such a natural manner in which to introduce new society."
Valeroso had intended to miss it, but his mind was changed. "Yes."
"Then I look forward to us being formally introduced." She bobbed her head.
"You must leave now, Miss Margaret." Jefferson shooed her away. Margaret turned and Valeroso watched until she was gone from sight behind one of the trees.
Whistling, he doffed his hat to the gardener then climbed back over the fence to commence his journey home. Pleasant anticipation warmed his blood at the thought of seeing Miss Margaret again that night.
***
Thank you, Jane :)
