Posted on Tuesday, 25 December 2007
The tension of the past months had worn her out. She was near exhaustion and the slow realization that all was over grew more definite every passing day without letters or calls. Her spirit was slowly extinguishing and the process seemed to be irreversible. Then the day of the ball arrived and in spite of her weariness she attended with a faint hope to find him there.
The room was full of people, dancing, talking and laughing. She stood there, looking around in the attempt to locate him. She could feel presence; the air was charged. Then she spotted him. He stood with his back to her but she would have recognized him anywhere. Feeling an outsider she remained at the door, silently willing him to notice her and come to her.
A hush fell over the room; people were turning around to look at her. Sensing something was happening behind his back, he turned around slowly. He blanched visibly when he saw the cause of the sudden lull in the conversation. Slightly lifting one eyebrow he silently questioned her presence.
All hope died the moment she met his eyes. Even though she pressed for an explanation she knew in her heart of hearts that it was over. She scarcely comprehended his cold words and his curt, dismissing nod was the final blow. He resumed his conversation as if nothing had happened. As if she had not happened.
Bewildered, hurting, and angry at the same time she retraced her steps without noticing where she was going. For shame Willoughby, how could you? Why? Have we not always spoken plainly to one another?
Elinor was standing at the door wearing a frown on her dear face. Marianne faltered, tripping over her feet. Her vision blurring, she reached out desperately for her sister. The room grew dark as if the candles were being snuffed out one by one. There was a strange ringing in her ears but the intense feeling of sorrow and despair remained. Her legs gave in, and she had the weird notion of the floor rushing up to her. She kept falling as if she was thrown off a great height.
Right at that moment someone came up from behind and caught her against his chest. A strong arm wrapped itself around her waist, holding her gently; a supporting hand closed reassuringly over her bare upper arm. It was warm and strong on her cold skin. The last thing that penetrated the dense fog in her head was a low, soothing voice. She did not catch the meaning of the words but all of a sudden it was like she had found the one safe place in the world. Then she blacked out and knew no more.
The End