Ms. Austen - Page 38/44

Where are you?" He was running now at full pace, his eyes darting left and right in search of her. He could not let her go, certainly not like this. He had tried all of his life to let her memory go, and fate simply would not allow it. And now, he would find her and share with her everything that he'd been longing to say. He couldn't waste another minute not having her by his side. He had to end his agony once and for all. And what if she wouldn't listen? He would make her listen, for she had to know how deeply he had loved her all of these years. How he had hated himself so for hurting her, for breaking her poor, tender heart. "Jane, please! "When he finally came upon her, she had been on her knees, sobbing. "Jane! Oh Jane, I am so glad to have found you!" He bent to pick her up. "How dare you, you awful, awful man!

Do not touch me!" She glared at him, eyes seething. "Jane, please let me explain the situation. You see,..... " he was interrupted. "There is no explanation necessary, Mr. Lefroy. Tonight, you have indeed shown what kind of a man you are. " She had stopped crying, and was now becoming more angered. She stood and turned her back to him, now facing the water. "Jane. Please. I have no affection for Catherine LeCour. It was simply coincidence, nothing more." He begged. She turned to him now, unwilling to give in to his pleading. "Why do you continue to torture me so? All of these years I have kept my feelings hidden away, only to reveal them to you foolishly. And for what purpose? So that I might feed your manly ego? I should think not. " She finished with determination. He grabbed her forcefully. " You must believe me. All of my life, it has been you. You are in my thoughts each day and in my dreams each night. With you, I would only flourish and without you I may die. " She tried to struggle out of his hold, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes. She shook her head, trying to speak. Only one word escaped her lips. "No. " "Jane, don't you see? I love you. I am yours, I have always been yours. Nothing in this life will hold value if we are not together. I beg of you to listen to me. " He let her go, feeling defeated.