A Modern Day Sense and Sensibility: An Adaptation of Jane Austen's Classic (26 page)

“She’s giving everything to Robert instead,” explained the outraged Mrs. Jennings.

The phone rang and, while Mrs. Jennings continued to jabber on about the circumstances, Charlotte dried her hands to answer it.

“Hello?” Charlotte spoke into the receiver, and then waiting a moment, she answered, “Oh, hi, Brandon. . .” Charlotte then listened patiently before glancing at Ellie. “Yes, she’s right here . . . okay. . .” Charlotte answered as she offered the phone to Ellie.

Ellie quickly dried her hands before accepting it. “Hello?”

“Ellie?” Brandon’s voice asked over the phone.

“Yes, hi, Brandon,” Ellie said, a smile softening her voice.

“Ellie, can I meet you somewhere?”

Surprised, Ellie paused. “Okay?” she said in a tone which sounded more like a question than an affirmative. Why would Brandon want to meet with her?

After the particulars of their meeting had been arranged, Ellie hung up the phone and, before the receiver was even laid to rest in its base, Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte bombarded her with questions concerning the caller’s intent. Ellie tried to satisfy their curiosity as best she could, but spoke honestly when confessing she had no clue as to the pressing matter on Brandon’s mind. She was actually grateful for his lack of communication as it gave her an out from these gossip-hungry ladies!

By the time Ellie arrived at the coffee shop, Brandon was already seated at a table in the corner. She stopped to observe him through the window before entering, thinking to herself that Brandon really was rather handsome—not so much outwardly, even though his presence was quite manly, but he had such a kind heart it made up for what he lacked in looks. She wished Marianne could learn to care for him.

Not wanting to keep him waiting any longer, Ellie pushed aside her thoughts and entered the shop. Brandon immediately spotted her, and Ellie smiled as she made her way over to the table and sat across from him.

“Thanks for coming on such short notice,” he welcomed her. “Can I get you anything?”

“Oh, no, but thank you,” Ellie answered, taking off her jacket and breathing in the warm, coffee aroma of the café.

“Are you sure? They have really good lattes here,” Brandon motioned to his mug.

“That’s okay,” Ellie refused again. “Charlotte fixed a really big lunch.”

Brandon nodded and took a sip of his drink. “Mrs. Jennings tells me that you and Marianne are heading back home?”

“
Word travels fast,” she shrugged, trying to read his expression.

“What arrangements have been made for your travels?” he asked, his eyes giving away his concern.

“The Palmers will take us as far as Colorado,” Ellie replied and Brandon nodded. The Palmers owned a vacation home in Vail, Colorado, which would act as a nice pit stop for the sisters before they headed home on their own. “Marianne’s not . . . she’s not doing well,” explained Ellie, feeling the need to elaborate yet unsure of what to say exactly.

But before she could further acquaint him with Marianne’s situation, Brandon spoke. “Ellie, I hope this isn’t too presumptuous of me,” he began, “but I was hoping you might allow me to accompany the both of you home. I’ve already reserved a seat on the plane, but I wanted to check with you first before making definite plans.”

Ellie was deeply moved by his concern and his offer to join them, yet she knew Brandon’s purpose in asking wasn’t only to align their travel plans but to make sure his assistance wouldn’t upset Marianne. Although Marianne’s safety was a top priority, Brandon didn’t want to step on her toes or distress her in any way.

“I don’t think she would mind at all, Brandon,” Ellie reassured with a smile. “In fact, it would probably put her more at ease knowing you’ll be there to watch out for us. You’re sure you won’t be cutting your stay in New York short on our account?” she asked.

“No, I’m ready to go home,” Brandon answered, rubbing the back of his neck as he stretched. Then settling back into his seat, he changed the topic by stating, “I heard about Edward Ferrars.”

It was obvious Brandon knew nothing of the rumors Mrs. Jennings had concocted concerning Ellie’s supposed romance with Edward—and perhaps Ellie had his sudden departure to New York to thank for that. His apparent ignorance was a relief, because she could now pretend to be unaffected by the topic of Edward.

“I really feel for the guy and have been inquiring about a few positions in Portland which would allow Edward and Lucy to get married as soon as possible.”

Brandon’s kind and generous efforts tugged at Ellie’s heartstrings, and she struggled to command the growing heaviness inside. Why would Brandon go out of his way to help a man he didn’t even know? If truth be told, had she not been in love with Edward herself, Ellie would have been elated by his efforts to help her friend get married as soon as possible. But since Brandon’s assistance would bring Lucy’s victory to fruition, she could only wish regretfully that Brandon would leave things alone. Brandon, although an observant man when it came to Marianne, didn’t notice the turbulence in the heart of his coffee date.

“There’s an opening for a photographer at the
Portland Herald
,” Brandon explained. “It’s nothing special, and the pay isn’t very good, but it’s
something
and it will help them get started.” Brandon’s eyes widened in mock exasperation. “I tell you, finding work for a photographer is not easy!” Ellie managed to chuckle and Brandon continued, “And I’m sure Mr. Middleton can also arrange something for them in his apartments.”

Well,
Ellie thought,
Sounds like it’s time for me to move out
! It was impossible to imagine herself living within the vicinity of Edward and Lucy. Talk about daily torture!

“I know they won’t have a lot of money, so I was hoping you could pass this along to Edward for me,” Brandon finished, sliding an envelope toward her. “It seems more appropriate coming from you since you are not only friends, but also related through your brother.”

Ellie’s face turned ash white, and she quickly diverted her eyes from Brandon’s before he could catch a glimpse of her horror.
What
!?!
Umm . . . NO
! she wanted to blurt out. But calming herself a long moment, she forced herself to say instead, “Oh, Brandon, I think this would be much better coming from you!”

“No, I think Edward would prefer hearing it from someone he trusts. Could you do it for me, please?”

Ellie was caught between a rock and a hard place. It was clear she should accept his appeal, yet Ellie was anxious about meeting Edward again, especially when charged with relaying such “wonderful” news. But how could she turn Brandon down, especially after all he had done for them—was
still
doing for them? Brandon was even cutting his time in New York short just so he could accompany them home and ensure their safety.

Sitting back with resignation, Ellie reluctantly agreed.

Having received Edward’s phone number from John, Ellie now debated whether she would even be able to muster the courage to call him at all. Pacing back and forth past the ominous cell phone which lay on the guest room’s tidy desk, Ellie eyed the device tentatively. Maybe she could just call up Brandon and tell him she couldn’t do it. He’d probably ask why, but that would require an explanation.

Sighing, Ellie realized she didn’t even have the guts to call Brandon if it meant letting him down. Maybe the call to Edward wouldn’t be as bad as she imagined. After all, meeting with him might clear up some of her own questions. Ellie scoffed at that thought. What would she ask—an almost married man, that is? Even though she longed to find out whether Edward had ever been interested in her or if she’d just been fooling herself, Ellie knew she’d never be able to ask those questions. Telling herself right then and there to look at this encounter as solely business-related, she gave herself no room for dissent and picked up the phone to call Edward.

After agreeing on Central Park later that afternoon, Ellie sat on the edge of her bed and blew out a long breath—one hurdle down, one more to go.

Readying herself hours before the designated meeting time, Ellie decided that rather than wait anxiously around
the house she might as well head over to the park early. Finding a secluded bench shaded by a tall leafy tree, Ellie sat herself down and proceeded to wait. It was a pleasant, sunny day and the park was occupied by plenty of park-goers, walking or jogging the paved pathways which surrounded the lake. Several people on small skiffs glided across the water, taking advantage of the nice weather.

Lost in thought, Ellie did a double-take when she spotted Edward not more than five feet away. Was it that time already? She had been so intent on studying the people around her, she hadn’t been watching for him. Taking a quick glance at her watch to disguise her flustered state, Ellie noticed that Edward was early as well.

“Hello,” she greeted him, feeling like a fidgety twelve-year-old next to her crush.

“Ellie,” Edward began with furrowed brow, “I’m glad you called me. I’ve wanted to explain about—”

“Edward,” Ellie stopped him, quick to regain control of the conversation’s direction. She’d already planned out what she was going to say, rehearsing it hundreds of times since getting off the phone, and was determined not to let Edward beat her to the punch. First on her list was to acquaint him with the purpose behind this meeting. Ellie blushed as she surmised his reasoning for her random phone call and wasted no time in setting the record straight. “I called you on behalf of my friend Brandon. He feels sorry for you in your present situation and would like to be of assistance so that you and Lucy can be married without further delay.” Ellie knew she probably sounded like a robot in her attempt to separate herself from Brandon’s message, but regardless pressed on. “He’s making arrangements with Mr. Middleton to secure an apartment for the two of you in Portland, and also inquired around for any photography work.” Pausing, Ellie glanced at Edward for a response but he merely sat down next to her and waited for her to continue. She complied. “Brandon found a position at the
Portland Herald
,
if you’re interested, and wanted me to give you this,” she finished, handing Edward the sealed envelope. With her commission now completed, Ellie grew quiet as she waited for him to say something in return.

At first speechless, Edward finally asked, “Brandon’s done all of that, for me?”

Ellie nodded and watched as an odd, bitter expression crossed Edward’s features before he quickly tucked it away. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but Ellie couldn’t help guessing it was because Edward assumed there was something going on between Brandon and herself. Why else would Brandon ask her to complete such a personal errand? Although far from the truth, Ellie didn’t feel like setting the record straight. Truth be told, it soothed her injured pride to think Edward might believe a guy as great as Brandon would be interested in her.

Ellie did feel, however, that she should elaborate as to why Brandon was so willing to help someone he’d never met before. “Brandon was once in a situation much like yours and would like to help make it possible for the two of you to marry,” Ellie divulged without giving away any particulars. “He felt his offer would come best through me, since he knows we’re friends.”

Edward looked down, fiddling with the envelope in his hands. After a moment he turned his eyes to Ellie. “I hope we will always be friends,” he said softly.

“Of course. . .” Ellie quickly replied before letting her voice trail off. What could she possibly say to assure him about what they both realized would be impossible? They both knew the sad truth—they could never be
just
friends. Ellie’s heart had been too awakened to go back, and she was too sensible to hope otherwise.

“Your friendship has meant the world to me,” Edward confessed, this time unable to look directly at her.

Ellie glanced away, blushing uncomfortably. She knew those seemingly innocent words were Edward’s way of telling her that she had not been mistaken, he had cared for her.

As the two sat in silence, cherishing this time in each other’s company, Ellie’s heart began staging an uprising. How could she just let Edward walk away when they both felt the same way? But the reason was simple: she had to. She didn’t want to manipulate Edward into breaking his promise to Lucy, fearing that he might later blame her for his guilt. Their love, if united under these circumstances, would ruin them.

Ellie wondered if Edward was aware that his promise, his long ago decision to be with Lucy, would forever change her life as well. Edward had been her first love. She would always remember him and probably always compare every other man to him.

Although her heart urged her to speak, Ellie knew she had to do the right thing and walk away.