by Jacob Swainswick » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:43 pm
Jacob spent a moment collecting his thoughts.
"In large part, Miss Audley -"
He stopped for a moment, pursing his lips in self-recrimination.
"What I have to say you will think trite, like some awful melodrama. But I must say it anyway, for it is true.
"I feel that something has passed between us here. My earnest hope is that it might deepen our friendship, rather than be the cause of its ending."
He took her hand, encouraging her to better sit so that he might fix his deep blue eyes upon hers.
"I know - that is, I suspect - that you may harbour feelings for another. No - you do not have to say anything! Mr. Verity is fortunate, indeed, and I am certain that he must know that.
"I am devoted to you, Miss Audley. I do not wish to leave your service. But neither can I bear to be a source of chagrin, or a reminder of embarrassment. If you wish it, I will of course tender a resignation. I would hope that you could still count upon me as a friend. If you would suffer me to remain, I shall not speak of this night again. I shall give you no reason to recall my moment of weakness. If not, know that I will take your secrets with me to the cold embrace of the grave."
And so waited for her judgment, a stern and manly stoicism letting no dewy eye betray him; nor any wavering weakness detract from the set of his jaw.
"...[A] young man, tall, and of elegant proportion, dark locks combed neatly into place atop a high forehead. Deep blue eyes are set in an intelligent face ...; his physiognomy on the whole speaking of studious attentiveness."