Yet still, after receiving and declining many offers for her hand, she had continued what would be the greatest love affair of all. They would meet again and again, only strengthening the bond that could never be, much to the displeasure of all of the people that surrounded them in their small world.
She just couldn't be with him, not without making ruins of the family that she held so dear. For he did not come of fortune, nor did she. And still, they had planned an elopement to the knowledge of not a soul but her dear sister. Knowing that it may be the end of her reputation, as well as the undoubted financial ruin of her family, they caught the morning coach and began what would be the long awaited journey to the end.
They would run to Ireland and be married that same day, for their love could not wait another. Oh how she dreamed of it now, so vividly as if she were there with him in that exact moment. Nothing but the most beautiful land the eye could even imagine for miles and miles. Just the two of them, hands clasped tightly entering into the marriage for which both had dreamed for so long. But sadly, it was not to be. For it was not long into their journey that she would discover a truth Tom had kept hidden so well.
It was a letter.
My dearest son, You have given your family the greatest gift by sharing the good fortune of you dear uncle with us.
Without your kindness, we may not survive......
Mother It was then that she had discovered that although Tom hadn't much fortune, what he did have he shared with his family in Ireland. They depended on him, and by going through with this elopement, it would mean great demise for his family. It was that moment when she knew that the love that they had shared for each other would never stand strong knowing that Tom's family would be suffering so. And he had tried his best to convince her that the circumstances wouldn't be so, but he knew inside his soul that she may be speaking the truth.
And without a word between them, her eyes had said goodbye forever.
Broken from her thoughts by the messenger, Jane slowly opened the letter that had been sent with such urgency. As she read, a small gasp escaped her lips. Was she to really see the man in which she had longed so deeply for? No. She musn't see him again, for it just wouldn't be right. What would he think of what she had become? A lonely, unmarried authoress who had aged many years since they had last made contact.