Happy Friday, my dear Readers! I’m a little late, but there’s still time for Friday Fictioneers with Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s photo is provided by Sandra Crook. I really love this photo. It puts me in mind of my lovely days in Bath, England. Even though I know this isn’t actually Bath, I can’t help but think if that…and Jane Austen. Naturally, my writing was influenced. Enjoy my story!
A Hasty Proposal
Claire was aghast. “Please Mr. Wiggans, I cannot!” she cried, then immediately coloured upon seeing his shocked face. “Forgive me, Sir, I was ungracious. You caught me quite unawares.” She tried to collect herself. “I am honoured by your proposal Sir, but I must decline it. I cannot marry you.”
Mr. Wiggans stood. “Miss Charleston, why ever not? Surely I have not done something to offend you?”
“Oh Sir, certainly not! Your manners have been everything that is proper and pleasing.”
“Then whatever is the matter?”
Claire was all astonishment. “Why Mr. Wiggans, I have scarce known you three days!”
Three days is not long.
Just see how Romeo and Juliet turned out…I think Miss Charleston is making the right decision.
Oh, I’m glad she has the good sense to put a stop to such a hasty decision. Three days, no, that’s just not long enough. Nice one, Tiff!
I’m sure she can do much better than Mr. Wiggans. Claire wants to marry for love! Thanks for reading. 🙂
Good for Claire!
I agree!
It seems to be long enough these days… Well done, you caught the tone well.
Indeed…but will it last? I think Claire was right to refuse him. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Did Mr Wiggins think Claire was desperate for a husband, perhaps? The arrogance of men hasn’t changed with the times.
I’m sure he did. A single young woman, come to Bath…for what other reason would she come? You’re right. Some things are timeless.
I’ve heard of people who jump into marriage sooner than three days, though I do think Claire was right in not joining that bandwagon. 🙂 Nice write!
Leo @ I Rhyme Without Reason
I have too. I meant to write this in the style of Jane Austen, so this would have taken place in the 1800s. I’m sure hasty marriages weren’t uncommon – but I think Claire made the right decision! Thanks for reading.
I’m sure 3 days (or at least not long) was quite common in those days (or have I been watching the wrong costume dramas?)!
I loved the dialogue. It sounded very authentic 🙂
I think you’re quite right. My Jane Austen is my hero, and not one of her heroines married without love…so neither could mine! Thank you, I hoped it would. 🙂
Hey, when you know, you know!
I think Mick and I could’ve married after knowing each other three days. Why our first date never ended until I lost him this last December!
I think that is wonderful. A real life fairy tale. But some how I don’t think the same would apply to Miss Charleston and Mr. Wiggans. Thanks for reading!
Yeah…I think you are right on that one!
Enjoyed. It is very much reminiscent of Ms. Austen, also one of my favorites.
Thank you! That is exactly what I was going for. Glad you enjoyed it!
Dear Tiffany,
I enjoyed where the prompt took you. Claire is a wise woman. If he’s sincerely in love, he’ll court her and wait. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. You’re exactly right.
You’ve captured the style of Austen and the Brontes perfectly Miss T. I sense there may be a future and a story to tell for the two young suitors yet…
Thank you! That is exactly what I was going for. Yes, I think there is definitely more of a story here!
Maybe in three hundred pages time it will be “reader I married him” – all the best romances of those times got off to a rocky start it seems!
Haha I think you’re right! I’m rather fond of that style of romance.
In your reading or in real life? 😉
Hmmm…both, I think!
🙂
HaHa … it looks like Mr. Wiggans knows what he wants and goes for it.
I guess it could work. But, I think, both parties have to be on the same page.
Nicely done !!! 😀
Indeed he does! He is most self-assured. I’m sure in those times, they would have made the best of it whether it worked or not. But I think Claire made the right decision! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Great dialogue. You caught the times very well.
Thank you! Always great to hear I accomplished my goal!
I think he was just trying to save her from becoming an old maid. 🙂
But seriously, I agree with Alicia. The dialogue captured the times quite well.
I’m sure he was…
Thank you! I was really hoping I nailed it. 🙂
This is very enjoyable and authentic. Poor Mr. Wiggans is a realist. I’m reminded of the conversation between Lizzie Bennet, Charlotte and Lizzie’s aunt about finding husbands. Women who weren’t rich hat few other possibilities. Which didn’t prevent the Austen heroines from marrying for love. Maybe Claire is just as lucky (and I feel the sudden urge for a reread…) 🙂
Thank you! Yes, I borrowed heavily from Austen in this scene…but perhaps all hope isn’t lost for Mr. Wiggans (even if his name does start with W…maybe he’s not a Wickham, but a Wentworth). I guess only time will tell.
Thank you for your comment and stopping by to read! I had a lot of fun with this one. 🙂
Marry in haste; repent at leisure. I’m on wife number three. I had to kiss a lot of frogs before I found my princess.
Sometimes it has to happen that way. But I’m sure current happiness makes it all worth it. 🙂
Thanks for reading.