My third fic...
Title: PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Author: bahama_breeze77
Rating: PG13-R
Pairing: Vigorli
Warning: None
Summary: In a world where men can be with men or women...Two people could miss out on the love of a life time if they let pride and prejudice come between them.
Graphic: Done by the lovely frahulettaes
Beta: Nope! Sorry!!
Feedback: Yes! Love constructive responses!! Please!
A/N: A new fic that came to me as I was watching my favorite movie, Pride and Prejudice. I'm still working on When Worlds Collide also, so don't fret!
Previous Chapters
Ch. 6
The next morning was not a good one. Everyone was sitting around the table eating breakfast; it was a rare occasion that Mrs. Bloom was not talking everyone’s ear off. This was due to the fact that she was experiencing a bad hangover.
Everyone was taking advantage of Mrs. Blooms hang over by enjoying a quiet breakfast each one thinking over the events of last night except Billy who was currently playing the piano trying to forget the events of last night.
“Billy, please.” Mrs. Bloom begged. Her headache was being made worse by the dreadful music coming off that piano. She reached out to grab a roll out of the bowl that Mr. Hill had just placed on their table. “Thank you, Mr. Hill.” She said quietly while scolding herself for drinking so much last night.
It was silent in the room for a few minutes except for the clinking of silverware against plates.
Unknown to everyone else in the room, Mr. Cummings had come down the stairs and into the room. He cleared his throat a few times to get everyone’s attention. When it was obvious those attempts didn’t work he stepped forward and said “Mrs. Bloom, I was hoping, if it would not trouble you, that I might solicit a private audience with Orlando.”
Orlando looked up in shock and mild fear before he looked to Liv sitting next to him in alarm.
Mr. Bloom lowered his paper to look at Mr. Cummings through narrow eyes.
Mrs. Bloom perked up at those words and she forgot all about her hang over in her excitement. “Oh, certainly! Orlando would be very happy indeed.”
Orlando shook his head at his mother desperately; he had an idea what Mr. Cummings was going to say and certainly he didn’t want to hear it. He tried to protest but the shock of it had him tongue-tied.
“Everyone out, Mr. Cummings would like a private audience with your brother.” Mrs. Bloom said as she grabbed for Dom and Elijah pushing them out the door after Billy.
Orlando grabbed onto Liv’s hand tightly. “Wait! Mr. Cummings can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear.”
Mrs. Bloom shook her head and firmly said, “I desire you will stay where you are; everyone else to the drawing room…Mr. Bloom…that means you to!” She continued as her husband made no move to get up.
“But…” Mr. Bloom started.
“Now!” Mrs. Bloom snapped. No one was going to ruin this moment for her.
Orlando looked at Liv with wide eyes and whispered, “Liv. Liv, don’t…Liv!” But his mother had tugged her away from him and then they both were gone out the door. Orlando looked around frantically for support and his eyes met those of his fathers. “Papa, stay.” He mouthed quietly to his father with pleading eyes.
His father gazed back at him with sad, apologetic eyes before he turned and left the room.
Orlando stared after him with surprise, then quickly pushed back his chair and stood up thinking to escape from the room but as he stood and looked over toward Mr. Cummings, he was greatly surprised to see the man inches from his face. The shock made him step back quickly and he ended up falling back into his chair.
“Dear Orlando, I’m sure my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life.” Mr. Cummings stated as he stood over Orlando.
Orlando had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He knew that wasn’t true, he could still remember all those lustful gazes the man had given his sister.
“But before I am to run away with my feelings, perhaps I may state my reasons for marrying.” Mr. Cummings continued. “Firstly, that it is the duty of a clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, I am convinced it will add greatly to my happiness. And thirdly, that it is at the urging of my esteemed patroness, Lady Cate, that I select a mate.”
Orlando had heard enough. “Mr. Cummings…”
He was cut off however as Mr. Cummings quickly continued, “My object in coming to Longbourn was to choose such a one from among Mr. Bloom's children, for I am to inherit the estate and such an alliance will surely suit everyone.”
Orlando shook his head, “Mr. Cummings…”
“And now nothing remains but for me to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affections.”
Orlando stood up from his chair on the opposite side as Mr. Cummings was on. “Mr. Cummings!” He stated louder.
Mr. Cummings again chose to ignore Orlando. This boy had some lessons to learn about the proper way to speak to your betters. “And no reproach on the subject of fortune will cross my lips once we're married.”
Orlando sighed and stated, “You forget I have given no answer.”
“Lady Cate will thoroughly approve when I speak to her of your modesty economy and other…amiable qualities.” Mr. Cummings added as he looked Orlando up and down focusing longest on Orlando’s groin.
Orlando was taken aback by that remark. He felt like a piece of meat being bargained over. He wanted to hit this man for his comment but decided that being as polite as he could try would get him out of this faster. He took a breath to calm himself and then said, “Sir, I am honored by your proposal, but I regret that I must decline it.”
Alan’s eyes narrowed as he looked to Orlando. This was unacceptable. “I know young people don't seek to seem too eager...”
“Mr. Cummings, I am perfectly serious.” Orlando assured the man. “You could not make me happy. And I'm the last man in the world who could make you happy.”
Mr. Collins tried another tactic. “I flatter myself that your refusal is merely a natural delicacy. Besides, despite manifold attractions, it is by no means certain another offer of marriage will ever be made to you and in fact, I’m sure it won’t.”
Orlando eye’s widened in surprise at those words. How dare he say that!
Mr. Cumming’s continued, “I must conclude that you simply seek to increase my love by suspense. As for not making me happy, well lessons of obedience can certainly be taught.”
Orlando stared at Alan with wide eyes as his heart pounded; what had he meant by that? Orlando was past being polite, he was angry now. He hated the way Mr. Cummings was treating him.
Orlando gave Mr. Cummings an angry look and calmly said, “I am not the sort of person to torment a respectable man.” Orlando’s voice got louder, “Please understand me; I cannot accept you!”
Orlando held his breath as he waited to see what would happen next. Mr. Cummings had a look on his face that could kill.
Orlando’s eyes widened and his heart stopped in his chest as he began to wonder if he had made a mistake in making Mr. Cummings upset. Surely the man wouldn’t hurt him…in his own house. But as Mr. Cummings took a step forward toward Orlando; Orlando didn’t wait around to find out. He fled from the room; running outside as fast as he could toward the forest.
After a few seconds the door behind Mr. Cummings burst open to admit Mrs. Bloom through.
“Headstrong, foolish child.” Mrs. Bloom muttered as she ran past Mr. Cummings after Orlando. “Don't worry, Mr. Cummings. We'll have this little hiccup dealt with immediately.” She called back over her shoulder.
Mr. Cummings ignored the brothers giggling behind him as he made his way up the stairs to his room. Orlando would be sorry for turning him down.
Mrs. Bloom raced down the walkway and over the small bridge calling, “Orlando. Orlando!”
When she couldn’t tell which way the boy had run off to she ran back to the house and into Mr. Bloom’s office.
“Mr. Bloom, we're all in an uproar! You must come and make Orlando marry Mr. Cummings.”
Mr. Bloom shot her a questioning glance.
“Mr. Cummings has proposed to Orlando, but he vowed he will not have him, and now the danger is Mr. Cummings may not have Orlando!” She explained.
Mr. Bloom sighed, “What am I to do?”
“Well, come and talk to him. Now!” She insisted as she pulled him from his seat and out of the room.
Orlando ran and ran through the woods until he finally couldn’t anymore because his vision had gone too blurry to see the way. He stopped and slumped against a tree to catch his breath as tears fell down his face.
He was angry and hurt by what Mr. Cummings had said and done. That man definitely had a darker side to him and Orlando was sure that if he had stayed a few moments longer he would have witnessed it. Orlando hadn’t thought it possible that one man could scare him so much. He suddenly felt very ignorant of the world around him. Maybe if he had kept his head out of the clouds and his books than he would have seen that the world wasn’t as perfect as he thought.
Once he got his breath back, Orlando pushed away from the tree and turned to walk back but the moment he turned he walked right into a large solid body. Thinking it was Mr. Cummings he pushed against the body and stumbled back. He would have fallen had not two strong hands reached out to clasp his arms to keep him upright.
Orlando looked up fearfully, afraid of what he would find, and was therefore, very surprised to find himself looking at Mr. Mortensen.
“Viggo!” Orlando gasped as he found his feet. He was slightly disappointed when Viggo’s hands withdrew.
“Are you well?” Viggo asked. He was concerned to see this boy who was always so confident reduced to tears and the brief look of fear that had been in the boys eyes made him want to kill whoever was responsible for placing it there.
Orlando nodded quickly. “Fine.” He lied.
Viggo reached out to gently wipe a tear from Orlando’s cheek, “Are you sure?” he asked softly.
Orlando leaned slightly into the touch. It felt good and warm. “Yes…no…yes, I just…had a dreadful marriage proposal.” Orlando’s eyes widened when he realized what slipped out, he hadn’t meant to tell Viggo that.
Viggo nodded and quickly withdrew his hand. “Oh.” A bad feeling settled into the pit of the stomach as jealousy flared through him. He felt great attracted to Orlando. No matter how hard he tried to forget this young man; the soulful brown eyes haunted his dreams. They had since he had first met this boy. But it could never be. There was too much stacked against them. Still the thought of Orlando being intimate with someone else was a punch in the gut. “And are congratulations in order?”
Orlando let out a quick breath that sounded more like a sob and quickly shook his head. “No, even if I had agreed it would not have been a happy occasion for me.”
Viggo felt the pain in his stomach ease. “Why the tears then if you have avoided such a bad occasion?”
Orlando flushed and looked down at the ground. He shrugged his shoulders, “Just a wake up call I didn’t expect.”
Viggo nodded, he couldn’t think of anything to say to that.
After a while Orlando finally looked up and broke the silence by asking. “Are you enjoying your walk?”
Viggo smiled “Very much, thank you.”
Orlando nodded as silence once again descended.
For lack of something else to talk about, Viggo asked, “How is your family?”
“Oh, they are well.” Orlando smiled.
Viggo nodded again and said, “Well I should get on my way.”
Orlando nodded, “Yes, enjoy your day.”
“You too.” Viggo replied as he turned to walk away.
Orlando sighed and turned around to walk to the lake that was nearby. He decided he wasn’t ready to return home yet.
Viggo stopped a ways away and looked back at Orlando. He saw him walking away with slumped shoulders and the sight suddenly had Viggo feeling very guilty about the conversation he had had with Sean this morning.
After a long time of searching for Orlando, Mr. and Mrs. Bloom finally found him by the small lake.
Orlando had been staring into the lake, thinking of his encounter with Viggo when he heard a noise behind him. He turned to see both of his parents coming toward him.
Mrs. Bloom patted her husband on the arm and said “Tell him you insist they marry.”
Orlando sighed, “Papa, please.”
Mrs. Bloom turned her attention toward her son, “You will have this house and save your brothers from destitution.” She explained hoping to change his mind.
Orlando shook his head, “I can’t marry him.” They weren’t there, they didn’t see his cold eyes. He would rather die than subject himself to a life like that.
Mrs. Bloom shot him a withering glare, “Go and say you’ve changed your mind! Think of your family!”
“I won’t! You cannot make me.” Orlando stated loudly.
Mrs. Bloom sighed in frustration, “Mr. Bloom, say something!”
Mr. Bloom looked very uncomfortable, like he would rather be anywhere else but there. “Well Orlando, your mother insists upon you marrying Mr. Cummings.”
“Yes, or I shall never see him again.” Mrs. Bloom cut in.
Mr. Bloom continued, “From this day onward, you must be a stranger to one of your parents.”
Orlando looked down at the ground as tears started to form in his eyes again.
“Who will maintain you when your father is dead?” Mrs. Bloom asked as she paced behind her husband.
Mr. Bloom cleared his throat and continued, “Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Cummings…” he paused for a moment before he went on. “…and I will never see you again if you do.”
Orlando looked up at him in surprise. He wiped away his tears and smiled as he walked to his father and gave him a grateful hug. “Thank you, papa.”
Then he walked back toward the house ignoring his mother’s shocked look and her call of “Ungrateful child! I shall never speak to you again. Not that I take much pleasure in talking. People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no pleasure in talking to anybody!”
Once Orlando got in the house he immediately called for his sister, “Liv!” he stopped short when he saw Liv sitting on the steps surrounded by Elijah, Dom, and Billy. She had a sad look on her face. “What's the matter? Liv?”
Liv looked up at Orlando and showed him the letter in her hands that was from Miranda Bean. Then she got up and walked up the stairs without saying a word. Orlando followed her, when he entered the room he saw his sister sitting on the bed. He sat down next to her as she explained what the letter said.
After she had explained Orlando immediately got up and went to the closet to pull out a suitcase which he put on the bed and opened.
“I don't understand what would take him from Netherfield. Why does he not know when he'll return?” Orlando asked as he came out of the closet again carrying some of Liv’s clothes which he deposited in the suitcase.
Liv sighed as she reached over to grab the letter and handed it to her brother. “Read it, I don’t mind.”
Orlando scanned through the letter reading aloud the parts that were important. "…Mr. Mortensen is impatient to see his sister and we are scarcely less eager. I do not think Kate Mortensen has her equal for beauty, elegance and accomplishment. I hope to call her hereafter my sister…" Orlando trailed off as he was once again reminded of what a bitch Miranda really was.
“Is that not clear enough?” Liv asked.
Orlando shook his head. “Miranda sees her brother in love with you and has taken him off to persuade him otherwise.”
Liv couldn’t believe that. “But I know her to be incapable of willfully deceiving anyone.”
Orlando rolled his eyes, yeah right, life was a game to Miranda, and she loved to play with people’s lives. Orlando was going to make sure that Miranda didn’t persuade her brother into marrying Kate Mortensen instead of Liv.
“It's more likely he does not love me.” Liv continued.
Orlando looked up from his packing. “He loves you. Do not give up.”
Liv finally realized what Orlando was doing. “Why are you packing my clothes?”
“Go to our aunt and uncle's in London, let it be known you are there and I am sure he will come to you.” Orlando said as he zipped up the suitcase and started to carry it toward the door. “Come on, you can take the carriage to town to get the train.”
The whole family was gathered outside to see Liv off. Orlando found out that Mr. Cummings had left their house earlier and he couldn’t be happier at that news. He was glad he was finally rid of him.
Orlando watched the carriage take Liv away. He hoped everything worked out for her.
Mrs. Bloom had been mighty upset on hearing the news of Mr. Bean but was happy to see Liv going off to London for a time to gather her thoughts on how best to win Mr. Bean’s affections back. “Give my love to my sister and try not to be a burden, dear.”
“Poor Liv.” Orlando commented to his father who stood next to him.
Mr. Bloom nodded, “Still, a girl likes to be crossed in love now and then. It gives her something to think of and a sort of distinction amongst her companions.
Orlando chuckled lightly. “I'm sure that will cheer her up, Papa.”
Mr. Bloom turned to look at his son. “It's your turn now, Orlando. You've turned down Cummings. You're free to go off and be jilted yourself. What about Mr. Wenham?”
Orlando looked at his father suspiciously.
“He's a pleasant fellow and he'd do the job credibly.” Mr. Bloom said.
“Father…” Orlando warned. He had enough of his parents messing with his love life.
“And you have an affectionate mother who would make the most of it.” Mr. Bloom added.
Orlando smiled and laughed at that.
Later that day Orlando was sitting on the swing twirling around and around. He twisted himself and then lifted his feet out straight so the swing unwound, causing him to spin. One minute he saw their courtyard which was filled with hay and dirt and had some chicken and a cow walking through it. Then the next moment he saw out into the field by their house. It was green and lush and beautiful; a complete contrast to the view he would see again in a few seconds. Around and around he went until on the turn back to the view of the field he saw Eric standing there.
Orlando smiled as he stopped the swing and turned it so he could face his friend. “Eric!”
“My dear Orlando.” Eric said, he looked down at the dirt for a few minutes nervously before he said, “I've come her to tell you the news. Mr. Cummings and I are... engaged.”
The smiled fell from Orlando’s face. “Engaged?”
Eric looked up at Orlando and nodded, “Yes.”
“To be married?” Orlando asked, hoping this was all some sick joke.
Eric sighed and replied, “Of course Orlando, what other kind of engaged is there?”
Orlando shook his head and got up from the swing to stand in front of Eric. This couldn’t be happening.
“For heaven's sake, Orlando, don't look at me like that. I should be as happy with him as any other.” Eric said.
“But he’s ridiculous and…and cruel…and…”Orlando tried to explain to his friend.
“Oh, hush!” Eric interrupted. “Not all of us can afford to be romantic. I've been offered a comfortable home and protection. There's a lot to be thankful for.”
“Since when have you cared for those things!” Orlando cried. “Please Eric! Please don’t do this…you can do so much better that him…”
Eric sighed and shook his head at Orlando. “You don’t understand. I'm 29 years old. I've no money and no prospects. I’m not going to get a good job or a high class marriage. I'm already a burden to my parents…and I'm frightened. So don’t judge me, Orlando. Don't you dare judge me.” Eric declared before he turned around and stormed away.
Orlando looked after him with teary eyes. He slumped back down onto the swing. He felt sick. He wanted to cry and he wanted to scream. He knew Mr. Cummings only asked Eric as a way to get back at him for turning him down. Now Orlando felt as if he had somehow let Eric down.
Orlando wound the swing up again and began to twirl once more. It started to rain shortly after that. The weather now matched his mood. He continued to swing in the gloomy weather for hours; going around and around.
Author: bahama_breeze77
Rating: PG13-R
Pairing: Vigorli
Warning: None
Summary: In a world where men can be with men or women...Two people could miss out on the love of a life time if they let pride and prejudice come between them.
Graphic: Done by the lovely frahulettaes
Beta: Nope! Sorry!!
Feedback: Yes! Love constructive responses!! Please!
A/N: A new fic that came to me as I was watching my favorite movie, Pride and Prejudice. I'm still working on When Worlds Collide also, so don't fret!
Previous Chapters
Ch. 6
The next morning was not a good one. Everyone was sitting around the table eating breakfast; it was a rare occasion that Mrs. Bloom was not talking everyone’s ear off. This was due to the fact that she was experiencing a bad hangover.
Everyone was taking advantage of Mrs. Blooms hang over by enjoying a quiet breakfast each one thinking over the events of last night except Billy who was currently playing the piano trying to forget the events of last night.
“Billy, please.” Mrs. Bloom begged. Her headache was being made worse by the dreadful music coming off that piano. She reached out to grab a roll out of the bowl that Mr. Hill had just placed on their table. “Thank you, Mr. Hill.” She said quietly while scolding herself for drinking so much last night.
It was silent in the room for a few minutes except for the clinking of silverware against plates.
Unknown to everyone else in the room, Mr. Cummings had come down the stairs and into the room. He cleared his throat a few times to get everyone’s attention. When it was obvious those attempts didn’t work he stepped forward and said “Mrs. Bloom, I was hoping, if it would not trouble you, that I might solicit a private audience with Orlando.”
Orlando looked up in shock and mild fear before he looked to Liv sitting next to him in alarm.
Mr. Bloom lowered his paper to look at Mr. Cummings through narrow eyes.
Mrs. Bloom perked up at those words and she forgot all about her hang over in her excitement. “Oh, certainly! Orlando would be very happy indeed.”
Orlando shook his head at his mother desperately; he had an idea what Mr. Cummings was going to say and certainly he didn’t want to hear it. He tried to protest but the shock of it had him tongue-tied.
“Everyone out, Mr. Cummings would like a private audience with your brother.” Mrs. Bloom said as she grabbed for Dom and Elijah pushing them out the door after Billy.
Orlando grabbed onto Liv’s hand tightly. “Wait! Mr. Cummings can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not hear.”
Mrs. Bloom shook her head and firmly said, “I desire you will stay where you are; everyone else to the drawing room…Mr. Bloom…that means you to!” She continued as her husband made no move to get up.
“But…” Mr. Bloom started.
“Now!” Mrs. Bloom snapped. No one was going to ruin this moment for her.
Orlando looked at Liv with wide eyes and whispered, “Liv. Liv, don’t…Liv!” But his mother had tugged her away from him and then they both were gone out the door. Orlando looked around frantically for support and his eyes met those of his fathers. “Papa, stay.” He mouthed quietly to his father with pleading eyes.
His father gazed back at him with sad, apologetic eyes before he turned and left the room.
Orlando stared after him with surprise, then quickly pushed back his chair and stood up thinking to escape from the room but as he stood and looked over toward Mr. Cummings, he was greatly surprised to see the man inches from his face. The shock made him step back quickly and he ended up falling back into his chair.
“Dear Orlando, I’m sure my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life.” Mr. Cummings stated as he stood over Orlando.
Orlando had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He knew that wasn’t true, he could still remember all those lustful gazes the man had given his sister.
“But before I am to run away with my feelings, perhaps I may state my reasons for marrying.” Mr. Cummings continued. “Firstly, that it is the duty of a clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, I am convinced it will add greatly to my happiness. And thirdly, that it is at the urging of my esteemed patroness, Lady Cate, that I select a mate.”
Orlando had heard enough. “Mr. Cummings…”
He was cut off however as Mr. Cummings quickly continued, “My object in coming to Longbourn was to choose such a one from among Mr. Bloom's children, for I am to inherit the estate and such an alliance will surely suit everyone.”
Orlando shook his head, “Mr. Cummings…”
“And now nothing remains but for me to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affections.”
Orlando stood up from his chair on the opposite side as Mr. Cummings was on. “Mr. Cummings!” He stated louder.
Mr. Cummings again chose to ignore Orlando. This boy had some lessons to learn about the proper way to speak to your betters. “And no reproach on the subject of fortune will cross my lips once we're married.”
Orlando sighed and stated, “You forget I have given no answer.”
“Lady Cate will thoroughly approve when I speak to her of your modesty economy and other…amiable qualities.” Mr. Cummings added as he looked Orlando up and down focusing longest on Orlando’s groin.
Orlando was taken aback by that remark. He felt like a piece of meat being bargained over. He wanted to hit this man for his comment but decided that being as polite as he could try would get him out of this faster. He took a breath to calm himself and then said, “Sir, I am honored by your proposal, but I regret that I must decline it.”
Alan’s eyes narrowed as he looked to Orlando. This was unacceptable. “I know young people don't seek to seem too eager...”
“Mr. Cummings, I am perfectly serious.” Orlando assured the man. “You could not make me happy. And I'm the last man in the world who could make you happy.”
Mr. Collins tried another tactic. “I flatter myself that your refusal is merely a natural delicacy. Besides, despite manifold attractions, it is by no means certain another offer of marriage will ever be made to you and in fact, I’m sure it won’t.”
Orlando eye’s widened in surprise at those words. How dare he say that!
Mr. Cumming’s continued, “I must conclude that you simply seek to increase my love by suspense. As for not making me happy, well lessons of obedience can certainly be taught.”
Orlando stared at Alan with wide eyes as his heart pounded; what had he meant by that? Orlando was past being polite, he was angry now. He hated the way Mr. Cummings was treating him.
Orlando gave Mr. Cummings an angry look and calmly said, “I am not the sort of person to torment a respectable man.” Orlando’s voice got louder, “Please understand me; I cannot accept you!”
Orlando held his breath as he waited to see what would happen next. Mr. Cummings had a look on his face that could kill.
Orlando’s eyes widened and his heart stopped in his chest as he began to wonder if he had made a mistake in making Mr. Cummings upset. Surely the man wouldn’t hurt him…in his own house. But as Mr. Cummings took a step forward toward Orlando; Orlando didn’t wait around to find out. He fled from the room; running outside as fast as he could toward the forest.
After a few seconds the door behind Mr. Cummings burst open to admit Mrs. Bloom through.
“Headstrong, foolish child.” Mrs. Bloom muttered as she ran past Mr. Cummings after Orlando. “Don't worry, Mr. Cummings. We'll have this little hiccup dealt with immediately.” She called back over her shoulder.
Mr. Cummings ignored the brothers giggling behind him as he made his way up the stairs to his room. Orlando would be sorry for turning him down.
Mrs. Bloom raced down the walkway and over the small bridge calling, “Orlando. Orlando!”
When she couldn’t tell which way the boy had run off to she ran back to the house and into Mr. Bloom’s office.
“Mr. Bloom, we're all in an uproar! You must come and make Orlando marry Mr. Cummings.”
Mr. Bloom shot her a questioning glance.
“Mr. Cummings has proposed to Orlando, but he vowed he will not have him, and now the danger is Mr. Cummings may not have Orlando!” She explained.
Mr. Bloom sighed, “What am I to do?”
“Well, come and talk to him. Now!” She insisted as she pulled him from his seat and out of the room.
Orlando ran and ran through the woods until he finally couldn’t anymore because his vision had gone too blurry to see the way. He stopped and slumped against a tree to catch his breath as tears fell down his face.
He was angry and hurt by what Mr. Cummings had said and done. That man definitely had a darker side to him and Orlando was sure that if he had stayed a few moments longer he would have witnessed it. Orlando hadn’t thought it possible that one man could scare him so much. He suddenly felt very ignorant of the world around him. Maybe if he had kept his head out of the clouds and his books than he would have seen that the world wasn’t as perfect as he thought.
Once he got his breath back, Orlando pushed away from the tree and turned to walk back but the moment he turned he walked right into a large solid body. Thinking it was Mr. Cummings he pushed against the body and stumbled back. He would have fallen had not two strong hands reached out to clasp his arms to keep him upright.
Orlando looked up fearfully, afraid of what he would find, and was therefore, very surprised to find himself looking at Mr. Mortensen.
“Viggo!” Orlando gasped as he found his feet. He was slightly disappointed when Viggo’s hands withdrew.
“Are you well?” Viggo asked. He was concerned to see this boy who was always so confident reduced to tears and the brief look of fear that had been in the boys eyes made him want to kill whoever was responsible for placing it there.
Orlando nodded quickly. “Fine.” He lied.
Viggo reached out to gently wipe a tear from Orlando’s cheek, “Are you sure?” he asked softly.
Orlando leaned slightly into the touch. It felt good and warm. “Yes…no…yes, I just…had a dreadful marriage proposal.” Orlando’s eyes widened when he realized what slipped out, he hadn’t meant to tell Viggo that.
Viggo nodded and quickly withdrew his hand. “Oh.” A bad feeling settled into the pit of the stomach as jealousy flared through him. He felt great attracted to Orlando. No matter how hard he tried to forget this young man; the soulful brown eyes haunted his dreams. They had since he had first met this boy. But it could never be. There was too much stacked against them. Still the thought of Orlando being intimate with someone else was a punch in the gut. “And are congratulations in order?”
Orlando let out a quick breath that sounded more like a sob and quickly shook his head. “No, even if I had agreed it would not have been a happy occasion for me.”
Viggo felt the pain in his stomach ease. “Why the tears then if you have avoided such a bad occasion?”
Orlando flushed and looked down at the ground. He shrugged his shoulders, “Just a wake up call I didn’t expect.”
Viggo nodded, he couldn’t think of anything to say to that.
After a while Orlando finally looked up and broke the silence by asking. “Are you enjoying your walk?”
Viggo smiled “Very much, thank you.”
Orlando nodded as silence once again descended.
For lack of something else to talk about, Viggo asked, “How is your family?”
“Oh, they are well.” Orlando smiled.
Viggo nodded again and said, “Well I should get on my way.”
Orlando nodded, “Yes, enjoy your day.”
“You too.” Viggo replied as he turned to walk away.
Orlando sighed and turned around to walk to the lake that was nearby. He decided he wasn’t ready to return home yet.
Viggo stopped a ways away and looked back at Orlando. He saw him walking away with slumped shoulders and the sight suddenly had Viggo feeling very guilty about the conversation he had had with Sean this morning.
After a long time of searching for Orlando, Mr. and Mrs. Bloom finally found him by the small lake.
Orlando had been staring into the lake, thinking of his encounter with Viggo when he heard a noise behind him. He turned to see both of his parents coming toward him.
Mrs. Bloom patted her husband on the arm and said “Tell him you insist they marry.”
Orlando sighed, “Papa, please.”
Mrs. Bloom turned her attention toward her son, “You will have this house and save your brothers from destitution.” She explained hoping to change his mind.
Orlando shook his head, “I can’t marry him.” They weren’t there, they didn’t see his cold eyes. He would rather die than subject himself to a life like that.
Mrs. Bloom shot him a withering glare, “Go and say you’ve changed your mind! Think of your family!”
“I won’t! You cannot make me.” Orlando stated loudly.
Mrs. Bloom sighed in frustration, “Mr. Bloom, say something!”
Mr. Bloom looked very uncomfortable, like he would rather be anywhere else but there. “Well Orlando, your mother insists upon you marrying Mr. Cummings.”
“Yes, or I shall never see him again.” Mrs. Bloom cut in.
Mr. Bloom continued, “From this day onward, you must be a stranger to one of your parents.”
Orlando looked down at the ground as tears started to form in his eyes again.
“Who will maintain you when your father is dead?” Mrs. Bloom asked as she paced behind her husband.
Mr. Bloom cleared his throat and continued, “Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Cummings…” he paused for a moment before he went on. “…and I will never see you again if you do.”
Orlando looked up at him in surprise. He wiped away his tears and smiled as he walked to his father and gave him a grateful hug. “Thank you, papa.”
Then he walked back toward the house ignoring his mother’s shocked look and her call of “Ungrateful child! I shall never speak to you again. Not that I take much pleasure in talking. People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no pleasure in talking to anybody!”
Once Orlando got in the house he immediately called for his sister, “Liv!” he stopped short when he saw Liv sitting on the steps surrounded by Elijah, Dom, and Billy. She had a sad look on her face. “What's the matter? Liv?”
Liv looked up at Orlando and showed him the letter in her hands that was from Miranda Bean. Then she got up and walked up the stairs without saying a word. Orlando followed her, when he entered the room he saw his sister sitting on the bed. He sat down next to her as she explained what the letter said.
After she had explained Orlando immediately got up and went to the closet to pull out a suitcase which he put on the bed and opened.
“I don't understand what would take him from Netherfield. Why does he not know when he'll return?” Orlando asked as he came out of the closet again carrying some of Liv’s clothes which he deposited in the suitcase.
Liv sighed as she reached over to grab the letter and handed it to her brother. “Read it, I don’t mind.”
Orlando scanned through the letter reading aloud the parts that were important. "…Mr. Mortensen is impatient to see his sister and we are scarcely less eager. I do not think Kate Mortensen has her equal for beauty, elegance and accomplishment. I hope to call her hereafter my sister…" Orlando trailed off as he was once again reminded of what a bitch Miranda really was.
“Is that not clear enough?” Liv asked.
Orlando shook his head. “Miranda sees her brother in love with you and has taken him off to persuade him otherwise.”
Liv couldn’t believe that. “But I know her to be incapable of willfully deceiving anyone.”
Orlando rolled his eyes, yeah right, life was a game to Miranda, and she loved to play with people’s lives. Orlando was going to make sure that Miranda didn’t persuade her brother into marrying Kate Mortensen instead of Liv.
“It's more likely he does not love me.” Liv continued.
Orlando looked up from his packing. “He loves you. Do not give up.”
Liv finally realized what Orlando was doing. “Why are you packing my clothes?”
“Go to our aunt and uncle's in London, let it be known you are there and I am sure he will come to you.” Orlando said as he zipped up the suitcase and started to carry it toward the door. “Come on, you can take the carriage to town to get the train.”
The whole family was gathered outside to see Liv off. Orlando found out that Mr. Cummings had left their house earlier and he couldn’t be happier at that news. He was glad he was finally rid of him.
Orlando watched the carriage take Liv away. He hoped everything worked out for her.
Mrs. Bloom had been mighty upset on hearing the news of Mr. Bean but was happy to see Liv going off to London for a time to gather her thoughts on how best to win Mr. Bean’s affections back. “Give my love to my sister and try not to be a burden, dear.”
“Poor Liv.” Orlando commented to his father who stood next to him.
Mr. Bloom nodded, “Still, a girl likes to be crossed in love now and then. It gives her something to think of and a sort of distinction amongst her companions.
Orlando chuckled lightly. “I'm sure that will cheer her up, Papa.”
Mr. Bloom turned to look at his son. “It's your turn now, Orlando. You've turned down Cummings. You're free to go off and be jilted yourself. What about Mr. Wenham?”
Orlando looked at his father suspiciously.
“He's a pleasant fellow and he'd do the job credibly.” Mr. Bloom said.
“Father…” Orlando warned. He had enough of his parents messing with his love life.
“And you have an affectionate mother who would make the most of it.” Mr. Bloom added.
Orlando smiled and laughed at that.
Later that day Orlando was sitting on the swing twirling around and around. He twisted himself and then lifted his feet out straight so the swing unwound, causing him to spin. One minute he saw their courtyard which was filled with hay and dirt and had some chicken and a cow walking through it. Then the next moment he saw out into the field by their house. It was green and lush and beautiful; a complete contrast to the view he would see again in a few seconds. Around and around he went until on the turn back to the view of the field he saw Eric standing there.
Orlando smiled as he stopped the swing and turned it so he could face his friend. “Eric!”
“My dear Orlando.” Eric said, he looked down at the dirt for a few minutes nervously before he said, “I've come her to tell you the news. Mr. Cummings and I are... engaged.”
The smiled fell from Orlando’s face. “Engaged?”
Eric looked up at Orlando and nodded, “Yes.”
“To be married?” Orlando asked, hoping this was all some sick joke.
Eric sighed and replied, “Of course Orlando, what other kind of engaged is there?”
Orlando shook his head and got up from the swing to stand in front of Eric. This couldn’t be happening.
“For heaven's sake, Orlando, don't look at me like that. I should be as happy with him as any other.” Eric said.
“But he’s ridiculous and…and cruel…and…”Orlando tried to explain to his friend.
“Oh, hush!” Eric interrupted. “Not all of us can afford to be romantic. I've been offered a comfortable home and protection. There's a lot to be thankful for.”
“Since when have you cared for those things!” Orlando cried. “Please Eric! Please don’t do this…you can do so much better that him…”
Eric sighed and shook his head at Orlando. “You don’t understand. I'm 29 years old. I've no money and no prospects. I’m not going to get a good job or a high class marriage. I'm already a burden to my parents…and I'm frightened. So don’t judge me, Orlando. Don't you dare judge me.” Eric declared before he turned around and stormed away.
Orlando looked after him with teary eyes. He slumped back down onto the swing. He felt sick. He wanted to cry and he wanted to scream. He knew Mr. Cummings only asked Eric as a way to get back at him for turning him down. Now Orlando felt as if he had somehow let Eric down.
Orlando wound the swing up again and began to twirl once more. It started to rain shortly after that. The weather now matched his mood. He continued to swing in the gloomy weather for hours; going around and around.