challenge 60 (remainder) - blue

[missmai_chan]

Title: A Winter Kiss
Author: Missmai_chan
Fandom: Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights
Pairing: Jane/Catherine Linton
Rating: PG
Word Count: 249
A/N: This is the third ficlet in a series of drabbles that deal in crossover land - Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and throwing our sage Jane in the ring with the tempestuous Catherine Linton, daughter of Katharine Earnshaw/Linton. The first ficlet was in first person and from Jane's POV, the second in third. This ficlet returns to Jane's POV once again.
Summary: Jane has been governess of Wuthering Heights now for 9 months, and endures much abuse from her pupil Catherine Linton, who is prone to temper tantrums and spiteful remarks.

It was on a blustery day in November that my young mistress decided we were to go walking upon the moors. I protested, for the day was as gloomy as it was cold, and I could not bear thinking of a storm stranding us beneath some wizened tree. Of course, Catherine insisted, invoking God to curse my disobedience.

Beleaguered, I agreed. Packing our warmest shawls in case of higher winds, we set out. I noticed Catherine often slipped on the grey stones and moss. I sighed - the impractical imp had defied my orders of sensible shoes, and had worn pretty slippers without purchase.

The afternoon rolled by, mottled navy clouds roiling the sky.

We prepared to leave. Standing, I heard a sharp cry behind me and turned, sensible of the danger to my mistress. Catherine lay sprawled, her leg exposed - twisted at an angry angle. Her face had dropped its usual ruddy hue.

Now she looked a frightened doll, and called for me.

"Oh Jane, dear Jane, I think it is quite broken," she wept, not attempting to move and clearly in agony. I knelt beside her, any ill feeling in my breast now less than a memory. I stroked her face to no avail.

I could not muster a thought of how to soothe her. Tears sprung fast from her eyes and she cried out so pitifully, that all reason seemed to fly from my breast. As though overtaken by some spirit, I pressed my lips to hers.

(TBC)