A Modern Day Sense and Sensibility: An Adaptation of Jane Austen's Classic

by Kaitlin Saunders

  Not wanting to keep him waiting any longer, Ellie pushed aside her thoughts and entered the shop. Brandon immediately spotted her, and Ellie smiled as she made her way over to the table and sat across from him.

  “Thanks for coming on such short notice,” he welcomed her. “Can I get you anything?”

  “Oh, no, but thank you,” Ellie answered, taking off her jacket and breathing in the warm, coffee aroma of the café.

  “Are you sure? They have really good lattes here,” Brandon motioned to his mug.

  “That’s okay,” Ellie refused again. “Charlotte fixed a really big lunch.”

  Brandon nodded and took a sip of his drink. “Mrs. Jennings tells me that you and Marianne are heading back home?”

  “ Word travels fast,” she shrugged, trying to read his expression.

  “What arrangements have been made for your travels?” he asked, his eyes giving away his concern.

  “The Palmers will take us as far as Colorado,” Ellie replied and Brandon nodded. The Palmers owned a vacation home in Vail, Colorado, which would act as a nice pit stop for the sisters before they headed home on their own. “Marianne’s not . . . she’s not doing well,” explained Ellie, feeling the need to elaborate yet unsure of what to say exactly.

  But before she could further acquaint him with Marianne’s situation, Brandon spoke. “Ellie, I hope this isn’t too presumptuous of me,” he began, “but I was hoping you might allow me to accompany the both of you home. I’ve already reserved a seat on the plane, but I wanted to check with you first before making definite plans.”

  Ellie was deeply moved by his concern and his offer to join them, yet she knew Brandon’s purpose in asking wasn’t only to align their travel plans but to make sure his assistance wouldn’t upset Marianne. Although Marianne’s safety was a top priority, Brandon didn’t want to step on her toes or distress her in any way.

  “I don’t think she would mind at all, Brandon,” Ellie reassured with a smile. “In fact, it would probably put her more at ease knowing you’ll be there to watch out for us. You’re sure you won’t be cutting your stay in New York short on our account?” she asked.

  “No, I’m ready to go home,” Brandon answered, rubbing the back of his neck as he stretched. Then settling back into his seat, he changed the topic by stating, “I heard about Edward Ferrars.”

  It was obvious Brandon knew nothing of the rumors Mrs. Jennings had concocted concerning Ellie’s supposed romance with Edward—and perhaps Ellie had his sudden departure to New York to thank for that. His apparent ignorance was a relief, because she could now pretend to be unaffected by the topic of Edward.

  “I really feel for the guy and have been inquiring about a few positions in Portland which would allow Edward and Lucy to get married as soon as possible.”

  Brandon’s kind and generous efforts tugged at Ellie’s heartstrings, and she struggled to command the growing heaviness inside. Why would Brandon go out of his way to help a man he didn’t even know? If truth be told, had she not been in love with Edward herself, Ellie would have been elated by his efforts to help her friend get married as soon as possible. But since Brandon’s assistance would bring Lucy’s victory to fruition, she could only wish regretfully that Brandon would leave things alone. Brandon, although an observant man when it came to Marianne, didn’t notice the turbulence in the heart of his coffee date.

  “There’s an opening for a photographer at the Portland Herald,” Brandon explained. “It’s nothing special, and the pay isn’t very good, but it’s something and it will help them get started.” Brandon’s eyes widened in mock exasperation. “I tell you, finding work for a photographer is not easy!” Ellie managed to chuckle and Brandon continued, “And I’m sure Mr. Middleton can also arrange something for them in his apartments.”

  Well, Ellie thought, Sounds like it’s time for me to move out! It was impossible to imagine herself living within the vicinity of Edward and Lucy. Talk about daily torture!

  “I know they won’t have a lot of money, so I was hoping you could pass this along to Edward for me,” Brandon finished, sliding an envelope toward her. “It seems more appropriate coming from you since you are not only friends, but also related through your brother.”

  Ellie’s face turned ash white, and she quickly diverted her eyes from Brandon’s before he could catch a glimpse of her horror. What!?! Umm . . . NO! she wanted to blurt out. But calming herself a long moment, she forced herself to say instead, “Oh, Brandon, I think this would be much better coming from you!”

  “No, I think Edward would prefer hearing it from someone he trusts. Could you do it for me, please?”

  Ellie was caught between a rock and a hard place. It was clear she should accept his appeal, yet Ellie was anxious about meeting Edward again, especially when charged with relaying such “wonderful” news. But how could she turn Brandon down, especially after all he had done for them—was still doing for them? Brandon was even cutting his time in New York short just so he could accompany them home and ensure their safety.

  Sitting back with resignation, Ellie reluctantly agreed.

  Having received Edward’s phone number from John, Ellie now debated whether she would even be able to muster the courage to call him at all. Pacing back and forth past the ominous cell phone which lay on the guest room’s tidy desk, Ellie eyed the device tentatively. Maybe she could just call up Brandon and tell him she couldn’t do it. He’d probably ask why, but that would require an explanation.

  Sighing, Ellie realized she didn’t even have the guts to call Brandon if it meant letting him down. Maybe the call to Edward wouldn’t be as bad as she imagined. After all, meeting with him might clear up some of her own questions. Ellie scoffed at that thought. What would she ask—an almost married man, that is? Even though she longed to find out whether Edward had ever been interested in her or if she’d just been fooling herself, Ellie knew she’d never be able to ask those questions. Telling herself right then and there to look at this encounter as solely business-related, she gave herself no room for dissent and picked up the phone to call Edward.

  After agreeing on Central Park later that afternoon, Ellie sat on the edge of her bed and blew out a long breath—one hurdle down, one more to go.

  Readying herself hours before the designated meeting time, Ellie decided that rather than wait anxiously around the house she might as well head over to the park early. Finding a secluded bench shaded by a tall leafy tree, Ellie sat herself down and proceeded to wait. It was a pleasant, sunny day and the park was occupied by plenty of park-goers, walking or jogging the paved pathways which surrounded the lake. Several people on small skiffs glided across the water, taking advantage of the nice weather.

  Lost in thought, Ellie did a double-take when she spotted Edward not more than five feet away. Was it that time already? She had been so intent on studying the people around her, she hadn’t been watching for him. Taking a quick glance at her watch to disguise her flustered state, Ellie noticed that Edward was early as well.

  “Hello,” she greeted him, feeling like a fidgety twelve-year-old next to her crush.

  “Ellie,” Edward began with furrowed brow, “I’m glad you called me. I’ve wanted to explain about—”

  “Edward,” Ellie stopped him, quick to regain control of the conversation’s direction. She’d already planned out what she was going to say, rehearsing it hundreds of times since getting off the phone, and was determined not to let Edward beat her to the punch. First on her list was to acquaint him with the purpose behind this meeting. Ellie blushed as she surmised his reasoning for her random phone call and wasted no time in setting the record straight. “I called you on behalf of my friend Brandon. He feels sorry for you in your present situation and would like to be of assistance so that you and Lucy can be married without further delay.” Ellie knew she probably sounded like a robot in her attempt to separate herself from Brandon’s message, but regardless pressed on. “He’s making arrangements with Mr. Middlet
on to secure an apartment for the two of you in Portland, and also inquired around for any photography work.” Pausing, Ellie glanced at Edward for a response but he merely sat down next to her and waited for her to continue. She complied. “Brandon found a position at the Portland Herald, if you’re interested, and wanted me to give you this,” she finished, handing Edward the sealed envelope. With her commission now completed, Ellie grew quiet as she waited for him to say something in return.

  At first speechless, Edward finally asked, “Brandon’s done all of that, for me?”

  Ellie nodded and watched as an odd, bitter expression crossed Edward’s features before he quickly tucked it away. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but Ellie couldn’t help guessing it was because Edward assumed there was something going on between Brandon and herself. Why else would Brandon ask her to complete such a personal errand? Although far from the truth, Ellie didn’t feel like setting the record straight. Truth be told, it soothed her injured pride to think Edward might believe a guy as great as Brandon would be interested in her.

  Ellie did feel, however, that she should elaborate as to why Brandon was so willing to help someone he’d never met before. “Brandon was once in a situation much like yours and would like to help make it possible for the two of you to marry,” Ellie divulged without giving away any particulars. “He felt his offer would come best through me, since he knows we’re friends.”

  Edward looked down, fiddling with the envelope in his hands. After a moment he turned his eyes to Ellie. “I hope we will always be friends,” he said softly.

  “Of course. . .” Ellie quickly replied before letting her voice trail off. What could she possibly say to assure him about what they both realized would be impossible? They both knew the sad truth—they could never be just friends. Ellie’s heart had been too awakened to go back, and she was too sensible to hope otherwise.

  “Your friendship has meant the world to me,” Edward confessed, this time unable to look directly at her.

  Ellie glanced away, blushing uncomfortably. She knew those seemingly innocent words were Edward’s way of telling her that she had not been mistaken, he had cared for her.

  As the two sat in silence, cherishing this time in each other’s company, Ellie’s heart began staging an uprising. How could she just let Edward walk away when they both felt the same way? But the reason was simple: she had to. She didn’t want to manipulate Edward into breaking his promise to Lucy, fearing that he might later blame her for his guilt. Their love, if united under these circumstances, would ruin them.

  Ellie wondered if Edward was aware that his promise, his long ago decision to be with Lucy, would forever change her life as well. Edward had been her first love. She would always remember him and probably always compare every other man to him.

  Although her heart urged her to speak, Ellie knew she had to do the right thing and walk away.

  “I’m so glad Lucy decided to go home early,” Charlotte cooed as they waited for their plane to take off.

  Emotionally overspent after her ordeal with Francil and the Ferrars, Lucy had opted to return to California sooner on a seperate flight.

  “Oh, yes,” agreed Mrs. Jennings, “The poor thing was in such a fragile state! I tell you, that Francil is a monster!”

  “She and Jim are one in the same! Hurting two of the nicest girls!” Charlotte chirped, obviously not thinking about how the mention of Willoughby’s name might affect the passenger sitting across from her at the gate.

  Both Ellie and Brandon glanced tentatively at Marianne. But if she had heard Charlotte’s comment, Marianne merely continued looking out the window without expression.

  Although Marianne seemed unaffected by Charlotte’s slip-up, the indiscretion had ruffled Ellie’s feathers. She’d been trying so hard to prevent Willoughby’s name from ever being mentioned in front of Marianne—a task which hadn’t been easy but now would be nearly impossible in such confined quarters. The last couple of days leading up to their flight had been extremely difficult, as both Mrs. Jennings and her daughter were diligent in relating Willoughby’s every action as recorded by numerous gossip columns, twitter accounts, and entertainment websites. Throughout this ordeal, however, Ellie had become adept at making sure Marianne heard nothing of their ramblings. Of course, this had been made easier by her sister’s preference to spend the majority of her time alone in her bedroom. Ellie knew the real test of her ability to dodge subjects would begin now. She hoped she’d pass.

  Filled with trepidation, Ellie followed Brandon onto the plane, sitting next to him as he took the seat beside her sister. She understood Brandon’s desire to be near the woman who’d stolen his heart. Marianne, however, was oblivious to the pains Brandon took to care for and look after her. Too sullen and self-absorbed, Marianne’s behavior was increasingly commented on by acquaintances concerned about her deteriorating health and appearance. Even though Ellie observed all the same signs, she, most of all, was reluctant to admit her sister’s lack of vitality. Her hope was that as Marianne’s broken heart improved over time, so would her health and disposition.

  “And to think,” Ellie heard Charlotte’s voice once again as they settled in the row behind them, “We can see Jim Willoughby’s ugly house from the edge of our property! Maybe we should have gone straight back to Oregon instead of stopping in Colorado.”

  Ellie breathed an irritated sigh as Marianne roused at the mention of this. Ellie had forgotten until now that Mr. Middleton had mentioned something about Willoughby’s family home being in Colorado—apparently so had Marianne. She wished Charlotte would keep little nuggets of information like that to herself!

  Despite Ellie’s silent annoyance, Charlotte continued, “I think I’ll have our gardener put up a huge fence or something.”

  This attempt on Charlotte’s part to remedy the situation was unpleasant news to her husband however. James, having just returned from the airplane restroom, overheard his wife’s suggestion. “A fence? What are you talking about?” he asked sardonically. “You’ve never even walked to the edge of our property—perhaps you’ve forgotten that we own over forty acres? And we can’t even see his place from our house! It would be a complete waste of money.”

  Ellie watched Marianne as she turned to gaze out the small window once again. If only she had remembered about Willoughby’s residence in Colorado before arranging their departure. She blamed Mrs. Jennings and Charlotte for this oversight. Surely they could have spoken up before their plane tickets had been purchased. Shaking her head, Ellie mused over how ironic life could be at times.

  The Palmers house in Colorado was breath-taking. Built in the basic log cabin style, its rustic appearance did not sacrifice any of the modern “necessities”: large bay windows overlooking the scenic sights, a wrap-around porch with a log swing, a well-manicured lawn, three-car garage, and an impressive front door entry.

  They rode over in James’s SUV which had been parked at the airport, and when they had pulled into the driveway, Brandon patiently helped Mrs. Jennings descend from the over-sized vehicle.

  Once safely on the ground, Mrs. Jennings turned to her daughter, “I’m going to head inside, dear, and take a rest.”

  “Okay, Mom,” Charlotte nodded before observing Ellie and Marianne’s admiration of her Colorado estate. “Do you like it?” she asked. Ellie nodded. “James had it built for me on our first anniversary,” she wistfully explained, watching her husband hurry inside the house without a backwards glance.

  As Marianne began edging her way toward the west side of the house where she had spotted a small garden, Ellie focused her attention on Charlotte’s apparent sadness. “How long have you two been married?” she asked.

  “Oh . . . six years,” Charlotte answered with a tinge of melancholy. In an effort to distract herself from her unhappy thoughts, she touched her pregnant belly with tenderness. “I am so excited about this baby!”

  Ellie got the impression this baby was Charlotte’s last attempt to bring her
marriage back to life, or at least to give herself a companion whom she could love and who would love her in return. The thought saddened Ellie, but before she could dwell on it for too long, her eyes caught sight of Marianne lingering at the corner of the house, as if debating whether or not to venture further on. Although somewhat distracted by this, Ellie tried to keep the conversation going. “So do you know if it’s a boy or girl?” she asked, then immediately blushed. What if the baby’s sex had already been announced? Her question would be very telling that she was not always the keenest listener.

  “No,” Charlotte replied to Ellie’s reprieve. “My mom suggested that we wait and be surprised. She read an article somewhere that said mothers actually bond better with their babies when they wait till birth to discov—”

  Seeing that Marianne was no longer visible, Ellie stopped her friend in the midst of an intriguing subject to excuse herself. “I’m so sorry, but I can’t see Marianne. I really need to make sure she’s okay.” Full of understanding, Charlotte graciously smiled and turned to go inside as Ellie walked toward the spot they had last seen Marianne. Turning the corner of the house, Ellie breathed a sigh of relief at finding Marianne in the side garden.

  “Marianne!” she called out, and Marianne looked up. “Marianne, let’s go inside,” Ellie urged, “It looks like it might rain.”

  Marianne nodded slowly but didn’t hasten to rejoin her sister. Instead, she took her time observing the beautiful flowers while dawdling in Ellie’s direction. Ellie found her sister’s expression troubling. It was obvious Marianne was enjoying being outdoors again—which was good—but there was something behind her eyes that worried Ellie. As the two of them headed inside the house, Ellie made a mental note to keep a closer watch on her sister.