The picnic thus far had been a success. Everyone had eaten their fill of delicious food (especially pigeon pies) and engaged in genial conversation with each other. Even the insufferable Mrs. Elton had been surprisingly pleasant to all. Since it was so close to evening, the partygoers would soon have to go home.
After the animal attacks of the previous weeks, being indoors by sundown was strongly encouraged to ensure safety. No one had actually seen the beast yet, but the mutilated carcasses of their livestock were enough of a warning. Mr. Martin had expected that the creature was huge, judging by the enormity of the claw marks found on the flank of his poor milk cow.
Everyone helped pack up so they could get home as soon as possible. The picnic had gone on a little longer than expected and the sun was already going down. The sunshine and enjoyment of the afternoon made the beast seem worlds away and lifted the gloom that had surrounded them all week.
Emma was packing up her basket when Mr. Knightley came up to her and asked, “Would you walk with me for a short time while everyone else packs up? There’s something I want to tell you.”
Emma studied Mr. Knightley’s countenance and noticed there were dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn’t been sleeping. He also moved a little stiffly and looked a bit disheveled. Emma, curious about his condition, smiled and replied, “Of course. Just for a short time.”
They walked down a path in the woods and when they could no longer see their friends, they stopped. Mr. Knightley turned to Emma. “I know I don’t seem like myself today and I wanted to confide in you. I just don’t know what to do and I need your advice.”
Emma mentally prepared herself and put an encouraging smile on her face. “Of course. We have all been worried about you. I will do anything I can to help.”
Mr. Knightley was about to say something, but he suddenly stopped when a splash of warm liquid fell on Emma’s forehead and then on her shoulder. She wiped it away with her gloved hand and it came away red, dripping with blood. She looked up and screamed in horror.
to be continued
* This scene was found on page 34 in Emma and the Werewolves by Jane Austen and Adam Rann and is elaborated upon by the author.
** This passage is found on page 34 in Emma and the Werewolves.
~*~
Emma and Mr Knightley's Encounter
part 1
part 2
part 3 - end
- guest post from Titania86 of Fishmuffins of Doom
Thanks Elizabeth!
- image source dark woods
- part of Mr Knightley's Picnic
