Miss Jane Austen

He returns the smile.

It's likely the first genuinely happy one he's managed to make in a long time.

His hand slowly moves down to graze tenderly at her neck. There are consequences to this, but right now he could not be forced to care.

The sound of a group of men chattering beyond the distance makes him turn - just briefly - towards their direction.

Decisions must be made.

He turns back to Jane, a hopeful smile on his face. His hand moves to take hers and he starts off - away from the fountain and the approaching men.

"I have -" he starts, "no money, no property. I am entirely dependent upon that bizarre old lunatic, my uncle."

He leads her towards the trees, excitement and joy rising in his voice.

"I cannot yet offer you marriage. But - you must know what I feel.

"Jane, I'm yours."

He can't believe that he's confessing this; and yet it is exciting to admit it.

"God. I'm yours. I'm yours - heart and soul."

He watches her expression, half-joking as he concludes with, "Much good that is."