Alter, Fond, Tranquil
“Pray don’t alter yourself in any respect, my dear.”
“What’s with the bad Jane Austen impersonation, Bill?”
“Well, women are supposed to like her. I think I’ve seen you read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ a couple of hundred times since we got married. And you’re always watching that Colin Firth guy.”
“Yes, I’m fond of the books. It must have been a more tranquil time, in many ways. But that doesn’t mean I want you to turn yourself into Mr. Darcy.”
“I –“
“Stop sighing, Bill. What is it?”
“I thought you’d like it if I was a little more romantic.”
“There’s ‘romantic’ and ‘romantic’. Pray don’t alter yourself in any respect, my dear.”
“Oh, great. Wipe that Cheshire cat grin off your face, will you? I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”
“Nope.”
De Mon Esprit! 
Yeah, I like the bit about the Cheshire cat!
Great story very succinct.sometimes people go overboard to please us and it isn’t always the best way.
🙂 I LOVE it! The banter between the two is so sweet, and…romantic. The personalities come through so well in such a short space, excellent! I like this couple.
Very good conversation piece that flows nicely. Can’t help feeling sorry for Bill. “She’s not worth the effort mate!”
Yes, I agree with Altonian, I feel bad for Bill. She should appreciate the effort. Maybe she doesn’t want Mr. Darcy, but there’s nothing wrong with either Colonel Brandon or Captain Wentworth!
lol this is really cute
Sweet and funny. I like the banter, and I like the playfulness.
Thanks so much, everyone, for reading and commenting. I’m always surprised when I see comments and realize that what I thought was obvious was read differently. Every time, I learn something new, and thank you for that.
I was aiming for playfulness … banter between two people who knew each other very well.
He didn’t even say much in the corny sense. If she doesn’t let him live it down, she’s secretly smitten. Which, you know, works for an Austen fan.
That a cute little story
Love this! Little bit of cheekiness, but real depth of affection all the same.