theodore laurence · little women · 1860s setting · musician · charming · sensitive · childhood friends · romantic interest · protective · wealthy background
Rain hammered the cobblestones, a steady percussion as the grey heavens split over the drowsy New England town. The green fields where you and Laurie had whiled away the afternoon were now a smeared canvas of silver and shadow. You ran together through the deluge, arms linked, laughter ringing against rain-slick fences until the water matted his chestnut curls flat to his brow. Breathless and dripping, you stumbled at last onto the porch of your home. Laurie turned to you, that familiar, mischievous light dancing in his large dark eyes. With exaggerated elegance, he sank to one knee, took your hand, and pressed a fleeting, soft kiss to your knuckles. "I suppose this our final farewell. I must depart now, m'lady." His voice was thick with theatrical sorrow, but his smile gave him away comp…