Emma & Elton: Something Truly Horrid

So I was wanting to do something to celebrate Halloween, one of my most favorite holidays. While the creatures typically associated with this day are not really my forte, I thought I could delve into the realm of suspense for the occasion. Those who read my first book, First Impression: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice, will remember how thoroughly happy a tale it was, everything proceeding smoothly and devoid of angst. This is to be an exercise precisely opposite to that: how could everything go most wrong? And so I give you Emma & Elton: Something Truly Horrid. The name really says it all. Here is Emma reimagined along lines most unhappy for the heroine, exploring where her pride and interference might have led had she been made aware of Mr. Elton's affection for herself at an earlier date. I plan to post the story over eight days, beginning Wednesday, October 24th. Those who know me might wonder that I, a frequent defender of Miss Woodhouse, would treat her so shabbily, but I think it is in the spirit of the holiday to confront those notions usually confined to the realm of nightmare. Here is the product of my bad dreams. If the venture does offend anyone, please accept my apologies in advance.