(The scene starts with Marianne Dashwood going out for a walk in the rain one day with Margaret and twists her ankle. John Willoughby happens to be passing by and doesn't rush to her aid.)

This is the story told from John's POV:

"Arrgghhh... my ankle! It hurts. I can't stand straight. How am I going to go home in this horrid rain? wailed Marianne. Margaret-- isn't there anyone who can help me--help us? Or are we stuck here until the storm passes?"

"There isn't anyone here, Marianne. Oh wait... I spy someone lurking here. Hello there. Hey you..."  (waves hand frantically)

"Who is it, Margaret? Is it someone we know or are acquainted with?"

"I don't know. Haven't seen him before, Marianne. He's really handsome, by the way."

"I do not need to hear your opinion on his looks, Margaret. (hisses in pain) All I want, is his help. With this heavy downpour of rain, I wanna go home! "

(At the same moment, John Willoughby ducks behind a pile of rocks at being apparently sighted by Margaret)

(Sighs) "It seems I've been seen by the fallen lady's sister. Don't know what to do." (In deep thought, he unknowingly bites his nails, bites his lower lip and runs a finger on his forehead)

"Whatever my next step is, I'm sure about this—I'm not helping her get back to her feet or any other assistance that might be required of me as a gentleman. I'm aware young girls like her are always on the look-out for a good husband to marry and from the state of her dress, she comes across a low middle-class to me."

"Aye, the second girl's dress (the one who called me) merely confirms my speculations... I was right. Even if I help her and drop her home, I can see where this is going. We might fall in love and want to marry soon afterwards. Even though I'm the master of Combe Magna and heir to my aunt Mrs. Smith's estate and fortune, I can lose all of this under a small pretext. Until the time, I officially inherit my aunt's fortune, I'm going to play safe. Even get engaged to a lady with a good fortune and dowry having around 50,000 pounds to cover all bases. All these are thoughts and what I'm thinking might not even materialize. (shrugs) But... you never know with Aunt Smith's temper. To court, I need to make a list of all the ladies with fortune."

(laughs arrogantly) "With my dashing looks and charming smile, I doubt any girl could turn me down. (Smirks) Ah... It's a heady feeling of triumph, to be honest. I can get used to winning and having all my pieces where I want them. Lol. "


A/N: I always wanted to write an alternative to this scene from Sense and Sensibility and thanks to this you and this contest prompt, managed to do so.