Disclaimer: I do not own nor do I claim any rights to the chracters, the book or the movie, Little women. They belong to Louisa May Alcott and Columbia Pictures. I do own any original chatacters and the plot.

Love Lost And Found

Laurie sighed wearily, as he sat in his favourite chair near the piano in the family March house hold. Jo, who had returned from London a month ago, after her mother sent for her, as Beth was on her death bed, and died only recently. Jo looked at her dear friend sympathetically.

She said "Ok, allow me to see if I understand this clearly. You proposed to Amy, when you discovered her painting in Paris, and she refused your advances and proposal of marriage?" Laurie nodded miserably,

Jo paused briefly and asked "How long did you pursue her for, and did she state why she could not marry you?" Laurie replied "Won't not couldn't, she wouldn't. She says she refuses to court or marry a man whom is in love with her sister and her family. And I pursued her for six months, before I asked for her hand in marriage."

He added with a distinctive tone of distaste "Although she was most certainly interested in Fred Vaughn's advances and proposal of marriage. I suppose when your yearly income is several thousands, a proposal of marriage tends to be much more appealing then a proposal from a pauper."

Jo looked incredulously at her friend, as she asked "A Pauper?" Laurie nodded and revealed "She claimed she always knew she would never marry a pauper. Well, as a young girl, I remember her often saying such a thing."

Jo sighed and pointed out reasonably "Well Teddy, you did ask me to marry you first, when we were still in our teens. The fact I denied your proposal, still did not soften the immense hurt dear Amy endure. Whether you are aware of this or not, is neither he nor there, but know this, Amy was always extremely fond of you."

She added sadly, after a brief pause "I can perfectly understand why she would be reluctant to believe that it is her you truly want, instead of me, making it seem like she is only second best."

She continued "I met someone whilst in London, Teddy. I truly do care for him deeply, perhaps even love him. He was so kind to me, and has been helping me to try and get my book published, as you know it is very close to impossible for a woman to have her work published in this day and age."

Laurie replied "Yes, I am very much aware of this Jo. Your dear sister made a point of mentioning this to me. Thinking it would bother me, and I honestly did expect to feel the terrible stab of jealous. Much to my surprise it never came, I realised I was genuinely happy for you, which only solidified the fact it is Amy who I wish to take as my wife and not yourself."

He added "This why I plan to write a letter to her, asking her to reconsider, and to inform her I fully intend to go away and work for my father, to make my fortune and further my reputation, and to make myself worthy enough for her hand in marriage, to make her mine."

He continued "When I asked you to marry me, I was an immature fool of a boy, far too arrogant and sure of my self. I could not have possibly known of the mere concept of love when I asked you. What I mistaken for love, was in fact an infatuation."

He concluded in a subdued tone "And I felt completely different when I asked Amy and she denied me. Your rejection hurt me deeply, and bruised my ego. As for Amy's rejection of me, well, there aren't any such words worthy enough to explain the pain and distress I felt."

He smiled sadly and told Jo "When Amy was still a small girl, and Beth become ill and you had to send Amy to stay with your aunt. Well, as I'm certain you remember, I was the one whom travelled along side dear little Amy during the journey."

He added, as Jo gave a small smile and nod. He said "During the journey she mentioned how she feared she'd never experience her first true and real kiss." He chuckled affectionately in remembrance as he continued on. "I told her when she was older; I would be the one to give her first true and proper kiss."

Jo asked "And?" He replied "And I had every intention of following though on that promise to her. I reminded her, and even leaned in to follow though. But then she turned her head the other way, entirely avoiding my advances."

He glowered and concluded "Which is when she began to mention you and your gentleman friend, hopping to ignite even the smallest amount of jealousy. Giving her I suppose the proof she seems to think she required in her little mission to prove I still wanted you and was only interested in being apart of the March family."

Jo smiled sympathetically and asked "Do you love my little sister? When I say love, I mean are you in love with her? I don't want to see our dear Amy anymore heartbroken then she already is, due you and I unknowingly making her feel inferior."

She stood and announced "In fact, I am going to provide you with the ink and parchment. And then you dear Teddy, you are going to write a letter to our dear and sweet Amy. You are going to write to her, and shall explain everything to her, in which you have told me."

Laurie spluttered, but was immediately silenced when Jo raised her delicate hand and gave him a stern and chastising look. Just as he looked about to start protesting once more, Jo raised her other hand to join its twin and told him sternly "Enough! Now you can use the desk in my bedroom. I shall find something to entertain myself down here. Please do take as long as you need, as this is Amy that is concerned here."

Laurie sighed wearily. Here he was thinking Jo would be able to help him. Oh she was helping him alright, as well as giving him a case of heartburn in the process.