A Question of Character (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

Prologue

“You must see it from my perspective, George. You are ruining everything!”

The man before him scoffed. “What does it matter to you? There has never been a point where you did not come out on top or emerge victorious. I am certain this is but a minor inconvenience.”

He shook his head. “You are my friend—or I thought you were. How can you take my name in such a manner and use it so abominably? I would never—”

His counterpart laughed derisively. “Yes, you are quite the saint.”

Shock infused him, and he felt something akin to regret as he next spoke. “Our acquaintance is at an end, then.”

“If that is how you see it.” Standing from the seat, his former companion offered him a mocking bow and sauntered from the room.