"Certainly sir." As they walked, Tom introduced Jane to each of the guests, some of whom were familiar with her writing. "Ms. Austen, so lovely to meet you. I must say, you write beautifully." It was Catherine LeCour.

And finally, they came upon a little girl who sat cheerfully at the piano. "Ms. Austen, I would like you to meet my daughter, and one of your most avid readers, Miss Jane Lefroy. " Jane tried to carefully hide her surprise. A daughter? Named Jane? She had never known, or even thought to ask that he might have children. She quickly composed herself. "Well, how do you do, Jane?" The little girl perked right up, her eyes large. "Oh Ms. Austen, it is indeed a pleasure! I am so glad you have come!" Seeing Jane's astonishment, Tom quickly whispered, "I was going to tell you, that day on the path...." Jane broke in. "No, no. I think it's wonderful, really." She smiled. "Ms. Austen," Tom's daughter piped in, "would you care to favor us with a reading?"she looked hopeful. "Jane dear, Ms. Austen prefers her anonymity." He warned gently. "Perhaps later, but only if you play for me that wonderful song I heard when I arrived." She said playfully. She had always loved children, with their innocent and inquisitive ways.

She turned to Tom. "Perhaps we can talk in a bit?" he nodded. "Of course." The music was gently flowing through the room. "But first Ms. Austen, might I ask you for a dance?" His daughter listened in delight. "Certainly." Jane again felt her nervousness growing.

As they made their way to the dance floor, he touched her hand, only briefly. She shuddered. She felt as though she were moving through a fairytale. Finally, everything that she had been wanting for so long might be falling into place. As she and Tom danced slowly turning and spinning around one another, Jane glanced around the crowded room. Her brother Henry was quietly chatting with an acquaintance over a glass of brandy, rather enjoying himself she thought. And to her stunning disbelief, she saw her sister Cassandra conversing with what she thought to be a rather handsome man. She then turned her attention back to Tom, who had been staring at her intently.

"And what do you think of the company, madam?" he asked, joking slightly. Jane responded. "I should dare say that he is rather delightful. A bit handsome too. " She added. Looking deeply into his eyes, she turned serious. "Mr. Lefroy I must apologize for the dreadful way I....." "Apology accepted." He quickly interrupted, smiling.




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