With preparations for the ball nearly complete, Tom found himself pacing, nervously about in his study. He had attended many, and this was not the reasoning for his anxiety. It had been many years since he had last danced with Jane Austen, and he was sure his nervousness would cause an accidental stepping on one's foot. He laughed aloud at his musings. He must find something to calm him or he was likely to go mad. He referred back to a conversation he had had with his aunt previously in the day. Sensing his anxiousness, she was determined to point his attention elsewhere. "Thomas dear, why don't you try a walk to calm your anxieties. Surely pacing about in this house all evening won't do it. As a matter of fact, I do recall hearing something of an opera." Tom had given it some thought, and perhaps he would attend. He would later ask his aunt and cousin to join him, but they had declined, stating that they were to finish the preparations, and a few chores as well.

Dressing quickly, Tom threw on a fashionable green overcoat, picked up his hat, and began the walk to the opera house. It was a bit chilly that evening, and he pulled his coat tightly to his chest to block the wind that had picked up. Though the opera house was a good distance, he preferred the walk, and took a deep breath of fresh air. He noticed many others headed in the same direction as he, and among them, that wretched Lady LeCour. He must do his best to avoid her, he thought. If not, he may be mauled by the woman all evening. As she turned onto the walkway leading to the event, he quickly ducked out of her sights, behind a nearby willow tree. Feeling somewhat like a fool, and mildly pleased with himself, he remained there for what must have been many minutes.