And then he thought of Jane. He thought of how magnificent she had looked that day on the path. He thought of how much he had longed for her, and that she would finally be near him in just days, and for once he was grateful of his aunt's meddling. He stood and walked to the window. If I cannot have her this time, I shall die. I will not allow myself to rest until she is in my arms, this time forever. He swallowed the last of his wine, and decided to retire to his room for the evening.

"Daddy!" his daughter came suddenly into the room, wearing her new ball gown. "What do you think?" she slowly turned about. "Why my dear, you shall be the loveliest girl at the ball!" Quickly changing the subject as little girls do, she then said, "Cousin Alice has told me that Ms. Jane Austen will be attending! I love her novels so! Do you know her well, daddy?" the girl's eyes were inquisitive. He quickly thought of what he might say. They had been friends. Nothing more. "No darling, not well. I met her one summer while staying with aunt and uncle Lefroy. " He smiled at the thought of his departed uncle. They had gotten to be quite close before his death.

"Perhaps she might favor us with a reading? It would be the most wonderful thing!" She was giddy. "She might, dear. But let's not trouble her about it. "