Hampshire, The 16th day August, 1816
"Ouch!" Jane cried as Cassandra poked yet another pin into her poor sister's delicate skin. Cassandra huffed. "Hold still Jane. I am almost finished. My this dress is stunning!" She had been working diligently on her sister's ball gown for weeks, and still had her own to finish. She stood back to have a final look. "Mr. Lefroy will be at a loss for words!" "Do you think so, Cassandra? Well, my figure is not what it used to be I should say. " Her sister begged to disagree. "Nonsense! You know very well of the effect that you have on the opposite sex, young or aging! I myself think it "s rather unfair, to have such a sister. Talented and beautiful." She smiled. "Look into that mirror sister." Jane pointed. "I would have to say that you are the most beautiful of the both of us. You are the one with the soft yellow hair and womanly curves. I, on the other hand do not possess any such curves." Cassandra struck a pose. "Well, I suppose you are right...." She said laughing.
"Come now. " Jane weaved an arm through her sister's. "Let's finish your lovely gown."
The pair worked long into the evening, not even stopping for their supper. It made them both so happy, to be spending such time together. It had been so long since they had attended a ball. Jane could no longer hold back her excitement. "Cassandra, do think perhaps that Mr. Lefroy's intentions are still the same? They must be, right?" Cassandra smiled at her sister. For the girl was love struck once again. "Of course Jane! He would be the most stupid man in all of London not to hold affections for a woman such as yourself!" she hugged her sister. "Don't worry so much Jane, dear. These things have a way of working themselves out. Now let's get to packing our things.
The coach is leaving early in the morning. We don't want to miss it!"
Jane carefully packed her best clothes and shoes for the long journey ahead. She would also bring along her writing pen and paper so that she might do some work on her novel. Her hands were beginning to shake with nervous anticipation. She still could not believe that she was attending a ball in London. And especially that it was being given by her dear Mr. Lefroy. In all of her constant imaginings over the years, never had she imagined this. She did hope that it would work out for the best this time. And if it didn't, well she might lose her poor mind for good.