The ball Westminster, London 20thday August, 1816
With his excitement of that evening's ball rather diminished, Tom wondered if Jane had gone back to Hampshire. While he would still hold onto hopes that she might have decided to stay, his heart was heavy with the possibility that she might have dismissed him for good. Jane Austen being the independent, strong headed woman that she was, rarely changed her mind once it was set. But perhaps after having some time to think, she would stay to attend the ball and do him the justice of a dance or two. His daughter entered just then, happily twirling about. "Oh daddy, I cannot wait until the ball this evening! It will be the most wonderful I have ever attended!" Tom smiled, glad to see her in such high spirits. "Yes dear. It is sure to be much fun. " He was so grateful to his aunt and cousin for all they had done, not only regarding the ball, but also for giving to his poor daughter the mothering and tenderness she so missed. After finishing her dizzying turns about the room, Jane politely excused herself so that she might begin to get ready for the evenings festivities. Tom called after her.
"I shall see you tonight, my love! Be kind to your aunt." "Yes father!" her little voice echoed down the hall.
Jane Austen fretted a little as she began to dress for the ball. Looking into the mirror, she admired herself carefully, searching for any minor complication that may arise. She tugged at the skirt of her gown, wondering if perhaps she might have put on a pound or two since last she had put it on. She pulled her hair back, then put it down. "Oh this dreadful hair!" she yelled. "I shall cut it all off!" Cassandra came running. "Jane, what is it? " she asked, half laughing. "I will crack this awful mirror where it stands!" she suddenly began to laugh, feeling foolish. She turned to her poor sister, who was sitting on the bed with a look of astonishment. "Cassandra, do you think he will accept my apologies? I have acted so stubbornly." She looked toward the floor. "Jane, come sit." Her sister patted the bed lightly beside her. Embracing her sister tenderly, she spoke. "That man has been foolishly, and madly in love with you for over twenty years. I should think that the mistakes of one evening will not hinder that." Jane felt so utterly grateful for her dear sister. "I do suppose you're right. Perhaps he will just decide to forget the awful thing that I said. Now, can you please give me some assistance with pinning my horrendous locks? "Both women were laughing. Cassandra exclaimed, "I dare say this night will be unforgettable!"