"My nephew has devised a plan of metropolitan amusement."

A cheerful laugh.

"Pleasure is, as you would say - madame - his forte."

Jane's cousin, Madame la Comtesse, joins in obligingly.

Behind them, Tom finds Jane's fingers.

The touch is light, like butterflies wings.

*

It had been far too long since Tom last saw her face ( Read more... )

London, October
My dear Miss Austen ( Read more... )

London, September

My dear Miss Austen,

How joyful I was to receive your letter; It feels as though it were but two lifetimes ago since I'd seen you last. It gives me a most empty feeling - something, I had not thought I was capable of feeling, not for all the world ( Read more... )

In a sweep of fine fabric and fussy women, the Lefroys soon arrive at the ball, hosted by one Lady Gresham, a woman whom he is not entirely fond of, if only because she seems (quite clearly) not to be entirely fond of himHer slightly dismissive look in his direction upon his entry made certain of that. A young man from the city, one who thinks he's ( Read more... )

The woods, despite any and all thoughts of rebellion, are admittedly ... calming. They provide a sense of tranquility he does not know of amongst the busy streets and buildings of London city ( Read more... )

It has been a long morning, and after the church sermon, Tom finds himself standing by the edge of the creek by the church, looking out, deep in thought.

It has been a difficult week. Nay, weeksHis family have been sending him letters he simply could not postmark a reply for quick enough; life has been complicated as it is in London and in ( Read more... )

He surveys the field space briefly, trying to keep his eyes from scanning the faces in the sidelines. While his uncle Lefroy works to set up the cricket 'court', Tom stands alone, his eyes half-squinting in the sunlight ( Read more... )

Tom is in the library, reading a book - the book Jane had mentioned previously, he recalls.

There is a sudden sound from behind the bookshelf - a squeaking of steps.

"Miss Austen."

Nervous laughter. "Ah - huh. Mr Lefroy."

Polite bowing.

Almost surprised, or perhaps suspicious, she asks, "Good reading ( Read more... )

He hops out from the carriage without much effort ( Read more... )

Dripping with perspiration, he readies himself once more. Dressed only in his breeches, his boots, and two boxing gloves - one on both of his hands, Tom is involved in a boxing match ( Read more... )