While trying to remain unseen by Catherine LeCour, Tom had been the last to enter and take his seat. He scanned the room quickly. What a delightful bunch that have gathered this evening, he thought. And just as the performance was to begin, he'd thought he might have seen a familiar face in the crowd. Was that......Jane? He looked again. Why yes! And beside her, he made out the faces of Henry and Cassandra. He was about to stand and quickly say hello, when his intentions were interrupted by none other than the Lady Catherine LeCour. He sat quickly, still staring at his magnificent Jane. "Mr. Lefroy! How wonderful to find you here this evening.." his response was blunt. "Yes, madam. How good to see you. " His eyes upon Jane the entire time. Ms. LeCour leaned in closer. "How delightful an evening, don't you agree, sir? " Tom smiled politely.
"Yes, yes of course. Lovely." Thankfully, the performance was about to begin.
Jane found herself brought to tears by the beginning solo. It was so moving and sincere, never in her life had she heard such sounds. With the end of the first performance, she taken a casual glance around the room. On her second look, she was sure she had seen Mr. Lefroy. Could it be? She looked again. Why yes, it was him. Not only was it him, the man that she had longed to see all of these weeks, but beside him, a lady friend, whispering softly into his ear. Jane looked toward her brother, who had by then also noticed Tom. Henry saw the deepening hurt in his sister's eyes. Catching Tom's attention, Jane stood abruptly and headed for the door, enraged by what she had seen. She had been so foolish! So foolish indeed, to trust that hateful man once again. Why had he come to Hampshire? Why had he made her love him once more? Once outside, Jane began to run, tears streaming and immediately cooling in the chill of the night air. Thoughts swirling about in her mind, she shook her head as though they might leave her, as if she might leave this awful place instantly, and return to the safety of her home. After a couple of minutes, her breathing becoming quite labored, she dropped to her knees, not noticing that she was near the beautiful pond that she had found earlier in the day.
By this time, Tom had already exited the building, and began to search desperately for Jane. He must find her and explain the situation. How could this have happened? He began to call out her name, not caring if anyone had heard. "Jane! Jane, please!