19. Chapter 19

(Thanks to 4leafclover0120 for the suggestion to give a brief recap – I hope it's helpful!)

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Previously...

The Bennet family and Mr. Collins are attending Netherfield's Ball, hosted by Mr. Bingley and his sisters. Mr. Darcy had left Hertfordshire nearly a month previously after a major falling out with Bingley when he insulted Jane Bennet as Bingley's choice of love interest. He has been in London since then and while he was invited to the event, we have not learned whether or not he plans to attend. Additionally, with Lizzy's help, Bingley was able to get Jane alone and propose to her. Of course, she said yes.

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XIX.

There was no comparison in this world for the joy overflowing within Charles Bingley as he left the parlour, secure in his quest for Jane Bennet's hand. His smile was so wide that his cheeks ached, but he could not find it in himself to care. Now, the last obstacle was her father; but, he reasoned, how difficult can that be? After all, he gave me permission to court Jane without my even asking! Indeed, nothing could shake his contentment as he sought his betrothed's father.

Finding the man proved to be only a matter of minutes, which was good because it was nearly time for dinner and he wished to claim Jane's hand – he smiled at the double meaning – before any other man could attempt to escort her in. Luck continued to favour Bingley as Mrs. Bennet was off in conversation with some other matrons and Mr. Bingley was able to rather easily remove Mr. Bennet from the company of a local man with whom Mr. Bingley was less acquainted – Mr. Brown, perhaps? Or maybe Mr. Goulding? – regardless, he bowed politely and begged a private word with Mr. Bennet. Neither man seemed perturbed by the interruption and Mr. Bennet easily followed Bingley to the morning room. Bingley had toyed briefly with the idea of bringing him to the library (as he knew how Mr. Bennet enjoyed books) but as it was on the other end of the house and time was not especially abundant, the currently vacant morning room must suffice.

Once inside, Mr. Bingley stopped and turned to Mr. Bennet, suddenly more nervous than he had previously anticipated. Mr. Bennet wore an amused smirk, but sipped his drink with nonchalance, clearly sensing and even enjoying the younger man's discomfort. If he had any inkling as to Mr. Bingley's designs, he did not show it. Bingley cleared his throat and finding it somewhat dry, wished he had some brandy to sip – or gulp, he thought wryly. Ironically, he noticed that where his throat was now dry, his palms were damp.

Still, Jane's smiles were fresh enough in his memory to loosen the knot in his throat and he began, despite a slight croak to his speech, "Mr. Bennet, thank you for meeting with me. I imagine you may have some notion of why I am seeking this audience." He paused and looked to Mr. Bennet for confirmation as he nervously wiped his palms against his trousers.

Mr. Bennet's face was unreadable, apart from his clear amusement, and he gave an equally ambiguous reply, "I have many thoughts and notions, Mr. Bingley, so I am afraid you will need to be more specific."

Bingley was sure he saw the twitch of a repressed smile on Mr. Bennet's face, but he could not have faith in such a passing expression. He wondered momentarily why Mr. Bennet would toy with him when he had been so forthcoming previously, but decided that now was hardly the moment for such ponderings.

Therefore, he continued, "Yes, of course, sir. Well, I am – that is, it can be no surprise to you to know that I have been... err, in spending time with Jane – I mean, Miss Bennet," he nervously glanced to Mr. Bennet's face at his slip, but saw no anger so with another deep breath, he continued, "I have developed a deep affection for your daughter, sir."

Mr. Bennet gave a small nod in agreement but his lips remained pursed and Bingley took this as encouragement to continue.

"I wish to make her my wife and I am seeking your permission." The words came in a rush and Bingley felt equal parts relieved and nervous at their escape.

"I see. Have you spoken with Jane about this?"

The calmness of the inquiry from Mr. Bennet after such emotional turmoil within himself caused Bingley a moment's pause before deciding it was best to give a forthright answer: "I have and she has given her consent," then thinking perhaps he may have misjudged Mr. Bennet's sense of authority, he added for good measure, "with the understanding, of course, that I would seek your blessing as well."

Now Mr. Bennet's face definitely held a small smile, "Yes, I imagine she did. Very well, I cannot say that I am surprised. And I suppose that you have already considered the ramifications of such a union; you have means to support yourself and my daughter? If I were to remind you that my daughters have little by way of a dowry, you will not find this news to be a deterrent?"

The watchful gleam in Mr. Bennet's eyes was lost on Bingley who was instead quite eager to reassure his intended's father of his undying devotion: "Sir, I am aware that Miss Bennet does not have a significant dowry, but I do not need to marry a lady for her fortune. In fact, I would want to marry your daughter even if she were penniless! I care not for the financial matters some esteem so highly and I have enough to support us quite comfortably."

Certainly Mr. Bennet could not be but satisfied with his daughter's suitor. He was already quite aware that Mr. Bingley and Jane were besotted with one another, but Mr. Bennet was further pleased to see that even when under pressure, Mr. Bingley maintained his amiability and generosity. Jane was not one who cared for excessive finery, but she had been raised as a gentleman's daughter, despite her lack of dowry, so Mr. Bennet felt it was his obligation to ensure her future comfort. Indeed, Mr. Bingley in his exuberance was even more accommodating than Mr. Bennet might have hoped. The thought was bitter-sweet in that Mr. Bennet was rather reminded of himself so many years before, but with the notable difference that this young man was choosing a lady who was both beautiful and even-tempered. How he wished he might have done so well for himself! But, he thought with resignation, there is no sense in dwelling on the past. "Mr. Bingley, you need not further reiterate your commitment to my Jane. Have your solicitor draw up the necessary documents and my brother Phillips and I shall review them. Jane is a good girl and will make you a good wife and, I daresay, you will make her a good husband."

And with that, Mr. Bennet nodded, turned and strode toward the door. Before exiting, he turned to a rather astounded Bingley and added, "Oh and I am leaving telling Mrs. Bennet entirely to you," and then, with a small chuckle, he was gone.

It was another several moments before Bingley was able to properly move. But soon, the realisation that Mr. Bennet had given his consent seeped into his awareness and the surge of emotion within was not containable. A loud noise somewhere between a yell and squeak issued forth from Bingley before he could repress it. Despite the ridiculousness of shouting in an empty room during his own fête, it released some of the anxiety that had built and now all he could feel was joy. And immediately on the heels of his joy came the desire to be back with his beloved Jane! As was his nature, nearly as soon as he had conceived of it, he was out the door and on his way to her side.

ooOoo

Lizzy had delayed with Jane long enough and they knew they must return. She now had heard every detail of Mr. Bingley's proposal and cried happy tears with Jane, before they both agreed they must stop at once or they would look quite a fright upon their return! She sighed internally, but knew she could not put off the inevitable return to her cousin.

Affixing a false smile across her face, she looped her arm through Jane's and together they set off back to the ballroom. Although the last dance before dinner was not yet completed, Mr. Collins had affected a rather perturbed stance and expression as he stood near the door Lizzy had recently exited and was now returning through.

"Cousin Elizabeth, there you are! You have kept me waiting!"

Upon seeing the sisters, he swooped over and claimed Lizzy's arm – in fact, he nearly pulled her from Jane and most certainly had not sought Lizzy's permission for the contact! Elizabeth was affronted by the gesture and was about to say something to correct his presumption when Jane alerted her to their father's return to the ballroom.

"Lizzy! There is Papa, just coming back in by the refreshments table. Do you think he has been with...?" Jane trailed off, knowing Elizabeth would understand.

"I would imagine so, Jane. Perhaps you should speak with him?" Lizzy cringed at being left alone with her cousin and wondered if she might persuade his continued patience if she accompanied Jane...

But before she could attempt yet another deferment of time with her odious cousin, Elizabeth observed her father and sister make eye contact across the room. Knowing them both as she did, she understood his smile and nod the same way that Jane did. Jane's smile became impossibly larger before she glanced to Lizzy to seek her approval to depart to thank their father and then find her intended. Elizabeth did not have the heart to deny Jane and so she raised her chin once in the direction of their father indicating Jane should go to him. Jane gave her a quick, but strong hug that was not strictly suitable to a ballroom before bounding off – again, perhaps slightly quicker than decorum would instruct – toward their father.

Elizabeth took in a deep breath as Mr. Collins, apparently oblivious to any but himself, observed, "I must say, I have only just this moment realised how like those draperies are to some in Lady Catherine's western sitting room! Few but her family and closest acquaintances, of which I am humbled to say I count myself among, are admitted to that room as it is certainly quite lavish and elegant, befitting a lady of her station, of course, but smaller than some used for company. Indeed, it is often preferable for Miss de Bourgh to be in the smaller rooms, particularly in this colder time of year..."

As he continued to drone on with no consideration or sense of the comfort of his companion, in her head, Elizabeth kept repeating to herself: Tomorrow he will be gone; I must only smile for tonight and then tomorrow he will depart.

ooOoo

Supper was naturally a lavish affair, as one would expect from Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth found that a polite smile as she chewed and occasionally nodded along with her cousin's incessant droning placated him adequately and allowed her to enjoy a view of the other guests around the table. She was unsurprised to see Miss Bingley primarily conversing with her sister, despite her role as hostess. Once during the meal their eyes met across the table and Elizabeth was almost certain she saw hostility cross Caroline's face, but that lady turned away so quickly that Lizzy could not be sure. And regardless, Lizzy mused, I would much prefer to focus on those whose company I do enjoy than worry about her!

With that thought she turned her eyes to her eldest sister and newly affianced suitor. To her knowing eyes, Elizabeth saw the sweetness and joy in every movement and glance between them. They were different but the same. She could not watch them for too long, though, as she did not wish to draw unnecessary attention to them. As yet, there had clearly been no communication of their engagement to her mother, as she was continuing to blather away to Lady Lucas and Mrs. Goulding about the delightful attentions Mr. Bingley had shown to Jane over the past weeks. No doubt that she would be crowing to the entire county of the engagement the moment she heard of it! Elizabeth was further grateful that she only rarely heard mention of her own or Mr. Collins' names, hoping that this was a sign that her mother was no longer as determined to see Elizabeth marry the odious man. Charlotte was very near to the ladies as well and could hear their discussions quite clearly. When their eyes met, Charlotte gave her a small smile of sympathy that Lizzy returned with one of gratitude.

Occasionally, Lydia or Kitty would say or do something improper and mortifying, but between Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bingley, the gaffe would be soothed and the meal would continue. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mrs. Bennet never seemed entirely aware of the problem, and in fact at times made things worse.

Part way through the second course, Lydia asked loudly across the table: "Colonel Forster, why is it that the entire militia did not attend this evening? I do so love to dance and many of the officers I know best are not here!"

Elizabeth was shocked and dismayed by the impropriety; but before she could reprimand her sister, and much to her continued mortification, Mrs. Bennet piped in to agree!

"Why yes! My Lydia is quite right that officers are always splendid dance partners! Indeed, I remember when I was still a girl and the regiment would come to town! Oh, but I had so many admirers!" It was made all the worse by the coy giggle that then escaped from Mrs. Bennet!

Elizabeth felt certain she should die of embarrassment and so could not even form words to move the conversation away! Some awkwardness was then felt around the table and it was made worse with the Colonel's reply.

Colonel Forster, cleared his throat, but was then forced to answer: "In fact, Miss Lydia, all of the officers who were invited are in attendance tonight."

Mr. Bingley coughed slightly at this, but then replied, "Yes indeed, that is quite right. You see, I have it on good authority that the fashion right now in Town is to keep private balls to more intimate numbers."

Elizabeth was quite sure that she saw Caroline send a rather scandalized look at her brother, but did not outwardly object. At least someone can keep their inappropriate thoughts to themselves! she noted. She considered whether or not it was likely that the majority of the militia may have been neglected this evening in order to keep her away from one officer in particular? She nearly snorted with derision at the thought that should she wish to further an acquaintance with Mr. Wickham that failing to invite him to a ball would prevent her doing so! However, she found that the thought of that man held no strong feelings for her, so she could not feel particularly bothered by Mr. Bingley's over-protectiveness. Indeed, in some ways, she actually enjoyed the feeling of having a sort of brother to look out for her; as she was often the nearest protector of her sisters, it was rather endearing to have someone do this for her.

As the end of the meal neared and the dessert course was newly arrived, Mr. Bingley stood up from his place at the head of his table and called for the attention of the guests.

"Pardon me, but I have something very important to share." He waited and when the noise level decreased, he continued, "I know it is not entirely the proper way to do such a thing," he glanced briefly to Jane, who was, as ever, smiling sweetly up at him, "however, I find I simply cannot wait to share my joy with all of our closest friends and neighbours."

At this, Caroline's head snapped up rather dramatically, but what could she do? It would be highly inappropriate and create an even larger scene if she attempted to interrupt. Having no other recourse, she stared so forcefully at her younger brother that had he bothered to look toward her, his eyes might have been blinded. Almost as though purposefully avoiding her though, he never once turned in her direction and seemed entirely unaware of her ire.

Elizabeth, too, was alert at Mr. Bingley's pending announcement. She could not help but take note of his reference to being among his "closest friends and neighbours," and despite her better intentions, she wondered that Mr. Darcy was not here and yet Mr. Bingley seemed undisturbed by his absence for such a large event. She also wondered at how her father and mother would receive the public announcement. She glanced nervously toward her mother, fearing what type of outburst may arise.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mrs. Bennet was on full alert the moment Mr. Bingley stood and called for attention. And once he expressed a desire to share his joy, she was entirely certain that he would announce an engagement to her Jane! Oh, he simply must! she thought gleefully.

Bingley barely noted the various reactions around the tables, but as long as his darling Jane was smiling at him, he could not but feel joyful. And so he offered his hand to her, which, despite her initial moment of surprise, she took and stood at his side. Several small gasps were heard, but he persevered, undisturbed.

"As you may have been aware, I have been courting Miss Bennet for nearly a month now and tonight, she has made me the happiest of men by consenting to be my bride."

He was barely able to complete his sentence before the uproar began!

"Oh, I knew how it would be!" crowed Mrs. Bennet to any who would hear, "What young man could resist my Jane's beauty? And oh, what a fine home and carriages they shall have! And what pin money!"

Lydia and Kitty had begun excitedly talking among themselves and Maria Lucas: "Think of all the balls and parties Jane will take us to!"

"Do you think she will share her pin money? Perhaps we can buy some new gowns?"

"She is very lucky to have such a handsome husband!"

Elizabeth, despite her own thoughts on the public announcement and subsequent embarrassment of her family's reactions, found herself smiling nonetheless at Jane's obvious pleasure in her fiancé's attentions. Her enjoyment of her sister was interrupted by her dinner companion:

"I must say, Miss Elizabeth, I am rather surprised at your family tolerating such a public spectacle."

Elizabeth, who herself would not wish to be so publicly engaged, nonetheless defended her family and Mr. Bingley, "I cannot see what you mean, Mr. Collins. Clearly, Mr. Bingley had permission from my father and this party does only consist of ten or twelve local families, so why should they not share their happiness with all? Besides, I expect they will be reading the banns soon enough, so this is merely a slight variation of their course."

"Then you approve of such a display?"

Unthinkingly, Elizabeth affirmed, "Certainly! Look at how happy Jane is; she has never smiled so beautifully as she is right now."

Collins nodded, seeming lost in thought, and Elizabeth was satisfied having put the over-opinionated man in his place for once! Her triumph was short-lived, though, as she observed Caroline and Louisa speaking in one another's ears with rather sour expressions on their faces. Elizabeth strained to make out their words or read their lips, but the noise around the table was too high and they were too far for her to make any success of her attempts. Still, she remained focused on them for the rest of the dessert course, watching in case either attempted to interfere with the happiness of her sister and their brother. Despite their clear displeasure, however, the dessert course continued with general merriment nearly all around.

ooOoo

Following the conclusion of supper, Mr. Bingley insisted the gentlemen forgo the usual custom of drinking and smoking in order to enjoy more dancing. Several of the older men grumbled at this and so were allowed to remain behind, but the rest of the party returned to the ballroom. Naturally, Bingley now claimed the first dance back with Jane, despite having already danced two with her earlier – secretly, Elizabeth wondered if this was not the true reason he had made his announcement at supper? She smiled at the prospect of Mr. Bingley being jealous of sharing Jane's dances with the other young men. She wondered if he would allow Jane to complete her dance card or if he would claim privilege over her for the remainder of the night.

Her smile faded somewhat as she heard her mother's voice carry loudly from several seats over as she discussed in minute detail with Lady Lucas and several other matrons the extensive preparations she would now embark upon for Jane's wedding.

Mr. Collins led them to a bench off to the side of the room and Elizabeth was momentarily puzzled. "Mr. Collins, I thank you for your escort, but I must find my partner for the next set or he shall think I have intentionally hidden from him." She attempted to give a smile, but she knew it must look forced.

"Ah, but Cousin Elizabeth, it is my last night in Hertfordshire! In but a few hours, I must board a coach back to Kent. I had hoped that you and I may speak for a little while before then."

Elizabeth felt a small flutter of nerves, but bid them be still! "While I would not wish to disappoint you, sir, I must not fail in my obligations to my dance partners for the evening."

With that, she quickly strode away from her cousin who had clearly opened his mouth to speak, but she was too quick for him.

Upon leaving Mr. Collins, Elizabeth was quickly able to locate Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Long's nephew, with whom she was committed for the after-supper set. Despite her less-than-jovial mood, Elizabeth enjoyed her dance with Mr. Fletcher. He was about two and thirty with a tall, somewhat too thin frame, but he danced gracefully and had always been excessively polite. Despite herself, likely due to having had a glass of wine to calm herself with dessert, Elizabeth found herself taking note of Mr. Fletcher's form in a new way during their dance. The width of his shoulders is too narrow, she decided, but his hair is just the right shade... Almost abruptly, she realised that she was comparing him to another tall gentlemen with dark hair! The realisation, coupled with her irritation at herself, caused her to miss a step. It was rather embarrassing, but her partner was gracious. She refocused her attention and completed the dance without further error. However, when Mr. Fletcher offered to fetch her a drink, she gratefully accepted as she found a seat to rest herself and attempt to regain her focus before their next dance was set to begin.

Rest and rejuvenation, it seemed, were not in the cards for Elizabeth though, as Miss Bingley seated herself directly next to Elizabeth a moment later.

"Miss Bingley, good evening –" she was not allowed to complete her sentence as Miss Bingley cut in harshly, but still quietly.

"Do not bother with the pretence, Miss Eliza!"

Elizabeth was affronted and rather confused. She tried to express this, "I beg your pard –"

"I know that you are responsible! Somehow you drove Mr. Darcy away and you and your family have tricked my brother! He would never have behaved so irresponsibly as to become engaged without speaking to his nearest relations and friends first, unless coerced! Or perhaps that is why you drove away Mr. Darcy? Here I had thought you had set your cap at him with your coy games, but maybe that was only for show? I cannot be certain how you did it, but I know that something you did or said made Mr. Darcy leave Netherfield and ensnared my brother into an ill-suited arrangement! Whatever it is you have done, just know that once I speak with Charles, I will get to the bottom of it. If he has been compelled, I will ensure that the engagement is invalidated!" Without allowing another word from Elizabeth, Caroline stood and strode away.

Elizabeth was speechless. She was far too shocked to be furious, but suspected that emotion would come soon enough. She had no chance to respond though, because the next dance was about to begin and Mr. Fletcher was on his way back to her. Seeing her dazed expression, he inquired if she was well, but she smiled, drank the wine he had brought her, and assured him she was well enough to dance.

During the next dance, however, Elizabeth was clearly not focused on her partner. She managed to follow the correct steps, but her heart and head were entirely elsewhere. She wondered at Miss Bingley's assertions about Mr. Darcy, in particular. She had fairly easily disposed of the threats about Mr. Bingley and Jane's engagement as Elizabeth knew quite well that he had been in no way coerced into his proposal. However, she could not help the nagging concern edging her thoughts as she considered Miss Bingley's claim that her brother would have consulted a close friend or family member before deciding to propose. Naturally, Elizabeth could see why Mr. Bingley would not speak of such things to Caroline, but what of Mr. Darcy's abrupt departure? It was the day after that Mr. Bingley began his official courtship with Jane. She had never truly put them together, but might they be related? Her pondering was put to a rather abrupt end when the song concluded and Mr. Collins inserted himself on the dance floor between herself and Mr. Fletcher.

It was all rather bizarre really: Mr. Collins was holding a glass and loudly requested the attention of the room – Oh heavens, no! she thought, but to no avail. She felt light-headed and fervently wished that this might merely be a terrible nightmare from which she would awake soon.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I do apologise for the interruption of the dancing, but I flatter myself that you will indulge us for just a moment."

Us?! Elizabeth thought with such incredulity that she was sure her opinion must be written plainly on her face; if it was, Mr. Collins certainly did not take note of it. Instead, he turned to her with a smile, and then back to the room at large. Elizabeth was tempted to do likewise, but could not stomach seeing the expressions which must be on the faces of her family and neighbours.

Mr. Collins continued, "As I imagine many of you are aware, and of course following Mr. Bingley's earlier speech, there can be little doubt as to the purpose of my speech now."

Elizabeth nearly opened her mouth to object and recommend he not speak further, but realised the precarious position she was now in! Is he planning to announce that we are already engaged? Surely not! Then is he planning to propose now, in front of all these people? she was appalled at the prospect, but quickly realised that it would not do well for her family to publicly refuse the man! What am I to do?

Turning to her, Mr. Collins began:

"My dear Miss Elizabeth, you can hardly doubt the purpose of this address. Almost as soon as I entered Longbourn, I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on the subject, I think it advisable to state my reasons for marrying at this time."

Elizabeth's head was in chaos, thoughts half-formed flitting by as others were created and abandoned or lost in the fray. She could not have formed a coherent sentence in that moment had she been given the opportunity to do so. But, as was his habit, Mr. Collins babbled away none the wiser to her extreme discomfort. Oddly enough, every other person in the room seemed similarly incapable of speech or at least were not inclined to interrupt, preferring instead to watch the scene unfold, to Elizabeth's most extreme mortification.

"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances – like myself – to set the example of matrimony in his parish." Elizabeth was somewhat shocked to see him glance briefly about the room as though confirming his point.

"Secondly, I am convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness," Here, Elizabeth almost interjected to disagree – or vomit! – but again was aware of the room full of people staring at her and knew she must think carefully before offering any reply.

"And thirdly – which I perhaps ought to have mentioned earlier – that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion – unasked too! – on this subject. Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh to as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer." Once again, here he looked about the crowd in confirmation of his point; insufferable fool!

Elizabeth felt her face heating in anger and was about to respond and let the consequences be damned when Mr. Collins inadvertently reminded her of her position: "Additionally, being that, as I am to inherit Longbourn estate after the death of your honoured father – who, however, may lives many years longer – I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink my suit in your esteem. And now nothing remains but for me to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection."

Elizabeth could take no more! All while he spoke she considered various possibilities from escaping the room to slapping him to accepting him out of a sense of obligation or attempting a polite refusal. Nothing seemed acceptable! But as he proclaimed he would assure her of the violence of his affection, her one method of escape became clear! Though she had never been one to perform little plays and the like for her family, she sincerely hoped that her acting would be sufficient this one time.

She released a small "oh" as she tilted her head forward into her hand and then closed her eyes and fell backwards, internally thankful that someone had enough wits about them enough to catch her before she hit the ground. The room was silent for a moment and then all at once erupted in shouts of concern.

"Lizzy! What has happened?"

"I think she has fainted!"

"Cousin Elizabeth! Are you well?"

"Someone fetch Mr. Jones at once!"

She kept her eyes closed as she felt her body being carried to a sofa. She remained that way until she heard and felt Jane stroke her face.

"Lizzy, dear, please wake up!"

At this, Lizzy opened her eyes only slightly, grabbed Jane's hand as hard as she dared, given the circumstances, and murmured, "Jane... home, please," before closing her eyes again and praying her rouse would work.

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A/N: Well, I must once again apologize for the delay in posting. As before, RL has been getting in the way of my writing and I cannot guarantee it will not happen again, particularly as I am writing this as I go (as opposed to it being pre-written). However, I promise that I am continuing to work on it AND I do have a general outline, so it's not a matter of losing the idea, just not having enough hours in the day. I am incredibly grateful for your patience and understanding!

As always, HUGE thanks to ArtemisDesari for pre-reading and encouraging me! To any American readers, I wish you a (slightly belated) Happy Thanksgiving!

And I know I say it every time, but truly, I cannot emphasize enough for you how much the support for this story from each of you means to me! Your support, encouragement, reminders, and constructive criticisms really help me to be better and motivate me to make the time to keep writing! So please keep those reviews coming! Thank you also to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!