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Jane was nervous. The guests Mrs. Smith had invited to dinner were pleasant, and the food was excellent, yet she could not enjoy anything.

She had noticed that Baron Norton was watching her, but she had not dared to meet his gaze for fear of blushing.

Furthermore, her uncle and aunt Gardiner had been unable to attend because their children were ill, and they did not wish to leave them in the care of the servants.

After dinner, the guests retired to the drawing room.

Mrs. Smith intended to play the piano for her guests, but before doing so, she approached her nephew and said, "Andrew, this is your chance to speak with Miss Bennet.

Mrs. Parker told me that Agnes has assumed full control of Parkland and the girls.

" "I know, Aunt. Please do not worry. I shall speak to Miss Bennet and attempt to establish some kind of acquaintance with her.

After two or three weeks, once she knows me a little better, I believe I shall be able to explain my situation and learn whether she is willing to help me," Andrew replied.

Mrs. Smith smiled at her nephew and took her place at the piano.

Andrew had also received a letter from the loyal housekeeper at his Somerset estate and was aware that the situation was deteriorating.

He drew a deep breath and walked to where Jane was seated.

Then, he sat beside her and listened to his aunt play while he considered how best to begin a conversation with a young lady he scarcely knew.

"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but do you like music?

" Andrew asked, visibly uncomfortable. "Yes, I like music very much, although I never learned to play an instrument," Jane replied, attempting to steady her nerves.

"I understand. I also enjoy music, though I never learned to play either," Andrew added, unsure what else to say.

"But I did learn other things," Jane added, looking down.

She thought the conversation rather inconsequential, but could not think what else to say.

"And what did you learn?" Andrew asked. He had never felt so awkward in his life.

He had never been shy nor struggled to maintain a pleasant conversation with either gentlemen or ladies.

Yet he had never found himself in a situation quite like that.

"I learned a great deal about flowers and plants, especially medicinal ones.

At my father's house, I had a small garden and a greenhouse where I enjoyed growing plants and flowers.

" Jane felt at least she had managed to speak for a full minute and thus felt a little less uneasy.

"Indeed, flowers and plants brighten any home and require both time and dedication," Andrew replied.

Then he looked at Jane and could not help but feel sympathy.

That poor young lady had lost everything and now found herself alone and unprotected.

"My aunt has spoken to me of your circumstances, and I must say how very sorry I am that you have endured so many trials in so short a time.

" Mrs. Smith began playing a second piece, one that made Jane feel unusually melancholy.

Mary and Elizabeth used to perform it together.

The memory of her family and sisters stirred her heart, and she resolved to speak plainly.

Jane knew why that gentleman was attempting to be kind, and she did not wish to continue wasting time.

"I thank you very much for your kind words, my Lord.

The most difficult part of all this has not been losing my home or living away from my sisters, but rather knowing that I have been unable to do anything to help them.

Believe me, sir, I would do anything to secure a home for my mother and sisters—and above all, to spare my sister Elizabeth from having to work for a family that does not appreciate or respect her.

" Jane could not help but shed a few tears as she spoke, and to prevent Lord Norton from seeing her weep, she lowered her head.

"I understand you perfectly, Miss Bennet.

I find myself in a very similar position.

My dear brother's daughters are in the custody of a ruthless woman who is determined to use them to maintain her privileges and social standing.

" Jane raised her head and, for the first time, looked into Andrew's face.

"Perhaps I can help you, if you can help me.

" Andrew took Jane's hand, smiled, and said, "I believe I shall call on you tomorrow, Miss Bennet.

Without doubt, we have much to discuss." After that, Jane and Andrew remained silent, listening to Mrs. Smith as she played a new piece on the piano.

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