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Professor?"
    "Actually, some astonishing treasures turn up in the attics and
cellars of old houses."
    "I think an ancestor or two of ours did a good deal of collecting.
Lots of sculptures and such. An old looking glass, some Chinese vases. Mother
doesn't care for any of it, so it's never left the attics since we took possession
of the house. Huh! I haven't thought about that stuff in years. I used to
explore up there when I was a boy - it was a good place to hide from my nurse."
    "I should very much enjoy the opportunity to see your collection,"
Randolph said.
    "As would I," Kitty echoed.
    Mr. Dashwood laughed. "You would like to traipse through my dusty attics,
Miss Bennet?"
    "I would love to see all of Norland."
    Elizabeth winced at Kitty's boldness but, not wishing to correct her before
the gentlemen, let it go unchecked.
    Mr. Dashwood seemed surprised and flattered by her interest. "I
confess, the house never held much appeal for me. I'm hardly ever there, and
when I am I soon grow bored."
    "The country can be tiresome," Kitty agreed, expressing
an opinion Elizabeth had never before heard her utter. "But any place
can be made more pleasant by pleasant company."
    "Miss Bennet, I believe your company could make even a month in the
country tolerable."
    Kitty ducked her head, unused to receiving compliments from handsome
gentlemen.
    "Fortunately" Mr. Dashwood continued, "I shan't be gone
that long this time."
    His statement brought Kitty's head up sharply. "What did you say,
Mr. Dashwood?"
    "I'm afraid I must leave town tomorrow. My mother is of the opinion
that I have delayed for too long some duties of estate since my father's death.
That is what she wanted to speak to me about today. She insists I take care of
matters at once."
    Kitty's countenance held the look of a girl who'd been given a new ball
gown, only to have it taken away before she could wear it. "How long will
you be away?"
    "I hope to conclude my business within a week."
    "A whole week?" Kitty said the word as if it had been a twelvemonth.
    "Sooner, if I can." He rose and held out his hand to draw her
up. "Might I call upon you when I return?"
    "Most certainly - the minute you arrive in town."
    "Kitty," Elizabeth gently admonished.
    "I shall. I promise." He seemed about to say more, but then
became conscious that others observed them. And that he still held Kitty's
hand. With obvious reluctance, he released it.
    Professor Randolph stood. "I'll take my leave, as well. It was a
pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dashwood."
    "Likewise. While I'm at Norland, I shall have a look about the
attics to see if I spot anything worth your notice."
    "I'd be honored to examine whatever you find."
    The ladies escorted their callers to the door, where they collected
their greatcoats and walking sticks. Kitty sighed heavily as the gentlemen departed.
    "A whole week," she repeated. "How shall I ever survive?"
    "Kitty, a se'nnight ago - no, a mere two nights ago - you did not
even know Mr. Dashwood. I'm sure that in all of London you can find something
to occupy yourself."

Four

    "Nothing in the way of pleasure can
    ever be given up by the young men of this age."

    - Mrs. Jennings
to Elinor,
    Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 30

    "Good
match." The Earl of Chatfield removed his fencing mask to reveal damp,
dark blond locks pressed against his forehead. He offered his hand, which Darcy
grasped heartily.
    "Indeed," Darcy agreed. Their bout had proven an intense
contest. Both he and his friend Chatfield were men of varied interests who did
few things by halves, and their mutual pursuit of perfection extended to their
training at Angelo's fencing school. Several years ago they had established a
standing weekly appointment to cross foils whenever both were in town, an engagement
Darcy considered one of the highlights of any trip to London.
    "When you left town with Mrs. Darcy in December, I did not expect
to enjoy the challenge of your blade for some time," the young earl said. "I
hope nothing