Becoming Jane: the Vignettes

By Icha

Rated: T

Summary: Drabbles of Becoming Jane. Can't stop loving it! Thanks to Rachel Kingston for the faithful beta! Chapter 8: Tom takes Jane by surprise during the second ball. For those who have yet to see the movie: SPOILERS ahead. But I suggest you to watch it still, it worth it! And thanks for the read and reviews!

Chapter 8. Dance of the Heart

The soulful music was too beautiful to ignore, too romantic not to enjoy with a lovely woman in his hand. Alas, it would not be Jane Austen. It would be one of the loveliest and most enchanting ladies in the room; yet, for Tom Lefroy, these women bore no significance in comparison to Jane's charms.

He knew that had he taken the opportunity to ask Jane to be his partner for the first dance, he would have her in his hand. He also knew that she had seen him observing her from the upper window earlier in the evening. He had realised that she had been searching for him; her entire body language and gaze provided conclusive evidence of her desire to find him. Yet, for the love of his life, he could not find the courage to reveal himself and ask for her hand to dance. Instead, he had hid behind the curtain until the first dance was announced. He had seen Wisley take Jane's reluctant hand and it therefore seemed a safer option for Tom to depart and resume his brooding inside his uncle's library; his place of retreat since the Laverton trip. After all, his sole purpose in attending the ball had been to catch a glimpse of Jane Austen and to ensure that his feelings towards her were real, not simply fanciful thoughts.

And yet, Tom Lefroy could not endeavour to leave the party. Not before he spoke to Jane and confessed his feelings, his love, for her. Hence, he hastily approached a young lady in a beautiful white Rococo dress who had been idly standing alone. Being a London socialite, he knew that the lady had been secretly observing him, hoping that he would ask her to dance. Tom saw apparent admiration in the lady's eyes and, had it been a month ago, he would without hesitation, have began flirting with her. But now… with careful demeanour and extra propriety, he led the lady to the dance floor and bowed appropriately in front of her. No flirting, no imprudent touching. For his flirts, touches and heart were now dedicated only to Jane.

As the dancers performed a pair of lines, a leading lady commenced the dance. The remaining dancers, including Tom and his partner, followed her lead and glided along in accordance with the music. Surreptitiously, he stole glances towards Miss Austen who was dancing with Mr. Wisley. Tom's heart sank as he witnessed how gloomy and withered Jane looked. She danced without passion; without the prominent trait of Jane Austen he had blissfully observed in their discussions of literature, among other topics. The very trait he had come to love so intensely. During the dance, she had kept her head low and only managed to force a smile as she exchanged position with Wisley. It was obvious that Jane was not enjoying the dance, and Tom felt a pang of guilt muster within him.

The dance setting slowly shifted now and, by tradition, Tom had to exchange partner as well. This generated excitement within him as, although slowly, he was travelling closer to Jane. He saw how she was merely conducting her social obligation of dancing with a man she did not care for or wish to be with and Tom felt forlorn as he observed the light fading from Jane's fair countenance. And yet despite this, he also felt a surge of elation as he was confident that Jane Austen would not display such depressing expression had she experienced any enjoyment in dancing with Wisley. She obviously did not love Lady Gresham's nephew, which opened the door for the notion that she, instead, loved him: Tom Lefroy, the poor Irish lad. But…does she? He still dreaded the answer, but he also knew he could no longer wait.

Determined, Tom dismissed his fear to make way for the emergence of a cheerful and carefree composure. The music led him one step behind her, and imminently it would be his turn to take her hand and lead her in the dance.

Perfectly timing his movement, he glided in front of his love. Flashing his charming leer, he grasped her hand, taking Jane by surprise. Her withering spirit instantly brightened and blossomed the way first flowers of Spring bloom under the early sun of May. Her dimly lit eyes suddenly sparkled in excitement and anticipation as she followed his lead through the dance. With overwhelming happiness, he felt her abundant gratitude radiating from within. Her shining spirit, beauty and charm encompassed him entirely.

Tom Lefroy would capture this in his mind forever; the image of their hands connected, his hand delicately resting on her waist and caressing her skin so tenderly as they united in the steps. Oh no, he would not forget this moment; the stars that adorned her dark eyes as she transformed from a wilted figure into a blossoming flower, full of hope and life. Turning and dancing down the row made him realise that her adoring eyes also emanated love. Love in its wholeness; enduring and honest.

They danced on the spot for an instant…or two. They exchanged position in accordance with the sweet melody of the regencial music. It was at that defining moment, one of the most precious moments in his life, that their gazes were fixed to each other, drilling into the deepest abyss of their souls. It was a common practice during the dance to converse with the dance partner, yet no words were uttered whatsoever between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy. No words…yet their eyes asked questions, which although unexpressed, were understood; and demanded answers, which although undeclared, were received and comprehended by both of them to the fullest extent.

They loved each other. They both realised this truth with as much certainty as the knowledge that the sun always rises in the east. Unknowingly, they both felt a particular uneasiness with these new revelations and the inevitable consequences.

Unexpectedly for the pair, the dance and the poignant music ended. Tom and Jane remained fixed in their positions, both feeling awkward and failing to comprehend the consuming feelings within their hearts. He wanted, needed, to look into her reassuring eyes, but she had kept her head low instead. Hence, as tradition dictated, he bowed to the lady in white Rococo dress, smiled and congratulated her elegant steps. He turned to lead the lady away but stole a glance of Jane being taken by Wisley towards the opposite corner. Tom Lefroy hesitated and then, changing his direction, directed his dancing partner thitherwards Jane.

Author's note:

Oh, I sincerely hope that I managed to capture the beauty of the dance moment. The best, most romantic, most soulful period dance scene I've ever seen. Of course, dances in 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' were gorgeously performed. The scene where Jo March and Laurie animatedly danced in 'Little Women' was also my favourite (not romantic really, but very touché).

But Tom and Jane's dance in 'Becoming Jane'… it was just – for lack of better word – magical…the best period dance I've ever seen…No words spoken whatsoever… just eyes… and undeclared love.

PS: Rococo dress refers to dresses of the 1700s, prior to the 1795 Regency era with empire waist line. Before Rococo, there was Baroque – but both Rococo and Baroque are very strict and tight compared to the flowing Grecian-like Regency dresses. Anne Hathaway always wore Regency dresses in this movie, and beautiful ones, that is!