Winter and spring passed quickly for Josie and Mrs. Demming within the walls of Longbourn. Georgiana Demming had grown into a sophisticated, lovely woman. Now in her early thirties, she had outgrown her shyness and no would dare call her proud. She was a generous mistress to her servants and tenants and gave a significant portion of her yearly income to charity.

The two women were fond of one another's company and Charlotte Collins frequently called on them as well. On several occasions, her younger brother would accompany her for tea in hopes of becoming more acquainted with Josie but each time, but after two such visits, Josie would grab her bonnet and run out the door, declaring that she simply had to speak to her Aunt Philips in town.

On one such occasion, after Mrs. Collins and Mr. Lucas had gone home and Josie had returned, Georgiana confronted the young lady about her behavior.

"Josie, I completely understand if you do not favor Mr. Lucas' company, but are being rather rude to him and his sister." Georgiana was pouring tea for Josie as she had gotten caught in the rain on her way back and was now wrapped up in several blankets.

"It is not that he is out of my favor, Aunt Georgiana, it is just, well, I am uncomfortable around him." Josie blushed and sipped her tea carefully.

"Why? He is a most amiable gentleman. He seems to think a lot of you."

"That is the problem, Aunt. I have no feelings for him. It is not that I dislike him, I simply am ambivalent to him. And he has become so persistent in pursuing me that I don't know how to dissuade him." She paused for a moment before continuing, "And I feel that his feelings are not true ones. It seems as though he only pursues me because his parents feel it would be a good match."

"I see. Well, perhaps the next time he comes to visit you should try to kindly let him know that you have no interest in him."

"Oh, Aunt Georgiana, I do not know if that will work. I have never been in this situation before." Josie was becoming more flustered by the second.

"It will be all right dear, just remember that next week the whole family will be here in Hertfordshire and he may take a liking to Sarah or Susie upon making their acquaintance."

"Perhaps."

I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to post again and that this is so short but I'm working on the next chapter and things are about to get interesting! As always, input is greatly appreciated whether it is positive or negative. Much love and I hope you all continue to enjoy this story and the preceding one!

Shu