A/N: Short, but too busy being a creepy stan of Monchele. So exciting!

Disclaimer: I own neither Glee nor Jane Austen.

Rachel could hardly believe her eyes – Finn! Here? – Whatever could be the reason that he be present at this particular ball in Bath. Unless he came to – no. Such ideas were foolish and impossible, and Rachel vowed to allow herself to be carried away with those thoughts no more. Rachel and Finn made their way to each other and reached the other right when a slow-tempoed number was heard by the two. Finn held his hand out wordlessly, and Rachel gingerly placed her hand in his. They stared at each other – intensely when they went to their respective lines. Rachel experienced a most delicious form of déjà vu when they circled each other, grasped hands and circled a second time - the third time with one hand on the other's center. This time, Finn stayed for the entire dance – which made Rachel smile. After the dance, Finn gently took her arm and led her off the floor.

"I do not understand, Mr. Hudson. What brings you to Bath? Especially after the ceremony I heard about that occurred at Lyme."

"Ah! So you heard of the recent nuptials, did you?"

"I did," Rachel sniffed. "And if it is alright with you, I would like to discuss the wedding with you no further."

Finn's expression bore confusion, "As you wish, then. Forgive me for being so bold – Miss Berry – but you are looking quite beautiful this evening."

Rachel blushed prettily, "I hardly think that is an appropriate thing to say – Mr. Hudson – all things considered."

Finn furrowed his brow, "Very well – in addition to no talk of – well, you know – I will not talk of how pretty you are – even if you are stunning."

"T-thank you. I must say that I am very confused as to why you are here. My b-beau, Mr. St. James, informed me that the wedding happened but a week ago." Rachel noticed Finn's expression had darkened considerably at mention of Jesse.

"The wedding did indeed happen at that time," Finn said slowly, "however, I am here, lodging with an old family friend and his wife. I've only just arrived."

"An old family friend you say? Would this man happen to be Mr. Schuester?"

Finn was surprised, "To be sure. But how did -?"

Rachel smiled nervously, "I am quite decent at guessing games." Rachel giggled, "I also heard he went away to bring back a family friend to stay with – er – them, so I put two and two together."

Finn chuckled at Rachel's playful tone, "And where might you be staying, Rachel?"

"W-with you, actually," Rachel flushed pink.

"Ex-excuse me?"

Rachel smiled a bit at the incredulity of Finn's expression, "I am staying with my cousin and her husband. Mr. Hudson, do you possess any inkling of who my cousin might just be?"

"Is it safe to say – Emma Schuester?"

Rachel winked, "The very same."

"Then Rachel Berry – I guess we are lodging together." Rachel nervously giggled. "Not together as in – I mean – in completely different sleeping quarters. The connection we share with one another extends to mutual relationships, does it not?" Finn's eyes twinkled.

Rachel shook her head almost defiantly, "Mr. Hudson, if we are to lodge together – i-in completely separate quarters – then we must not speak of our connection."

Finn's expression was full of hurt, "And why's that?" he whispered.

Rachel opened her mouth to answer when she was interrupted by her cousins approaching them.

"Rachel! I see you are acquainting yourself with our dear friend, Mr. Hudson." Mr. Schuester's eyes shone with merriment.

Rachel – once again – opened her mouth to explain that they already knew each other, but Finn cut in –hastily – "yes! And Mr. Schuester – I must say she is as lovely and agreeable as you have described.

Mr. Schuester winked at the two, "Wait until you hear her sing."

Finn looked directly at Rachel while answering the man, "I can only imagine."

Rachel cast her eyes away from his heated gaze. Emma noticed the stolen looks between the two and looked at Rachel questioningly.

Mr. Schuester continued, "Well – I am spent! Alright with everyone if we journey back? Finn – would it trouble you to accompany Rachel? I would like to ride home with my wife."

Finn's eyes flicked to Rachel's for just a moment, "O-of course not – I would be delighted. Shall we, Miss Berry?" He valiantly offered his arm.

Rachel hesitated slightly, before taking it, "We shall, Mr. Hudson."

"Why did you do that?" Rachel asked after several moments of uncomfortable silence.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Why did you pretend that we have never met? Have you just blocked out all memory of me after the aforementioned ceremony took place?" Rachel knew she sounded a bit unreasonable, but Finn's omission of their relationship really bothered her.

Finn directed the horses to pull over to the side of the path and stared at her piercingly. "How could you ever think that? You are in my heart day and night. And what does the wedding even matter?"

Rachel feverishly shook her head, "I must insist you respect my wishes to not discuss the wedding. You've done a rather poor job of thus far – I might add."

Finn was befuddled, "How can I respect them when you keep bringing it up?"

Rachel held up a hand. "If you please, I'd like to go to the Schuesters – have a warm bath – sip some evening tea – and then go to bed. It has been a trying day."

"Right. Seeing me must be extremely trying for you. I understand the utter dismay."

"There is no need to jest meanly about it. And I did not mean – humph!—you can be so infuriating sometimes. Just let us go to our temporary home in silence."

Finn gritted his teeth, "As you wish."