A/N: Thank you so much for your reviews! I am so glad that you guys are liking this story so far! I tried to crank this out as fast as I could, but it was a bit delayed as I have started back to work. So here you are, chapter 4!

BLACKTHORN AND MYRTLE

IV

Jane hummed as she picked her way around puddles on the cobble stone walkway. It had rained during the night leaving the streets slick with water. She hopped around a small puddle before making it under the eave of the shop front. The hem of her dress skimmed the surface and she huffed. So much for keeping dry today. Her hand felt the front of her jacket to triple check she had not left home empty handed. Tucked away in her coat was a small parcel wrapped in brown paper. Molly had insisted on wrapping everything up. Hoping that it would preserve the letter and flower hidden within. A small bell tinkled as Jane pushed open the shop door. Price and Kemp's was one of the oldest bookstores in the area. And boasted one the largest collections of novels both old a new. Tall, dark shelves were lined length of the shop, each packed full of books. A pair of emerald green chairs were under the front window. One already occupied by a young man with a wild quiff of hair. Jane turned and hurried to the front counter before the packed shelves distracted her. Behind the counter was an older gentleman, his eyes downcast, book in hand. The top of his graying hair was out of place like he had mussed it while entranced with his novel. Jane cleared her throat and the man looked up with a startled expression on his face.

"Oh, pardon me miss I did not hear the bell ring. May I help you?" He set the book down and placed his palms down on the counter top.

Jane gave him a smile. "That's quite alright, I can understand how easy it is to be caught up in a good story." She reached down into her coat pocket and pulled out the small brown parcel. "I have come to drop this off. It is for someone known as The Wolf."

The older man quirked an eyebrow at her and took the parcel from her. "Ah, I see. So you are the young lady, Miss Foster. I have seen you in here before, but now I have the name to go with the face." His grey eyes bore into her, studying her face. He was nodding slightly as if he had made up his mind about something. Surely it wasn't something about her?

Jane felt her face flush but she bobbed her head to confirm. "I am unsure of how this is to work. But I assume it will find its way to the correct person?" She tapped the edge of the counter nervously. This was the oddest arrangement she had ever been a part of. It was slightly embarrassing to have a third party involved like this. Heavens knew what the shopkeeper thought about this. Or maybe this was not out of the ordinary, especially if he was familiar with The Wolf.

The man slipped the package under the counter, his sharp eyes had not left her face. It made Jane want to fidget especially when he seemed to know so much about her already. After a moment of studying her face he finally gave his reply.

"Don't worry Miss Foster, it will find it's way into the right hands. Anything else I can assist with?"

Curiosity surged inside her and her voice faltered for a moment. She needed to ask, she couldn't resist the gnawing sensation. "Um, do you know who-" The man held up a slender hand and shook his head.

"I'm afraid you will not get your answer, my dear." A small smile played at his lips. Jane sputtered and felt her face grow warm.

"But I-!"

"I'm sorry. It will do you no good to continue asking." His eyes crinkled at the edges and it looked as if he were trying not to laugh.

How irritating! I can tell he knows!

Her jaw clenched in frustration. Jane took in a deep breath before speaking again. "Do you not know or will you just not tell me?"

The shopkeeper gave a small chuckle. "What does your intuition tell you, Miss Foster?"

Jane frowned, her suspicions confirmed. It agitated her all the more knowing that The Wolf was right. No amount of prodding or prying would give her information. She was at the mercy of the mystery writer. For now. The man was giving her a complacent look from behind the counter.

"Well, thank you for your help, sir. I suspect you will be seeing me regularly until I reach the bottom of this." Jane gave him a forced smile, still bothered with the situation.

"My pleasure, Miss Foster. Until next time." The man picked back up his book and resumed reading.

It had started raining again, a miserable drizzle. Jane exited the shop and made her way back to the carriage as fast as she could. It was time she returned home and curled up with a book of her own while she waited for a response. Not with baited breath.

There was a soft rap at the door of the study. Jane was nestled on a large cushion in front of the fireplace, a thick brown book in her hands. She looked up to see Molly poking her head through the doorway.

"Yes, Molly?"

The Governess gave her a small smirk. That was not a good sign. "You had something arrive for you, Jane." Jane sucked in a breath. The response didn't seem to have come as fast as it had before. She had been home and already had tea for the afternoon. A small part of her, a very small part, worried she wouldn't get a reply today.

"Could you leave it on the table there?" She attempted to sound disinterested.

Molly chuckled and set the object on the sofa table before leaving the room. Once Jane heard the soft click of the door she set her book down and got to her feet. There was a letter with the familiar black seal, she could see it from where she stood. And a flower. Jane's eyes widened and she felt her stomach lurch. It was a strange looking flower, one that Jane had only seen a handful of times. In fact, there was no way The Wolf should have this particular flower, not this time of year. She was already at the table, the delicate stem between her fingers. It was a funny two-toned flower. A dark burgundy petal sat at the center with a small white pattern drawn across it. Three pinkish petals radiated from the top of the darker one. It looked like it had been put together with the odds and ends left over from other flowers.

"Spider ophrys...how on Earth..." The meaning came to her in a flash. "Adroitness."

Jane felt her neck and chest grow warm. She was not expecting such a flattering response. Especially after the snide retort she had sent earlier in the day. The flushing in her face immediately disappeared as she recalled what she had written.

Dear Mister Wolf,

I regret to inform you that I have not waited for your reply with 'baited breath'. Unlike some, I have a better way of spending my precious time. Waiting for someone to send me a response back is not my idea of time well spent. If you wish to have someone waiting with 'baited breath' I have other recommendations.

Still unimpressed.

Jane groaned, she had even sent some London Pride with the letter. And now The Wolf was sending her spider ophrys. She glanced down at the letter, the glossy wax seal glinted back at her. Jane set the delicate flower down and grabbed the envelope. With a quick flick of her thumb, she broke the seal and scanned the page.

Miss Foster,

In what ways do you spend your precious time if not waiting for my correspondence? I am quite curious to know and I expect your answer to be most intriguing.

The Wolf.

She felt her throat go dry and she reread the letter. It was rare for someone to act interested in her hobbies. Darcy, Erik, and Molly were exceptions to this. Jane had a reputation as being odd in most social circles. It was considered fashionable to have an armature interest in the natural sciences. Butterfly collecting, bird watching, studying flowers, all were quite popular. But Jane took her interests to an entirely new level. She had become a voracious reader of all things. Her personal library had nearly tripled in the last year and a half. Jane had bought a beautiful brass telescope and learned to chart the stars. She begged Erik to hire tutors so she could study physics and mathematics. All were hobbies that made Jane seem abnormal to many of her peers. It was also the reason why she had not married yet, something that had not been an issue until now. And now someone outside of her small inner circle asking about her hobbies. Jane nibbled her lip as she though of what to do.

What have I got to lose? I might frighten The Wolf off like I have so many other people. Which would free me from this irritation. But what if it does not frighten him off?

She swallowed hard, what if he did find her hobbies interesting? But he could just also cease his correspondence with her. She would tell him, it was worth a shot. It would be a way to judge the character of this Mister Wolf.

It would be nice to have someone share the same interests as you. A sly voice said in the back of her mind. Hush, you!

There was no way that would ever happen she decided. Her hobbies had scared away people in the past and it would do the same now. Jane picked up the unique looking flower and made for the door. She would write a letter back and he declined to write her any longer. The problem would be solved.

He is not going to, the sly voice said. Jane felt a small flutter in her stomach. A feeling of hope? That can't be right, it had to be nerves. Just nerves over bearing her inner self to a complete stranger. She groaned again. It would be worth it, she would rid herself of The Wolf. He would rescind is wishes of writing to her any longer.

"He will," she snarled to herself as she made her way down the hall to the study. This would be the last time she would have to worry about her pompous admirer.

The following morning Jane woke early. It was raining again, a gentle spring shower that pattered against the window pane. Molly had left a tray of tea and toast on the vanity. Jane smiled, glad that she had informed Molly about her early plans. She wanted to be in town by the time Price and Kemp's opened. Her body buzzed with a nervous excitement this morning and she felt wide awake. Jane hopped out of the warm bed and slipped on her slippers and robe. She plopped down in front of her vanity and took several sips of her breakfast tea. Her hair was actually quite tame this morning. A rarity considering how she flopped in her sleep like a fish. There was a knock at the door and Molly's warm voice came from the other side.

"Jane dear?"

"Come in, Molly." Jane took a big bite of toast and Molly came bustling in.

"Let's get you dressed so you can leave on time." The woman hummed and went to the wardrobe to select a dress. "How about this Jane?" Molly had found a cream colored dress with dark blue accents. Embroidered flowers covered the ends of the sleeves and around the neckline.

Jane nodded and swallowed her bite of bread. "Looks perfect, Molly." She took another quick sip of tea and stood up. Molly draped the dress over the top of the changing screen and turned to make Jane's bed. Jane stepped behind the screen and slid her robe and night dress off. After a moment she stepped back out with the cream dress pulled up over her shoulders. Jane turned around and Molly began to make quick work of the tiny buttons.

"So," Molly said carefully. "No flower to send off this morning? The one you received yesterday was interesting."

Jane stiffened slightly, Molly was too crafty for her own good. She knew just when to ask sly questions. It was always when Jane was getting dressed and Molly had her trapped. "No, not this morning. Just the letter." Jane conveniently ignored the comment about the spider ophrys. Thinking about that flower made her heart pound.

Molly nodded and quirked an eyebrow but said nothing else about the delivery. "I see. Well, I will have the stable boy ready the carriage once I have got you all buttoned up." A minute later the dress was secure and Jane took a seat at the vanity fix her hair. A few quick twists and some pins to hold thing in place and Jane was set.

"Thank you, Molly. I will be down shortly." Jane smiled over her shoulder at the older woman. Molly returned the smile and hurried out the door. As Molly's footsteps faded away Jane opened the drawer to her vanity. Nestled on top of the neat pile of parchment was the letter she had sealed last night. She pulled out the sealed letter and gently slid the drawer closed. It was time to head into town.

The bell tinkled as Jane pushed her way into Price and Kemp's. The shopkeeper from the day before was in the exact same spot as before. It looked as if he hadn't moved, but the new book in his hand gave away his stony appearance. Jane marched up to the front counter and slapped her letter on the counter top. The shopkeeper's eyes snapped up and he set his book down.

"Back so soon, Miss Foster?" His voice held a hint of amusement that Jane found trying.

"Yes, could you please see that this gets to The Wolf?" She gave him an impassive look to hide her irritation. He was finding this just as amusing as Molly. If those two met, so help me...

He gave her a small nod, a faint smile threatening to show at the corners of his mouth. "Of course, Miss Foster."

"Thank you, sir." She turned to leave the shop but he stopped her by clearing his throat.

"Price. The name is Price."

Jane felt her cheeks grow warm but turned around to face him. "My apologies, Mister Price. Thank you again." And before he could stop her again she turned and exited the shop as quickly as she could.

Mister Price chuckled and tucked the letter under his counter for safe keeping. "An interesting girl, that one is. Although I could see the appeal." He picked back up his book and went back to reading.

Jane rushed back to the carriage that was waiting just down the street. Her stomach flipped, a regular occurrence when she sent a letter to The Wolf. But the butterflies felt much worse this time. It had taken her the better part of an hour to write out the letter. A hopeful feeling kept bubbling up. And not in the hopes that he would let her alone. Jane tried to ignore the feeling by reasoning with herself. But the gnawing thought that someone would be interested in her hobbies still lingered.

The carriage driver was waiting for her and hopped out of the drivers seat when she was close. He opened the door and Jane clambered inside and took a seat. The small carriage jerked forward as the horse started to move. Now she would on her way to Darcy's estate. It would be a good way to keep her distracted while she waited for the response from The Wolf. She had used the day excursion with Thor as a cover. Jane had told Darcy that she needed help picking out the correct outfit for the day. As expected, Darcy was more than eager to help with Jane's wardrobe issue. Jane paused a moment and calculated how many days she had left. Only five more until she had to meet with Thor. The feeling of butterflies in her stomach returned making Jane blush. A part of her was looking forward to the day trip, the other part was incredibly nervous. Not knowing who else would be invited wore on her nerves. Fandral and Volstagg were good company, but she could do without Sif and Loki. Those two would be a fitting pair with their sour looks. Jane chewed on her lip as she ran over possible guests but no one else came to mind. She hoped that Darcy was on the list, although Darcy would have told her if she were invited.

"I could just write him a letter about it..." She mumbled out loud. Not knowing what was to come was grating on her. The carriage lurched to a stop and Jane looked up. She was so lost in thought that the twenty minute ride had felt like seconds. Jane could hear Darcy before she saw her even from inside the carriage. The door opened and she stepped out with the help of the driver.

"Jane!" Darcy was rushing down the front steps ignoring the drizzly weather. Jane found herself swept up in a tight hug as the carriage pulled away. "Come on, let's not stand out in this weather! We have things to talk about." Darcy gave Jane a crooked smile that Jane couldn't help but return.

"Alright, alright. If I didn't know better I'd say you missed my company." Jane laughed but let Darcy pull her up the stairs and in the door. Once the pair were safe inside, Darcy took Jane's coat and tucked it away in a coat closet. Darcy waved a hand, instructing Jane to follow, and headed down the hall.

"So, any new letters since we last spoke?" Jane could practically feel the devious smile on her friend's face. Sometimes Darcy took too much pleasure in torturing her.

"What do you think, Darcy?" Jane rolled her eyes and Darcy giggled.

They made it to the parlor room and Darcy shut the door behind them. She flopped dramatically in one of the chairs and motioned for Jane to take a seat. A pot of tea and tray of biscuits were already waiting on the table in the center of the room. Darcy poured two cups of tea before she eyed Jane, the devious smile still on her face. "From Thor?"

Jane took a seat on the chair across from Darcy and smoothed her skirts. She picked up the delicate tea cup from the tray and took a tiny sip. Her delayed response was the answer that Darcy needed.

"The Wolf? Oh, Jane!" Darcy was practically vibrating with the news. "Nothing from Thor other than the letter about your hunting excursion? I am a little surprised at that. But The Wolf, now that was expected."

"Nothing from Thor." Jane played with the hem of her sleeve, tracing the blue embroidery. "I think I have made a fool out of myself to someone I don't even know."

Darcy laughed, it wasn't often she got to see Jane so frazzled over men. "A fool out of yourself to The Wolf? Surely it's not that bad, Jane."

"He wrote to me making it sound as if I were to be pining for his letters. I sent him London Pride and a scathing letter back, Darcy! I told him I had better ways of spending my time."

Darcy bit her lip to keep from laughing more. "That was quite bold, I must be influencing you more than you realize. Either that or he knows exactly how to irritate you."

Jane rubbed her free hand over her face. "I haven't the slightest clue, Darcy. And to top it off, he answered me with spider ophrys." Her friend's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Now that is most impressive..."

Jane nodded but continued with her story. "He asked about my hobbies."

"Ah, I can see where this is what's truly causing your grief." Darcy studied Jane's face carefully. She knew Jane was proud of her studies and her interests. But on the same token Jane's interests isolated her from others. Darcy felt a twinge of sadness in her chest. Jane tried to put on a good face when rude comments were made at her expense. Darcy knew that it wounded her friend deeply, not that Jane would ever admit it. No one deserved to be treated as the town oddity, least of all Jane. And to have a complete stranger prying into those uncomfortable things... "Did you answer him back?"

Jane nodded and answered slowly. "I may solve this Wolf problem sooner than I expected."

Darcy frowned at Jane, she wasn't convinced Jane was excited about that possibility. "And what if he does not go running for the hills? What happens when he finds out you are a brilliant woman and not a dolt like Pearl Harris?"

A small smile crept across Jane's face. Taking jabs at any of the Harris sisters was a good way to make her laugh. "I don't know what I will do. I suppose I will just have to wait and see."

Darcy leaned forward and patted Jane on the knee. "Chin up, Jane. Are you excited for the outing with Thor?"

Grateful that the conversation had shifted, Jane's smile grew larger. "It would be a lie to say that I am not a little excited. But I am also nervous."

"Don't worry, Jane. Be sure you play nice with the other guests." Darcy barked out a laugh before taking a large drink of tea. "I am sure his friends will be there as well."

Jane snorted into her tea cup. "I would be surprised if they were not there." The idea of being stuck with Sif and Loki made her stomach churn.

"I'm sure that Thor will not let you get trapped by your new acquaintances. Once we have finished with tea we should head upstairs and see what I have for you to wear." Darcy's eyes twinkled mischievously at the idea of making Jane play dress up. Jane resisted the urge to give her friend a withering glare.

"Okay, Darcy."

Darcy flashed Jane a wicked grin. Jane knew that by the end of the day she would be absolutely exhausted. Exhausted but worth every minute.

The sun had begun to sink below the trees by the time Jane climbed back into the carriage. The clouds had begun to clear away leaving the sky painted in pinks and purple. Tucked next to her on the carriage seat was one of Darcy's dresses. A smile was plastered on Jane's face, it had been a pleasant afternoon. Darcy was always a good source of laughter and optimism, just what she had needed. But Jane was knackered, Darcy's energy had a way of running her ragged. The thought of flopping in front of the fire with a cup of tea sounded like a perfect way to unwind. And then it would be off to bed. Her heart seemed to stop. There would be something waiting for her on her vanity. Jane's heart raced thinking about the replay that was sure to be waiting. She shouldn't be so stressed about this. She straightened in her seat. No, she wouldn't let herself stress about it. The carriage rocked along the road, its movements soothing her anxiety.

Molly was ready and waiting when Jane hurried into the house. The woman took the bundle from Jane's hands and ushered her into the study. Erik was already seated in front of the fireplace, a glass of amber liquid in hand.

"Jane!" He greeted, his face tinged with pink, a sure sign this wasn't his first glass. Erik jiggled the glass in his hand back and forth. "Would you like one?"

Jane snickered and took a seat in the chair next to him. "No thank you. I think I'm just going to have a cup of tea and then maybe read in bed before I go to sleep."

Erik shrugged and grunted before settling back into his seat. He took a long drink from his glass. Molly bustled back in the room with a cup of tea clutched between her hands. She handed the warm cup to off to Jane who eagerly accepted.

"I put the dress from Darcy upstairs in your wardrobe, dear." Molly smiled down at Jane who was busy sipping the hot chamomile tea.

"Thank you, Molly." Jane answered between sips.

Molly leaned down close to Jane's ear. "There is something waiting for you upstairs."

Jane gulped down the tea in her mouth. "Okay," she mumbled.

Molly patted her on the shoulder before turning to leave the room. Jane sighed and took another sip. The Wolf had answered her back. Her stomach did a flip. Jane set the cup of tea down on the small side table and looked at Erik. The older man's eyes had started to close, the glass nestled in his lap. A small giggle slipped out of her.

"I think I am going to head upstairs, Erik," Jane said softly.

Erik's head snapped up and his eyes fluttered open. He grunted an 'okay' and she smiled. Jane pushed out of the chair and took the glass out of Erik's hand, setting it on the side table. Once she was sure he wouldn't break anything Jane slipped out of the room. Molly was sure to find the older man and put him to bed. She made her way to the stairs, trudging up them one by one.

Why am I so nervous? I shouldn't feel like this.

The next thing she knew her hand was on her door knob and pushing the door open. Molly had lit a candle and it was sitting on the vanity. Her eyes darted to the right. A cream colored envelope with a black blob of wax sat next to the candle. And a large bouquet. Jane's mouth popped open and she walked dumbly towards her vanity. It was a multicolored bouquet of garden ranunculus accented with ferns. Jane picked up the bunch of flowers and studied the layered blooms. A lump seemed to form in her throat. This was not what she had expected.

Fern and garden ranunculus. He thinks I'm fascinating...

Her face flushed when she realized the meaning behind the bouquet. "Rich in attractions," she murmured.

Her free hand fell to the envelop, index finger tracing the symbol on the seal. Jane pulled out her stool and plopped down at her vanity. She hooked her finger under the edge of the paper and broke the wax seal. At some point her hand started trembling and she forced herself to take a deep breath. Jane unfolded the paper slowly and smoothed the paper on the vanity top. A familiar smooth handwriting scrawled across the page.

Miss Foster,

I must say when I read your letter I found it most illuminating. Your interests delve deeper and wider than I imagined. I had heard rumors that you were quite studious and well read and I am pleased to know they are true.

What do you think of On The Origin of Species? I am almost positive you own a copy based off of the information you have shared. I have been working my way through some of the works by Thomas Carlyle.

As always, I am looking forward to your witty and opinionated response.

The Wolf.

By the end of the letter Jane entire body was shaking. The combination of relief and excitement made her feel light headed. He wanted to continue their correspondence. The Wolf actually found her interesting. No one, besides her small inner circle thought her hobbies were appropriate. She swallowed, making the lump in her throat disappear.

"Now what do I do?"

Of course he finds you interesting. This is what you wanted wasn't it? The small annoying voice said in the back of her mind.

"Oh hush," she hissed to herself. Jane stood up to change into her night dress. She managed to unbutton the top few and squeeze out of the heavy dress she currently wore. Jane threw her dress over her changing screen and yanked on her light night gown. She needed to sleep on this new revelation. With a quick puff she blew out the candle and slipped under her heavy blanket. She squeezed her eyes shut and snuggled down into her bed. Maybe she would be able to force herself to sleep.

Darcy is going to die of excitement when she finds out about this. Jane groaned and rolled over, shoving her face into the pillow. This was going to be a long, sleepless night.

A/N: There you have it! As always please let me know what you think. Next chapter things start picking up! And here are the flower definitions for you:

London Pride ... Frivolity

Spider Ophrys ... Adroitness

Fern ... Fascination

Garden Ranunculus ... You are rich in attraction

Jane sort of stuck her foot in her mouth on this. But can you blame her?