Finally the day arrived when Davina returned home to Longbourn. She was very anxious to see how her friend Cassie was doing. When the carriage reached Longbourn she saw Cassie coming outside to greet her. Davina was thankful to see a smile on Cassie's face again. Her friend was also happy to see her again. She wanted to hear all about what happened in London from Cassie's herself but unfortunately it needed to wait.

Monique and Abigail soon joined the two girls. And instead of questioning how Davina was doing after her long journey all they could talk about was their own misery. Apparently the regiment staying at Meryton would leave in two weeks and would make their way to Brighton. The thought of losing all the red coats in the neighborhood was a dreadful one for Monique and Abigail. They begged Genevieve to take them to Brighton this summer but she wouldn't have any of it. Her goal was still to marry Abigail and Monique of to a witch instead of some sort of officer.

But there was still some good news to tell, according to Monique. Apparently in Davina's absence Oliver had taken the liberty to court Mary King. Davina had met Mary King a few times. She was a sweet young human girl who recently inherited a small fortune. Monique continued her story telling her how Mary King went to stay with her uncle in Liverpool and how Oliver was now safe from her.

"And Mary King is safe" added Davina. This surprised the three other girls. Davina quickly explained how inappropriate a marriage between Oliver and Mary King was given her status. The real reason of why she was relieved for Mary King was something Davina couldn't tell. The answer however satisfied the others.

Finally Davina and Cassie were alone and Davina took the liberty to ask Cassie how she really felt about what happened in London. She told her how she was in London two weeks before Mary-Alice finally decided to bring her a visit. She did knew she was in London because she wrote her but Mary-Alice explained how she was engaged with other obligations and couldn't visit her dear friend earlier. But Cassie told Davina how clear it was to her that Mary-Alice couldn't wait for the visit to end. And it did end very soon. Not even an hour later she was on her way again, excusing herself because she had another appointment. After that a few more letters and a few more excuses followed of why she couldn't visit again and that was it. She didn't even had the chance to meet David and she wondered if he even knew she was in London.

While Davina listened to her friend she couldn't help but hear the disappointment in her voice. But she was glad that Cassie came to the conclusion that May-Alice wasn't a real friend of her. She couldn't tell her exactly the part she played in breaking her and David up or the part Kol played in it. It would only hurt Cassie more. Especially when she heard the reasons Kol gave Davina from breaking them up. Because those were unfortunately actually some solid ones. All she could do was offer her friend her compassion.

When Cassie asked how Davina's time with the Rosza's had been Davina was glad she could finally tell someone what had happened between her and Kol. Cassie was surprised to hear that she received an offer of marriage from Kol. That was a huge deal, considering Kol's reputation. And because of it she couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Kol when Davina told that she turned him down.

Davina also informed her how she accused Kol of ruining Oliver's fortune. And of the letter she received from Kol explaining what really happened between him and Oliver. Cassie was quite shocked. Never had she believed Oliver to be capable of those things. "Poor Rebekah" Cassie cried while promising to Davina to keep this a secret. During her conversation with Cassie Davina never revealed what Kol told about the part he had in ending her and David's relationship. That would have to stay her own secret. She didn't want to hurt Cassie more and there wasn't any need for her to know.

She also couldn't help but to be relieved that Oliver would leave in two weeks. After that she could forget all about him. She did run into him a few times during that period. The first time she saw him he approached her and inquired about her time in Kent. Davina couldn't resist to tell him how Kol and his brother had spent three weeks at Rosings at the same time she was in Kent. She knew how Kol was a subject Oliver would love to talk about and he immediately obliged her. He wanted to know how many times she had have the pleasure of meeting him and told her how different his manners were compared to his brother. "Indeed" said Davina. "Very different. But I think Kol improves upon acquaintance". "

"Really" Oliver cried, surprised by what Davina just said. "I'm surprised to hear that his manners are improved considering its still Kol Mikaelson we're talking about."

Oh, no!" said Davina. "In essentials, I believe, he is very much what he ever was."

While she spoke, Oliver looked as if scarcely knowing whether to rejoice over her words, or to distrust their meaning. There was something in her countenance which made him listen with an apprehensive and anxious attention, while she added:

"When I said that he improved on acquaintance, I did not mean that his mind or his manners were in a state of improvement, but that, from knowing him better, his disposition was better understood."

Oliver quickly tried to recover himself. Stating how she knew why he didn't share any warm feelings against Kol. He wanted to engage her on the old subject of his grievances, but Davina was in no humor to indulge him. Therefore the conversation ended quickly and Oliver focused his attention to other ladies present. After that they didn't spoke in person again in the few days Oliver was still in the area and Davina was quite thankful for this.

XXX

Just the day before the regiment was set to leave, an invitation was given to Monique. Jackson and his wife Hayley, who recently got married, invited Monique to spend a few weeks with them in Brighton. Overjoyed with happiness by this offer Monique begged Genevieve for her permission and after some time Genevieve finally gave in. This however caused great grief for Abigail who wished she could also join them and thought it wasn't fare Jackson and Hayley invited only Monique.

Davina had other concerns. She was afraid Monique's improper behavior would only continue in Brighton and feared what it would do for her own reputation and their reputation as a coven. She already knew that Monique's behavior was part of the reason Cassie had lost David. Her concerns caused her to do something she never expected herself to do. She went behind Monique's back to beg Genevieve to resent the invitation. Genevieve however had other ideas. She felt that Monique should go to Brighton and to experience herself what her foolish behavior would do for her reputation if her coven wasn't there to protect her from herself. Besides she also had faith in Jackson and Hayley to make sure things wouldn't get too far out of hand. And if Monique finally had learned her lesson her erratic behavior would settle down. In Genevieve's mind it would be a blessing for that to happen to Monique. Davina saw that it was no use to convince Genevieve otherwise. She couldn't tell her what Monique's behavior already had cost Cassie so she had no choice but to let it go.

A day later Monique left. She promised Abigail to write very often. But her letters were always long expected and always very short.

XXX

Monique's wasn't the only one to receive an invitation that summer. Davina was asked to join her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Claire in the first week of July for a tour around the country. Davina eagerly accepted it. Mr. Claire was the older brother of her mother, who never had any children. Davina was his only niece and therefore they had a special bond. The only downside was that they wouldn't go any further than Derbyshire. With the mention of Derbyshire there were many ideas connected. It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking of Pemberly and its owner. "But surely," said she, "I may enter his county with impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars without his perceiving me."

When the journey finally began Davina and the Claire's went to see places such as Oxford, Blenheim, Warwick, Kenilworth and Birmingham. When they were in the nearby area of Pemberly Mrs. Claire expressed her wishes of seeing it. The estate was apparently open for public view and she was tired of seeing only great houses. Davina however for obvious reasons wasn't quite enthusiastic about the idea of season Pemberly.

"My love, should not you like to see a place of which you have heard so much?" said her aunt; "a place, too, with which so many of your acquaintances are connected. Oliver passed all his youth there, you know."

Davina was distressed. She felt that she had no business at Pemberly, and was obliged to assume a disinclination for seeing it. She must own that she was tired of seeing great houses; after going over so many, she really had no pleasure in fine carpets or satin curtains.

Mrs. Claire abused her stupidity. "If it were merely a fine house richly furnished," said she, "I should not care about it myself; but the grounds are delightful. They have some of the finest woods in the country."

Davina said no more—but her mind could not acquiesce. The possibility of meeting Kol Mikaelson, while viewing the place, instantly occurred. It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very idea and finally she asked the chambermaid whether Pemberly were not a very fine place? What was the name of its proprietor? And, with no little alarm, whether the family were down for the summer? A most welcome negative followed the last question—and her alarms now being removed, she was at leisure to feel a great deal of curiosity to see the house herself; and when the subject was revived the next morning, and she was again applied to, could readily answer, and with a proper air of indifference, that she had not really any dislike to the scheme. To Pemberly, therefore, they were to go.

XXX

When Davina finally laid her eyes on Pemberly woods her mind became too full for conversation. She saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They drove for another half-a-mine until they were able to see Pemberly house. Davina was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberly might be something!

When the carriage approached the house Davina's fear of meeting its owner returned. What if the chambermaid was wrong? On applying to see the place, they had to wait in the hall for the housekeeper to great them. When she finally came the tour of the house began. The rooms that were shown to them were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of its proprietor; but Davina saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine; with less of splendor, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings.

"And of this place," thought she, "I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and aunt. But no,"—recollecting herself—"that could never be; my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to invite them." This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something very like regret.

Davina longed to ask the housekeeper if it was true that her master was really absent. But unfortunately she couldn't find the courage to do so. Her uncle however obliged her by asking it himself and she felt the relieve when she heard he was indeed absent. He however would return tomorrow along with his sister and a party of friends. The relieve Davina felt that they didn't decided to wait another day before seeing Pemberly cannot be described.

In one large room there were a lot of paintings displaced. The housekeeper was keen to tell all about the paintings present. She pointed at one of the paintings on the wall and told them that this one was of her master when he was still a vampire. Davina didn't recognize the person in the picture. But for some reason she was eager to know what Kol had looked like before he died. The person in the painting was a stranger to her. But she did recognize the same smile she saw on the Kol she came to know. She saw that same smile she always found so wicked.

After staring at the painting for quite some time her aunt now called her to look at another painting. She approached and saw the likeness of the Kol she came to know. Mrs. Claire looked at her niece with a smile, but Davina could not return it.

"And that," said the housekeeper finally breaking the silence, "is my master now that he has returned possessing the body of a witch".

Mrs. Claire looked at the picture "it is a handsome face. But, Davina, you can tell us whether it is like or not."

The housekeepers respect for Davina seemed to increase when she found out that she had the honor of knowing her master.

"Does that young lady know Mr. Mikaelson?"

Davina colored, and said: "A little."

"And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma'am?"

"Yes, very handsome." Davina said. When she looked at the paining and the painting of Kol when he was a vampire she realized that his look didn't matter to her. They were both handsome indeed, but the person he was from the inside was more important to her.

When all of the house that was open to general inspection had been seen, they returned downstairs, and, taking leave of the housekeeper, were consigned over to the gardener, who met them at the hall-door.

When they were outside they soon started walking towards the river. For some reason Davina decided to turn back so that she could have another look at the house. Her aunt and uncle all did the same. And when Davina turned around again she saw the owner himself suddenly appearing on the road they were about to walk.

They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Davina, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.

She had instinctively turned away; but stopping on his approach, received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome. The way he talked to Davina now seemed somehow so different than the way he used to talk to her. She always heard a sign of arrogance in his words, but now somehow that was gone. Somehow he also seemed to struggle for his words. When he did find them again he asked her about the party she was with and introduced himself to them. After that a few moments without saying a word took place before he suddenly recollected himself, and took leave.

When he left Davina was overpowered by shame. Her coming here was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world! How strange it must appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man! It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again! Oh! Why did she come? Why did he had to come back a day before he was expected to do so? She blushed again and again when she thought of their meeting just moments before. And his behavior, so strikingly altered—what could it mean? That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family! Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his letter into her hand! She knew not what to think, or how to account for it.

When the tour continued Davina couldn't focus on all the beauty Pemberly woods and its garden had to offer. Al she could think of was Kol Mikaelson. She longed to know what he was thinking of in this precise moment. What did he think of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she was still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice which was not like ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her she could not tell, but he certainly had not seen her with composure.

After wandering of sometime in Pemberly's beautiful woods they were again surprised by the sight of Kol approaching them. This time she had some time to prepare herself for another meeting with him because it took some time for him to reach them. With a glance, she saw that he had lost none of his recent civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the place; but she had not got beyond the words "delightful," and "charming," when some unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise of Pemberly from her might be mischievously construed. Her color changed, and she said no more.

Kol started talking to Mr. Claire and obliged him with all the answers he wanted to know about Pemberly. Davina and her aunt walked behind them as they continued their walk. After some time walking in this formation Mrs. Claire started to feel very tired and needed her husband's support for the rest of the journey back to the carriage. This forced Davina to walk next to Kol.

After some time of walking next to Kol Davina finally found the courage to break silence. She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected—"for your housekeeper," she added, "informed us that you would certainly not be here till tomorrow. Kol confirmed that he indeed was expected to arrive tomorrow. But unexpected business in town forced him to come back a day earlier. His sister along with David and Mary-Alice were still expected to arrive tomorrow. Kol continued asking her if she would allow his sister and himself the honor of a visit during her brief stay in the area. According to Kol her sister would be very happy to meet her again.

The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Mikaelson might have of being re-acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and, without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of her.

They now walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought. Davina was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was flattered and pleased. When they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Claire were half a quarter of a mile behind. They had trouble keeping up because Mrs. Claire was so tired.

He then asked her to walk into the house—but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time much might have been said, and silence was very awkward. She wanted to talk, but there seemed to be an embargo on every subject. At last she recollected that she had been travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dove Dale with great perseverance. Yet time and her aunt moved slowly. Kol noticed how uncomfortable Davina felt and he finally decided to give her a gentle smile to ease her mind. This only confused Davina more. When she saw Kol smiling at her, she always saw him with a wicked smile. This smile was somehow so different. It was gentle and kind and Davina wondered if she finally saw his generous smile. Did she finally saw his real smile? If so, it was defiantly a smile not reserved for others, but somehow it was reserved for her.

The moment between the two of them was abruptly broken by the arrival of the Claire's. Kol offered them to have some refreshments in the house before they were set to leave. But the Claire's kindly refused. They still had a long journey back and they took their goodbyes. Kol reminded Davina that he would hold her to his invitation she had accepted and after that the carriage road of.

The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected. "He is perfectly well behaved and polite" said her uncle.

On their way back to the inn Davina could do nothing but think, and think with wonder, of Kol's civility, and, above all, of his wishing her to be re-acquainted with his sister.