Author's Notes: Here's a belated Christmas present to everyone! I hope you enjoy it. If you squint hard enough you can see that not only have I pulled in some of the more famous Persuasion lines, but I've also adapted one of my favourite Pride and Prejudice scenes for my own evil purposes. Also, the kimono and hakama here is the one from the Kinema Ban manga. I loved loved loved Kaoru's design in that first chapter.

Beta: Sumiregusa (the loveliest) and Animanical-Laughter (the bestest!)
Rating: T
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Rurouni Kenshin is owned by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Persuasion is in the public domain, but was written by Jane Austen.

Chapter 18

Mr Elliot was rational, discreet, polished, but he was not open.
There was never any burst of feeling, any warmth of indignation or delight,
at the evil or good of others. This, to Anne, was a decided imperfection.
Her early impressions were incurable. She prized the frank,
the open-hearted, the eager character beyond all others.
Warmth and enthusiasm did captivate her still. She felt that she could
so much more depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked
or said a careless or a hasty thing, than of those whose presence of mind
never varied, whose tongue never slipped. - Persuasion, Jane Austen

"What's that?" asked Kaoru as Tae returned to the sitting room, a large box in hand. There had been a sharp knock at the door and Tae had rushed to answer it, surprised to receive a delivery at the restaurant after closing time.

"It's for you!" Tae exclaimed and put a large laqcuer box down in front of Kaoru. On top was a note, with Kaoru's name on it in an elegant script. She opened the note and her eyes widened in surprise.

Dear Kaoru

I saw this on a recent trip to my favourite kimono shop and thought it would look lovely on you. Please accept this small gift as a token of my appreciation for all your hard work with the students at the Hiruma Dojo.

Yours, Takeda Kanryu

"It's from Kanryu," Kaoru said as she handed the note over to Tae, automatically moving to untie the strings holding the top of the box down and then lifting the lid. Pulling back the paper-lining revealed a beautiful, pale-coloured kimono with cherry blossom petals along one shoulders and both sleeves. Included in the box was a set of pleated hakama pants and a colourful striped obi. The quality was unlike anything Kaoru had ever seen and she knew that it must have cost a small fortune.

"It's beautiful," Tae gasped as Kaoru lifted the kimono for her to see.

"Why would he send such a gift?" asked Kaoru, shocked at its extravagance.

"Do you really not know?" said Tae. "Kaoru, he's interested in you!"

"No, that's not possible, we only just met," Kaoru explained, cheeks burning at the thought of such attention.

"But hasn't he been by the dojo every day that you have been teaching?" asked Tae.

"Yes," Kaoru admitted.

"And didn't he just buy a whole new set of bokken for the dojo?"

"He said that he wanted to students to have the best."

"And last night, he brought his new business partner here, what was his name? The tall foreign man!"

"Mr. Dahler." Kanryu had just secured rights to exporting his goods to Germany and had brought his new business partner to the restaurant to celebrate. They had shown up with a large party and had ordered the best food and sake the restaurant had to offer. Kaoru had sat with the table for a few hours, listening to the Kanryu and Dahler exchange stories about their travels. It had been a lively night and no expense had been spared. Tae figured that their bill alone would cover the restaurant expenses for the next month.

"It seems that Kanryu-san is going out of his way to make quite a favourable impression on you," said Tae. "For someone of his wealth and influence to take notice…you must know why."

"What do you mean?" Kaoru asked, a feeling of dread in her stomach.

"Kaoru, it is obvious that he is courting you! Can't you see it? He must want to make you his wife."

"No, it can't be." Marry Kanryu? Yes, they had been spending a lot time together. He always made sure to walk her back to the dojo, or if the weather wasn't nice, his carriage was always at her disposal. She had even met his two bodyguards, both former samurai who watched over their boss's every move. They didn't say much, but would give her a slight nod when she would get into the carriage or as she walked with Kanryu.

"Why else would he send such extravagant gifts?" Tae asked. "He must be planning on asking for your hand soon! He's wealthy; you would want for nothing Kaoru. Have you seen his house? It's the biggest in all of Yokohama!"

Kaoru placed the kimono back in the box and regarded her friend. Even after all these years, Tae was mainly concerned with the material aspects of matrimony. She knew that Kanryu would provide for her. She would be free to teach at a dojo, maybe even open one of her own. But spending more time with Kanryu had not improved her initial opinion of him. She was flattered by the attention; he was always kind to her, talking warmly and with increasing affection but he remained guarded. Behind his ever present smile, Kaoru knew more to him than what she could see. She couldn't quite place it but the more time she spent with him, the more convinced she became that he was not someone she could ever love.

"I don't understand it," Kaoru admitted. "I'm just a kenjutsu instructor. I have nothing to offer him."

"It doesn't matter to someone as rich as him," Tae said. "Kaoru you should not let this opportunity pass you by."

"You'd support the match?" asked Kaoru, a little hesitant. She trusted Tae's opinion in most things, but in matters of the heart, she knew that Tae did not understand hers.

"Of course I would," said Tae. Her expression softened. "I only want your happiness Kaoru. All I've ever done has been meant to ensure that. Kanryu is a good man. He's helped to support my business here and so many others. He would take care of you and I think your father would approve. He wanted you to have a normal life Kaoru, please remember that."

Tae left the room after that, to help the kitchen finish cleaning for the night. Kaoru sat in the sitting room, running her hands over the kimono. Truly she had noticed Kanryu's interest in her; he had not hidden his obvious regard. It was clear to all that he thought highly of her.

Kanryu and his open affection was a far contrast with the other men who had once wanted to make her their own. Hiroki had been serious in his attachment to her, but there was no honest emotion; it was more the expectation of her becoming his wife than any true desire for it. Kenshin had been sincere and passionate in his feelings but they were mere children, and she knew now that emotions were heightened at that age. They had both been so young and naive and the love they shared had been equally so. Just watching Akiko express her feelings towards Kenshin had proven that. Kenshin was surely engaged by now anyways, and Kaoru knew that their inevitable future meeting would include seeing Akiko as his wife.

But with Kanryu it felt different. There was no expectation from him. The more she spent with him, the more she understood that he hoped she would return his affections but he seemed content to go slow and let her feelings develop. He had told her once that in business he liked to play the "long game." When she questioned what that meant, he said that his most profitable ventures had been set up slowly over many years, and his patience and persistence had resulted in his largest payoff.

Kaoru sighed. Maybe that was Kanryu's plan for her too. Go slow, nurture her along, and one day make her his wife.

ooooooo

"You're letting them get soft," Gohei complained as he walked among the students at the dojo. He had returned to Yokohama late last night, apparently having finished his work early and announced that he would be teaching the next week of classes at the dojo. Kaoru wasn't exactly happy to see him return, but it was ultimately his dojo and she was a guest instructor there.

"I'm helping them relearn the basics," Kaoru said. Gohei turned on her sharply and Kaoru quickly explained. "In your absence I felt they were not committing themselves to training as much as they should, so as punishment I decided to go back to the beginning and work through the earlier kata." Gohei glared at her but didn't reply. Soon after starting, she had quickly realized that the dojo students thought power and strength equaled skill. They lacked an understanding of the basic formsand functions of the kata and thought that just swinging in a proximate manner with all of their strength would make them good swordsmen.

Under her teachings, the students had started to flourish, as they began to connect their earlier teachings with Gohei with the practiced drills she ran them through now. She had seen them improve greatly and their earlier dislike of her had soon given way to grudging respect.

"I'll make sure to put them through their paces then," said Gohei. He stepped to the front of the class and began barking out commands for the students to follow. Kaoru stepped to the side and followed the commands, showing the students that if she could do the kata, so could they. Even though Gohei's style was much more brutish than hers, she felt good practicing the style as it helped her focus and clear her thoughts.

"Kanryu-sama!" Kaoru heard Kihei exclaim from outside. "It is an honour to have you once again here at our dojo!"

Kaoru felt her concentration break and turned towards the open door. Kanryu stepped through, dressed in an impeccable Western style suit with his glasses perched confidently on his angular nose. Kihei followed close behind, bowing and greeting the dojo's patron. Behind Kihei, Kaoru was surprised to see Dahler step through the door, removing his tall hat as he did so.

"We were in the neighbourhood and I was telling my good friend here all about the dojo." Kanryu exclaimed. He caught Kaoru's eye and smiled at her. Kaoru returned the smile, and tried not to blush at the smirks her students were giving her. Gohei snapped at the students to take a break, and walked over to greet Kanryu and Dahler. Uncharacteristically, Gohei bowed deeply to the two men.

"Kanryu-san, welcome to the dojo."

"I see you have returned. Was your trip successful?" Kaoru glanced between the two men slightly shocked. She knew that Kanryu supported the dojo but was not aware that Gohei also worked for Kanryu. She briefly wondered at what sort of work Gohei did.

"Yes, sir," Gohei said. "I took care of everything exactly as you specified."

"Good good," said Kanryu and he dismissively stepped past Gohei to greet Kaoru. "Hello! How are you today, my lovely Kaoru?"

Kaoru tried not to blush any further. "I am well."

"Did not like my gift?" asked Kanryu, looking her over, taking in her simple white gi and brown hakama pants. "I thought you would wear it for sure."

"Oh, I did. Thank you, it is so lovely but you didn't need to buy it for me."

"I bought it so you would have something distinguished to wear while you teach. You deserve it."

"I don't want to ruin it," said Kaoru, softly. "It is too extravagant."

"Ha, Kanryu," said Dahler, in accented Japanese. "You're making the little lady blush."

"Not my intention, I assure you," Kanryu said. "Well, if you won't wear it for training then maybe for another occasion?"

"Such as?" asked Kaoru curious.

"My friend Dahler has been in Japan for many months now,"

"Three actually," interrupted the tall foreigner.

"Ah yes." Kanryu pushed his glasses up his nose slightly annoyed. "Three months. Anyway, he has never seen a demonstration of kenjutsu."

Kaoru's face brightened at this. "Well, we can show him today. My students would be honored."

"Ah Kaoru, you are too kind," said Kanryu. "But I was thinking of something more grand. I'd like to host a party here at the dojo. Dahler and my business associates will be the guests, and your students can provide a demonstration of the best in Japanese swordsmanship."

"That is a wonderful idea," said Kihei.

"A party," said Dahler. "You Japanese sure love them! Not that I mind. As long as you get those fine geisha girls in here again, it will be fantastic." Dahler winked at Kaoru. Kaoru gave a slight smile, not sure how to explain to Dahler that not all Japanese girls were geisha.

Noticing her discomfort, Kanryu gestured for Kihei to show Dahler inside the house and to prepare some tea. Gohei dismissed the class and soon Kaoru was left in the dojo with Kanryu.

"I'm sorry for Dahler's earlier comment," said Kanryu. "Try as I might to educate him about our culture, he just doesn't seem to understand."

"I'm fine," Kaoru reassured. "I wasn't offended."

"Dahler's manners may not be the same as ours, but he is an important asset to my business. He is an acquaintance worth having. He can be good company, and with him, he brings the company of other foreign businessman, who will help me grow my operations."

"My idea of good company is the company of well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation," said Kaoru. Briefly she thought of Sano, and remembered fondly sitting and talking with him. He may have been a street fighter, but he was intelligent and had a great deal of interesting things to say.

"That is not good company," Kanryu said thoughtfully, "that is the best."

ooooooo

"Kaoru, there is a letter here for you!" Tae called down the hall. Kaoru put down her book and went outside of the small sitting room. She took the letter from Tae.

"It's from Sayuri," said Kaoru slightly relieved as she recognized the hand writing. She hadn't heard from Sayuri in a few weeks and was curious as to how Akiko was recovering.

"Will you let me know how everyone is?" asked Tae. "I have to help get the restaurant set for tonight."

Kaoru nodded and went back to her sitting room to read the letter. She sat down and opened up the paper; inside were several smaller notes. Kaoru pulled out the first one and began to read.

Dear Kaoru

All is well here in Hakone. I have been beside myself with worry, but it seems that finally Akiko is ready to move. Soon we will be leaving Hakone and I can return to my home. This place may have been beautiful when we first arrived, but now I am weary of this town and I long to be back in Tokyo. I felt that Akiko was well enough to travel weeks ago but no one would listen to me. I must go now. I will write more later when I have time.

Yours, Sayuri

Kaoru frowned. As usual, Sayuri was only concerned about herself. Very little was said of Akiko's condition but it seemed that she was getting better. Kaoru read through the other notes, all of them similar to each other with Sayuri complaining about Hakone and how much she wanted to go back to Tokyo. Kaoru pulled the last letter out, skimming it quickly.

Dear Kaoru

I don't have time to write much as Hiroki and I have been quite occupied. I must confess that I haven't sent any of my letters to you but I will have Hiroki send them all together. With Akiko's engagement it has been a whirlwind but now Hiroki says we can finally head back to Tokyo. Akiko is finally well enough to travel and settling back in means I won't have much time to write. I will talk to Maekawa and see if you can come back to Tokyo. Akiko is determined to have a large wedding and I will need your help with the preparations.

Yours, Sayuri

Kaoru stared at the letter in her hand, her eyes locked on the one word she had been dreading to hear from the moment Akiko had met Kenshin.

Engagement.

She had known that Akiko's engagement announcement would be coming and had been preparing herself for it. She had promised herself that she wouldn't cry, that she would be content that the two had found some sort of happiness. But as hard as she tried to rationalize, she couldn't help it, tears sprung to her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. Kenshin would marry another and she would be as she was before.

She stood up, leaving the letter on the table. The room felt too small and confined. She needed to get out and away, to lose herself for a while. For a moment she desperately longed for a sword in her hands and a kata to work through, but that thought instantly brought back memories of Kenshin and the first time they had met, sparring in her dojo. The desire to run was overwhelming and she lunged towards the door, desperate to get away. Yet before she reached the door, it suddenly opened and Kanryu stepped in to the room.

"Kaoru! Tae-san said you were back here and I thought I would ask you to join me for …" Kanryu paused as he saw Kaoru's distraught expression. "Is something the matter? Are you unwell?"

"No, I am fine." Kaoru turned slightly away, trying to hold in the tears. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up in to Kanryu's concerned face.

"You don't look it. Come sit down." Kanryu guided Kaoru back to the center of the room and gently pushed her shoulder so she would sit.

"Hello, Tae-san," Kanryu called out of the room. Tae quickly hurried to the door and poked her head around. She gasped as she saw Kaoru's tear stained face.

"Kaoru is not feeling well. Can you fetch us some tea?"

"Yes of course," Tae said and hurried off.

"Please Kaoru," Kanryu turned back to Kaoru, concern etched on the hard lines of his face. "Will you tell me what is wrong?"

"I…," Kaoru tried to choke back a sob. Why was she letting this affect her so? "I just received some news from Tokyo, and…I…" Kaoru couldn't continued and bowed her head, trying to pull herself together.

Kanryu took her small hands in his and squeezed them. "It's all right. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But I would request one thing."

"What's that?" Kaoru sniffed, unable to raise her eyes.

"That you will let me stay here with you, and suffer my attempts to cheer you."

Kaoru smiled at that and finally looked up. Kanryu greeted her with an earnest smile.

"Ah ha!" said Kanryu. "I knew you couldn't be sad for long. We will sit here until you feel well and then you will join me and my associates for dinner. What you need is lively people and good company. If that can't cheer you up then nothing will, and I will have to declare you a lost cause."

"I am not a lost cause," Kaoru said, a hint of defiance in her voice.

"There's my pretty swordswoman," said Kanryu. "I knew you wouldn't back down."

Kaoru wiped at her eyes, starting to finally feel her inner calm come back. She smiled back at Kanryu.

"Thank you," she said, honestly grateful for his presence at this moment.

"For what?"

"For caring."