The next two chapters are a bit shorter as I originally I was thinking of making it one longer chapter but then decided that to make them into two shorter chapters instead. ;-D

I am "reposting" the following information about Tom Lefroy's siblings, just FYI. ;-D

1). unnamed fifth elder sister (actual birth order unknown other than being older than Thomas)

2). Lucy (1 January 1768 – May 1853)

3). Phoebe (15 April 1770 – 5 December 1839)

4). Catherine (18 September 1771 – 3 September 1805)

5). Sarah (18 March 1773 – 1836)

6). Thomas Langlois (8 January 1776 – 4 May 1869)

7). Anthony (19 October 1777 – 7 September 1857)Anthony's son (Thomas Edward Preston Lefroy, 1815–1887) later married Anna Jemima Lefroy (1815–1855, daughter of Anna Austen Lefroy) on 9 September 1846

8). Elizabeth (17 April 1780 – 22 July 1867)

9). Benjamin (5 May 1782 – ?)

10). Christopher (26 June 1784 – 14 February 1805)

11). Anne (26 January 1786 – ?)

12). Henry (5 May 1789 – 29 January 1876)

CHAPTER 24:

Jane:

During the week before the ball, Tom seemingly spared no expense and went all out with Christmas decorations for the house and for the ball. The result being that the house was now very merry and festive looking. He also got a hold of his siblings to let them know of our engagement, all of whom apparently were eager to meet me. I admit that it was all a bit overwhelming with everything seeming to happen all at once, but then a ball was a good place in which to meet several people at the same time.

After the incident with Tom's aunt Anne, it was settled that Cassandra would stay on with us after we married and Henry and Eliza would take mama under their wing when they returned to England.

Tom had been able to secure a clergyman for our wedding for Christmas Eve that day he had gone into Limerick. A young man who was not attached at the moment had readily agreed to come out to Tom's place on Christmas Eve to perform the ceremony for us. Tom had also invited him to stay and join us in a celebratory meal with us afterwards.

The day of the ball, Tom's siblings all decided that it would be a good idea to arrive earlier in the day before the ball was to start in order to meet their brother's fianc e and they all arrived at various times throughout the day.

I admit that I am glad that I already knew some of them, there being so many in the Lefroy family as that would leave less of them to get to know. Tom had done his best telling me a bit about some of his brothers and sisters ahead of time...I already knew by this stage that he had an older sister, Catherine who had died 10 years before. Lucy the oldest, was closest to Phoebe growing up and even though Phoebe had been living with Tom and helping to raise his children, the two sisters remained close. They were very much alike in their thinking.

Anthony who was not much younger than Tom, was also the male in the family whom Tom was closest to. His wife had had a baby boy not that long ago whom they named Thomas. The resemblance between the two brothers took me by surprise as they looked quite a bit alike. I was also to find out that their similarities did not end with their looks.

Elizabeth was a very sweet and gentle girl, perhaps a lot like the sister Catherine whom was no longer alive. Ben and Christopher were a little more like their older sisters Lucy and Phoebe in that they seemed to take more of a serious attitude, but were still very genial nonetheless.

Anne, the youngest sister and Henry the youngest brother were both youthful and more like Tom and Sarah. I found it interesting that Tom's brother Henry and my own brother Henry were quite similar in that they were both spirited and "playful". These siblings were all married had of course come with their spouses.

I confess that I was a bit nervous at the idea of meeting so many siblings but once the introductions were under way and eventually over with, I found them all to be quite delightful in their own way and was finally able to relax myself. I was grateful that

I had time to meet and get to know them a little bit before the other guests started arriving for the ball, although I realized that it would be easier meeting Tom's friends and colleagues than meeting his family.

The night of the Christmas Ball was finally upon us when I found myself by Tom's side greeting our guests...it felt odd for me to be thinking in terms of "our"...

Tom's sisters and daughter's, even little Mary were all dressed up as fine as they could be. Jane was really becoming a lovely young woman now which made me wonder about young men at the ball...

And Tom...was so handsome in his own attire that I really hoped that I looked as well as Cassandra and Eliza had said I did. Both Sarah and Phoebe complimented me as well as Tom's daughters. But it was Tom's expression on his face when he first saw me that really told me what I wondered. He didn't even have to say a word as I felt myself blush under his gaze.

"You look absolutely stunning, my love.." He bent down slightly as he spoke in a low voice when he saw me in my ball gown. I tingled all over.

"You look very handsome yourself, Tom." I managed to get out rather weakly, but honestly.

The happiness in Tom's voice was unmistakable as he introduced me as his fianc e...which I admit sent a tingle through me as well. Not surprising, every one of the guests looked at us in surprise at this introduction, but each of them also congratulated us and wished us the very best. When he was asked if the date was set, Tom's reply was "It is to be a private ceremony with family only, right here tomorrow night."

By the time all of the guests had arrived I almost felt worn out with all of it already. But when the music and dancing started and Tom and I had our first dance together since all of those years ago, I seemed to have my second wind...

I danced with Tom's brothers and he their wives. But it was when I saw Tom dancing with his daughter Jane that something stirred in my heart. There was something quite endearing watching father and daughter dance together...

As Tom and Jane had danced together Anthony, Tom's son, felt it was right to ask me to dance and smiling, I accepted...

I was quite ready for a break when the meal was announced. I sought out Jane to let her know that we would wait until most people were sitting and eating before starting in on our own music. The piano had been moved to more of a central location so that it was not the center of attention, but could still be heard well enough.

I offered to get Jane some food before our performance, but the poor girl claimed that she was too nervous to think about eating. I put my arm around her shoulders in comfort and with a smile I told her that I had every confidence that she would do just fine. Once again I promised that I would stay with her while she played her solos. As it was, I stayed with her right from that moment.

When I felt the time was right, I pulled Jane over to the piano and together we sat down. With another encouraging smile at her, we started to play...

I could tell that once we had started playing, that Jane started to relax somewhat. Although some people did continue to talk, some also stopped their conversations to listen. Some even made their way over to us. I hoped this would not make Jane nervous again...

After we finished our duet, I suggested quietly to Jane that she start right in with another song which she obeyed. It seemed to work for her as she continued on in this manner, making her way through song after song. She continued to appear relaxed and played exceptionally well. She could not have done any better, I am sure.

When she was finished she looked over at me and then in surprise to find that people had gathered around to listen to her. Immediately she blushed when people started applauding her, but I could see that she was pleased. She stood up and bowed politely, then went over to Tom who was also right there with such a look of pride on his face. I went over and joined them, hearing Tom say, "You played just beautifully, Jane."

"Thank you, Father." Jane managed to get out in a barely audible voice.

Now people started to surround Tom and Jane, complimenting Jane on her talent. Smiling, I hung back and let them enjoy the praise. But Tom would not have that for he called my name and beckoned me to join him and Jane.

"This is whom you should be complimenting. It was Jane's idea to have my daughter play for you tonight and it was also Jane who taught my daughter to play."

All eyes turned on myself before I could deny it.

"Of course I cannot take credit for Miss Lefroy's talent." I protested quickly. "It was Miss Lefroy who worked very hard and diligently to better herself. She deservers full credit. I can only be credited for helping her."

At this point some of the younger people came up to Jane and asked her to join their group. I could see that she was pleased to be asked but still a little unsure of herself and possibly how she should answer. She looked at Tom who looked me. I gave him the slightest nod and he in turn gave a nod of approval which she returned with a delighted smile of her own and quite happily went off with them.

The people who had been surrounding us also started to dispersed somewhat so Tom took the opportunity to say in a low voice, "You were right about letting her do this Jane. I am very glad that you thought of it...and that I allowed it."

"It is good for building up her self-confidence and self-esteem. It already seems to be working."

Tom turned to me with a serious expression on his face. "I am truly grateful to you for this..."

The rest of the evening passed by fairly quickly between music, dancing, food and conversation. As Tom said when the last of the guests left, the Christmas Ball had been a success all around and admitted to being very happy that he had held the event.

When everyone had gone, Tom and myself bade the children goodnight-with the exception of the younger three, Mary, George and Jeffry who had already been taken up to their rooms when they became too sleepy to stay up any longer.

Cassandra, Henry and Eliza also decided it was time to retire. I thought it a good idea myself being that the next day was to be our wedding day. I found myself still unable to believe it was really, finally going to happen...

I went around with Tom making a last check of things before ascending the stairs to our rooms. At my door, we stopped.

"By this time tomorrow night, you will be Mrs. Tom Lefroy." Tom reminded me in a low voice, but with a smile of pure happiness on his lips. I didn't know what to say, so I simply nodded and smiled back. Then Tom gave me a sweet, loving good night kiss before heading down to his own room...the room that I suddenly realized I would start sharing with him the following night...and for every night for the rest of our lives. With this thought in mind, I slowly entered for what would be the last time I would share with my sister and one of the last times I could call it "our" bedchamber. I took my time getting ready for bed and thing finally I blew out the candle on the nightstand and climbed into the bed beside Cassandra who wasn't asleep yet.

"It was a lovely ball." Her voice came out of the darkness.

I smiled. "It was. You enjoyed yourself?" I asked her.

"Very much so. Tom has a lovely family. And some very nice friends as well." Was her reply. "You and Jane played remarkably!" She added.

"Jane was remarkable, wasn't she?" I agreed.

Suddenly, I reached out for my sister and held onto her. "This is our last night together in this room Cass, the last time we will ever share a room."

"It is. I will miss you, but it is time for you to move on Jane. On to that other part of your life that has kept both you and Tom waiting."

My eyes misted a bit at her words.

"Thanks to Tom though Jane, I will always be here in this house with you."

"And for that I am grateful." I replied softly and I hugged my sister.