All Saturday morning, Jamesina was alternating between trembling excitement and nerves. Winona was equally excited and began to dream of engagements and weddings.

"Do you think he will go down on one knee?" She speculated excitedly.

"He's such a dashing man, I wouldn't be surprised," Jim said breathlessly, while rooting through her closet trying to decide what to wear. She hadn't been able to get new dresses this year due to the money problems and she was a little bored with her old gowns.

Finally, she sighed and settled on the pink muslin. John had complimented her on it before, so maybe he wasn't bothered by her somewhat out of season wardrobe.

At last, somewhat later than expected, the bell rang and she heard him being welcomed in by Winona. Heart pounding, she made her way downstairs, hoping she wouldn't shriek or swoon when he asked The Question.

"Hello, John," she greeted, trying not to seem to eager.

John turned around from paving in front of the window and her smile fled at the look on his face-guilt, dread, and sadness, rather than its usual pleased to see her expression.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, coming forward quickly to see what the matter was. He looked like he was ready to bolt.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Kirk, but I must return to London indefinitely. An unfortunate...issue has come to light and I need to see the matter through. I am truly sorry to have to take leave of you like this, but it is unavoidable."

Despite her disappointment, Jim was quick to offer support.

"Oh, dear. I hope it isn't too dreadful, John. Do you know how long you'll be gone?"

He shook his head wordlessly.

"Well, have a safe trip, John and write me if you can. You know I will be waiting for you when you come back."

"Thank you, Jim. I hope to be able to send word next week, but I cannot promise. Give your mother my regrets."

He leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"Goodbye, Jim."

"Goodbye, John," she responded automatically and he was out the door again, in a bigger rush than Pike had left with.

Jim stood there feeling a bit limp and deflated. She'd seen both men depart in a hurry and no knowing when she'd see them again.

"Jim?" Asked Winona worriedly. "You didn't turn him down, did you?"

"No, he did not ask," Jim sighed." He said he had an urgent matter to take care of and needed to return to London immediately. I assumed it was related to his company based there. He was very apologetic, but it might be a long absence, I fear."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Winona consoled her. "I wish I had the means to send you there for the upcoming season. You'd be such a revelation to society and could perhaps see John."

"Well, I'd have to sell half the library to be properly outfitted and I will not give up Father's books for anything," Jim said determinedly. "We will write back and forth and think of each other fondly. Plenty of couples throughout history have endured periods of separation. It will make the return that much sweeter."

With which statement Jamesina comforted herself often over the six weeks that followed. The house felt dull and empty once again, Leonard was in low spirits because the Marcuses were going to town in the fall, Winona was busy looking for a small, comfortable house to live in after their own was sold, and Captain Pike was still away.

Only Gaila remained to keep her company and she did her best to keep Jim occupied, but time seemed to crawl by, especially since John's brief responses to her letters were very unsatisfactory.

Then, Carol dropped by with an unexpected offer that thrilled Jim.

Even though she knew her father was taking them away to keep her from Leonard, she was still thinking about her friend's problems.

"Jim," she said "Father and I want you to come to London with us for awhile. He thinks it would be good for you to get away for awhile and I would greatly enjoy your company over all the high society I'll be expected to fawn over."

Jim's eyes lit up at the prospect, but practical problems had to be discussed.

"I would die with happiness, Carol, but I would put you all to shame with my three years out of season wardrobe and who would stay with mother?"

"Mrs. Kirk is going to stay with her old friend Kathleen Boyce. We've worked out that detail already. As for the dresses, well, you know I am a firm believer in sharing between friends, especially when father thinks I need much more more than I actually do. Truthfully, I think you look lovely in what you have, but for London I have the most glorious blue dress that would be even more glorious on you."

"I'm speechless, Carol. That would make my dream come true! When do we leave?"

"Next week, sweetie. That will Give you plenty of time to prepare."

And so, after whirlwind packing and excited goodbyes, they were off, Jim whispering quiet assurances to Bones that she'd be okay and watch out for Carol for him.

London was crowded place, teeming with humanity and bustling with life. Jim's eyes were widened by sights both lavish and heartbreaking.

When they'd settled into their town house, the parties started and Jim went out in high society. Exciting as it was, she had a nagging worry in her mind as John had not replied to her last three letters. She expected to encounter him eventually and looked eagerly through the crowds for any sign of him.

When she finally did see him, her happy castle in the air came crashing down.

She was drifting around the edges of the dance floor and caught a glimpse of his figure disappearing into an antechamber. Clutching Carol's arm, she blurted out "John's here! He went into that other room!"

Her friend was instantly on the alert. "Was he with anyone?" She asked, allowing Jim to drag her through the crowd towards the place she'd spotted Harrison.

"Not that I could see. I wonder why he hasn't sought me out, yet. It is very unlike him."

She stopped at the doorway and saw John making his way to a group clustered near the fireplace. As he approached, a beautiful, elaborately gowned, young woman slipped an arm through his and whispered in his ear in a rather intimate manner. Jim froze at the sight, unable to believe her eyes.

"John!" She gasped out, stunned that he'd be with SOMEONE ELSE.

The couple turned around, John with a look of dread and discomfort, the elegant brunette with haughty disdain and a touch of triumph. Jim felt dizzy and swayed into Carol as the realization hit her that John had betrayed her.

"Come along, darling, let us remove from here," Carol whispered, half guiding half supporting her back through the mobs of people. Jim vaguely heard her telling Admiral Marcus Jim had become ill and needed to go home at once. She huddled into herself the whole carriage ride home, barely speaking a word, mind unable to comprehend how John had deceived her so.

Simmering Hurt turned to anger and she decided she would not back down without writing one last letter to him, demanding he tell her the truth. He owed her that, at least. Had all his tender words and caring looks been a lie?