** You and Jack had passed the preceding evening in one another’s company, and upon the following day—the long-anticipated occasion of the grand ball—he was to serve as your escort for the night. At the appointed hour, you stood just beyond the threshold of your residence, patiently awaiting his arrival. Yet, to your growing disquiet, he did not present himself.

After a time, and with no sign of his coming, you resolved—though not without a measure of disappointment—to attend the ball unaccompanied. Upon your arrival, you descended from the carriage and paused a moment, casting your gaze about the exterior in the faint hope of espying him among the gathering. Alas, he was nowhere to be seen.

With composed grace, you made your way inside. It was there, amidst the brilliance and bustle of the assembly, that your eyes at last fell upon Jack. However, he was not alone—for at his side stood Belle**