Jane Actually

on,” someone he thought might be Mike Chapman said.
    The dance caller, however, announced they would take a little break before the next dance to allow people to take refreshment.

    As soon as Mary arrived, Albert searched for Jane in the locally hosted chat rooms. He soon found the username JaneActually listed in the appropriately titled Meet Jane Austen chat room. He saw that JaneActually was a verified AfterNet account belonging to Jane Austen.
    BertieFromHants has entered the room
    JaneActually(VID) says:
    I’m sorry I was delayed in joining you, but I had a series of interviews to do before I could enter the ballroom.
    ILoveJaneAusten says:
    With who, I mean whom?
    JaneActually (VID) says:
    The BBC, NBC and the Minneapolis newspaper—I’m so sorry, I forget the name.
    Helen.Carnahan says:
    I’m glad the media recnogizes youre speaking her was a big deal.
    JaneActually (VID) says:
    Yes, it’s very gratifying, but my greater pleasure is in meeting everyone here
    AlanJTimison says:
    Everyone here believes in you, Jane.
    KarenKares says:
    We heard rumors that someone was trying to say you’re not really Jane, but I don’t have any doubts.
    JaneActually (VID) says:
    You’re very kind, Karen. You’re all, very kind.
    Shawonda.Dobie says:
    I adore Sanditon Mis Austen it sso funny
    WalkLikeADuck says:
    I definitely think you should write mysteries … with a disembodied sleuth.
    poppethoskins says:
    ooh, like Miss Marple form beyond the grawe
    JaneActually (VID) says:
    That’s a delightful suggestion Mr Duck, Miss Hoskins, but I wouldn’t want to pre-empt Dame Agatha.
    orribleiggins says:
    That’s right, we disembodied have to stick together, Miss Austen. Your work proves we still have worth and that we can still contribute.
    JaneActually (VID) says:
    Thank you, orribleiggins. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think the next dance is to begin and I have already promised it. I shall return to this chat room periodically, however, and look forward to future conversation.
    JaneActually (VID) has left the room.
    BertieFromHants has left the room.
    To whom has she promised a dance?
Albert wondered, just as he received the message: JaneAusten3 has requested a private chat. He accepted.
    “Jane, you must know how sorry I am for causing you such pain. I let my anger blind me and I acted rashly.” He sent his words out into the void as quickly as he could, not sure how long Jane would allow him to speak. But as quickly as he sent his message, he received from Jane: “Shall we dance? You promised me long ago that we should.”
    Albert’s quick contrition surprised Jane and Jane’s offer surprised him.
    “Yes, I would love to dance,” Albert said happily, although he now felt as if his apology had been ignored.
    “Shall we use the young man who asked the questions at the keynote and my Mary as surrogates?”
    “His name is Stephen, and he’s my roommate,” Albert replied. He unconsciously positioned himself next to Stephen.
    “Is he? It is a small world indeed. I know him as well. Then may I assume it was your question he asked and that he and Mary colluded with you to ask it?”
    “Your avatar, Mary, had no part in it.”
    “That’s very gallant of you, Albert, but as she and Stephen are dating … well, no matter, she has already admitted to it.”
    “I’m very sorry to have caused trouble between you and Mary.”
    “Somehow I doubt that … charade … was your idea.”
    “Well no, it wasn’t, but after I sent you that letter … I desperately needed to speak to you. When they suggested their plan … I readily agreed.”
    The mention of the letter occasioned a flash of anger in Jane, which she fought to suppress. Fortunately Albert still had more to say.
    “I did not realize that the meeting that I … overheard … that it was … that there was such danger for you.”
    His comment brought home to her that Albert had seen things that must have him confused. She debated explaining to him the fictitious journal, but then she would have to explain the very real letter. Her confusion did, at least, have the effect of defusing her anger.
    “Albert, you should know that not everything …” She did not know how to continue.
    “Stephen explained most of what happened. It’s sufficient that I know that your identity was threatened, but now that has passed. I should not have been there but …”
    Now it was his turn to stop, for he did not want to say that the reason for his being there was his