The first few chapters of this fic were written years ago, but I've slightly reworked them with the intention of continuing the story. Enjoy!
Rose lent against the console and casually flipped a last lever. She cocked her head and grinned at the Doctor as the Tardis settled into position. "Where d'you reckon we've landed? Guess. Go on."
"Could be anywhere, with you driving!"
"Oi!" She mock glared at him, "I've been practicing for months here!"
"Still, if you've inherited your mother's skill with a car you'll be beyond hope with a Tardis."
Several months previously, the Doctor had dug up a dilapidated learning guide titled 'Tardi for Twits' and ordered Rose to study it. He claimed it was a bit of fun, something for her to occupy herself with between adventures. His serious insistence on her practicing, however, made Rose suspect it was in case of an emergency - in case she needed to escape on her own. The thought of being in a situation where that would be necessary chilled her, and she preferred to think of it as a mark of his faith in her abilities. The timelord had confessed she was the first of his companions to learn, demonstrating to Rose that he trusted her implicitly. It gave her a bit of a glow of pride whenever she thought about it.
Rose pulled the Doctor to her side, directing him towards the display. "So what do you think? Good idea?"
He read the display carefully. "Hertfordshire, England, Earth...1801 - Rose, what did you say you were reading last night?"
"Pride and Prejudice." She answered innocently.
"We've already been to the 19th century, more than once. Is this necessary?"
Rose glared at him, "You said this would be my choice! No complaining!"
The Doctor acknowledged this and replied only to warn her. "It won't be the same, you know. It's a work of fiction, don't you go expecting any handsome, brooding heroes to swoop in and ask your hand in marriage." He studied her gravely, and when he appeared satisfied with her assurances that she was "just interested in the background and manners that played such a part in the story", he smiled. "Right. Go and get changed, then."
When Rose returned to the control room she was dressed in faded yellow and white.
The Doctor stared at her. "What on earth have you done to your hair?"
"The Tardis gave me instructions. This was highly in fashion for this time, I'll have you know." Blond ringlets framed Rose's face in the front, and the blue bonnet tied under her chin hid the rest of her hair, pulled back in a bun.
The timelord stepped forward to pull on one of the perfect, blond curls pinned to her head and beamed as it sprung back into place. "I like it." He patted her fondly on the cheek. "And you'll fit right in."
"What about you? If you wear that brown suit of yours you'll look ridiculous! Shouldn't you be in all black and tails with a cravat and all that?"
"Mmm. Wore a cravat once, can't say I'm eager to repeat that experience, wouldn't suit this face at all. I'll keep my suit and pass myself off as an eccentric from London or something."
Impatient to discover and experience, Rose grabbed the Doctor's hand and pulled him toward the door. "Well, come on then you silly alien, no use hanging about in the Tardis chatting when there's so much to see!"
He responded by pulling her hand out of his grasp and placing it on his arm. "Here we find ourselves on the brink of an adventure. Shall we proceed Miss Tyler?"