He sat at his work

table, focusing on his latest creation under his hands, carefully tacking bunched lace to the edges. He could wait. He had time. He had all the time in the world. And it was good to be working at his trade again.

Alice took a deep breath as she stepped from the ship. It seemed forever since she'd seen her homeland. China had been wonderful, but it wasn't home, never could be. She ignored the small voice that said England wasn't really home either. Home was where the Hatter was, and she'd left him behind in Underland.

But she had to. No matter how important Hatter was to her, she couldn't stay in Underland. She couldn't bear to be in a place where everyone knew what was going to happen before it occurred, and everything was topsy-turvy from how it should be, not permanently. And she couldn't leave her mother and Margaret.

"Ah, Alice," Lord Ascot said with a smile. "I thought I'd escort you home. We weren't sure when your ship would come in, what with all the storms, so your mother and sister are waiting there."

"Of course, Lord Ascot," Alice replied, taking his arm. "It's been far too long since I've been in London."

"And perhaps we could stop in at a few places that I've added to the business while you've been away."

"That would be lovely," she said as he handed her up into his carriage. He climbed in behind her and gave the driver an address that Alice didn't recognize.

"Do tell me of your travels, Alice," Lord Ascot said with a smile as the carriage pulled away. Alice smiled back.

"My lord Ascot, how much further? I must confess, I'm starting to tire."

"I had only planned to go one more place, but of course if you're tired, we must get you home. We can continue another time."

"I do believe I can manage one more place, my lord," Alice said with a brave smile. "Just not much more than that for tonight." She glanced out the window. "What manner of business is it?"

"I've had the good fortune to have become acquainted with a quite talented young hat-maker. I thought you would enjoy his shop, he makes the most fanciful creations." Alice's smile saddened, remembering her Hatter, and his conviction that she wouldn't remember him if she made it back to Underland.

"I look forwards to it."

"It's just here, my dear." The carriage stopped and the footman opened the door and assisted them out. Alice took Lord Ascot's arm again and they entered the shop. True to his word, there were marvelous, fanciful creation on stands and racks and hooks all around her. Lord Ascot nodded to the shopkeeper, but didn't stop to talk to him, much to Alice's surprise. "He's a bit barmy, and can't be bothered to mind the shop, I've had to hire someone for him, but he does such excellent work, he more than covers his costs despite it." Alice just nodded, her eyes fixed on the figure leaning over a sewing machine. He looked up and his whole face brightened.

"It's you," he said, as much awe in his voice now as the last time she'd met him. "I'd know you anywhere!" He giggled to himself, glancing towards Lord Ascot. "I'd know him anywhere!" Lord Ascot was watching with a distressed eye. He'd rather thought the hat-maker a harmless creature, but if he got delusions about Alice, they might have problems….

"Hatter!" Alice exclaimed, finding her voice at last. She ran forwards to hug him. "Oh Hatter, what are you doing here?" she asked, resting her head on his chest as his arms wrapped around her.

"Waiting for you. You're terribly late you know, naughty." He winked at her, and she smiled brightly.

"Oh, Hatter, it is terribly good to see you. I missed you so."