Chapter 3

"I take it your dances with Mr. Kent went rather well then?" Diana guessed as she sat next to Lois on their bed. They were both in their nightgowns.

"What make you say that?" Lois responded with a smirk.

"The fact that you have not stopped smiling since we left," Diana said. "Lois, I need to know before you continue on any further. Do you like him? If you do not then I honestly urge you not to pursue this."

"Diana, I swear, you act more like my elder than my junior," Lois responded. "But to answer your question, I am not quite sure. He is a gentleman in ever sense of the word; he is courteous, considerate, respectful. I like him but not sure I LIKE him. If you know what I mean."

"So correct me if I am wrong..." Diana started. "You admit that you find Mr. Kent very kind and respectful and you like him. Yet you are not sure if you feel affection for him. Am I correct?"

"Very much so," Lois said. "Yet...I think I might have some affections for him; I am not sure yet though." She groaned. "Shayera is right. Love is confusing." Diana chuckled.

"Agreed sister," Diana replied. "Agreed."

"So what was it you were telling Mercy while I was dancing with Mr. Kent?" Lois asked.

"Well when I was on my way to take to Mercy, I overheard a conversation between Mr. Kent and his friend," Diana began.

"And here I thought you were the perfect child who did no wrong," Lois interrupted. "You know eavesdropping is not very polite."

"Says the person who makes a daily routine out of it," Diana responded. "Anyways, I overheard them talking about you. Mr. Wayne was warning him about that you might possible be with Mr. Kent for his money and such."

"That does not sound like something you and Mercy would giggling over," Lois said.

"No it isn't, but this is," Diana responded. "Eventually the conversation shifted. Mr. Kent suggested that Mr. Wayne dance. He refused and then Mr. Kent suggested that he dance with me. Mr. Wayne then said, "Kent, I'm not in the mood to dance with some random pretty girl. Especially not one as handsome as her."" Lois gave her a puzzled look.

"Hummm, that is odd," Lois stated. "Did he say anything else?"

"Yes," Diana answered. "When Mr. Kent questioned the "Especially not" part, Mr. Wayne said that a fool could tell that I was handsome. Then he told him to do something else and to leave him alone."

"Even more peculiar," Lois responded. "Wait a minute. I think Mr. Wayne has taken a liking to you."

"Very humorous," Diana said sarcastically.

"It is a possibility," Lois informed her. Diana pulled off the cover and slide into her bed. She pulled the covers over her head.

"Goodnight Lois," Diana stated.

"Diana..." Lois started.

"Good...night," Diana said annoyed as she pulled the blanket further over her head. Lois rolled her eyes. Diana could be immature sometimes.


Bruce Wayne was currently in his room at Netherfield sitting on his bed pondering over the events of that evening. He then heard a knock on his door causing him to turn his head.

"Hello Mister Wayne." Bruce shifted a groaned once he saw who was in the doorway.

"Hello Miss Kent," Bruce responded politely.

"So what are you doing here?" Miss Kent asked. "Tired?"

"No, I just need some quiet," Bruce answered. "Not all of us thrive off of social interaction like you do."

"I'm touched," Miss Kent responded. She walked into the room and sat down next to Bruce. "So...did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

"You have already asked this question and I have already given you an answer," Bruce informed her. "And you know I do not like repeating myself."

"Of course, my apologizes," Miss Kent said. There was another knock on the door and they both turned to see Mister Kent standing in the doorway.

"Pamela, Audrey has been asking for you," Mister Kent informed her.

"Well, goodnight Mister Wayne, I will see you in the morning," Miss Kent said before leaving the door. Mister Kent walked inside and sat next to Bruce.

"Thank you Clark," Bruce said.

"Anytime," Clark responded. "I know Pamela can be a bit...much at times."

"That is an understatement," Bruce stated. "She is still under the delusion that we are going to get married."

"Anyways, how are you?" Clark asked sincerely. Bruce was about to open his mouth. "For real. You may be able to fool my sisters but you cannot fool me. We both know you are not fine."

"What do you want me to say?" Bruce responded a bit angrily. "I'm in the mood to spill my guts, Clark. Besides, it does not matter."

"Yes it does," Clark said. "You cannot keep all this bottled up. You need to move on." Bruce sighed.

"You do not understand," Bruce started. "I have already moved on from her."

"If that is true, then why the glum mood?" Clark questioned. "You never liked social interactions, but you were never this cold during a party before."

"That's because I am going to make sure that I do not experience that again," Bruce responded. "The only reason I went was to keep you company and to make sure you did not embarrass yourself."

"Bruce, I am three and twenty not twelve," Clark stated. "I know how to conduct myself in public. In all seriousness though, how is your attitude going to achieve the former statement?"

"Because if they cannot tolerate me then they will not go after me," Bruce said. "No matter what my assets are. Even those kinds of people have toleration limits."

"Bruce, you could also ruin any chance at marriage too," Clark responded. "A horrible first impression is not something easily forgotten."

"A price I am willing to pay," Bruce stated. "I will never allow myself to love again."


The next day Diana , Lois, and Shayera went to call on Mercy via carriage. When the three young women arrived there, however; it started to rain.

"Shayera, did you bring the weather with you?" Mercy teased when she opened her door to see Princetons ladies on her doorstep.

"Mercy, please be a dear and let us in," Shayera responded. "You can tease me all you want INSIDE." Mercy smirked before letting the three in. Once they were inside, Mercy closed the door behind them. Mercy's house was old-fashion, two-stories, and had a farmhouse style.

"So what brings you here today?" Mercy asked. "Are you trying to runaway from your stepmother again?"

"Actually no," Lois responded. "We wanted to see if you were available for a girls' night tonight. It's been a while since we have all had fun together. So what do you say?" Mercy grinned.

"So what do you have in mind?" Mercy asked.