'Girls, meet your sister, Margaret,' the Baroness said. 'Margaret.' She nodded.

'Hello, Miss,' the girls said.

'Oh, what elegant young ladies,' Henry smiled. 'Though really, call us Henry and Molly, girls.'

'Yes,' the Baroness said stiffly. 'How charming of a name. Margaret, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your father talks of nothing else.'

'I am glad to meet you,' Molly said.

'Now, then,' Henry said, 'let us go inside. We'll be like a family in no time.'

The household smiled as her father led the young girl inside, with her sisters and new mother. Mrs Hudson sniffed and wiped a few happy tears. We will be happy, she thought. Very happy indeed.

Henry smiled as he tucked his daughter into bed, the fire lighting the room. 'Do you like them?'

'Very much,' Molly said, snuggling under the covers.

'I am glad,' he said. 'This is the start of a new life. You will be happy with them.'

'I am sure,' Molly said.

'And,' her father said, 'I also brought something new.'

'Really?' Molly said. 'Two gifts in one day!'

'Hold on,' Henry said, and got up.

'Papa,' Molly laughed, 'Where on earth are you going?'

'You will see,' Henry said. From the foot of the bed, he picked a little wicker basket. The lid was moving slightly.

'What is in there?' Molly said excitedly, 'Papa, it's moving!'

'Why don't you open it and see?'

Molly cautiously opened the lid, and gasped in delighted suprise. A little kitten was looking up at her, a kitten with black and white fur and a little ribbon tied around his neck. 'All mine?' she cried happily.

'Yes,' her father smiled. 'I found him on the way home. A farmer's cat had just had a litter.'

'Oh, he's gorgeous!' Molly said, cradling the kitten to her chest.

'What will you name him, then?'

'Tobias,' Molly grinned. 'He looks like he would suit such a grand name.'

'Mm,' her father said. 'I am glad you like him.'

'I love him!' Molly said happily, and settled the kitten beside her on the covers.

'Good,' her father said, then he shall be your companion when i am away.'

'What do you mean?' Molly said. She sat up in bed.

'I have to go away for three weeks,' her father sighed. 'This Friday.'

'But you just got here!'

'I know,' he sighed. 'I must.'

'One week,' Molly said. She held up Tobias. 'He'll miss you too much.'

Her father laughed. 'Two.'

'One.'

'Alright, one.' He said, kissing her head. 'For Tobias' sake. Now get some sleep. I love you, my Molly.'

Henry stepped outside that Friday morning, the whole house waiting to see him off. He smiled at the sad faces of his wife and children. 'Such faces, my dears, I'm only away for a week!'

'Then go now,' the Baroness said, 'so you may come back sooner.'

He smiled and kissed her cheek, then went to Molly, Mary and Irene. Molly cradled Tobias in her arms. 'Look after my girls, will you?' he siad, stracthing the cat's chin and watching him purr. 'And you too, Molly, help your sisters settle.'

'Yes, papa,' Molly said glumly.

'Master?' the stablehand, Michael, said, holding out the reins of Henry's horse. 'We're ready to depart.'

'Thank-you,' Henry said, taking them. He climbed onto his horse, and it galloped off, the carriage of luggage following.

'Lessons, girls,' the Baroness said, stepping inside.

'Wait!' Molly said. 'The gate! He waves at the gate!'

'It's tradtion,' Mrs Hudson explained.

The Baroness ignored her, and stepped into the house. The rest of the household waited, looking for the hand at the gate. Henry's horse sped on. The gate was approaching. Then...

'PAPA!' Molly cried, running as fast as her legs would let her to the fallen man.

'Master!' Mrs Hudson shrieked, and the servants followed her and Molly to Henry, who was lying on his side on the dirt path. The Baroness, startled by the noise, came out of the house.

'Papa!' Molly cried, kneeling beside her father. He was breathing shallowly, and his face was pale. 'Molly...' he croaked, 'my Molly,'

'Don't leave me!' Molly sobbed, 'you're okay, you're fine, Mrs Hudson, help!'

The Baroness skidded to a halt, kicking up dust. 'What's happened?' She knelt beside Molly.

'It's the master!' Michael said.

'Henry,' the Baroness said. 'Henry, don't leave me, Henry, speak to me, please!'

Henry took Molly's hand in his, and looked at her. Tears streamed down her face. 'I love you,' he said, 'I love you...' And then he closed his eyes and his face went blank.

'No!' Molly screamed. 'No, Papa, no!' Mrs Hudson gulped, and knelt by Molly, starting to cry. She tried to pull her away. 'Leave me be!' Molly sobbed.

'Henry!' the Baroness said in horror, 'Henry, don't leave me here! You can't leave me here!'

But that was the last time they would see Henry. It was the last time, for a long time, Molly would be happy.