I decided to upload this tonight, because I had written it ages ago, and I thought you might appreciate another chapter sooner rather than later. Hope you like it, and keep reviews coming... pretty please with a hat on top? XD Dray xx

P.S. I still don't own any of Alice in wonderland, and no copyright infringement intended.

They had spent a pleasant day in Kingsley house, talking to Alice's mother and taking tea in the grounds. Margaret had visited, and they had all listened to Alice's stories in wonderment. However, as she sat in the warm sunshine, the brilliant colours of the gardens reminded her that there was somewhere else that she would much rather be taking tea, and someone else to whom she would much prefer telling her stories. The hatter did so love to be told stories at teatime. So did the march hare, in his own way. Even the Cheshire cat, for all his haughty indifference, seemed to sit and listen in.

She was not aware that during her musings she had stopped talking and was staring into the rose beds. She shook herself and turned her attention back to her mother, who was looking at her with concern.

"Are you quite alright dear?"

'No,' thought Alice, 'I'm mad, bonkers, completely off my head. But then...' two big green eyes appeared in her mind, looking at her intently, 'all of the best people are.'

"Hatter," she whispered.

"What was that? Alice, you must speak up darling. My ears aren't what they used to be." Her mother chuckled.

Alice scolded herself for her lack of concentration. 'Really,' she thought, 'Absolem would be ashamed.'

"Oh nothing, mother. I was just thinking of when we were in Hong Kong, I met a most interesting man. A hatter, in fact. He made the most interesting hats. And dresses, too."

"Well, it all sounds very adventurous. I don't think I could cope with such travel these days."

"Neither could I," agreed Margaret. "Especially now that I won't have the time."

"Whatever do you mean, dear?" Their mother gave her a quizzical look.

"Well, I think it's about time I told you all the news. You see... Lowell and I are going to have a baby." She was grinning from ear to ear.

Mrs Kingsley nearly fainted with delight. "Oh my dear that is frightfully good news! Oh I'm going to be a grandmother! Alice, isn't it wonderful?"

Alice could not have been happier for her sister. It would mean that when she left, they would have something special to occupy their minds. She almost leapt out of her chair, and kissed Margaret on both cheeks.

"I wish you all the luck in the world, dear sister."

"Thank you, Alice. I fear I will need it. Now tell me, when are you leaving?"

"Leaving?!" their mother yelped.

"Calm down mother," said Alice gently as she retook her seat. "Yes, I am leaving. I feel that it is time for me to strike out on my own. Do not worry about me, I have seen the world." She laughed. "I am quite capable of taking care of myself."

"Well, Lowell and I are taking mother to the lake district tomorrow for two weeks. Will you be joining us?" Margaret inquired.

"Oh no, I am planning to leave as soon as possible. I shall bid you farewell before you leave, and depart when you do, so you will not have to worry about closing the house."

"Well, it seems that Alice has thought of everything."

"That is what comes of managing a company." Alice smiled good-naturedly.

Margaret's eyes widened, "You managed it? I thought you were only an apprentice?"

Lord Ascot interrupted. "Ah yes, well - a few months ago I made Alice an unofficial partner, so we were running it together."

"You have certainly done well for yourself, Alice. Your father would be proud."

Alice smiled at her mother. "I certainly hope so."

The evening was drawing in, and twilight fell over the grounds. Alice crept out of the house to walk in the last remnants of light. This would be the last time she would walk in this world. She wondered
briefly if her friends would remember her. Well, they could always consult the Oraculum to remind them who she was. 'Besides,' thought Alice, 'You can't go through life trying to predict what would happen next. It's just a series of adventures that one has to deal with as they come.' she went back inside. She would need some rest before the next day; she had a long journey ahead.