AN: Thanks you all so much for your reviews! Thank you for your ideas about Jacqueline's fear of water. They might also explain why the Baroness is single. Here goes!

Disclaimer: I don't own Ever After (neither book nor movie).I only own this Fanfic and Danielle's thoughts in it and what's not in the movie.

As I ran up the hill towards my house, thoughts ran through my mind.

Why was Jacqueline afraid? What was she afraid of? And Why won't she tell me?

As I neared the house, I decided to put those in the back of my mind to think upon later. There would be plenty of time in the future to puzzle those out. Now, it was my father's first dinner back, and my new family's first here. I put on a burst of speed. I was excited.

I didn't slow as I reached the door. I saw Jacqueline go through, so it was open. I ran in, and almost collided with Paulette! She was carrying food.

"Child! You'll be the death of me I swear it!" She said, dodged me expertly. Her tone sounded as if it was meant to chastise me, but I thought I caught a glimpse of a smile on her lips as she continued on her way to the dining room.

I followed her, but not close enough to do any damage to the food or her heart. I had learned my lessons in the past. As I walked into the room and prepared to sit down, I was cut off by Louise.

"Oh, no you don't!" She caught my wrists and turned them over to inspect my palms. I sighed impatiently. "You're going to go wash up, young lady,"

"Yes'm," I said unwillingly. I slowly dawdled towards the door. My father and I met up in the hallway.

"Why so glum?" he asked, taking in my expression with a smile. "You love food. You should be excited!"

I glanced up at him. "Louise told me to go wash up first," I said, then resumed my pouting.

"Come, now," he said, "My daughter shouldn't be acting like this," I just crossed my arms. He put his hand under my chin and brought it up so our eyes met. "Now go wash up like Louise told you."

"All right," I replied, my mood slightly lightened.

"And then you can sit next to me," he finished

My mood lifted immediately. "Really, Papa?" I asked, my formerly crossed arms now down at my sides. He nodded. I jumped up and tried to put my arms around his neck. He chuckled, and lifted me up.

"Now, go!" he said, and put me back on my feet.

I turned and ran outside to the water pump and trough. I may be a little girl, but I am strong. I quickly pumped some water into the trough, washed my hands, and ran back inside.

Right before the doorway to the kitchen I paused. I slowed, and walked in as gracefully as I could. The only empty seat was next to Papa. I took it, and Papa prayed for dinner.

"My dear Father above, thank you for protecting me on my journey home. Thank you that my daughter was safe, and thank you for protecting my household, and my new family members. I thank you for the food of which we are about to partake. Amen."

"Amen," we all repeated afterwards. Louise and Paulette came in with pitchers of water and more food. Father had the tray of food first, and then he handed it to me. Mmmm, roast mutton, my favorite! I grabbed the two biggest pieces quickly, and passed the tray on. I immediately dug in. Mmmm, as good as I thought it would be.

I wasn't sure, but I thought I heard one of our newcomers sneer, "Nice manners," I decided to ignore it, if it even happened.

I finished my meat, and was in the middle of licking my fingers when I paused. I looked at my new sisters and mother, who were absorbed in their eating. They were all delicately picking up meat with their forks, cutting gently, chewing quietly, and all while keeping their elbows off the table, backs straight. I was amazed. I looked over to my father, who paused in his eating to look over at me. He smiled at my shocked face, taking in my dropped jaw and wide eyes. He leaned over and kissed the top of my head gently.

"Love you," he murmured.

"Me, too," I whispered back. He pulled back and we looked at each other. We burst into a fit of giggles.

The Baroness looked up from her dinner with a confused look on her face. "Auguste," she said, "what is it?"

He regained his composure. "Nothing, Rodmilla," he said with a straight face. He looked over at me, and his façade was slightly broken—a chuckle escaped his lips. The Baroness cocked an eyebrow, but evidently decided not to pursue the matter any further. She went back to her dinner. I smiled. Another face was smiling too: Jacqueline's. She winked, and I returned the favor. We both looked back at our plates.

Soon, everyone was finished eating, and Louise and Paulette took our dishes and the empty food platters.

"Papa," I began questioningly. He looked over at me.

"Yes, Danielle? What is it?" he replied.

"Well, I was wondering if tonight we could sit by the fire, or play a game or something."

"A game," Margeurite said indignantly, "Why would we play a game?"

"Well, Papa and I like to play a game called 'Charades'. It's where you…" I broke off as the Baroness said,

"Girls, I think it's time we retired." Margeurite shot me a brief triumphant look, and Jacqueline had one of disappointment on her face.

"Maybe some other time," Papa said, consoling me with a hug as the other three headed upstairs. "Now go get ready for bed," he said, "I'll meet you upstairs, and I'll bring your gift."

"My gift?" I cried excitedly, getting out of the embrace, "Is it a book?" I asked.

"Now, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" He replied with a smile.

"It is a book! Oh, thank you, Papa!" I said.

"All right, now go! I'll meet you up there," He said.

I ran up the stairs as quickly as I could to get ready.