A Cheshire grin spread across the Irishman's face. She remembered. He was overflowing with joy to the point that he could futterwack for weeks straight. The Hatter settled for a 60 second futterwack instead, bowing and tipping his hat at the end.
"The one and only, Tarrant Hightop, at your service, milady."
Still grinning, he stole her hand and gave it a chaste kiss. The moment was his now. He knelt on one knee, looking up at Alice's glowing face.
"Alice Kingsleigh. The Alice Kingsleigh. It is an honor to be by your side once again. May I have the honor of having you by my side for the rest my life in Underland?" he whispered, almost afraid to hear her answer.
Their first encounter in what seemed like forever, and he was already proposing such silly things. But, it made her smile, her eyes watering from happiness. Alice opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off as a knock sounded on the door.
Both heads whipped around and stared at the door. It was quiet.
"Yes? Who is it?" Alice asked.
"It's me. Revington."
She rolled her eyes. It had only been a few hours since his proposal and he was already at her door. Wait. Proposed. He proposed to me... and... I think Hatter just did as well... what should I do? Alice realized. This was a problem.
"Um... What do you need?"
"I was wondering if you were all right in there. I didn't want you thinking yourself to death in here. I figured you might need some company, you know, to break the silence. May I come in?" Revington babbled.
"Oh, no. I, uh... I'm fine. Thank you though, Revington. It was a kind gesture."
The Hatter looked a little taken aback.
"Who is that?" he mouthed, pointing to the door.
"He is a business partner. One of my assistants." Alice replied, keeping her voice hushed.
"Who are you whispering to in there?" Revington perked up.
The door slowly creaked open as Revington, uninvited, stepped in the room. His face looked more than utterly shocked.
"Alice. Who is he? And why is he in your room? Where did he come from? What were you two doing?" Revington asked, accusingly.
"Revington," she cleared her throat, "Meet Tarrant Hightop, an old friend of mine. He happened to be in the area and stopped by to say hello."
"I see... Sorry to intrude," he mumbled, more to himself, as he bowed out of the room.
"I'll be back in a minute. Don't go anywhere," Alice instructed the Hatter, who nodded, suspicious.
She followed Revington out the door, calling after him.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," she said guiltily.
"It's ok. I understand. I had a feeling this wouldn't work," he smiled sadly, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Alice said bewildered.
"He is your new fiancee, correct?"
"Oh... yeah. I guess he is..."
"I always knew there was another man in your heart. Now go back to him."
"Do you remember all of my business plans? Can I trust you to carry them through until the end?"
"Of course, Miss Alice. I will take care of everything," Revington nodded.
"Thank you, Revington. You are the best assistant a girl could ask for."
With that, Alice turned and almost ran back to her room. She had to give the Hatter her answer. As she reached the door, she paused. Is this truly what I want? No. That's silly. Of course it's what I want. I can't have doubts now, she reasoned with herself. In one swift movement, she pushed the door open, stepped in, and shut it behind her.
