Thank you for all the encouraging reviews! Alexis, I know all too well the frustration of reading a story that never gets finished and I promise I won't abandon this story. In fact, reviews usually make me crack open a new file and get to work on another chapter—particularly your questions and suggestions. So go you! First off, your question about their ages. I had to change the ages quite a bit from the manga to make them fit the time period and the somewhat different family structure.

Tohru, 18 Kisa, 11

Kyo, 22 Hiro, 9

Yuki, 24 Hatori, 37

Shigure, 47 Hatsuharu, 22

Akito, 33 Ritsu, 27

Arisa and Saki are both 18. There will be other Furuba characters showing up later, so I'll share their ages when I get to them. As for your other suggestion, I'll start adding a lexicon to the end of each chapter, with my best guess on which words might need explaining. I hope this is helpful for other readers as well :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket. It is the property of Natsuki Takaya

Ch. 10 The Mysterious Miss Hanajima

Groups of four dancers spun through the steps of the quadrille, alternating partners every few bars. In spite of the interruptions, Sir John tried to converse with Tohru. He asked her how she liked London, inquired after her acquaintance with the Sohmas, and managed to work in a few amusing stories about their hostess, Lady Yarborough. He was a charming dance partner, and Tohru had to admit to herself she was enjoying his company.

The moment the music ended, he bent his smiling face toward Tohru. "Now, Miss Havilland. Can I persuade you to join me on a stroll about the room?"

Charming or not, Tohru knew she didn't dare favor one dance partner above any others. She glanced around the crowded ballroom, hoping to see Mr. Yuki, Lord Shigure, or even the countess striding to her rescue. No such luck. "Sir John," she said, letting reluctance color her voice, "Perhaps I ought to sit down a moment. If you'll just excuse me, I'll—"

Genuine concern creased his brow. "Oh dear, please forgive me. Here," he took her by the elbow and guided her to an empty chair. "I didn't realize you were fatigued, please have a seat, Miss Havilland."

"Th-thank you." Not entirely comfortable to have him still looming over her, Tohru gave him a smile nonetheless. It was kind of him to be concerned. Beyond him, she saw Miss Saki Hanajima drifting her way. Tohru folded her hands in her lap.

"Dearest Tohru," Miss Hanajima said, lowering herself into the chair beside Tohru. She peered up at Sir John. "Thank you. It was good of you to attend my friend."

It was the most polite dismissal Tohru had ever heard, and Sir John could hardly insist he remain in their company. A taut look flitted across his face, but then he smiled, bowed, and departed.

Tohru stared in open-mouthed amazement at the other girl.

"I hope you'll forgive me for the presumption, Miss Havilland, but that man...was overstaying his welcome."

Blushing, Tohru looked at her hands. Had she been that obvious? She hoped she hadn't been rude. "He was very polite, but thank you."

"You are welcome."

It seemed strange to be speaking with Miss Hanajima without Miss Uotani at her side. "Where is your cousin?"

"Doubtless shocking her next dance partner. My mother pulled off quite a feat getting Arisa vouchers so she could be approved to dance the waltz."

As if on cue, the sweeping strains of a waltz filled the ballroom. Tohru glanced again at her mysterious companion, wondering how the girl managed to time her words perfectly.

Across the ballroom, white-haired Hatsuharu Sohma led an intense-looking girl onto the dance floor. When Tohru remembered Miss Hanajima saying Sohmas only waltzed with other Sohmas, she studied the girl with interest. Her black hair piled in artful layers on top of her head—it would be very long if allowed to sweep down her back. Most girls had their hair cropped in the Grecian style, but Tohru resisted and apparently this girl had, too. She turned to her unexpected companion. "Do you know the lady dancing with Mr. Hatsuharu Sohma?" she asked Miss Hanajima.

"Ah, that is Miss Isuzu Sohma, or Miss Rin as everyone seems to call her."

So her hunch had been right! The Sohmas certainly were a large family. Tohru watched Mr. Hatsuharu's hand curl around the small of Miss Rin's back His thumb moved in a little caress, and Tohru thought she saw the girl's eyelids lower as she mouthed something in response. Mr. Hatsuharu flashed a grim smile, and away they danced. Tohru sat fused to her seat, her cheeks burning. What had she just witnessed? "How closely are they related, do you know?"

"Cousins I think, but there is some distance. If they made a match of it no one would be surprised—Mr. Hatsuharu has been shockingly public with his attentions, but he's also a tremendous rake, so that may be why Miss Rin keeps him at a distance."

The countess came to fetch a drowsy Tohru about an hour after midnight, with Mr. Yuki and the earl in tow. "I am pleased with your conduct this evening, Tohru," she said as the earl laid her cloak over her shoulders to ward off the night's chill. "Lady Jersey has determined you are worthy of vouchers to Almack's."

Eagerly, Tohru looked up into the face of her patroness. "Thank you, my lady. You are too kind."

The earl snorted.

Mr. Yuki took Tohru's hand and led her into the carriage. "Don't flatter her too much, Miss Havilland," he whispered. "She is already more than we can handle."

The ride back to Sohma House was a silent affair. Tohru's eyelids felt heavier than ever. She wasn't used to these London hours yet. Lady Akito still looked wide awake. In spite of Yuki's words, Tohru couldn't help feeling gratitude to the countess for seeing her ward's fatigue and ending their evening early.

Wheels clattered on the private, half-circle drive outside the earl's townhouse. They disembarked from the carriage, but something made Tohru pause and listen to the night. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled.

"Come now," the countess clucked from halfway up the steps. "This miserable air will give you a cold."

Tohru took one last look at the square under lamplight, unable to shake the feeling seeping beneath her skin.

Someone was watching her.

Regency Lexicon (from ):

quadrille – A dance in square formation for four couples that usually has five parts or movements.

Almack's – Exclusive assembly rooms in London. One required vouchers from one of the Patronesses (Sarah, Lady Jersey was one of them) in order to attend.

voucher – Vouchers were required to gain admittance to Almack's Assembly Rooms. They could only be given out by one of the Patronesses.

rake – dissolute, profligate gentleman; one who indulges in vices such as drinking, gambling and especially sexual conquests. From the Anglo-Saxon "rakel" or "rackle" meaning rough and hasty. Possibly also a reference to the fact that these gentlemen will rake, or search, hell in the afterlife.