And so- for the conclusion of my reimagining. Enjoy!
A bright light shining in her eyes brought Alice back to reality. She blinked several times, the whiteness causing her eyes to burn as she roused from a dreamless and dark sleep.
Sitting up slightly, Alice surveyed her surroundings. She was in a round room, a large dome skylight lay above her, allowing the sun to shine down harshly on her face during the day, a light sitting off to her right provided the intense brightness by night. There were several other beds in the room, too, but all were empty of inhabitants. A set of double doors were at her left, muffling the sounds of moaning and screaming just outside. Reaching up to rub her forehead, Alice tried to make sense of everything before her.
"Where am I?" She mumbled aloud, glad that she was able to use her voice. Her words incited the swishing of skirts and her mother appeared quickly at her side, reaching out to grab ahold of Alice's hand.
"Alice, are you alright?"
Alice drew her arms up to her side, using them to leverage herself. She slid along the bed, resting her back against the brass headboard behind her. Shaking her head, she tried to clear her thoughts once more. "I think so; I must say I have an awful headache. What happened?"
"Hamish had you admitted to an institution," Helen answered, reaching out to tuck her the sheets in around her daughter's waist in a motherly habit.
"He put me in an asylum?" Alice demanded, her blood boiling at the thought of her childhood companion's audacity. "I ought to ruin his pretty little nose for this."
"Alice!" Helen scolded the woman harshly. "That is precisely why you are in the asylum. They have hopes that they can…fix you, but you will need to listen to their directions."
"Absolutely not!" Alice shook her head, reaching down for the sheets to fling them over her legs. "There is nothing wrong with me!"
"Alice— " Her mother's tone was filled with warning, but the scolding did not continue as it was interrupted by the opening of the double doors behind them. Helen pursed her lips as she sat upright in the chair, her hands folded over her clutch that she held in the bow of her skirts.
"Good evening, ladies," the man wearing a long white coat over a smart black suit greeted as he entered. He was not looking at the two Kingsleigh ladies, however, but at a journal he held in his hands. "Alice, you have been a naughty girl," he tsk-ed as he shook his head in mock disapproval. "You tried to take out two of my orderlies with a fire poker?"
"Wouldn't you if you'd just been trapped to be dragged off to an insane asylum?" Alice answered bitterly. "There is nothing wrong with me."
"People who are often the most unwell do not recognize their need for help," the man answered, his long face looking up to meet Alice's fierce glare. His dark eyes glittered mischievously as he brushed a hand through his silky black hair. "My name is Doctor Bennett and I think with my help and the aid of some of my little…practices…we'll have you back out in society in no time, Alice."
"Or you could stop this madness and let me out now!" Alice's glare turned to her mother. "The only reason Hamish threw me in here was because I upset him by not returning his boat in the time he wanted me to! And because I turned down his marriage proposal." Alice huffed as she threw her legs over the bed, searching for slippers to cover her bare feet, but found none.
"Yes," Dr. Bennet nodded as he tapped his finger on one of the pages of the notebook. "It says here that you tried to commandeer a ship on the notion that you, a lady, were the Captain."
"I was!" Alice insisted. "The men respected me and I led them through some of the toughest waters."
"Was that before or after you fell down a rabbit hole and met some peculiar boys? I know the chasing of what you call a 'blue butterfly named Absolem' occurred not long after you were reprimanded and re-positioned by Lord Ascot." Dr. Bennet closed the notebook with a loud snap.
Alice looked over to her mother whose cheeks were now pink, her blue eyes looking at her lap. "Mother, get me out of here."
"I can't, Alice." Helen looked down at Alice with fire in her eyes. "I may be able to sell the ship and the manor, but how am I to care for you without a proper husband?"
"Father would not have put up with any of this."
"Your father isn't here, Alice." Helen answered, her jaw setting in rage. "I will do my best to make you a place to come home to, but you're never going to make a decent wage, not after being admitted here. It's impossible."
"No such thing!" Alice answered as she stood to her feet.
"Flights of fancy, a short temper, excitable, emotional, given to fantasy," Dr. Bennet read from the notebook once more. "A textbook case of female hysteria."
"I'm not insane," Alice barked at the man before her.
"Some people think that your condition can never be treated. It seems here that you even have an aunt who has been admitted; your father's sister?"
"Aunt Imogene?" Alice gasped. "Mother, you mean Aunt Imogene has been committed?"
"With your father gone and you having not sent me any money, I had no way of caring for her." Helen stood, tears beginning to fill her eyes. "She kept roving on about that prince of hers that was never going to come, Alice!" Helen covered her face with her hand. "What was I supposed to do?" She turned her back on her daughter so that she could hide her tears and muffle her sniffles as best as she was able.
Alice winced, realizing now all that had transpired because of her foolhardiness, sailing the seven seas without the thought of what was going on at home. Alice stepped toward her mother, her hand reaching out to place it gently on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, mother," she said gently. "I wasn't thinking."
Helen turned to face her daughter, her cheeks tight as she looked down on her. "I didn't want this for you, Alice," she shook her head. "Your father's head was always up in the clouds, he always dreamed of the richest of fancies, but he was a man, Alice, and for men there are more allowances."
"I know," Alice hung her head. What her mother said was achingly true. She had done some amazing things in her time abroad, where culture had not yet influenced a savage and free terrain. Culture that dictated that women could only do so much, learn so much, go so far. This is not Underland, she closed her eyes. This is not a place where I am totally free.
Helen stepped toward her daughter, wrapping her arms about the girl. She cradled the back of Alice's head as she pushed the woman's cheek into her temple. "Alice, I don't want to see you here but I don't want to see you on the streets, either."
"I understand," Alice nodded her head. A knock on the door caused the women to turn.
Dr. Bennet was attending to a tray of instruments, taking up black gloves in his hand. He looked to the mother and daughter with annoyance. "More visitors?"
"This won't be a regular occurrence, I can assure you." Helen apologized. "We just wanted to be sure Alice was safe and sound before we left her in your care."
"Fine," Dr. Bennet answered in a tight voice that suggested it was anything but acceptable. "Not too long, however. We wouldn't want to stir the patient into another episode."
"No, of course not." Helen agreed as she went to the door to let in a few more guests.
"Mother," the sound of Margaret's voice filled the room. Alice watched as her sister entered, wrapping her arms about their mother's shoulders. Behind her a dark-haired man dressed in a white suit followed. "We came as soon as we heard."
"I wanted you to see her before…before she starts her treatments." Helen turned to look at Alice. Alice stood still as her sister stepped closer.
"Oh, Alice," Margaret gasped as she looked the young woman over. Alice realized she was not wearing the outfit that Tarrant had made for her, glancing down herself to what covered her lithe body. She had been dressed in a stained beige tunic, scratchy thin pants of the same color covered her legs. Her feet were bare against the tile floor below. Alice shuddered as she realized how very exposed she was. "How are you, my troublesome sister?"
"I've been better," Alice confessed as she accepted the hug Margaret enveloped her in.
"Lowell and I wanted to come earlier, to see you when your ship came into port, but we received the news late." Margaret pulled away enough to look her sister in the face. Her blue eyes were rimmed with tears. "We took a train to London as soon as we could."
"I understand," Alice nodded her head truthfully.
"I'm so sorry, Alice," Margaret took her sister's hands in her own. "We will do the best we can to find you a place in our home. Mother is going to come and live with us for the time being, too. It's not as close to London as her apartment, but she won't have to worry about the expense." Margaret leaned close to whisper to her sister, "I had no idea that she was in such trouble, did you?"
"No," Alice answered. "Mother is too sensible to tell either of us."
"And far too polite, too." Margaret nodded her head.
"I think it's time for Alice to be left alone," Dr. Bennet interrupted the exchange. Margaret glanced over her shoulder at the doctor, turning her head back to her sister with a grimace.
"Take care of mother for me, will you?" Alice squeezed her sister's hand tightly.
"Of course, Alice, there's no need to worry." Margaret nodded her head, assuring her sister that all would be managed. "You just worry about resting up and your treatments. As soon as the doctors think you can manage in a home we will come and get you."
"I don't think I'm getting out of here with permission," Alice whispered.
"Don't do anything foolish, Alice!" Margaret gasped. "Just do as you're told for once."
Alice's face spread into a half-smile at her sister's advice. "I wish I was as sensible as you, Margaret."
"No, you don't," her sister cupped her cheek. "You wouldn't be Alice if you were."
"I won't be Alice if I stay here," Alice frowned. Margaret sighed, dropping her gaze to her shoes. "Just promise that no matter what, you'll make sure mother never wants again."
"I promise, Alice." Margaret's blue eyes met Alice's murky green ones. She raised her hand to her chest, her pointer fingers making a cross over her heart. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Thank you," Alice embraced her sister once more. "Despite our conflicts, I love you, Maggie."
"And I you, Alice." Margaret answered. She let her sister go with one final look, before turning to take Lowell's hand.
"I wish you the best of luck, Alice," her brother-in-law said, a sincere look in his deep blue eyes. Alice nodded her head, unable to speak as her mother approached her.
"I'll visit as often as I can and write twice as much," she said, her blue eyes filling with tears. "Oh, my Alice, my fantastic girl."
"Goodbye, mother." Alice flew her arms about the women's neck, pulling her close. "I shall miss you fiercely, but love you none the less."
"You be obedient," her mother instructed into her hair. "Do as they say so that you can return to me."
Alice felt her heart drop into her chest. "If I do not," Alice posited, causing her mother to pull away quickly, a look of concern crossing her feature. "If I do not," Alice repeated, "know that I am safe and well and as happy as I can be."
"Talking riddles until the end," her mother cupped her cheek and quickly kissed the other. "Goodbye, Alice."
Alice waved as her mother stiffly turned, her hand covering her face. Alice looked to Dr. Bennet, who leered on after the family with a satisfied grin. "We'll have Alice back in working order in weeks, don't you worry! We will give her the best care!" He promised as he watched the small family leave. Once they had left the room, he turned to Alice with a Cheshire worthy grin.
"I have several ideas on how to fix you," he said with glee. "They say electric shock can be quite helpful in these cases. And then, of course, there are ways to help you rid yourself of some of that excitement involving…natural stimulation."
Alice felt her skin crawl as he continued to look after her with a hungry gaze. "You aren't going to be doing anything to me," Alice asserted herself.
"Oh, Alice, I am going to be doing everything to you," Dr. Bennet corrected her as he took a needle up in hand. "You are one of the toughest cases yet, but I am going to prove that even a girl as wild as you can be broken." Tipping the syringe, he depressed the lever so that some of the liquid shot out. "But first, we need to calm you down, send you into a deep sleep so that we can begin to teach you how to forget."
"Get that away from me," Alice commanded as she took a step back.
"Come now, Alice," the doctor stepped forward, the syringe held aloft in his right hand while he reached toward her with his left. "You heard your mother and your sister. Be a good girl, now."
Alice cried out as he snatched a hold on her wrist, yanking her towards the bed. She sat down, looking up at him with a wary look as he approached her. "That's better," he mused. "Just a little poke and you'll forget any of this happened."
Alice continued to struggle, pulling her hand free as she tried to fight for control. Dr. Bennet let out a small growl, placing the syringe on the chair next to her bed where her mother had been moments before. Alice saw her chance, quieting as he grabbed her shoulders, pushing her down. "I would hate to have to restrain you, Alice. It's never fun for the patient and it's no fun for me."
Alice quickly reached out to grab ahold of the needle with her hand as he concentrated on pushing her down onto the bed. She stilled long enough for him to reach for the syringe which was no longer there, watching with amusement as his dark brows twisted in confusion.
"Where did it…"
Alice moved viper fast, sticking the needle into the side of the doctor's thigh and quickly depressing the lever, shooting the liquid into his vein. Dr. Bennet looked at her with wide brown eyes, his jaw dropping as realization passed. He struggled to try to grab the syringe from her hands, but the medicine was powerful and swift. He keeled over to the floor, his eyes falling heavy.
Alice jumped into action, leaping from the bed and grabbing the set of keys that was tied to his belt. With a yank, she freed them, tossing them into the air with a smile before fisting them.
"Dr. Bennet, are you sure…" Alice froze as the double doors to the room opened. There stood her mother, her blue eyes wide as she looked at Alice. "Alice?"
Alice paused, her face blanching as she saw her mother struggle with what to do.
"Hey, what's going on?" The husky voice of an orderly behind the door cried out.
"Run, Alice!" Her mother shouted as she pulled the door shut behind her.
Swiveling, Alice desperately look for another means of escape, finding a second set of identical doors behind her bed. She quickly made for them, sprinting as fast as her legs would allow her.
She flew the doors open with a powerful shove, finding herself in the midst of a crowded hallway. Patients, dressed in similar bedclothes, were in various states around the room. Some were confined to wheelchairs, staring out the windows or watching the other patients; others wandered the halls in confused states, a few of these patients bound by straightjackets. The overwhelming stench of urine filled Alice's nostrils as she looked for another method of escape, spying a staircase on the other side of the hall. The sounds of alerted orderlies joined the moans and laughs of the patients, warning Alice to be quick or be caught.
Alice shoved past the patients as she moved through the crowded hall, making her way toward the staircase, reminding herself not to turn around. Her heart pounded in her throat with each step, her mind racing with what to do next. Where will I go when I get out of here? She realized. Going to Margaret's would only get her caught.
The Ascots. She decided. The looking glass.
It was her own chance.
Hurrying up the staircase, Alice made it to the next floor. When she reached the landing, she noticed several orderlies charging her way. There was no place to go but up.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Alice ascended quickly until she reached the top floor. The sounds of heavy boots signaled she was still being trailed and she had reached a dead end.
"The roof!" Alice shouted, looking about frantically for the door that would grant access. She smiled when she saw a door at the end of the wing with a sign show stairs that continued to go up. Shoving past doctors and patients, Alice continued her mad dash to freedom.
She threw open the doors with a hard shove, shivering at the temperature difference of the unheated back stairway. Ignoring her discomfort, she ran onward, again taking multiple stairs at a time. Her legs burned as she pushed her body to its limit once more.
Spying a coat rack near the door entrance to the roof, Alice grabbed hold of a striped house coat that hung on the end. Her feet would be unprotected, but at least she could add an extra layer of warmth over the cheap material of the tunic. She pulled it over her arms before opening the door and stepping out onto the roof. She quickly kicked the bottom lock of the door, hoping to buy just a couple more seconds.
The stench of the smog of London replaced the smell of urine she had been breathing in along the corridors of the institution. Looking about for her next method of escape, she was saddened to see that the rooftops beside her were too far to successfully jump. Hurrying to the side of the roof, she looked over to find that there was a balcony several stories below, but no ladder to reach it.
The door began to pound, quickening the beating of Alice's heart. She could not get this far and not get away; she would never see the light of day if she were caught here. Once last survey revealed a flagpole beside here where a Union Jack blew lazily in the slight evening breeze. Alice smiled, taking hold of the rope that held the flag and unwinding it from its hold. She took the length, tying it about her waist as the door continued to resound with bangs.
"If there's one thing I learned at sea," she muttered to herself. "It's how to tie a bloody good knot."
Alice made sure her body was secure before she took to the side of the building, leaning her weight into the rope. She took a deep breath in preparation to jump when the door bust open. Alice went, without second thought, jumping quickly to the middle of the building where her feet hit the brick with a smack. She winced at the pain it sent up her bare feet. Pushing off, she simultaneously loosened more of the rope, landing with a grunt on the top of the balcony below.
Looking over the side, Alice smiled at her continued luck. Just beneath was a covered cab, a perfect place to break her landing. With a groan, Alice threw herself over the side of the balcony, landing on the canvas with a moan, the cloth tearing only slightly beneath the force of her fall and her weight.
She quickly gathered her legs beneath her, rolling off the ceiling and onto the bench, grabbing the reign of the dozing horse. With a cry, she urged the horse on, flicking the reigns.
"Hey, that's my cab!" The owner called from across the street where he had been talking idly with a street vendor.
"I'll bring it back!" Alice shouted at first, realizing how silly a request it was. "I plead insanity!"
Urging the horse on, Alice began the long ride toward the Ascots, the sun falling behind the horizon while her heart beat loudly in her chest.
Alice slowed the horse as she directed the creature up the long drive to the manor. She prayed that the crunch of the stones beneath the animal's hooves wouldn't attract any attention from the butler. She decided to slow the horse just short of the front door, leaving the buggy within sight of the house in the morning.
Alice took a moment to unbridle the creature, patting its shoulder briskly as she thanked the good animal. "There's a pond just behind the house; go and get a good drink. I'm sure Hamish will return you as soon as he's found out where you're from." She assured the animal before setting him free. The horse snorted, bowing his head and shaking his mane before setting off for the green backyard of the manor.
Alice hurried along the path, cutting her bare feet on several sharp stones as she hurried along to the back of the house. There was a tree just outside the window of the back study on the second floor. It wasn't Lord Ascot's office, but it would lend her access not far from the room. Alice stayed in the shadows as she searched for the sturdy tree, praying that the Ascots had not had it cut down in her absence.
She sighed relief when she rounded the side of the house and spotted the tree, standing tall and reaching just beneath the window. She hurried to scurry up the branches, her limbs burning as made her way toward the window.
The lock had been broken since she was a little girl (she had been the one to break it) and so Alice quickly slipped her fingers under the indent of the window to push it open.
Except it didn't budge.
Alice groaned, panicking as she realized she was trapped. If she went in the front door she'd be easily caught by the foot staff. Could she risk breaking the window?
She pondered for a moment, her eyes scanning the grounds for something to break the glass with, when the sound of the window opening nearly knocked Alice from the tree. In turning her head and met the wide eyes of James Harcourt.
"Miss Kingsleigh, what are you doing?" He whispered.
"Climbing a tree," Alice answered. "I don't suppose you could let me in?"
"I…I suppose." Mr. Harcourt looked confused, but he held his arm out for Alice to use to pull herself through the window all the same.
"Thanks." Alice puffed, brushing down her tunic. Mr. Harcourt shut the window as she looked about the room.
"What are you doing?" His voice was harsh.
"I need to get something from the office."
"But I thought Lord Ascot had you committed?"
"It wasn't very nice of him." Alice frowned as she made her way toward the door. "So much for being a family childhood friend."
"What are you going to do when you're found, then?" Mr. Harcourt asked, his light brows crossing.
"I won't be," Alice smiled.
"You are a strange bird, Miss Kingsleigh." He said, then balked, shaking his head as he held his hands out. "I mean that in all the best ways possible."
"I am sure you do."
"Miss Kingsleigh."
"Yes, Mr. Harcourt?"
"Please, call me James." He responded.
"Alright, James." Alice frowned, her patience wearing thin as every moment she stood here was a moment closer to being caught.
"Do you think…when you're feeling better or haven't been caught or whatever your brilliant plan is…do you think I could come and call on you for tea?"
"Oh, James," Alice smiled wickedly. "If you can find me, you can call on me any time."
James smiled rather proudly. He glanced over his shoulder, his chin indicating the books behind him. "I suppose I should get back to the ledgers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you, Miss Kingsleigh."
"Thank you, for your help." Alice said as she opened the door.
"It was my pleasure." James nodded. "Goodnight, Miss Kingsleigh."
"Goodnight," Alice whispered before she opened the study door.
Pressing herself to the wall, Alice listened for the sound of approaching footsteps. She heard nothing, so she began her precarious ascent down the hall.
She was swift in finding the empty office, her heart beating in her ears as she pushed open the door. A part of her wondered if the looking glass would even accept her back. Easing the door closed behind her, Alice looked at the reflection of the office across the room.
Her steps were ginger as she passed beneath the ornate chandelier, crept daintily over the tiger skin rug, and passed the chess game. She inhaled deeply as she placed her foot on the ottoman, then the grate, finally climbing to the top of the mantle. The brick was cold beneath her feet as she faced the mirror.
Alice slowly pressed her fingers into the glass, closing her eyes tightly as she braced herself for them to be stopped.
Instead, her fingertips slid through the mirror like water. A smile crossed Alice's lips as she took one last look at the room.
Then she turned and took one large step through the looking glass, swallowed whole by the shimmering mist that beckoned her home.
Alice shivered in the night air as she climbed the stairs to the porch. Her arms were wrapped about her body, the tunic doing little good in holding heat. She paused before the door, her hands shaking as she tried to form a fist. What if he was mad at her for leaving again? He didn't seem so when he had ushered her through the looking glass, but this was the second time she had left him behind.
She had nowhere to go if he wouldn't take her. There was little to be lost.
With a deep breath, Alice raised her hand to the door and rapped.
She waited. Inhale. No answer. Exhale. No answer. Inhale. No answer. Exhale. No answer.
She worried he wouldn't; perhaps he wasn't home. She made to turn to leave the house when the door opened.
"Alice?" The voice lisped lightly. Alice pivoted, a smile crossing her face as she beheld him.
He was dressed in his usual attire; lavender dress shirt with a chocolate brown waist coat, brown pinstriped trousers to match. His ascot was undone about his neck and he wore no outercoat. His hat was missing, too, his red hair sticking out at odd angles from his head.
"Hello, Tarrant."
"Alice!" He cried, grabbing her by the hand. "Come in, come in! Your hands are freezing!"
"I'm a bit cold," she answered, pulling the housecoat tighter about her body.
"No wonder," he looked her over. "Come and warm yourself here!" He directed her to a wingback chair sitting before a fire. "I was just making some tea; would you care for some?"
"I would love some." Alice smiled as she settled in before the flames, the coziness of the house seeping into her bones.
"Excellent!" He exclaimed, hurrying into the next room. "I'll fetch you something more proper to wear when you've finished. You smell rather frumious in those clothes."
"I came from a frumious place, I am afraid to say." Alice answered. She sat up to look about the back of the chair, only to be startled by Tarrant who arrived with a cup of tea on a saucer.
"You look tired, too." He cupped her face. "Oh, how rude of me, please, drink!" He gave her the saucer eagerly. Alice smiled as she looked into his emerald eyes.
"Thank you," she took the cup graciously. Winding her pointer finger about the handle, her thumb placed on the nob for leverage while her other fingers curled to balance the china, she took a hearty sip. "It is precisely what I needed."
"Let me go and prepare somewhere for you to sleep. We'll go to Marmoreal in the morning and there we can get you all the proper clothes and the finest goods— "
"Tarrant," Alice interrupted him, placing her cup on its saucer. He paused, his mouth hanging open as he looked down at her. "How do you know I'm staying?"
"Aren't you?" He looked at her with knitted brows.
"I…for now." She answered, too scared to admit an eternity.
"Well, that is a satisfactory enough answer. Now please, let me ready you some things for the evening. I want you to be most comfortable."
Alice settled into the chair, her eyes weighing heavy as the exhaustion of the past day in both worlds lay heavy on her. She placed the saucer on the table next to her, the warmth of the fire coaxing sleepiness from her mind.
She awoke several hours later to find that she had been laid in a small bed, the covers tucked about her body in the most tender of fashions. Alice felt the corners of her mouth turn up into a smile as she pushed deeper into the blankets, the mattress enveloping her aching body as she slipped off into sleep once again.
"I hope this will do," Tarrant placed a piece of toast before her.
She had woken after the sun rose, sending long rays of light over the foreign bed. It took several moments for Alice to remember all that had happened, her mind reeling as she took in the strange items in the odd room she had woken up in.
Then she had remembered, this was neither her reality nor the gardens of dreams. This was Underland. She had crawled through the looking glass and she had returned.
She had come home.
Tarrant had set out a fresh petticoat and a calico dress on the vanity next to the bed in the small room. Immediately striping herself of the asylum clothes, Alice had slipped on the fresh outfit, detangling her curls with her fingers before going in search of Tarrant. She had found him in the kitchen, eagerly making eggs and toast, an apron wrapped about his waist as he tended to the food. He ushered her to the small table when he turned to find her standing in the doorway; a cup of tea made just the way she fancied sat steaming in wait for her.
"You didn't have to do all of this," Alice insisted.
"You came back, of course I had to!" He insisted.
"I suppose I should go and see Mirana, let her know a new citizen has joined Underland."
"She knows," Tarrant replied as he went to tending her eggs.
"The Oraculum?" Alice took a bite of toast.
"It rarely is wrong," Tarrant replied as he put her eggs on a separate plate, placing the steaming pile in front of her. "I thought it might be, though, when you left."
"I'm glad to see you didn't lie in wait for me," Alice smiled as she took a forkful of eggs in hand.
"I did," Tarrant answered her. "But not at a tea table or wasting away in my home." He took to the table beside her. "You smell much better this morning. Where did you get those horrid clothes?"
"An asylum," she said. "A place where they put mad people. Hamish had me admitted when I returned through the looking glass. He doesn't take kindly to people appearing through walls…or taking his ships…or telling fantastic stories."
"He seems a rather frumious sort."
"He is," Alice agreed.
"They throw mad people into the same house altogether?" Tarrant asked as he looked at Alice under stitched brows.
"If you can believe it," Alice answered before taking another bite of buttery toast.
"Sounds like a rather exciting place to be."
"I wasn't there long," Alice answered. "The problem is they try to fix you when your brain has gone a little…sideways."
"Hmm," Tarrant hummed as he took a cup of tea. "That sounds entirely backwards. Why would you want to cure people of their madness?"
"Oh, Tarrant," Alice smiled. "I wish I could give you that answer, but I'm afraid as half as mad as you."
"And that is precisely why you are my Alice." He answered, smiling at her keenly before taking another drink of his tea. "I hope that never changes."
"Now that I'm here, it won't."
Several years later
"A little higher!" Alice shouted as Tarrant balanced on the ladder. "Perfect!" She clapped her hands together as Tarrant secured the chain of the sign on the metal holder. He smiled at it proudly before carefully making his way down to the ground to stand beside the blonde.
"It looks rather perfect, indeed," Tarrant nodded, squinting at his handwork beneath the brim of his hat. The hand painted sign read Hightopps' Handsome Hats.
"Message from the Queen!" Came the shout of McTwisp as he bounded up the road to where Tarrant and Alice stood before the haberdashery. All around the streets, people were putting up signs, painting sideboards, or moving furniture into various shops and homes.
"What is it, McTwisp?" Tarrant turned to look down at the rabbit.
"The Queen is having a celebration for the fifth anniversary of the Frabjous Day. They are unveiling the statue this evening and Queen Mirana would be delighted if Alice would give a little speech. If she's feeling up to it, of course." McTwisp bowed his head anxiously.
Alice turned, her hand resting on the curve of a rounded stomach. "I'm having a baby, McTwisp, I'm not dying." She laughed. "You can tell Mirana I would be more than honored to say a few words, but the whole notion of placing my statue in the square of Witzend is a bit silly."
"Nonsense, Alice!" Tarrant wrapped his arm about the woman's shoulder. "It's only right that Alice Kingsleigh by recognized for the Champion she is; saving Underland twice from the bluddy rehd qween!"
"Alice Hightopp, thank you," she kissed the curve of Tarrant's cheek. "I couldn't have done it without the help of my dear friends." She looked pointedly at McTwisp. "You all helped me every step of the way."
"Aye, but it was your muchiness which inspired us, my love." Tarrant smiled down at her.
"So, we shall see you at the dinner this evening?" McTwisp asked.
"I look forward to filling Pasdeuxtris with better memories." Alice nodded her head.
"As do we all." McTwisp sniffed in agreement. "Until this evening, then!"
"Same to you," Tarrant nodded his head. The White Rabbit offered a small smile before scampering off.
"Hello, Hightopps!" Bayard bayed from across the street where he was walking with several of his pups, his wife Brielle not far behind bring up the rear.
"Hello!" Tarrant waved at the passing family.
"When can we look forward to acquiring some precious hats from your new business?" A voice asked from thin air as Tarrant turned back toward the shop. Alice giggled as Chess appeared around her husband's neck.
"For troublesome cats, never." Tarrant answered as he stuck up his nose in indignation.
"Aw, Tare," Alice reached forward to ruffle Chess' back. "He did help us escape from trouble a time or two."
"I suppose." Tarrant rolled his eyes. "Fine, perhaps next year."
"Or you could just give me the hat atop your head and I'll never bother you again?" Chess teased.
"Don't test your luck, Chess." Alice warned with a laugh. The cat looked back at her, flicking his tail, but smiled all the same before disappearing.
Tarrant brushed his shoulders off of imaginary cat hair before opening the door to the shoppe. He held it open as Alice passed. "Are you feeling well?"
"My feet are swelling and my back hurts," Alice answered as she walked through the room toward a box that was sat on top of a desk. "But I am fine, I promise." She sent her husband a smile before reaching into the box that held jars of buttons, feathers, and various other accessories. She began to remove them, placing them on the small desk on display for customers to weigh in on their preferences for head coverings.
"I think it's rather nice of Mirana to make you a statue," Tarrant said as he passed into the next room.
"I'm quite through with seeing them after watching all of you rust before my eyes," Alice answered from where she stood, shaking a jar of buttons so that the most colorful ones filtered to the top.
"That was three years ago."
"All the same," she shrugged. "There are nights where the idea of never being able to escape, of not returning the Chronosphere— oh!" She turned to see that a guest had entered the room.
He was as tall as she remembered, his face long and his bright blue eyes shimmered as he watched her. A small frown sat beneath his moustache, but he stroked his muttonchops thoughtfully. He wore his long cloak adorned with chains and necklaces, his black gloves, his tall boots, and his purple pantaloons, but his head was bear. His hair was pulled into a small bun at the top of his head, exposing the cogs and gears that indicated he was much more than a person.
"Time," Alice bowed her head.
"Alice Hightopp." The deity answered.
"Is someone here, Alice?" Tarrant called from the next room. His voice grew louder as he approached the door. "You should let them know that we aren't o..pen yet…" Tarrant's voice trailed off as he entered the room and beheld Time.
"Hello, Hatter." The being said with an air of annoyance. Tarrant said nothing but watched with narrowing yellow eyes.
"How can we help you, sir?" Alice looked up at the deity, knowing that while he thought well of her he still was never pleased that she had returned.
"I came here to give you something." Time reached into his pocket. "Or rather, not to give you but to show you, to demonstrate to you, to reveal to you, to parade for you something I have crafted."
"Oh?" Alice asked as she placed her hand on her belly. Time stepped closer, his left hand stretching out to reveal it was held in a fist. "What is that?"
The deity's fingers uncurled to reveal a silver pocket watch. Clicking the dial, the face opened to reveal the ticking clock. Tipping the pocket watch forward, Time allowed for the piece to tumble into Alice's hands.
"This looks like my father's watch," Alice said as she examined the piece. "But it'd be impossible for his to have started." Alice looked over her shoulder as Tarrant approached, his hand reaching out to take the piece from Alice.
He twirled it in his hands, looking the entire watch over. When he closed the cover, Tarrant paused, looking up to Time with shimmering green eyes. Alice saw that tears were misting.
"What's the matter, Tare?" Alice took the watch from him.
"Thank you," Tarrant looked to Time, who nodded his head humbly.
Alice's brows crossed as she looked at the cover, noticing that elegant script was carefully etched into the round silver. Alice pulled the watch closer to read it.
Alice Hightopp, the watch said.
"You mean," Alice looked up to Time. "This is mine?"
"All your own," the being said. "Now, I must have it back before you pilfer it. It must hang in the room of Underlandians Living."
"I understand." Alice nodded her head gravely.
"It is currently missed by two other clocks." Time explained as he looked down at Alice's rounded belly.
"Thank you," Alice smiled at him warmly. "For everything."
"Thank you, Alice." Time answered. "And best of luck with your little kindergartner. If it's half the trouble you are, you will be in need of rescue."
Alice grinned as she watched Time turn to leave. "If you are ever in need of a hat," Alice called after him. "Just let me know!"
"I plan to stay far from the two of you!" Time did not turn as he stepped out onto the street. "Wilkins!" He bellowed for his butler as he exited the shoppe.
Alice laughed as she watched the strange being go, turning to see that Tarrant was still staring at her. "What is it?"
"Nothing," he said with the shake of his head. "It's just…everything is so…perfect."
"Don't jinx it!" Alice laughed as she rubbed her belly. She gasped as the baby suddenly began to roll and kick, harder than she had felt before. "Tarrant, quick!" She grabbed hold of his wrist, placing his hand on the curve of her belly.
She laughed as her husband's eyes widened, his other hand joining the first so that he held her rounded belly. The baby continued to roll and move as her husband watched on in awe.
"Did you know?" She asked him. "You must be able to tell me now."
"Know what?" Tarrant asked as he moved his hands over her tummy.
"About this? All of this?" Alice asked.
"Maybe," he answered. "I did meet a milliner's wife once."
"Tarrant!" She gasped as she pushed him playfully. "You kept that from me."
"I made a promise to you," he grinned as he leaned forward to kiss her on the lips. "And I shan't ever break a promise to you! Especially seeing as the you I promised was family."
"Not only did you hide a surprise," Alice pinched him. "You also lied to me! You said we only have one family; it seems we have made several."
"Nay," he pulled her close in an awkward embrace. "We just continue to grow the one we were given." He kissed her on the mouth. "Now then, Mrs. Hightopp, what do you say to a cup of tea?"
"I say that it sounds like a perfect addition to a perfect life." She answered, entwining her arm about Tarrant's.
Arm and arm, Alice's head resting on Tarrant's shoulder, the two of them slipped off into the kitchen for a cup of afternoon tea.
Roll Credits
A/N:
And therein lies the end.
I hope you've enjoyed this story as much as I've enjoyed imagining and writing it. I'm so sorry it took so long to finish, but I have this stupid real life I have to take care of. Rabbit holes are so very darn elusive!
While this tale has ended, my tales of Underland have not. Feel free to check out the other works I have completed and am working on now.
As always, leave a like. Comments are always appreciated. My PM box is always open.
Fairfarren,
Lydia