"Elizabeth!"

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I groaned, nuzzling my face deep into a pillow.

"Elizabeth! Wake up and unlock this door or I will break it down myself!"

My head started to pound thanks to all the banging so I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and looked around. Still in 1880. Damn. I sat up and looked over at Spike's peaceful form sound asleep beside me. For a vampire with super hearing he sure can sleep through anything. Good to know.

He was closer to me then I remember him being when I fell asleep, but we weren't touching so I assumed he had just rolled over.

"Spike! You have to get up. Mary is about to break through the door," I whispered in his ear.

He opened his eyes slowly and groaned.

"We need to find somewhere else to stay," he commented, shoving himself off the bed and grabbing his coat.

"Elizabeth! I'm serious this time. This is your last warning," Mary screamed through the door.

Spike winced.

"Bloody hell! Does she want to wake up the whole neighborhood?" he grumbled angrily, shrugging on his coat and heading to the window.

"Wait!" I stumbled out of bed, almost tripping over my nightgown and falling.

Spike reached out a hand to my elbow to steady me and I smiled at him in gratitude.

"What is it, pet? I have a feeling good ol' Mary won't react kindly to someone who looks like William in your bedroom," Spike looked towards the door.

"Don't go far. I want to talk to you. Meet me in the stables in two hours," I said, before shoving him out the window as the lock broke and the door opened.

"Christ Elizabeth! What is wrong with you? Just because Mr. Pratt and Miss Anne seem to be quiet bloody fond of you doesn't mean you get to skip out on your chores! We all have work to do! And I suggest you do yours or you will be kicked out of this house on your little bottom!" Mary's face was bright red with anger, her brown eyes livid with rage. There was practically steam coming out of her ears.

I resisted the urge to laugh.

"Yes, ma'am. I'll get to those right away," I said innocently.

Mary threw a piece of paper into the room before slamming the door and stomping away. I let out a giggle. To bad Spike hadn't been there, he would've found that hilarious.

Dressing and washing myself as quickly as possible, I hurried downstairs, skipping breakfast as usual to do the laundry; the first item on the list. I didn't have the luxury of a spare second to look at the clock, so I was surprised when I had completed all the chores that were required before lunch in only an hour and forty-five minutes. I went upstairs to give myself a quick wash with cold water, then headed out back towards the stables.

"Elizabeth!" I heard someone call and footsteps crunching over the stones to join me.

I froze.

"Hello William," I tried to smile at him as he came to stand next to me.

Crap. I didn't have time for this! Spike gets bored easily. It's why all of his attempts at planning fail. He gets bored and goes into improv mood. And if I don't show up in the stables soon, he'll get antsy and leave. And probably come face to face with his human self. That would defiantly not be good.

"I was just looking for you. I was wondering if you wanted to accompany me on a ride to another jewelry store," William smiled.

I did. But I kind of felt safer with Spike by my side looking for the ring then with William. Plus, William didn't know anything about the ring…or anything supernatural. Spike is like 140 and a vampire. He'll know where to go to get the answers we need. And I kind of liked being around him. He already knew all my weaknesses and also my strengths…he knew me, as only an enemy can. I don't have to pretend to be the big bad slayer around him. He has faith in me, but he also doesn't want anything from me like the Scoobies or The Watchers Council or everyone else. I could just be Buffy. And I liked it.

But, William was giving me puppy dog eyes and frankly, I liked him and his mother and I didn't want to leave the nice comfortable bed upstairs in exchange for the streets or a stolen house. Even if it meant dealing with Maniac Mary and Annoying Alice.

"Sure…I would love to. Thank you," I cast one more look at the stables before taking his outstretched arm and going back inside.

I just hoped Spike wouldn't do something stupid while I was gone. But I pushed that out of my mind as William helped me into his carriage fifteen minutes later.

The trip to the next jewelry store took longer then the last. But eventually we arrived and after the carriage came to a stop, William helped me out. That's when I noticed the marvelous restaurant next door and my stomach grumbled. I flushed when William looked over at me with concern.

"Are you hungry? You weren't at breakfast," He commented.

"Had too many chores. But yes…I am. But I'll be fine after we're done and we go back to the house for to lunch," I told him.

"No lady in my care will starve herself! Harold, please watch over Elizabeth while she goes inside and asks about her ring. I will go in and see if they have a table available so we can dine afterwards," William smiled warmly at me and his driver before going into the restaurant filled with beautiful dishes of food and equally beautifully dressed people. But I noticed with dismay how small the portions were. Stupid rich skinny people. Why are rich people always on diets? Even in 1880 London? Buffy and diets are non mixy.

I walked into the store, with Harold following. Unlike the other, this jewelry store was filled with people. I had to use my slayer strength to shove myself up to the counter.

A young man a little older then me with black curly hair and green eyes smiled at me.

"What can I do for you Miss?" he asked.

"I was wondering if someone dropped off a ring here. It's gold with a green gem. Seen it?" I asked hopefully.

He dried the jewelry polish over his hands and reached below the counter, placing a wooden box on the counter.

"If we have it. It's in here," He replied, turning towards the next customer.

I smiled graciously and moved over to the next person could take there turn.

I tried to be dainty and look through the box slowly. But it was agonizing and it was almost a relief when I reached the bottom. There were a few rings with a gold band and a green gem. But no Gem of Amara. What does Spike always say? Oh, yeah. Bugger.

I sighed, giving the man back the box and hurrying outside. The warm sun on my face did nothing for my sour mood.

"Maybe it will be at the next one?" Harold smiled kindly, patting my shoulder sympathetically.

But I didn't hear him. Didn't see him. My gaze was locked with the tall man covered in shadows that was lurking in the alley across the street. Angelus.

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