Author's Note:Hello! I am so sorry for the prolonged update. I was a bit busy and unable to access the internet. Here is the new chapter! Enjoy! :D

Chapter 11 – The Invitation

Melanie waltzed into Maudie's house after informing Violet-Jean of the kiss in confidence just in time for Daisy to call for Melanie. Melanie immediately went to her aunt's side to find Mrs. Brooke sitting alone drinking some sweet tea with an envelope in her hand.

"What is it, Aunt Daisy?" Melanie approached her aunt while grinning for she was still thinking about the past night.

"This invitation came today, Melanie Louise," Daisy reopened the envelope to present her niece with an invitation. She handed the invitation to Melanie who quickly read it.

"Victoria is getting married!" Melanie exclaimed in disbelief and looked over the expensive invitation again.

"Her wedding is next weekend in Montgomery. Your father forwarded this to us and requested that you go. He sent some money to get you a new dresses and everything. But he wants you to leave by tomorrow," Daisy informed Melanie and handed her some money.

"What?"

"You are leaving for Montgomery tomorrow but we have to get you some clothes today. Now, put that money in a pocket and roll me to town so we can get you all dolled up for Montgomery," Daisy ordered almost giddily. Melanie obeyed actually happy to be able to get some dresses that actually fitted her. As Melanie pushed Daisy along, Melanie could not help but think about her cousin.

Miss Victoria Graham was the daughter of Melanie's Uncle Cornelius and the sister of Melanie's favorite cousin Jeremy. Miss Graham was a beauty at twenty two with long blonde hair, bright blue eyes and snowy skin however she was haughty, spoiled and a gossip. Since she was from a prominent family in Montgomery and was beautiful it was surprising she was not already married. Melanie could remember how often her cousin planned her fantasy wedding and flirted away with boys when they were younger. She could also remember when they had met the groom-to-be, Robert Hall. He was the smart, kindly heir to a huge fortune but resembled a mole in looks. He had always fancied Miss Graham and confided in Miss Graham's brother, Jem, of his affections who intern told Melanie who then inquired if Miss Graham felt anything romantic towards Mr. Hall. Miss Graham mocked the poor fellow and stated she would never marry him. How odd that in less than a month Miss Graham had changed her mind and was now having a whirlwind wedding to Mr. Hall out of the blue. Melanie was really surprised by this upcoming union.

In less than two hours Melanie had become the owner of six new outfits and was in need of some help carrying her new parcels. Lorna stayed with Miss Maudie at the house so Mrs. Brooke and Melanie were left to find someone else to help. Instead of enlisting the help of the shop boy Melanie decided to attempt carrying all the parcels as Daisy rolled herself home. Daisy was succeeding in her job while Melanie had more of a struggle. The parcels were surprisingly heavy and towered above her. They teetered making her anxious that they should fall. She looked like a seal trying to balance balls on her nose. Still Melanie insisted on carrying them all herself and maintain a pace beside her aunt so they could talk.

"So what time do we leave tomorrow?" Melanie asked her aunt.

"Oh, Melanie Louise, I am not going," Daisy laughed as if Melanie had told a joke.

"What do you mean? Then who is going take me?" Melanie was a bit sad.

"I am not going and I will arrange for someone to take you so do not fret, Melanie Louise."

"Who are you going to ask?"

"I was thinking Atticus would not mind going to Montgomery," Daisy grinned to herself. Melanie almost dropped her packages in excitement at the thought Atticus might take her to Montgomery. She could introduce him to Ellie and Jem and her father as well as spend a few hours in the car alone with him.

"Well, only if he wants to. Do not force him, Aunt," Melanie tried to play it cool.

"Oh, I'm sure no forcing will be needed. In fact I'll take a detour to see him right now while you head to Maudie's. Now, hurry up so you can pack," Daisy shooed away her niece who practically floated home thinking of Atticus with her in Montgomery.

When Daisy reached the office of Mr. Finch and went through the usual greetings she gladly got down to the reason for her visit.

"Atticus, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind being my Melanie's escort to Montgomery. You see her cousin is getting married and her father wants her in Montgomery for the preparations. I am unable to take her so I hoped you could. I also thought you might be able expand your reputation in Montgomery while being her escort. So what do you say, Atticus?" Daisy smiled hopeful that Atticus would accept her request.

Atticus stood looking at the wall past Daisy musing over the request. His mind raced with thoughts of what it would be like being Melanie's escort. He could see himself walking her downtown with her on his arm and all the men in Montgomery staring in envy. He would not mind taking her out dancing in the city or having supper with her. He knew she would look beautiful at her cousin's wedding. He just knew she would. However, he knew he still had a lot of work to do and he knew she would probably pick up with some handsome, rich and young city boy and forget about him. But if he went he could make sure she did not end up with any man and he could meet her father and –meet her father? Why would he want to meet her father unless he wanted to-oh, no, he could not do any such thing. He would just say he could not go because of his work. Yes, he would just give up this invitation.

"Alright, Miss Daisy, I will go," Atticus could not believe the words coming out of his mouth thought they were his true feelings.

"Splendid! I will tell Melanie. I guess I will see you in the morning then. Good Day," Daisy was beaming and rolled away leaving Atticus with a twisting stomach and dull headache. He could not believe he accepted this and was going away for over a week to Montgomery. He sat to his desk, loosened his tie and let out a groaned. He knew he had a long night ahead of him involving packing, working and hardly any sleeping. But the faint image of a smiling Melanie entered his mind and he knew he had made the right decision.