"Maura, do we really need to go anywhere today? We already did the British Museum yesterday and Westminster Abbey the day before!" Jane whined as she helped her mother onto the carriage. Maura followed and Jane plopped down next to her.

"Jane!" Angela scolded her, "Lady Isles has been incredibly nice to take us for a visit, and I, for one, have been really enjoying sightseeing around London." She turned to Maura and rolled her eyes at Jane's behavior. "She's never been fond of museums and lectures, that one. Always running around and getting in trouble."

"Ma!"

"I've gathered that, Mrs. Rizzoli. It's her punishment for making me stay away from the clinic." Maura gave Jane a quick wink. "And I haven't visited any of these places since I was a child, I must say it's bringing back very pleasant memories."

"Oh how lovely! Did you use to go with Annie?" Angela asked.

"Yes, yes I did." Maura looked at Jane, finding it endearing that Jane had shared stories about her with her mother. However, she couldn't help wondering what else she had talked about.

"Annie and George would take me for visits a couple of times a year, when we'd be back in London. I would always look forward to it."

"I understand your parents were traveling a lot. Seems like they still are?"

"Yes, my father is in India, and my mother travels all over Europe to work with charities. Sometimes when they're in London they come to visit me, but they don't always have time."

"Aw! Who wouldn't make time for their own daughter? Do they not stay with you at the house?"

"No, the house is mine. They stay in North London, where nobility lives. I'm afraid I'm a bit of an oddity, I chose to reside on the wrong side of the Thames. But it allows me to help with the clinic, and frankly, I avoid mingling with my own kind as much as possible."

Jane laughed. "Did you see Jean-Pierre's face when he saw us in the kitchen the other day? I thought he'd have a heart attack!"

Maura chuckled.

"That was so improper! Thank goodness your mother made him drink some wine."

They laughed and bantered all the way to the Tower of London, which Maura had insisted they visit that day.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Maura looked up at the imposing fortress, squinting against the late morning light. Jane caught Maura's beaming, curious eyes and her heart clenched in warm affection at her lover's genuine sense of wonder. She prepared herself for another day of Encyclopedia Britannica-mouth, hoping she'd remember a fact or two, for Maura's sake.

Despite her sarcastic remarks, Jane actually enjoyed visiting the Tower, seeing the treasures it contained and learning about their history from Maura. From the top of the building, Maura pointed at the construction of a new bridge, the Tower Bridge, the British capital's latest project.

All three women stood outside, overlooking the Thames, huddled together against the cold breeze, taking in the breathtaking view of the river and the monumental construction site.

One arm wrapped around her mom's shoulders and the other holding Maura's hand, Jane sighed and wished she could stay there forever. She imagined coming back with Maura alone and pictured herself down on her knee, proposing to the love of her life with a ring. Jane smirked at her own silliness. With further thought, she'd actually propose by Annie's tree, where they'd had their picnic.

Just then, both Jane and Maura looked at each other, and Jane swore the noblewoman could read her thoughts. They gazed at each other for long seconds, their eyes shining with unspoken love.

"You're beautiful," Jane mouthed silently.

"Thank you," came the breathless answer, and Maura tucked her head against Jane's shoulder, sighing in content.

They made their way back down and rode the carriage to "Simpson's in the Strand" for a late lunch. Jane and her mother raved about it, having never eaten at such a fancy establishment.

That night, in bed, Jane spooned Maura from behind as usual. She still hadn't been able to touch the noblewoman without picturing Kate's dead body, and Maura didn't want to push her. They hadn't brought up the Ripper or the twine since the lab, but the Whitechapel killer tainted their every thought. Maura was hoping their day trips and visits would settle them back into normalcy.

"They're performing Aida at the Royal Opera House. Will you accompany me?"

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

Maura smiled in the dark. "Yes, I am. Will you please go on a date with me?"

"I'd love to go on a date with you."

"You'll have to dress up."

Jane chuckled. "Yes, dress me up. Thank you for asking."

"Oh splendid!" Maura wiggled in excitement in Jane's arms, already picturing Jane in a top hat and tails.

"You already had my suit made, didn't you?" Jane smiled into Maura's hair.

"Yes." Maura couldn't lie. She knew Jane would forgive her.

She rolled over and pushed Jane on her back so she could rest her head on her shoulder.

Jane kissed her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks and lips. Maura laid still, letting Jane set the pace, confident that the American would eventually find peace and be ready again.

Sleep took them and Maura dreamt of Jane in White Tie and top hat, running through the streets of Whitechapel looking for Maura, shouting to the world she wanted to make love to her. Maura was waiting in her carriage, naked, blushing and wet with anticipation. Outside, an angry crowd of bridge workers rocked the coach back and forth in a tantalizing rhythm.

Finally! A Night at the Opera! Fasten your seatbelts...