Summary: After two years, Alice returns to Underland, to face a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.

Genre: Romance/Adventure

Pairing: Alice Kingsley & The Mad Hatter/Tarrant Hightopp

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters or locations from Lewis Carroll's novels Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, nor do I own any characters or locations from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. All rights go to Lewis Carroll, Tim Burton, Linda Woolverton, Disney, etc.

** A/N: Please read the Author's Note at the end of the Chapter for further clarity about the progression of the story.

Alice in Underland

Chapter Twenty Five

Day Four

When the Dressmaker saw Alice on Tarrant's arm as they came into the workshop he clasped his hands together joyfully. "Lady Alice! You're here!" he cried. "Just in time," he said, his eyes sparkling. "I've finished two of your dresses and you simply must try them on!"

Alice smiled at his enthusiasm, which seemed to be contagious, because suddenly she was rather excited to have some new clothes, and she knew the dresses being made for her were all sublime. "Thank you, Mr. Gaillard. I would love to try on the new dresses," she said warmly.

The Dressmaker called for his assistant maid to help Alice get into the new dresses. The maid, whose name was Mary, led Alice to the dressing room where the dresses were already hanging.

They were both gorgeous and Alice couldn't wait to try them on. Mary helped her get into the first dress, an exquisite confection in soft white chiffon with pink and black trimmings. It was very French in style and design, and had a dipping neckline that showed off her shoulders. Once it was on, the maid said, "Oh! You look just lovely, my Lady!"

Alice looked at herself in the mirror and had to agree. The dress was absolutely divine and it flattered her most becomingly. She smiled at Mary. "It is quite extraordinary, isn't it?"

When she went back out to the workshop to show Mr. Gaillard and Tarrant the dress, Mr. Gaillard gasped in delight. "Perfection!" he cried.

Tarrant stared at Alice, looking awed. "You look beautiful," he said quietly in a reverent voice. "So very beautiful."

Alice smiled softly at him.

Mr. Gaillard went up to her to inspect the dress and make sure it fit properly. "Excellent," he said, checking it from all angles and seeing that it fit perfectly. "Our Muse looks like a Goddess come to life," he declared jovially and Tarrant nodded, a dazed look on his face. "Now, my Lady, go on and try the other one on, if you please," the Dressmaker said.

Alice went back to the dressing room and Mary helped her into the second dress, an elegant, luxurious gown made of deep red velvet with black satin trim.

"This one is just as lovely as the first," the maid said. "You look beautiful."

Alice blushed and thanked her as they went back out to the workshop.

"Magnificent!" the Dressmaker proclaimed after checking it thoroughly to make sure it fit. "You look stunning, Lady Alice."

Tarrant nodded in agreement, his eyes wide.

Mr. Gaillard beamed and said, "I have a third that's just about finished. Would you mind trying it on?"

"I'd love to," Alice said happily.

The Dressmaker got the dress, another one that was French in style, made of soft sky-blue chiffon with white and black trimmings. He gave it to Mary to take back to the dressing room, and Alice followed. As she helped Alice get into the third dress, Mary whispered, "Are you going to wear one of the new dresses to dinner tonight?"

Alice thought about it for a moment. "Yes. I think I will," she said. Knowing all eyes would be on her after what happened last night she wanted to look her best and show everyone she was fine. She went out to the workshop and Mr. Gaillard inspected the fit then stood back to look at the whole picture.

"It's a gorgeous dress," she said. "The colours are lovely."

The Dressmaker smiled. "This one will be finished tonight. It just needs a couple of things to make it complete," he said thoughtfully. "The other two are done. I'll have Mary send them to your chambers, if you like."

"I'd like to wear one of them now, actually," Alice said. She looked at Tarrant. "Which one, do you think?"

"The first one," he said softly.

Alice smiled. "The first one it is, then." She and Mary returned to the dressing room and the maid helped Alice change back into the first dress. Then Alice went back out to the workshop and thanked the Dressmaker. "They're all so beautiful," she said. "Thank you."

Mr. Gaillard smiled at her. "I've already started on some new ones so you must come tomorrow so I can look at you for inspiration." He gestured at the mannequins and Alice saw the new dresses he'd begun.

"Oh!" she said excitedly. "They're wonderful!" She looked at Tarrant who was very quiet, staring at her as if entranced. "Will you show me your dress?" she asked softly, going over to him and touching his arm.

He nodded and took her hand and led her to the mannequin. "It's almost finished," he said, then he gazed at her. "Do you like it?" he asked shyly.

Alice wanted to throw her arms around him. He seemed so vulnerable all of a sudden. "I love it," she said. Then she whispered, for his ears only, "It's my favourite."

He smiled at her. "Really?"

"Of course! It's beautiful! Truly." She gazed at him. "Tarrant? Are you alright?" she whispered.

He nodded. "I...sometimes I think this must be a dream. Is this really happening? Are you really here?" He stared at her, looking a bit lost and overwhelmed.

Alice took his hand and stroked it comfortingly. "Of course it's real and I'm here," she said softly. "I'm here, with you, and I love you."

Tarrant gazed at her for a long moment, and his expression cleared suddenly. "Yes...yes. Of course," he said. He leaned close and whispered, "I get...confused...sometimes."

"I know, love," Alice whispered, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "It's alright."

He smiled at her. "You look so beautiful in that dress," he said, his eyes soft. "So beautiful it made me feel like it was a dream."

She put her arms around him and hugged him, not caring if the Dressmaker and Mary saw. "I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he said softly, wrapping his arms around her, then kissing her cheek tenderly. "We should go now. It's time for dinner."

They broke apart and she took his arm, and they went over to the Dressmaker and told him they were going.

"We'll be back tomorrow," Alice promised him with a smile. Then she turned to Mary and thanked her for her help.

The maid nodded and curtsied. "It was my pleasure, my Lady," she said.

Tarrant and Alice left the workshop and went straight to the Dining Hall. As they entered the room, Alice tensed up a bit when everyone turned to look at them. She smiled and nodded at them all as Tarrant escorted her in, and Alice relaxed immediately when the only thing she saw in everyone's eyes was admiration, and in some eyes, awe. The other Ladies came over and gushed over her dress, telling her how beautiful she looked, and Alice thanked them warmly, relieved that no one was mentioning the events of the night before.

The bell rang suddenly and Mirana came in with the Knave at her side and she took one look at Alice and smiled brightly, an expression of pure delight on her face. She motioned for them to take their usual places. Once everyone was seated, Mirana leaned over and said, "What an incredible dress! You look absolutely enchanting, Lady Alice!"

Alice smiled. "The Dressmaker is quite something, isn't he?"

Mirana smiled back at her and nodded. "Yes, he is. But really, it's you who makes the dress look so stunning. It really suits you." She looked at Tarrant coyly. "Don't you think so, Mr. Hightopp?" she said, her eyes twinkling.

Tarrant gazed at Alice and then looked at Mirana then back at Alice. "She looks like an angel," he said softly, covering her hand with his own.

Mirana noticed and leaned forward to whisper excitedly, "Oh! Are you courting openly now? Officially?"

Alice nodded then looked at Tarrant and smiled.

Mirana clasped her hands together happily, a dreamy expression on her face. "How wonderful!" she whispered.

The Knave cleared his throat to get Mirana's attention. Everyone had been served, so she nodded and smiled down the table to give them all the signal that dinner had officially begun.

As everyone began to eat Mirana turned to Alice, her eyes sparkling.

Alice smiled at her and the two women exchanged a knowing look and a small dreamy sigh that only they could see.

"So! The Dressmaker has outdone himself, I have to say. I can't wait to see the others!" Mirana said, gracefully changing the subject.

"Yes, they're all lovely," Alice replied, smiling appreciatively at Mirana's discretion and understanding. "I tried on two others just now, one that's finished and one that will be finished tonight, and Mr. Gaillard has already started on a number of new ones." Alice turned to smile at Tarrant then said to Mirana, "And our favourite, Mr. Hightopp's dress, is almost done."

Mirana smiled at Tarrant. "I can't wait to see it!" she said.

He smiled back shyly. "It will probably be finished tomorrow. Lady Alice and I plan to spend the morning at the workshop so I think I'll be able to put on the final touches it needs and then it will be done."

"If it's finished in time will you wear it tomorrow to dinner?" Mirana asked

Alice leaned over and whispered so only Mirana could hear, "Yes, I will wear it, but Tarrant and I are planning on having dinner tomorrow night on my balcony, just the two of us."

Mirana whispered back just as quietly, "Oh God! How romantic! You're definitely having Tea with me tomorrow and we shall have a nice long chat, my dear friend! Especially about the new development in your courtship."

Alice pulled back and gave her a smile and a little wink. Then she changed the subject. "So...I've been thinking about our trip to London," Alice began and smiled when Mirana's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Yes?"

"And I think we should make a list. There are a lot of things we might want to get there to bring to Underland. Books, for example, and sheet music from Otherworld composers - I thought of that when we were talking about playing the piano last night. And there probably are lots of things that you might be interested in, such as an atlas of maps of the Otherworld, herbs and spices that you don't have here, games, and anything else you can think of."

"Oh! It's so exciting! Yes, we'll definitely need to make a list. What fun!" Mirana cried gaily. "And will I get to meet your mother and sister?"

Alice frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps. It depends on how soon we go. We'll have to concoct a very convincing story to explain where I've been and who you are. I imagine they think I'm already on a ship heading for America. But I suppose we can come up with something to explain why I haven't left yet. We should probably discuss all that tomorrow at Tea."

Mirana nodded happily.

The Knave leaned over to whisper something to Mirana and she immediately frowned. "Enough! Honestly!" she whispered back at him, a cross look on her face. "I told you, it's just going to be me and Lady Alice going. We'll be fine."

She looked at Alice and grimaced and Alice had to take a sip of her wine to keep herself from laughing.

Tarrant covered her hand with his and she turned to look at him with a sweet smile. "I shall miss you terribly when you go," he whispered.

Her eyes softened. "I'll miss you too...but it will only be for an afternoon." She covered his hand with her free one and gave it a squeeze. "And I'll bring you back presents. You and I will have to make a list too."

He smiled.

The rest of the dinner flew by rather quickly.

Mirana and Tarrant discussed a village that was in the process of being rebuilt and Tarrant had a lot of ideas and suggestions for improvements, which had Mirana beaming with praise at his cleverness.

"So you're a person with great vision yourself, Mr. Hightopp," she said, looking impressed. "Just like our dear Lady Alice. What a lovely thing to have in common." She smiled at them. "Goodness! What a wealth of hidden talents you have!"

He smiled and blushed. "Thank you," he said softly.

"And speaking of talents, as we were discussing the subject of music last night, it gave me an idea and I've arranged for a little surprise entertainment this evening after dinner. The Court musicians shall be playing for us outside in the back Courtyard."

"How lovely!" Alice said.

"It should be fun. I expect people will be dancing and there will be refreshments served, and dessert." She looked down the table and saw that the main course had just about ended. "In fact, I believe it's time for the announcement to be made," she said, giving the Knave a nod.

He stood and pulled out Mirana's chair when she gave him the signal and after the Queen rose, everyone got to their feet and looked at her.

Mirana smiled and made the announcement that dessert and refreshments would be served in the back Courtyard, along with an impromptu concert by the Court musicians.

Everyone cheered and began talking excitedly.

Mirana took Alice's arm and whispered, "I hope to see you and Tarrant dancing, especially now that you're wearing such a perfect dress."

Alice smiled. "What a lovely surprise," she said.

Mirana glowed with happiness. "Come now, take Tarrant's arm and show everyone that he's officially courting you now. I can't wait to see it!" she whispered excitedly.

Alice smiled and nodded then went to him and took his arm.

The Queen led the way, the Knave at her side, with Alice and Tarrant following behind, along with the rest of the Court.

As they walked, Alice whispered to Tarrant that he was to make it clear to everyone that he was officially courting her, and he smiled at her happily.

And with that, the whole party went out into the back Courtyard, ready for the evening's entertainment.

** A/N: After reading the reviews for the last chapter I feel I need to clear things up yet again and explain why Alice and Tarrant haven't gone all the way yet, and won't, until they're married. First, it's important to remember that it's only Alice's 4th day back in Underland. And on her 3rd night back she was attacked and sexually molested by Stayne which was very traumatic for her, especially considering the impact being touched so sexually would have on a woman in that era. I know everyone wants Alice and Tarrant to just go for it and shag each other senseless but it's not realistic for that to happen yet and I have to stay true to the era the story is set in, a time where an unmarried woman having sex was considered unthinkable. If anyone knew even a hint of what she and Tarrant have already done (forget even having full-on sex), her reputation would be in complete and utter ruin, a fact of which they are both fully aware. Trust that I'm writing this with the intention of being as true to the era and to the characters as I can, and that things will be explained and revealed with each chapter, as I'm writing this story in a style that's in real time, where we see things unfold as the characters do, at the same time. It would be clumsy, immature writing to just sod it all and have them have sex when it's not true to the heart and soul of the story and the characters.

Alice is a well bred young Victorian lady and she worries about her awakening sensuality and her desires, questioning herself for it and wondering if it makes her a "bad girl," which we see evidence of during her conversation with Mirana, when she asked if Mirana thought her terrible and wicked for being intimate in that way with Tarrant. We also see it in the last chapter when they were in the middle of their passionate encounter, during which Alice thinks about it and justifies her readiness to surrender to Tarrant, if he'd allow it, because they're in love so therefore it's not "wrong." Alice might want to go all the way when she and Tarrant are in the throes of passion and she's swept away by it all, but she would definitely regret it afterwards if they did. The conventions of that time were absolute and shouldn't be underestimated. Alice might be uncoventional, but she's still coming from a lifetime of repression, both emotional and sexual, and a mindset ruled by strict moral codes of conduct, particularly when it comes to sexuality. Being a product of the times, Alice absolutely considers sex between unmarried people of good breeding to be wrong. But now she's found Tarrant and everything's changing. Her love and passion for Tarrant are making her loosen up and relax her inhibitions but part of that comes from her trust in him that he'll keep her from letting it go too far, too soon. If he were a different person, one who would have sex with her without hesitation, she wouldn't be so free about it. She trusts Tarrant and knows deep down that he won't let things get too far, so she lets herself get carried away because she knows he's sure to keep within the boundaries of what she would be emotionally and intellectually comfortable with.

As for Tarrant, he is a true gentleman, a man of honour, and he loves Alice completely, which means he cherishes and respects her and wants to wait. He only just got permission to openly court her, which should give a hint of how proper he really is, and also hints at how unsure he is about the pace of their relationship. He might be loosening up himself as he discovers his own awakening sensuality (as evidenced by his aggressiveness during their most recent encounter) but he's still very shy and insecure. He's never had any relations with a woman before. With each intimate encounter they go a little further, step by step. It's a process of growth for both of them, as individuals and as a couple. Tarrant keeps stopping for all the reasons listed above but also because, in his mind, it would be terribly cheap to just go ahead and have sex with her on a chaise lounge in his hat-making room. He has a reverence for Alice that makes that scenario impossible. He wants to court her properly, and in those days, declaring yourself to be courting openly is declaring an intention of marriage. He wants it to be beautiful and sacred, just as his love for her is beautiful and sacred. So they might have passionate trysts in the hat-making room, going a little further each time, but he's too honourable to besmirch her by having full-on sex, and very importantly, he would never do anything to compromise her reputation.

I hope this helps explain the context of the story better. Yes, some of you might not like that they haven't started shagging like crazy but the growing sexual tension is quite deliberate. If you're dying for them to "just do it already" that's a good thing, because it means you're feeling what they feel, the desire and the frustration, just as they feel it. This story is a journey and I'm not going to rush things, because it's all about the build-up which will ultimately lead to a more satisfying and exciting conclusion. I don't want to reveal much more but there's a lot coming up ahead, many shocks and surprises and some adventures along the way, so it's not just going to be chapter after chapter of Alice and Tarrant mooning at each other.