Chapter 8

Tess looked up at Bessie with concern and confusion, her delicate brow lined with wrinkles and furrows. Before Bessie could explain however, Klover, Emma and Gracie arrived, all having woken because of the noise bellow. The two younger girls shouted with glee at seeing their friends returned while Klover's expression mimicked that of her friend's.

Tess let her head drop back to the table, Jack's hand resting on the back of her chair. He wanted to comfort her, but in the excitement of Emma and Gracie, the train of conversation became distracted. But Emma, being at the height of the table Tess rested against, noticed the tears on Tess' cheek. came the little girl's voice, why Tess cry?

She's sad honey, explained her mother, gently tugging Emma away from where she was hugging Tess as best her little arms could. But you know, I think we can make her happy again.

Quipped Gracie and Emma simultaneously.

Bessie grasped the hands of both her children and slowly ascended the stairs, the noise above the kitchen growing softer as the trio moved into the attic.

Jack moved into the seat next to Tess, rubbing her back gently and leaning his elbow on the table to support his head, allowing him a better view of her disheartened face. Denton shuffled his feet, noticing how scuffed his boots had become since arriving in Lampton. It'll be okay, he whispered, breaking the silence as gently as possible. It's just going to take a little longer than we expected, but we'll get him out of there.

Klover busied herself at the stove, fixing the breakfast Bessie had already begun to prepare. She cursed as a hot handle burnt her hand, calling the attention of Tess. Sighing in defeat, Tess rose from her seat to helped her friend. The two embraced tightly, before returning to the stove.

Jack watched her go, wiping at tears she didn't want anyone to see and realized that she was trying to shut herself off. He turned back to Denton, his voice laced with the anger and anxiety Tess' had had earlier. How can you say that? You told us yourself that kids were getting shipped out of there everyday. He could just slip out, underneath our fingers, and we're less than a mile away! I don't He stared in frustration at the platter of pancakes Klover placed in front of him, her hand on his shoulder silencing him gently.

The rest of the boys chose this moment to appear, sleepy and still tucking in clothes but immediately aware of the tension in the room. They accepted the breakfast Klover offered them, no complaints, and busied themselves with cleaning the plates.

Everyone remained silent until Emma and Gracie rushed down the stairs, giggling and excited as usual. Tess! Look! Cooed Emma, dropping the mountain of fabric she'd carried down the stairs in Tess' lap. Gracie, after tugging heartily on Jack's pant leg and getting him to bend to her height, plopped a strange looking top hat on his head and wrapped her arms around his neck. He stood, tipping the hat so that is sat in an awkward manner on his head and produced giggles from the silly girl. All better! Now Tess will be happy.

Tess examined what she had guessed was a dress, the fabric made of a material she'd never felt before. Standing next to Jack, Gracie still being worn as a necklace, she opened the dress to the regular length, holding it in front of her as she observed the delicacy and shine.

Oh Tess, Klover gasped, reaching to brush her fingertips along the lace. Emma rushed between the two, sliding underneath the fabric as if it were her perfect hiding place.

Tess laughed also, as Emma peaked her head out and lay on the floor, spread like a snow angel so that the hem of the dress grazed her nose. I don't understand Her voice trailed off as she looked up at the stairs, Bessie now appearing at the bottom.

In her hand she held a cane, much like the kind Tess had seen the elegant men of New York carrying around, and a darker bundle of fabric draped over her arm. She twirled the cane like a stage show actress, kicking it in the opposite direction with her foot after three rotations. Honey, you said ya wanted to be rich and well, you came to the right place.

As Bessie displayed an elegant suit and coat for Jack to admire, Tess still stood in utter amazement, watching as Klover held the dress up to her figure and spun in circles. The others in the room were watching also, Skittery with a forkful of pancake half way between his mouth and plate. Tess squeaked, What are you talkingI mean, where did you get these beautiful clothes.

Peter, having slipped off into the corner unnoticed, wrapped his arms around his beaming wife, a grin as wide as Jack's cowboy hat now spread across his face. This little gem, worked at a theater before coming out west to marry a rugged bachelor. They let her keep a few things.

Bessie kissed her husband appreciatively, before holding the dress up to Tess's frame. She turned to Klover for approval, and began press the fabric to her shoulders, behind her waist, getting a better feel for how it would fit. Just a few adjustments, and this should fit like a glove.

Jack, Gracie having slipped from his neck to dance around with her sister, sensed Tess' confusion and set the top hat on the table. Seriously, why bring all these things out? How is this going to help us get Leif?

Denton laughed to himself, hugging Bessie and patting Glance on the back as his excitement got the best of him. Don't you see Jack? Tess said the only way we'd be able to get Leif out was if we bought him. Now we can!

Tess batted at the probing hands of Klover and Bessie, giddy with laugher but still trying to follow Denton's train of thought. How, dress up and pretend to be rich?



Jack shook his head in disbelief, slipping into an empty chair and fingering the brim of the elegant top hat. He liked the look, how powerful he'd feel with something as nice as this sitting on his head. But it seemed to out of reach. We'd need more than a few clothes.

I've got Sotheby's carriage in my shop right now. Well, one of his carriages, Peter offered, holding Gracie on one hip.

And we'll teach you how to act, what to say.

Tess looked between Mr. Glance, Bessie and Klover, and Jack, his eyes revealing what she felt inside. Well, I don't have a better idea.

The room erupted in energy; shouts and hugs passed around as everyone began plan two.




Two days later Tess woke before the sun's rays had reached into the small room. She sat at the edge of her bed, watching as Gracie and Emma lay in peaceful slumber. Over in the corner, resting and waiting on a chair, was the dress she'd be wearing in a number of hours.

The past two days had been hectic for her and Jack. While Bessie and Klover worked to mend any tears in the dresses and suits, Jack and Tess had been drilled on everything from manners to current events. Skittery, Blink, and Peter had checked out Sotheby's, getting more information from the helpful Dakki on the logistics of the household. And the plan so far was for Jack and Tess, brother and sister out of New York, to arrive unannounced to Sotheby's with their financer Denton, in need of a faithful and competent servant boy.

Tess was lying when she said she wasn't nervous. In that restrictive and fanciful dress she felt awkward and out of place. The first rehearsal they'd had the day before had started off dreadful, Tess running all over the house in protest of having to wear the corset underneath. Only in the undershirt she'd crashed into Glance and Denton, fixing the top hat on Jack's head, and felt her legs melt at the sight of him. Any amount of embarrassment or mortification at being seen in her underwear was shadowed by her crush and Tess was placed into the dress, more cooperative in her dreamy stupor.

She'd have to suffer through breakfast and lunch before slipping into the fabric again. The night before both her and Jack had been treated to a bath, cleaning off the dust of the country and the dirt of the city. Bessie had winded strips of cloth in Tess' hair to help define the curls of her hair better, resulting in a rolling mountain of auburn framing her peaches and cream complexion.

And as handsome Jack looked in his suit and hat, the sight of Tess, slowly descending the stairs into the kitchen, was a shock to all. Mush whistled and easy laughter filled the room before hugs were shared, Bessie wiping tears from her eyes as Jack, Denton and finally Tess filed into the carriage Race had been chosen to drive.

Tess bounced her leg from nervous energy and played with the gloves on her hands. Jack, his own hand also gloved, stalled her leg and tried to smile reassuringly as they reached the front of the gate.

After a few minutes of frozen anxiety and Race's voice rambling an explanation, the gates were opened and the carriage lurched forward. Get ready, Denton whispered as they walked the steps of the house, ten times larger from the front and in the light than Tess had pictured that night from the bushes. A butler led them from one grand room to the next, past what seemed to be a dining room and a ballroom, into a sitting room.

She'd prepared for this moment. At first glance of Sotheby's curling mustache she wanted to grab one end and rip it off his face. But she restrained herself and greeted him as she was taught a lady would.

Excuse me for jumping right into business, Sotheby began, looking first at Jack and then at Denton, But you are here to see the boys.

Yes, of course. Jack said, his head held hide. Tess looked at him before turning back to Sotheby, so proud that she thought her corset would burst.

he grabbed a glass of liquor from what was being offered to him by another servant. Tess noticed with a sharp pain that the boy was of her age, maybe younger, and most likely put on display whenever possible clients were around. Jack and Denton accepted their glasses and the boy left with a quick bow. Tess caught his eye before he could disappear and winked quickly as Denton and Sotheby began a conversation distinctly male.

Before it could continue the front door slamed, echoing throughout the loud house and rattling the vase to the left of Tess. Ah, Edward must be home, Sotheby explained, standing to greet his son as he stalked into the room. Please, allow me to introduce my son, Edward. Edward halted at the sight of company, momentarily embarrassed until he eyed Tess standing between Denton and Jack. He smiled, resting his riding whip on his hip as he began at her toes and slowly followed up Tess' body to her challenging face. Jack and Tess recognized the fellow as one of the thugs that had been at the pub every night they'd been, teasing and leering after Dakki all night. And the way his eyes were narrowing, sizing up Tess in her sparkling dress, Jack felt the vein begin to form again.

Edward, these young people are interested in one of our boys. Mr. Sullivan and his

Jack interjected, sliding his arm around her waist and moving closer. This is my wife Tess and a good friends of ours, Denton. He stuck out his hand, challenging Edward with his eyes. Pleasure's all mine.

The two shook hands as Sotheby choked down his scotch. Excuse me, Mr. Sullivan. I had just assumed you were siblings. You two are so young

Jack agreed, lacing his fingers through Tess' now that they sat. And so in love. That's really all that matters, don't you agree?

Sotheby nodded. Sadly, Edward's mother died during childbirth. Edward perched on the arm of the chair furthest from Jack, drowning the liquor he'd grabbed from the butler.

The conversation continued, with Jack dominating the first half, asking question after question concerning every aspect of Sotheby's life. The tables turned and Jack answered the same questions as calmly as when he'd rehearsed them with Glance and Denton. After only an hour, Sotheby was more than impressed by the successful, accomplished and determined character sitting across from him with his pretty wife and Edward had drowned his jealously in a bottle of vodka.

Pulling out an expensive looking pocket watch, Sotheby clucked his tongue. I wish we could continue this conversation but unfortunately I have a prior engagement. Tess was pulled to her feet by Jack, having been ignored for most of the conversation just like Denton had warned her would happen, and allowed Mr. Sotheby to kiss her hand in good-bye. Before Edward could do the same she hid behind Jack, listening to the a verbal agreement that arranged for a meeting the next day, same time. The men shook hands again, Tess hiding her giggle when Edward winced at Jack's strong grip and the trio was whisked into their carriage, Sotheby oblivious to their plan.

As soon as the gates closed behind the carriage, Tess smacked Jack repeatedly on his arms and shoulders. Hey, hey! Jack exclaimed, blocking her light blows.

She fell back into her seat with a huff, crossing her arms across her chest and putting her feet up between Jack and Denton in the seat across. What are you trying to pull, Kelly.

Jack looked for some sort of explanation from Denton, who chuckled to himself. Don't look at me. I don't speak woman.

Tess cursed loudly in a very unladylike manner. my wife, Tess, we're so in love. She mimicked before beginning another round of hits.

Jack laughed under the blows, managing to grab her wrists eventually. Did you see da way da guy was lookin at ya. Jack slipped back into his New York accent and Tess couldn't deny it any longer—she was his. Really, the thought of being with Jack, having him call her his WIFE, had thrown Tess' insides into a whirlwind. Spacing out through the conversation had given her enough time to plunge headfirst into denial.

I could of taken She pouted.

In dat dress, Jack teased, tugging on the hem. Don't be irrational.

Stop using big woids you don't know. The carriage came to a hault and Race apologized from outside for his less than steady landing. Jack was happy with his performance, that much was obvious by the way he made a big deal of helping his wife' out of the carriage and then picking her up and spinning when she refused the said help. Inside, he entertained the roomful of faces with the story of Sotheby, his evil son, and his convincing performance until Gracie and Emma were fast asleep in their parent's laps and even Blink was nodding off.

Time for bed. Peter whispered, one girl now on a shoulder as he carried them upstairs to bed.
Skittery, Race, Mush and Blink headed towards the barn, Jack lingering behind in Bessie's warm embrace. I knew you'd win em over. She praised, kissing his forehead lightly, just as Jack had always imagined his mother would. He left shortly after, rustling Tess' hair on the way out.

She reached to swat him but hit nothing but air, muttering to herself about how much trouble he caused. Bessie laughed, returning from blowing out the candle in the other rooms. Looks like you're in over you head, dear. From the steps Klover smiled at Tess' obvious blush. Who would have thought you could have caused so much trouble just by putting on a pretty dress. The tone of Bessie's voice startled Tess and it was obvious that her little secret had been discovered.

Tess ran up the stair, turning around momentarily to blow Bessie a kiss good night and amazed at the woman's skill.


Disclaimer: Every character to their respective owner.

AN: Another quick chapter, are you pissed at me yet? Well then keep on readiing...I'm sending out a call to all those readers out there, you know who you are, you read, enjoy, and then just happen not to review. Now, maybe something important comes up and you get sidetracked. But today, at this very instant, make some time and drop one review. That review will relieve you from reviewing for the rest of the story. You can finish and enjoy review free! I'm telling you, take the leap. You're not alone...

Dakki: Did you like that? *looks to above AN* that was for you. Trying to weed the rest out of the woodwork.

Klover: Reviewer extrordinaire. Have you ever thought of going professional?

Ugh, this list of shout outs is so short. Blah, blah, blah....