"I have never been so exhausted in my life!" Ella exclaimed collapsing dramatically in the sitting room that adjoined the nursery, her room, and T.J.'s room later that evening. Clarisse had run her ragged trying on dresses, shoes and hats and she still had more planned for tomorrow.
"Papa's been making plans for a party for you all day and making me help," T.J. complained laughing at his sister's dramatics.
"When will it be?" Ella asked.
"In about 3 weeks. He wants you to get used to this 'life style' before you meet the 'cream of society'. After that, the house will be swarming with every bachelor, dandy and cad in London society asking for your hand," T.J. warned.
"They'll be too late," Ella muttered.
"What do you mean?" T.J. asked, a frown puckering his handsome brow.
"I'm engaged. He's coming to ask Papa's permission this week."
"Who is he?" T.J. asked, still frowning.
"Lord William Montrose. I met him while I was selling papers and he fell in love with me and yesterday he proposed and I accepted."
"Do you love him?"
"I care a great deal for him, but I love someone who doesn't love me back and William can give me a good, happy life. I've given up on silly girlish dreams of true love and knights in shining armor and happily ever afters."
"Ah sweetie, don't ever give up those dreams. Do what your heart tells you is right, not your stubborn Irish head," T.J. said gently, reaching over and giving her hand a brotherly squeeze. A frown still puckered his brow; the name Montrose had an unpleasantly familiar ring to it.
****
2 days later while Ella was at the dress shop and T.J. was at his friend's house, William came and talked to Mr. Kelly.
"I know you and my father have done business for years, so I feel I can be straight forward with you. I care deeply for your daughter Elizabeth and I have asked her to be my wife and she has accepted. We would both like your permission and blessing," William stated confidently.
"Of course my boy! You seem to know what you want from life and go after it. If my daughter has already agreed, there isn't too much I can do. I'll post the announcement for tomorrow's paper," James said shaking William's hand jovially and slapping him on the back.
"Thank you sir! Thank you very much!"
"Just don't take her away from me too soon," James admonished smilingly.
****
"LONG LOST KELLY DAUGHTER AND MONTROSE HEIR TO MARRY!" the society headline read the next day. Hoops felt like someone had punched him in the stomach. It must have showed on his face because all of his friends kept sending him worried looks at lunch. He had broken up with Princess 2 days after Ella left, realizing he couldn't pretend anymore Now, this had to happen! His blue eyes settled into a dark midnight color, full of brooding.
****
"T.J.!" Richard exclaimed to his best friend. "Your father is actually letting your sister marry that scum bag Montrose?"
"What do you mean?" T.J. asked, quickly setting down the tea he had been absently sipping.
"Don't you know?" Richard asked.
"Know what?" T.J. demanded tersely.
"Montrose made a bet he could get any girl off the streets to fall in love with him and agree to marry him."
"What?!" T.J. roared.
"Yea, his friends picked a newsgirl who turned out to be your sister."
"I have to go talk to my sister."
Before going home, T.J. stopped at the Lodging House and met Jack and explained what had happened. Jack immediately agreed to help T.J. talk to their sister and father and 'to kick Montrose's sorry butt'.
