I love you, reviewers!! They keep me writing!!!

Sorry I haven't updated in like, three weeks!! I'll try and update at least once a week.

Blah, blah, blah. Who cares about me?

On to Chapter Seven!

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I saw Mother and Isti as soon as we turned down the lane. They were sitting contentedly in the early morning sunlight on the porch of the inn, watching our small caravan ride towards them.

I grinned as looks of confusion, then joy, came over their faces as they spotted me riding beside Thomas.

I dismounted quickly, and embraced my mother and sister. We hugged and laughed and chatted excitedly.

Soon, hearing the commotion, the rest of my family emerged. I caught little Ettime as she ran into my arms, shouting my name. I twirled her around, making her squeal with delight.

After setting Ettime down, I went to my father and grandmother, and enfolded them in hugs.

During my happy reunion, Thomas and his father (who had left his coach) had waited by the side, smiling. We exchanged quick glances.

We had decided not to tell my parents about my escapade with the bandits. It would only make them become agitated.

Besides, the six men sent after the villains had easily captured them. The bandits were then taken to a nearby town. We left them in the hands of King Jerrold's knights. I hoped I would never cross paths with them again.

I shuddered involuntarily at the thought of what might have happened had Thomas not arrived in time. I pushed those thoughts away, concentrating on my family.

When the Earl moved off to chat with my parents, Thomas hung back, watching me. I left my family and went to him.

He smiled as I approached. "You seem happy."

I laughed. "More than you could know. I've been away nearly six months. It's so good to see them all again."

He nodded. We stood there for a moment, watching the scene in the yard.

I cleared my throat. "I just wanted to thank you again for rescuing me from the bandits.'

He looked away, and muttered, "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" I pressed him. "You call charging a man a good six inches taller than you and twice your weight nothing?"

Thomas turned back to me and shrugged. "What else was I supposed to do?"

I returned his shrug, then smiled mischievously. "I guess saving me was the only option."

He laughed in protest. I giggled as well. When we quieted again, I asked him when he would be in Amonta again.

Thomas shook his head. "Not for a while, I would assume. Father will want me to attend to my studies even more fervently, to make up for the time I spent traveling."

"Oh." I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"But I'll write you," he promised.

"As shall I," I said, a smile lightening my face.

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The rest of the evening we spent talking and laughing. Mother left occasionally to prepare meals for the inn's guests. I stood to help her, but she immediately sat me back down.

"You need your rest," she scolded me. I didn't argue.

I was introduced to Olla; the twelve-year old boy Mother had hired in my absence. Since Isti had been able to take on my responsibilities, Ollo had been hired to help Father in the stables and around the house.

Ollo was small for his age, with skinny arms and legs. He was incredibly shy, hiding his bright blue eyes underneath his sandy brown hair.

At last, father had declared it was time for bed. After a few more jokes we trooped up the stairs and parted, calling goodnight. I entered my room to find it nearly unchanged. I smiled in appreciation.

I dressed for bed, then sat and brushed my long, dark hair with quick even strokes. I was lost in thought when Isti quietly entered my room. I smiled at her and patted the bed. She sat beside me.

We talked about everything. She told me about all that had happened at the inn during my absence, and I, in turn, told her all about finishing school.

After a pause, Isti blurted,"Do you like him?"

"Who?"

"Thomas," she said, matter-of-factly.

I laughed. "Oh, no. We're just friends."

"Very good friends?" she pressed.

I laughed again, swatting her on the shoulder. "I think it's past your bedtime."

Isti giggled and fled the room. I settled back into bed, a contented smile on my face.

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During the next few weeks, my life settled into a normal routine. Mother set me to work sewing rips, embroidering handkerchiefs and tablecloths, and any other thing she could think of.

Since Grandmother and I were the only ones in our family who had any knowledge of sewing, we spent countless hours together. I never grew tired of listening to her seemingly endless supply of stories or watching her nimble fingers at work.

I tried writing to Ella, in Frell living with her father. I still had no idea if she was safe. I didn't receive any letters in return.

I did get many letters from Thomas, who assured me that without my company, he was thoroughly bored. I wrote him as well, urging him in each letter to visit me again soon.

In return, he wrote:

I might actually be able to see you sooner than I originally thought. Father has been visiting a woman living just outside Amonta, a widowed baroness named Lady Albia. Though Father remains in denial, I suspect his visits are more than just business excursions.

I was so happy for him! In my next letter I told him everything I knew about Lady Albia.

She is said to be a kind, good-tempered woman, by any report. Mother comments often on how well kept and prosperous the baroness' s estate is. By all accounts, if you father chooses to wed her, he has chosen perfectly.

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My days were peaceful, sewing with Grandmother or helping Mother with meals. I loved being so useful to my family. I knew now Father and Mother did not regret allowing me to attend finishing school.

And so, with the companionship of my family and Thomas's letters, the months of winter slowly slipped past.

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Boring chappie, I know. I'll do better next time, don't worry.

Please Read & Review!!!!!