Author's Note: I know this whole story is a far-fetched concept at best, but I hope you like it. Whether you love it or hate it, please review!

THE HOUSE OF TIME

CHAPTER SEVEN---THE CHARMINGS

Cinder could feel the warmth of the early morning sun rays on her skin. She snuggled deeper under the covers, smiling to herself. Her eyelids were still closed, and she had no intention of opening them any time soon.

A loud crash downstairs woke her abruptly. So much for sleeping in, she thought resentfully. Cinder sighed. Well, she had to get up sometime anyway...

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the light. When they did, Cinder finally remembered where she was: in the past. The realization hit her like a rock. A rather large rock. The day didn't look as bright all of a sudden.

Cinder took a deep breath. She'd already accomplished so much in the few hours she'd spent in this time period. She'd gotten a place to stay, some new clothes, or old clothes rather, and a job. The only thing she had left to do was find Prince and go back home. It couldn't be too hard, could it?

She decided she really didn't want that question answered. Instead, she turned to the closet and hunted for some appropriate clothes. Inside was a corset. Cinder had no intention of wearing one. She'd seen too many television programs on how they rearranged one's organs. After looking at the dresses, she realized she wouldn't need one anyway. They were all much too big on her. In the end, she put on some of the undergarments she had found and the dress that fit her best. She looked at herself in one of the mirrors and considered herself decent enough to go downstairs.

Leaving her room, she heard two distinct voices: one male and one female. The male voice, of course, belonged to Mr. Brooks. Cinder, however, could not guess the owner of the feminine tones.

"Once again, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for having caused this whole mess," said the woman.

"Nonsense!" cried the doctor. "I have only my clumsiness to blame. I have dropped worse things than a tea kettle, and without you there to distract me."

A short pause followed, during which Cinder walked into the kitchen. Both turned to look at her.

Mr. Brooks cleared his throat. "Ah! Miss Mathews! Finally awake, I see." He turned to the other woman. "Miss Fairfax, may I introduce you to Miss Mathews, my new assistant."

"Delighted to meet you," replied Miss Fairfax. Though she didn't say the words without kindness, she seemed less than delighted at having to share Mr. Brooks' attention.

Cinder simply nodded in response to the greeting.

"Well, Miss Fairfax, did you wish to tell me something?" asked the doctor.

"Yes. You're wanted at the Charming House. Mr. Princeton has finally arrived." Cinder jumped at the name, but no one seemed to notice. "However, Madam Charming wishes for him to be... examined." Almost whispering, she continued, "It seems he had quite a difficult journey and isn't quite himself. She would like reassurance of both his physical and mental health."

"Of course. We shall be there right away," said Mr. Brooks.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Miss Fairfax left the kitchen. Mr. Brooks watched her walk away for a few moments. He then turned to Cinder, "Well, are you ready for your first task?"

"I suppose."

"Go fetch me my medical bag while I get the carriage ready. It should be on the dresser in that bedroom over there." He pointed to a chamber across the hall.

Cinder quickly found the bag, and they were soon off to the Charming House. The Charmings were, without a doubt, quite wealthy. Their house was massive and solidly built. It seemed like nothing could destroy it. Indeed, it would last for at least another hundred years.

Without even having to knock, the front door flew open. Facing them was a plump, middle-aged woman.

"Mr. Brooks, thank you for coming so quickly," she said.

"It is always a pleasure to come to your house, Mrs. Charming."

Mrs. Charming smiled at the flattery but didn't put too much value on the comment. She obviously didn't let compliments go to her head. Cinder automatically liked her.

"Well, come on in. My nephew's still sleeping. I fear he was quite exhausted last night. You may wait in the parlor while I wake him."

As she turned to leave, she finally noticed Cinder. "Oh my! I'm so sorry; I didn't notice you. What a terrible hostess I am!"

"It's quite alright," replied Cinder with a small smile.

"Of course it isn't! I should know better. In any case, I'm Mrs. Charming, as I'm sure you've already realized. And who may you be?"

"Cinder Mathews, Mr. Brooks' assistant."

"I see. Well, Mr. Brooks, Miss Mathews, please go on into the parlor. I shall be with you momentarily."

With that, she went up the stairs to fetch the sleeping Prince.

Okay, so the last line's a little corny. Sorry... I couldn't help myself. For all of you who have been wondering what Prince has been up to, I PROMISE he'll be in the next chapter. Well, keep reviewing!

vanillafluffy- Glad to hear from you again! I've still got a few things to figure out, but I'll think of something eventually. lol

Tiger Lily21- Mr. Brooks has really grown on me. I think you'll see more of him throughout the story. (ooh... foreshadowing...)

LosaLou- Your wish is my command. I've already got somebody lined up to be the doctor's love interest. (Can you guess who it is? I'm sure you can...)