A/N: First of all, AU means Alternate Universe… Second, I would like to thank you fellow people for reviewing. That certainly means a lot to me.

Now on with the story…

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fic.

Chapter Three:

Mary Russell tried not to be distracted.

Well it isn't my business if he decides to go to that…that kind of place. I barely even know the man, do I? He's just an annoying man. Right. I must shake that feeling. Must keep my eye on the prize.

So I follow him into that alleyway.

It seems as if I made a big mistake, especially when said annoying man appeared right in front of my nose.

"Excuse me, I may seem a bit rude in asking you this, but I just needed to know: Why are you following me?"

Once I am able to gain back any kind of smooth composure I will experiment with thinking, and then talking.

"Oh! Are you speaking to me 'good sir'?" Note my sarcasm folks, "I'm sorry but when is it a crime to walk in an alleyway? The last time I checked I was pretty sure that we at least had the freedom to do that."

I was certain that he would not accept that lie, I was certain that he was going to do something, anything different from what he did. Anything different. The balloon that was full of embarrassment lost all it's air, however a new one was being pumped full of something more… oh definitely more…a proper word would be…resentment. Yes let's say that.

What he did was laugh at me. Then he said: "If you think that way, young man…"

Stop and Freeze. He really thinks I'm a man.

Young Man…hey it echoes out here…

That new balloon labeled "RESENTMENT" popped.

"That certainly crosses the line, Mister. And I am calling you mister for the sake of being polite." So what would happen if I tell him I'm a girl? Except knowing that he couldn't even differentiate between a man and a woman. Ha. This is going to be fun.

"And for politeness' sake I'm not taking you to the constable."

At the same time I said, "I think there may be something wrong with your vision, because I…" pause to add effect, and reach for my hat, "am a girl." And sweep hat off head. I fought the temptation to say "ta da!"

So I offer my hand. "And my name is Mary Russell, how do you do?"

End of Chapter

A/N: So that was Chapter Three. I would again like to thank everyone who reviewed. Thank you very much! Please review more.