Evie sneaked in the gates of home in the early-morning light, climbing back up the lattice and through her bedroom window with as little noise as she could make. Feeling that morning-after glow and a comfortable, satisfied, sleepy haze around her head, she hoped to climb into bed and sleep away most of the afternoon, though she would be neglecting church.

"I can't even begin to imagine what people would think if they saw you coming home at this hour, dressed the way you are."

Evie gasped, tumbling in the window and landing, splayed and twisted, on the floor. Her grandfather loomed over her, menacing and obviously perturbed.

"I also don't believe I need to remind you of the impropriety of staying out all night, especially under the impression that you were with that newsboy your maid told me about." As she stood and tried to collect herself, her grandfather's hand made sharp contact with her cheek. "Do not disgrace this family, Evelyn. I refuse to be embarrassed on account of your misadventures."

She sat down on her bed, holding a hand to her stinging cheek. As her grandfather turned to leave, she finally got the courage to speak. "Is that all you came here for? To yell at me?"

"Unfortunately, that seems to be all our little visit is good for. I came by to tell you that there is a young man both your father and I agree would be an acceptable suitor for you, but given all that is implied by your being gone all night with such scum as a newsboy, I doubt any decent man would want you."

"I believe I'm capable of finding my own husband, thank you anyway."

"A rather unconvincing argument, if I've ever heard one." He opened the door, stepping out. Looking over his shoulder, he smirked. "You'll be meeting him this afternoon for supper. I expect to see you looking your best. And for God's sake, don't embarrass me by looking like the two-bit tart you do now."

Evie opened her mouth to retaliate, but the door clicked shut. She kicked at the foot of her vanity, but all that resulted in was a hurt toe. Feeling defeated, Evie slid down to the floor to cry.

The afternoon was unbearably hot and irritatingly dusty, but Blink was chipper as ever. He was sweaty and dirty and disgusting but that didn't stop him from longing for a certain warm body to curl up to.

Here he was, down to his very last paper of the day, waiting in the middle of the marketplace as had become tradition. People swarmed about him, seeming to swim through the air so thick with heat. He looked about for a familiar face, but she was nowhere to be found. She was late. But not to worry; she was probably just held up by something at home.

He waited around for a few more minutes, then headed off in the direction of Evie's house. As he approached the gate, he noticed a young man helping Evie out of a carriage.

"Evie!" Blink waved in her direction, and jogged up to the gates. "Hey, Evie!"

The young man scowled at Blink's dirty face and ragged attire. "Can we help you with something?"

"I... I was just sayin' hello to--"

"I'm sure Evelyn has got better things to do than to spend her time carrying on with the likes of you," Evie's companion sneered and helped her down from the carriage steps. "If you'll excuse us, we'll be going now."

Blink looked in confusion from the young man to Evie, about ready to cry. Evie shook her head and mouthed, "Not now," and headed up the steps of her house on the arm of the snob she was with.

A/N: To clear up any doubts, I AM ALIVE. I've been awfully busy lately and have had no time to update fics, but I have time now, so here I am! Huzzah! Interesting little twists were needed, so that's where we're at now. I'm curious to know what y'all think, so let me know! -Layne

P.S. CASTING CALL:I'm still in need of a few random rich-girl characters, if anyone is willing to loan me some. :) Evie needs friends.