Matthew was already there when Alice and Lucien arrived home that night, he was clearly surprised to see Alice walk into the kitchen to join him and Jean, with Lucien trailing behind her.

"Let's all take a seat" said Lucien, motioning to the chairs around the table.

"I've just made a pot of tea." Jean placed the pot on the table with the sugar bowl and milk jug; she then handed everyone a cup and saucer and they all fixed their own.

"I know this seems a bit…well…the thing is…Matthew?"

Matthew looked at Lucien, waiting for him to continue, "I was speaking with Alice this afternoon and it turns out there's been a bit of a misunderstanding."

Lucien proceeded to explain what Alice had told him as Alice let silent tears fall onto the table and Jean leaned over and covered Alice's hands with hers for comfort.

Matthew said nothing when Lucien had finished but he got up and started to pace in the kitchen; he was clearly trying to process what Lucien had just told him but also think about what his response would be. He walked over to Alice and took her hand and silently led her out the back of the house to the garden.

They sat down on the garden furniture and Matthew reached over and took both of Alice's hands in his.

"Why didn't you tell me Alice? Why did you push me away?"

"I'm so sorry Matthew…I overheard those nurses and I…I panicked. I was scared that I would…that you dating me would be bad for your reputation. Everyone knows I'm strange Matthew but not you. I didn't want you to…you don't deserve this."

Matthew reached up and cupped her cheek and wiped a tear with his thumb, "next time, talk to me. Don't you think I deserve the right to make a decision too? I know you thought that you were protecting me but I'm a big boy! I'd like the chance to make my own decisions, with the full picture. Don't shut me out Alice."

"I'm so used to being alone…having to make decisions for myself. I'm not accustomed to…other people."

"I'd like us to be a couple Alice but…you need to understand that this is a partnership. We talk to each other. I'm not perfect and I know that there will be times when I'll be angry and upset and hurt but I would like to think that you'd be ok with me discussing it with you?"

"Yes, of course. I'd like that."

"But…I want you to know that I expect the same from you. I know it might be difficult in the beginning, but I'd like us to work at this together. Don't get frustrated with me for not understanding; I'm not that good at mind reading so if you want me to understand something, you'll need to explain it to me…ok?"

Alice nodded but stood up and sat on Matthew's lap; she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips.

"Take me home please Matthew?"