It's been two days since the return to Philadelphia. Rose had tried her best to keep herself busy and not dwell on missing Jack so much. She had even pushed back the coming discussion with her mother about moving to Boston. She had gone shopping for a new wardrobe. She had also done shopping for small things like writing journals, a new typewriter, and some painting kits because she was thinking about taking that artistic endeavor up. Some new books also distract her from thinking bout Jack and missing him so much.

But finally, she ran out of things to buy and shops to look around in, so she decided to go ahead, sit down with her mother and have a discussion that she had been putting off since their return home.

She found Ruth in the garden this time around, or rather the veranda that leads out into the garden. She sat at the small table, sipping on a tea and nibbling a scone that the maid had laid out for her about five minutes ago. Rose cleared her throat and took a seat across from her mother, trying to not seem too nervous about her request.

"Rose, I am glad that you have joined me out here this afternoon. I've barely seen you since our return from Boston. I've heard that you have been to about every shop in the area. Must I remind you that the Dawson fortune isn't ours just yet? That we still must be frugal until you are safely wed," Ruth admonished. Rose's spending had indeed alarmed her. Normally, Rose wasn't one to shop the way she has been. It reminded Ruth too much of her husband, buying frivolous things without thought. That was not a good look for a family on the brink of financial ruin.

Rose sighed and looked over at a now budding flower bed. She had to admit, the garden was going to be one of the things she'll miss about this house. She had always been able to escape among the flowers when she needed time to herself.

"Not to worry mother. My shopping is over for now. There were just some things that I needed."

"Things that you wanted, rather. I must insist that you lay off the shopping for the next two weeks. We still have to search for your wedding dress, not to mention having to find a proper venue for both the wedding and the reception."

"Mother, as much as I'd like to discuss the wedding and reasons why I should stop shopping for frivolous items, there is something much more important that I need to talk with you about."

Ruth frowned and placed a hand against her throat. Whatever can be the matter now? She had agreed to this marriage. She had broken off all contact with the Hockleys. She had been on her best behavior. What could Rose possibly demand now?

"Before we left Boston, Jack and I talked. We both hate that we won't be seeing each other as much before the wedding. That we'll be living so far away from each other."

"Well, Rose. That is completely normal. It is deemed inappropriate for an engaged couple to live together. Of course, you two can visit, but I am sure Jack will be too busy being groomed to take over the Dawson family business. He won't have time to come here as often and I cannot think of an appropriate reason for you to continuously go to Boston, even if it's to visit with that dear Emilie."

"I know. Which is why Jack thinks that we should move to Boston."

There. She said it. Got it all out there. Now it was time to deal with her mother's reaction.

"Pardon me? Move to Boston? Now?"

"Yes. Jack said his father had given him the use of a townhouse that we can stay in until the wedding. He had taken Emilie and me there before we had left and mother, it's gorgeous. And it has its own staff. You'd thrive there and so would I because I'd be able to see Jack more."

"But Rose," Ruth stammered. "This is our home! Philadelphia is our home! I know that we're in danger of losing it now, but still...I never thought it'd be prudent to leave it so soon when we don't have to…"

"But mother...it's just a house. It's not a home and we'll be making the move to Boston anyway, once the wedding has happened. Just think about it, please. I...I need to be close to where Jack is, mother. I can't go months on end without seeing him."

Ruth sighed. She could tell just by looking at Rose that she wanted the move to happen. She wanted to be a part of the Dawson's world as soon as possible and leave this old life behind. But what did Ruth herself want? She had friends...or what could pass as friends. She knew that people gossiped about her and her debts all the time, but that was the nature of the beast. It was to be expected. That wasn't a good enough reason to move. In fact, it felt like she was running away.

But Rose wanted it. She could see the need right there in her daughter's eyes. She wanted to be somewhere where she could just reach out and touch Jack Dawson. Hmm, Rose never really did like Philadelphia anyway. She always said that it was too cold and stiff here. That there was no heart, no emotion. Ruth of course disagreed, but this was Rose's life. Not hers.

"Who will be making this move Rose? Are you expecting me to remain here in this big mansion by myself? Who will chaperone you and Jack? Have you thought any of this through?"

"We both will, of course. Mother, it'd be so much more comfortable for you there than here. You know I'm telling the truth.

Ruth couldn't think of any reason to refuse to move. "Rose, this is my home. I couldn't possibly…"

"Mother...there's a good chance that you may lose this place. You may have to leave it anyway. Wouldn't it be better to have already moved and settled in somewhere new before that happens?"

"My friends?"

"You mean the women that gossip and ridicule you behind your back? Mother, wouldn't you rather go to Boston and make new friends there? Friends that won't look down on you?"

"My staff…"

"Who you will have to let go once this place gets auctioned."

"Well, I see that you have really given this a lot of thought."

"I have. I mean...mother don't you see? We have nothing holding us here. Our lives are not in Philadelphia anymore. We belong in Boston. Besides, once I marry Jack, that will be where my family will reside. You should be up there near the Dawsons. So we won't miss each other so much and I can make sure that you're taken care of."

Ruth sighed. Her daughter had a point. Once Rose married, it was more than likely that she would be gone from Philadelphia for good. She'll want to stay with the Dawsons. She will be a Dawson. If Ruth hoped to be a part of Rose's new life and spend time with her coming grandchildren, it would be prudent to make a move to Boston.

"Alright. You win. Let the Dawsons know that we'll take them up on that offer. Just give me time to close up the house and write letters of recommendation for the staff."

Rose's smile was bright and happy as she got up to go hug her mother. "Thank you! I can't describe how happy this makes me! How happy it'll make Jack!"

"Just promise me one thing, Rose. No lavender for the bridesmaid dresses. I know you like the color but…"

"How about a sky blue. Would that satisfy you, mother?"

"Blue?"

Rose placed her hands on her hips, giving her mother an annoyed stare.

"Alright, alright. Sky blue sounds lovely," Ruth relented, just happy to avoid lavender.