Thank you for reading the first, here is the second!

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Until recently the circus wasn't a place where people like them went. They were shady establishments with dirty clowns and scary men with disfigurements. But a new wave had arrived in England from other European countries. Now the acrobats and animal tamers were like superstars and it was hard to arrange tickets for when certain circuses were in town. When Edith told Rose about Williams invitation, her eyes lit up and she huffed with envy.

"You are lucky! It's impossible to get your hands on tickets at the moment. I'm sure Williams title made it possible."

"I bet his original date couldn't make it." Edith said, unconvinced for Rose's positivity.

"Maybe, but he asked you, didn't he? He is a great catch; don't ruin it with your self-deprecation. I love you, but you really have to get over it."

"I'm trying Rose, but I don't want to introduce a man to Grace who isn't an honest man. And you know I'm a bit scared to get my heart broken again." Edith answered.

Rose went over to Edith and sat next to her. They had become best friends since they both basically lived in London. And they complimented each other nicely. Rose (and Peter) urged Edith to always try new things and Edith helped Rose stay grounded and tried to protect her from major scandals.

"I know honey and of course I am not suggesting you marry him tomorrow, but let him court you a bit if he wishes to. It will give you a higher self-esteem and maybe he turns out to be your knight in shining armour."

Edith smiled at her and caressed her cousins hand, who had taken Edith's hand in hers. "You are right, of course. One outing doesn't have to mean anything. Let's just hope I don't see anyone we know."

"Edith!" Rose exclaimed. "Even if, you will meet them with dignity and your head held high."

Edith rolled her eyes dramatically and walked over to her walk-in changing room.

As Edith opened the door to her closet, Grace stuck her head through the crack and giggled. Edith feigned surprise and scooped her up into her arms. Grace was screaming with joy and Rose was observing mother and daughter with a smile.

"Why don't you go to the kitchen and search for cookies for us? I'm sure Ms Mills has some hidden somewhere!" Edith said and Grace's eyes went wide and she was gone in no time.

"She has a sweet tooth." Edith said and Rose nodded.

"She does apparently!"

"Rose, have you heard anything from the family? I really haven't talked to them in a while, are they avoiding me now? It feels as if all the promises that the separation would only be for show, were false. I have left massages with Mr Carson, but I haven't received a call back."

Rose scrunched her eyebrows. "I don't think they are avoiding you on purpose. It must be a hectic time for them with the…" but Rose stopped ""…actually there is not much going on right now. I don't know what's going on; do you want me to ask them?"

"No thank you, I don't need to know if they won't tell me personally. Do you think I did something wrong?"

"Honestly no. It was quite a shock in the beginning, but I'm sure they are over that now."

"I hope so, I don't want our relationship to be any further hurt by something I am doing unknowingly. But enough of me, what is happening with you? Has the gentleman from the other night contacted you again?"

"He has, but I'm no longer interested. He was a nice companion for the evening, but he isn't really boyfriend material. I live impertinently through you right now."

Edith grinned and started to get ready for Grace and her own big day out.

"Go with alluring." Rose said.

"It can't be too alluring. The circus is in a tent, remember? I'd freeze to death."

"Right, but then he would have to cuddle you close to him."

"Rose!"

"Yes, I get it, no fun. I will go find Grace and help her with the cookies. When I get back I want you to have picked something!" Rose said resolutely.

"Yes ma'am."

Fifteen minutes later, Edith was putting Grace into a little dress of her own and pinned up her bit of hair, so it wouldn't be in her eyes.

"I approve of you two. You are quite the team!"

"Thank you Rose and I hate to say it, but I must throw you out now. We have to leave now if we don't want to be late."

"Have fun then." Rose smiled and first embraced Edith and then tickled Grace a bit.

"Ose noo!" she giggled and hid behind her mothers leg.

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To be continued...