I haven't updated in forever, but alas haven't really had the time. Well I want to thank all my darling reviewers, and want to give a big thanks to OnMyKnees and all her help. Chapters might be shorter but I'm only going to bite as much as I can chew.

Disclaimor : I do not own Mr Dickens . But I do own the story. And a 6 pound chihuahua who can attack on command when I say "no reviews". Ye matey's, are forewarned..

I arrive home in an uproar slamming doors and stomping off to the back lawn where hopefully I can for once, be alone. I plop down on a bench, satisfied like a child to be getting my way. I glance around the garden. Even though it is early spring, the garden is a rainbow of colors bursting with the exuberance everyone seems to flow with, but alas not me. Suddenly I dash up to my room, grabbing a book a back down to the lawn I go. It isn't long before I am entranced in Mr Dickens.

Suddenly a hand clamps over my mouth. My heart is racing, surely Arlington had no time arrive this soon. Or did he? I bite my captors hand, swinging around for a glance. "Well that's no way to greet your dear old cousin George now is it" he says mockingly cradling his afflicted hand.

"Well if perhaps they were dear, but as your quite not, I shall just ask what the devil what you are doing." I quip.George is about 19,and Aunty Fanny's largest trouble. His looks do little to compensate, as he looks quite rake-ish. Mildly short, piercing brown eyes, high cheek bones and a shock of black hair that never behaves.

"I am wounded fair cousin, may I not just visit to enjoy your enchanting company?" He clutches his heart, then with a touch of drama flops down on the ground next to me, propped on his elbows he grins cheekily at me.

I wag my finger at him. "No you may not, now be honest."

"Alas Lila, you reform me. Mumsy wants you and Aunty Jane to come to dinner this very night"

"Alright Georgie, who told her about Arlington?" A look of utter surprise came over his face.

"Well you see it's just that she heard and and.. He stuttered.

I shoot him a withering look as a warning. "Well, he began, I did. You see Arlington and I are actually grew up together,old buddies, and I accidentally told Mumsy. Tis all."

I wail "Now I have to sit through dinner on top of it all. Wait a minute, you know Arlington, how on earth did he find out about me?" I narrow my eyes to slits, waiting for an answer.

"Well, I.. sort of told him about you" With as much stage remorse as could be.

"Why!" I shriek stomping my foot.

"He wrote from India, saying he was in the market for a wife, and that he would be certainly obliged if I would make recommendations. I said I had the most lovely lady in mind, but that I wasn't so sure. Well he then offered his best racing horse, Magnus, and really Lilias she is a beaut.. I glare maddeningly at him.

He gulps "But I digress, I gave him all the particulars and he gave me the deed to the horse, saying he would arrive within a fortnight."

"You idiot!" I say kicking him from his relaxed seat on the ground. "You sold my freedom for a horse, you filthy piglet. Now you shall rue the day, now get away."

He gets up with a smirk. "That's our Lilias.Always too good for everybody else. Hmm well, I suppose thats a yes for the dinner invitation. 6 sharp."

Gritting my teeth I point towards the garden gate. "Get. Out." He turns around swaggering off. I throw my poor book at his retreating figure, gladly watching it thump him hard on the back, rousing a loud cough.

As soon as he is gone, I draw my knees to my chest, burying my sobbing face in my skirts. I am able to calm myself down taking a few shuddering breaths then quickly wiping my eyes as I see Mother Jane approach the gate.

"Well dear child you have done it, secured a beau in record time!" She says.

"What?" I question, my eyes blank.

"Silly child, Mr. Jeffery hasasked to court you! Aren't you excited?" She says beaming.

I nod completely indifferent, a plan forming in my head "Terribly. By the way. We are dining with with Aunty Fanny Uncle John tonight".

"I flounce off to my room announcing I am preparing for as much." Leaving Mother Jane nodding on the lawn to herself in shock of my lack pugnacity.

Unlikely Rose

A/N : Whoa. Even I didn't see that coming.. Well review please, and I will give you all some jelly beans. And you have good cause to. Describe the perfect dress for Lila to wear tonight, and the winner's dress description will be featured in the next chapter. (Hint hint she'll need to look stunning. But you'll find out why later..

Happy Easter peeps! (Haha no pun intended!)