Well here we go! Thanks to OnMyKnees!!

"Really? I may go?" I jump up and give her peck on the cheek, hoping to go a little further into her good graces.

"Yes, yes." She says chucking my chin then shooing me off.

Eh, Maternal spurts are not so bad. Only spurts.

"But this week will be quite full, as we will have to have you fitted for good traveling suit, and some new gowns, fill in some lessons with Tutor Alaine, pack a trunk, and pay social calls."

Bugger.

I merely grin, its as if nothing can wilt my spirit.

"Well I best be off." She says.

"Off?"

"Yes, I must go to Aunty Francis. Apparently she has come down with a headache."

And perhaps a fresh bout of gossip.

I wave her off, and dash up to my room, jotting down a note to Henry.

Henry,

I can go to Marllow! Well, you'd be proud, I was most lady like.

Well Old Boy best dash,

Lilli.

I seal it, and mount the stairs two at a time, going out to the stables.

"Mr. Neil?" I call into the stables, watching the dust dance in the slats of light through the windows.

Mr. Neil is the head stable hand, -not bad for being one and twenty-. Came from Ireland a few years ago. Apparently a most admirable worker, all according to Emmy. I believe she is completely besotted with him. He is quite handsome. Years of hard work have nothing on him, with his auburn curls and big brown eyes.

I stamp my foot in impatience, just as he comes out.

"Impatient much, lass?" he says eyeing me.

Ignoring his remark, I pass him the letter.

"Would you please post this when you go into town, please?" I say, forcing a smile.

"How would the young lady of the house know when the likes of us go for town errands?" He says smirking.

I spin on my heels, heading to the direction of the house. I shall take no more of this idiocy.

"And Miss Wells, please call me Jamie." He says, tousling his fingers with his hair and smiling a toothy grin at me.

The week is horridly busy. Tutor Alaine has been here some two hours today,and three the day before last! So far I have gone on a quick run through on curtsies, translated a set of verse from Mac Duff to francais, practiced the minuet three times, served tea, studied Paris latest styles, and I have a page of latin verb to conjugate yet! It's sheer madness. It's only Marllow, and besides, even if it is the place to see and be seen, missing a few weeks of tutoring won't kill me.

"Mademoiselle!" Mr. Uppity admonishes, 'sit up straight!'

"What's yet to do, Catan?"

"Do not, how is you say? Trifle with me, Mademoiselle!"

Pfft.

"Moving along' he draws 'all that is left to do arrange a bouquet. Tres fun, no?"

I can feel my eyes go wide, then I burst into laughter, which he interprets to be the extreme excitement of a little chit.

He clasps his hands and raises his eyes heavenwards, then glances at me with some fondness, as if me being angelic is a first.

Honestly, I'm not that much of an animal.

We go out to back lawn, where there is an assortment of flowers laid on a table and a vase as well.

With some difficulty I arrange a bouquet, looking up at Tutor Frenchie for some clue, and finish with a flourish, putting a rose between my teeth and bowing.

"Honestly Mademoiselle?!' He says ready to reprimand me, then glancing at the flowers 'Ah tres magnifique! You have true talent." He says, almost disbelieving it himself.

Then taking my hands, he sits me down, and says ' Well Mademoiselle, my teaching is coming soon to an end, oui. As you must be aware, you are now a lady. But you a much like a daughter to me, and I want you to always remember me. So I have une petite cadeau pour vous." He then skips, or appears to, into the house for a moment.

Now, I know much of that was a rehersed, penny bonus speech to make me feel special, but I am somewhat genuinly touched.

Out back he skips, for now it really appears he does now, with a package tied with a bow. He hands it to me and motions to go on, almost looking more excited than I am. I pop it open and out pops.. a puppy. Or not truly a puppy, but a ludicrously small little fluffy white dog.

"It is a Maltese." He is positively beaming, so as not to break his heart I manage to squeal with "delight", and tell him that I am as much, thanking him profusely.

"What shall you name it?" He asks, panting from the excitement.

"Definitely in french. Perhaps Damian?" I quip, looking at him as his face pales of color.

He quirks an eye brow at me and his lips screw into scowl.

Poor man, most anything upsets him.

I cuddle the little thing to my cheek and he showers me with kisses.

"Well now I've got it!" I say, for I really do.

"Bisou!"

"Perfect!" He beams, patting me on the head.

"Now, I must go. Farewell, as they say Mademoiselle. You are destined for wonderful things. Never stop."

He gathers his supplies from the maids, hops into a carriage and is around the bend and gone.

I had no idea. Why on earth should my tutalige stop?

My time of departure grows near, so we go into town to have me fitted for more needless outfits.

I am fitted for a summer plum traveling suit, as Mrs. Mayler, the seem stress, insists upon. She also makes a matching little cape for Bisou, who is a little ball of nerves, so he is always cold and trembling. A doll though, so I carry him everywhere. He fits in both my hands together and can already sit upon command. I am convinced Mother Jane had something to do with it all, because she keeps raving about how fashion "it" is, as if he is one of fasions latest accesories.

Mother Jane has made, two special occasion gowns, a peach, and a violet, a green day gown, and sheer shimmery white cape that is quite light, as apparently Marllow is quite a chilly town, even in summer. Alas, is my fate. We have a little baby gown made, too.

I stand on a small platform and am laced, poked, prodded, and pricked so my gowns will be ready in time. I stare at myself numbly in the mirror, feeling miserable. Apparently, according to Mother Jane and Mrs. Mayler, I have a lovely figure, gorgeous eyes, and hair that a maiden would die for (though really, whats the point of good, or bad hair, being dead?), so "no wonder the lads chase me so!". I am blushing madly, for they haven't even commented on my mind, or my outstanding studies, no only praising me about the looks I can take no credit for.

Catherine Mayler, her daughter, pulls me off the stand like a doll, to the little back room, seeing as I was going to burst. While Mother Pain and Mrs. Mayler argue over the latest fashions.

She has a good laugh at my expense then says "Lila, you looked ready to hurl!"

"I would of.." I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Now now' she says, smoothing my hair and hugging me, 'tell ole Cat whats the matter', she says in a mock supieror tone, then turns to me and giggling, says 'No, really, is it Henry Malloy that's your beau or that handsome Arlington?"

"Both." I roll my eyes.

"Do tell!" She begs, closely watching me with her big green eyes, her red curls bouncing animatedly.

I spill out the whole story, and beg her to spread it as gossip, particularly to Arlington's social circle, and report to me how it goes when I am gone.

Flattered she says, "I solomly swear to do so to perfection! Make him jealous Lila!"

Which I truly cannot fathom.

We chat on, till Mother Jane calls for time to leave, she promises to keep in touch, and smirking says "To watch out for Henry." I take no heed of it, but would later wish I had.

Unlikely Rose

A/N: Well I hope you like it! (I worked hard on it!) Alot to swallow, but gotta keep things moving. Please review! It's what keeps me going. I really do update faster with more reviews.

A/N 2: French Translations.

Cadeau means present.

Catan means baby doll. (Yes, Lila is wicked.)

Bisou means kisses or kiss.

And if you want to apply for beta, include in review.