A/N: May I just say thank you to RedDeathLvr for their wonderful reviews. I had begun to wonder if I had been forgotten. Also a big thank you to my friends, namely Chozogal and GrippenJ39, for their support and for beta'ing for me especially while I've been sick. Thank you all so much. *Virtual hugs* Love you guys! You guys rock!

Chapter Seventeen:

Remembered or Forgotten?

Two and a half hours later, La Carlotta had finally been ready so that the entire staff could meet on the stage to be introduced to the patron. Darcey was extremely nervous and couldn't help but fidget. She wondered if he would remember her and wasn't sure if she wanted him to or not. She wasn't sure she wanted everyone to know that she had once been a Lady from a very wealthy family. It could be unsafe for her as someone could attempt to hold her for ransom though she knew her distant cousin wouldn't pay anything for her. He was too greedy and didn't care about her. Neither did any of the rest of her extended family. She would wish the person foolish enough to kidnap her good luck but she doubted they would be able to get anything from anyone. It would be disappointing all around. She stood next to Meg and couldn't help but reach out for her hand. She needed comfort.

Meg smiled at her and squeezed her hand in understanding. She may not know why she needed comfort but she understood that she needed it and was quick to offer it. Darcey froze when she heard the managers approaching. They were obviously talking to someone that couldn't be anyone but Lionell Rossau. She ran a shaky hand through her short hair. 'Here goes nothing,' she thought. 'Just act natural.' She heard a deep laugh that she recognized.

"Here he is," Meg whispered. Darcey could only manage to nod, her eye glued on the approaching figures. He was just as handsome as she remembered. She remembered quite clearly that he had been considered one of the most handsome young men and the girls had constantly been fawning over him until Darcey felt sick. She had always tried to avoid those kinds of conversations and had even, in desperation, turned the topic of conversation to some mundane subject such as dress styles.

Darcey shook her head to bring her mind back to the present. Mme. Giry and the managers were talking briefly to Lionell. He happened to glance up at her and he winked and she blushed that she had been caught staring. He said something to the managers and Mme. Giry and they nodded and bowed. Mme. Giry then began to take Lionell around the room and introduce him to the people that were standing and sitting about. There were some distinct groups in some areas that secluded themselves from the others. She was pondering on this when Meg nudged her with her elbow. Darcey looked up and found Lionell approaching them with Mme. Giry at his side.

"My daughter, Meg Giry," she said, indicating her daughter.

"A pleasure, Mademoiselle," he said in a honeyed tone as he kissed her hand. He then turned to Darcey. "And this lovely lady?"

"Darcey Dubois. She came to be with us recently."

Darcey watched his face closely to see if he recognized her. "Dubois? You must be related to Lord Dubois who lives near my home." She nodded. "I'm pleased to meet you Mademoiselle Dubois. I look forward to getting to know both of you," he winked at them both before continuing on without a backward glance. Darcey sighed sadly. He hadn't recognized her. He may have recognized her family name but he did not remember her personally.

Meg looked at her with a look of confusion on her face before realization dawned on her face. "You knew him before." It was a statement not a question.

Darcey sighed. "He didn't recognize me." Compassion filled Meg's face and she put an arm around Darcey's shoulder. Darcey smiled at her. She may not know everything about her yet but she knew that she was the best friend she could have hoped for.

"Thanks for being my friend," she whispered as Lionell and Mme. Giry finished their bout around the room. They joined the managers again and soon one of them cleared their throat.

"Lord Rossau has discussed with us and we have decided to give everyone the day off." A cheer went up and Darcey heard Lionell's rolling laughter sound throughout a room. It had always done that. People started to scatter as they hurried to take advantage of the unexpected day off. Darcey and Meg squealed simultaneous as Garren came up behind them and spoke in their ears.

"What say you that we go on a picnic?" Garren grinned at the girls that had spun around when he had begun speaking. He had caught them off guard and he had to bit his lip to keep from outright laughing.

Meg placed a hand over her rapidly beating heart. "Don't do that! You about scared the daylights out of me!" He chuckled and was slapped playfully on the arm by the slightly offended Meg. "He's laughing at me!" she exclaimed to Darcey. Darcey giggled. Meg folded her arms. "No fair. I don't have a chance against both of you," she pouted. Darcey reached over and poked her in the ribs causing her to squeal. "Hey! No tickling!"

Garren chuckled. It appeared that someone was extremely ticklish. He made a mental note just in case he should ever need anything. When Meg tickled Darcey back, he added her to the list as well. Darcey didn't seem to be quite as ticklish but she still was. He chuckled at the two before speaking up again. "How about that picnic?"

Meg's face screwed up in confusion. "But it's cold outside. We would freeze if we went out!"

A mischievous expression crossed his face and he winked at them, overjoyed to see them both blush. "Who ever said anything about going outside?" Both girls looked confused but then realization entered Darcey's face. He heard a soft, "Oh," before she grinned. Meg looked between the two of them in frustration that she was left out.

"Hey! Where are we going then?" Neither responded but merely looked at each other with a significant look. Meg sighed in defeat. "You aren't going to tell me, are you?" They both shook their heads and she rolled her eyes. "Fine, but we had better get going on this picnic before I get especially put out with the both of you."

Garren bowed low, biting back a laugh. She could be so funny sometimes. He straightened. "I'll be right back with a blanket and a picnic basket. Don't go anywhere now. I would be extremely disappointed to return and find myself devoid of the company of two lovely ladies." They both blushed at the compliment and he rushed to get the things needed for their picnic. He could not wait!