Hotchocolate329: Thank you! I'm happy you loved the first chapter :)

gathers-no-moss: Thanks :) Hope I can still keep you glued in!

LoisNClark4Ever: Thank you! I love cocky Clark as well. I think I will have fun writing him. Hoping you find reading about him fun too lol

Eleid: Thank you for the interest! Hope you like this new chapter as well :)

4evrclois: Aww.. thank you :) 19 chapters in the layout.. still a long way to go :O

alexindigo: Thanks! Bruce is a more prominent part of the story than the others, and he shows interest in Lois, just not in *that* way :) Nevertheless, it will still incite Clark's jealous juices *tee hee*

razorstar90: I'm glad I got you! Thank you my friend! :)

Big hugs to you all! Thank you thank you thank you! Again, I ask for forgiveness for the mistakes I made (both grammatical and historical).

No more waiting, I give you, the next chapter :)

Chapter 2

It was for love of family that Lois was going on a trip riding inside a carriage and not atop a horse.

Lois has been sitting inside the carriage for the past three hours, her legs screaming to be stretched. Her father had ordered her to leave Fort Ryan immediately and travel to Metropolis, where she can start her search for her missing sister Lucy.

Lucy: the more beautiful, the more elegant, the more intelligent sister. In other words, the better daughter of General Sam Lane. She honestly loved Lucy, but the people around her made her feel as if she was just a speck compared to the younger Lane. She could still remember the looks of their family's friends and acquaintances when both daughters were introduced, confusion abound as to what had happened with the elder Lane, that there must be something 'wrong' with her for her to still be unmarried at her age. It took every will in her, and of course some sores on her tongue for biting it down, not to answer back and give them a piece of said acerbic tongue.

In all fairness to Lucy, she never rubbed it in that she was 'better'. In fact, when they were alone, Lucy would always tell Lois that she envied her talents and her skills.

Lucy excelled in what society might deem important for a woman of her stature. Lois excelled in what society might deem inappropriate for a woman of her stature.

Lucy was gifted in needlework. Lois' 'needle' was a fencing sword.

Lucy's hand creates beautiful oil on canvass that even the King's eye caught one of her paintings. Lois on the other hand, wrote commentary pieces about the society as a whole, but only read by the eyes of her approving tutor, Mr. Perry White.

Lucy has mastered the piano. Lois has mastered riding horses.

Lucy was fluent in three languages. One word to describe the language Lois knew was colorful.

Lois sighed. The list of their differences could go on and on, but the one thing that they probably shared, of which she knew of late, was the daring streak running in their veins. Who knew that meek, shy, and timid Lucy craved excitement and adventure?

She did not know how Lucy pulled it off, but she had escaped from their father's tight custody and went off to parts unknown. Lois should have seen it coming: Lucy has begun to read books about the travels and voyages of early explorers, the same books that Lois herself has read some years back. Lois even asked permission from her father to travel, only to be turned down vehemently, telling Lois she was needed in their home more so after her mother had died.

And maybe that was the reason Lucy decided to escape: she knew that their father would forbid her to go.

Lois did not know where to start, but as her father was needed in Fort Ryan, he had told Lois to immediately pay visit to her cousin Lady Chloe Queen in Metropolis, for her husband might be of help in searching for her sister. Lois did not know how long she would search for Lucy, but Lois had hoped that it would not take much time. She would miss Fort Ryan, and her activities, too much.

In Fort Ryan, Lois would be able to do everything she wanted. She could ride astride her horse Blaze for all she wanted. She could practice her fencing with her trainer for hours on end. She could spend time learning anything and everything from Mr. White.

Unfortunately, everything she did in Fort Ryan was not the norm in Metropolis. The only thing she was looking forward to was seeing Chloe again.

Three more hours. Lois leaned her head back, hoping to get much needed sleep and to forget her current predicament. She loved adventure, but not this type.

"My lady, we have arrived at our destination."

Lois slowly opened her eyes and pulled back the curtains, saw the large townhouse that was supposed to be Chloe's home, and alighted from the carriage.

Straightening her old traveling dress, she waited as the driver, one of her father's former soldiers, gathered her bags and after receiving a nod from him, walked towards the front door.

A few moments after knocking, the butler answered the door. Lois turned to the driver and bid him a good journey back, and also to tell her father that she would not fail. Welcoming her in, she was told to wait in the drawing room. In no time, Chloe came bounding inside and enveloped Lois in a big hug.

"Cousin!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Cousin!" Lois cried back.

They pulled apart, both sporting huge grins. "I have missed you!"

"As have I." Lois replied. "But it is unfortunate that this is not a social call."

Chloe's face immediately changed to worry. "I know."

Lois nodded. "I see that you have already received the letter."

"Two days back." Chloe answered. "How did you know she went on her own accord?"

"She left a note. I know her handwriting. It was not forged. I guess my longing for adventure finally rubbed off on her." Lois said with a wry smile.

"And why has the General waited in sending you? It has been a week."

Lois only gave her cousin a shrug. "I do not know. Maybe he was still hoping that Lucy will be returning soon. Has your husband acted on it then?"

"Yes he has." Oliver answered, joining them in the drawing room, immediately standing beside Chloe. "I have already put my best men on it. I am to receive reports a couple of days from now."

Lois smiled and gave him a kiss of greeting. "I am forever grateful."

"I would have expected it of you, but was surprised to learn that it was Lucy." Oliver said.

"I was a fool in asking permission from my father. My sister learned from my mistake." Lois said, resignation evident in her voice.

Oliver laughed, and Chloe had to nudge him in the ribs. He looked down at his wife lovingly, a smile still playing on his lips. "It is true. Who would have known Lois would be asking permission from the General? Admit it Chloe, she is not one to conform to the rules." Oliver looked at Lois. "I believe Lois came here unchaperoned?"

Chloe glared at Oliver's correct deduction, "My uncle trusts his men implicitly. Lois would not need a chaperone on the way here." At Chloe's pout, Oliver leaned down and gave his wife a brief kiss.

Lois could not help but be happy at the couple's display of affection. "I see you have been taking care of my cousin."

Chloe beamed as she wrapped her arms around Oliver's waist. Oliver mirrored his wife's actions. "And feel the wrath of one Lois Lane? Who could forget your threat of tearing me limb by limb if I ever hurt your little cousin?"

Lois smiled, thankful that Chloe finally found the one for her, after her first husband James died of disease shortly after they were married. That Oliver did not mind her cousin's history earned him a seal of approval, at least from her. "It is well and good that you took note of my threat."

"Would not dream of otherwise." Oliver then called the housekeeper, asking her to bring Lois' bags to the guest room. "It has been a long journey, I am certain you need rest."

"Thank you." Turning to Chloe, she gave her cousin another hug. "We will talk later after I rest. You will have to leave your dear husband for a while."

"I will miss the time you spend away from me, my love." Oliver said ridiculously.

Chloe rolled her eyes at Oliver and grabbed Lois' hand, dragging her towards the guest room. She then turned and told Oliver, "I still need to talk to you. About the bet." Not waiting for Oliver's reply, she resumed dragging Lois.

Lois waited until they were inside the room that she asked. "You bet with your husband?"

"Well, not this time." Chloe answered mysteriously.

Lois would have probed further if not for the weariness and fatigue she was experiencing. Chloe sensed it as well.

"Take your rest cousin. In a couple of hours I will bring us tea and cookies and we can talk to our hearts' content." Giving her a kiss goodbye on the cheek, Chloe left the room, a definite spring in her step.

Lois just chalked it up to Chloe's joy of seeing her again, as exhaustion finally overtook and she was soon soundly asleep.

Oliver was already in the hallway of the second floor near the staircase, waiting for Chloe.

"I knew you were thinking of something."

Chloe feigned ignorance. "I am thinking about a lot of things. Which one would it be?"

"The bet."

"Ah, the bet." She smiled conspiratorially.

"Clark would never fall for Lois. You heard it himself, he never beds virgins."

"But he will fall in love with one. And Lois is his perfect fit. After receiving that letter from the General I knew that she is the right one for him."

"Are you forgetting the fact that Lois is here to search for her sister?"

Chloe lost the smile on her face. "I have not. But I know Lucy, she is not in any danger of any form. She is an intelligent woman, she knows how to fend for herself." Chloe added, pride in her voice. "Besides, the General need not send Lois in search of Lucy. The task can easily be conveyed to you and the others, hence the letter. Why would he need Lois to be physically here? In Metropolis? I think he has an ulterior motive."

Realization dawned on Oliver. "The marriage mart. But Lois is already past marriageable age, and it is because of lack of trying on Lois' part. It is her choice to stay unmarried."

"You still underestimate the power of love." Chloe said. "Everything is aligning perfectly. Trust me on this, my dear husband. They are perfect for each other."

Oliver just looked at Chloe and sighed. "As you say, my dear wife." He had to acquiesce sooner or later, but he had to admit: if Chloe's plans come to fruition, it would be one entertaining spectacle.

Again, your comments and reviews (negative and positive) are most welcome. Love you lots!