Here it is, finally. Sorry it's kind of short.

A quick review: "He's a wonderful boy, and will make a perfect Penderwick. He is going to take our name, isn't her?" Skye grinned. "You bet he is."

Meanwhile...

Jeffrey was backed into a corner. Literally. He was being held captive between the refrigerator and the stove by the last person he ever would have suspected. Iantha.

"Tell me."

"I told you, I would if I could, but I can't."

"You mean you won't." Iantha tickled him in the ribs. "Come on... fess up. What's going on in our backyard, and why wasn't I informed?" She tickled him some more.

"Alright! Alright, just stop!" She stopped and looked at him expectantly. "Skye-and-I-are-engaged-and-we-didn't-tell-you-because-I-wanted-to-ask-Mr.-Pen's-permission-first-We're-sorry!" Jeffery exclaimed in one breath. Iantha just stared at him.

"Jeffrey," she said slowly, "you're going to have to give me a more in-depth explanation than that." Grinning, she sat down on the kitchen counter. "Now, I expect you to make this good. I haven't heard a romantic story in ages."

New Year's Eve, Aundrel, MA, The Summer Cottage

Gahh! I look ridiculous. Skye stood in front of the full-length mirror in he bedroom. She was wearing a long, slinky, black gown that complemented her perfectly. Her hair was pinned-up, and she looked anything but ridiculous, but of course, she couldn't see that.

She and Jeffrey were staying at Aundrel for the New Year, seeing as Mrs. T-D had (reluctantly) invited them so that they could meet her friends. Skye was here for Jeffrey's sake, and Jeffrey was here for his mother's, but all three of them were certain that they hadn't had such a terrible week ever. Needless to say, everyone was thanking their lucky stars that the young couple was only there for 2 more days.

Too bad Churchie couldn't be here. That would have at least made this evening bearable. Skye thought to herself. Oh, well. She's probably having a grand time in Boston with her daughter. I wish I was in Boston, too... The sound of the doorbell ringing brought Skye out of her thoughts. Grabbing her coat off the bed, she raced down the stairs. She threw open the door, yanked her fiancé inside, and kissed him soundly.

"I haven't seen you all day, Jeffrey! So much for taking care of your betrothed." Jeffrey winced slightly.

"You realize that you sound just like Jane when you say that, don't you?" At this Skye paled. "Look, I'm sorry about neglecting you today, but my mother wouldn't let me out of the house. I hope you weren't too bored." Skye smiled.

"No, I had three chapters of tensor calculus that are due when classes start back up, so the day wasn't entirely wasted. But I did miss you. I know it sounds silly, but I've gotten used to having you around." He chuckled and kissed her gently.

"Come on. As much as I would rather just stay here and watch a movie, mother will kill me if we're late." And with that he gently pushed her out of the door.

"I'll take your coat, Miss Penderwick."

"Thanks, Wainsworth. And please just call me Skye."

"Of course, Miss Penderwick." Seeing Skye's murderous expression, Jeffrey gently drew her away from the front door, and into the ballroom. Elbowing her slightly in the ribs, he smirked.

"You know, Skye, you really aren't supposed to go around murdering butlers. After all, they're very hard to come by. Not many people know how to butle properly nowadays. It's a dying art." Skye snorted.

"And I suppose you are the expert butler of the century?"

"Why, of course not, my dear. Men such as myself could never lower ourselves to the level of butlers. It would be a disgrace!"

"Men such as yourself are dirty, chauvinistic, -"

By this time, the pair were getting some pointed looks from a group of old ladies and Jeffrey, who knew where Skye was likely to go with her current rant, decided he had better shut her up before she said something that would land the two of them in a world of hurt. He did this simply by kissing her. At least, it started out as simply. Before he new what was happening, she had her arms around his neck, and the kiss deepened rapidly. Well, that sort of backfired. Jeffrey thought silently. Now we're definitely going to end up in trouble. Not that I'm complaining. He added to himself as the kiss deepened even more.

By this point, they were both completely out of breath, and broke apart slowly. Every pair of eyes was directed at the young couple, and the tension in the air was so think you could have cut it with a knife. Jeffrey was thanking his lucky stars that his mother was still upstairs. Skye, to her credit, handled herself very well for such an awkward situation.

Clearing her throat softly, she smiled at the crowd. "Well, now that we have everyone's attention, my name is Skye Penderwick. I'm Jeffrey's fiancé." At the mention of that last word, everyone relaxed a bit. People went back to their chatter, and the group of old ladies came over and introduced themselves. The incident seems almost forgotten, but Jeffrey knew that they hadn't heard the last of it.

Hi guys,

Sorry it's taken me sooo long to update, but things have been pretty hectic around here. Please review! It would make me feel sooooo appreciated. :)