Alice was never one capably to admitting that the Earl was right after such a long, heated debate in which, though she believed her behavior to have been civil, she had completely shown her opposition to believing anything of the sort. But she knew exactly what Ethan meant by her falling in love and the whole happiness bit. True, she didn't favor anyone in the court, even if Jack of Spades and Cheshire had tried to win her grace. But what did not seem to get through to her was why the Hatter cared whether or not she was happy in marriage. That was not the point of marriage of court, as he well knew. She had a duty to her people. The good of the whole was better than any individual. So why had the Earl been so shocked at the fact she needed to wed? So he himself remained a bachelor, but men of rank could do that. The only true question in her mind was why he seemed to hold her to the same standards as himself?

She enquired to Mouse's thoughts as they rummaged through her closet.

"Well," Mouse attempted, fumbling with all the dresses in more of a large room than a closet, "it will be curious when you're off and married with all your queenly duties. He could just not want our relationships to change. What will become of our Golden Afternoons and Mad Tea Parties." Mouse began to shrink, whimpering, "Oh dear, oh dear! Alice, I couldn't possibly wear one of these!"

"But you must! Not because I'd be embarrassed if you dressed as normal, for it would be quite amusing for the two of us to dress ourselves in front of the court, but simply because you deserve such articles. What about that emerald muslin over yonder?" The princess strolled over to it and displayed it in her arms for her little Mouse's expectation. Treading back on the former topic, she thought out loud, "But he must've known it was going to happen eventually. Is it really so wrong and so large of an affair that he should fret the matter as he does?"

Mouse shook her head at the article, the black threads of hair tossing to and fro before her eyes. Her voice was gentle, yet all the more firm, "You have to understand, Alice. The Earl isn't like other nobles. He's- he's somewhat more odd and sensitive about his friendships. I sometimes imagine he's gained the same attachment to you as I have with Mar-"

Alice glanced up from the gowns, smiling. "You love March!"

Mouse studied the carpet, the color filling her cheeks shining through the black of her hair.

Alice laughed, "Oh Mouse, I wish you so much happiness! I always suspected, but one can not presume... Do you think he feels the same way?"

Mouse squealed shyly, squatting to her knees, and curling up into a ball in attempt to shut herself off from the world. Alice had known Mouse long enough to realize this was her way of saying she couldn't even begin to think of such a horrifying concept. This only made Alice giggle, Mouse being as adorable as ever even though she was a year older than herself! She was still a child in attitude and stature.

Alice smiled with understanding, squatting down beside the doll and wrapping her arms around her in a loving embrace. Mouse squealed a little more which only caused the princess to giggle. Putting her lips to the tiny creature's ear, she whispered, "Oh, I am sure he does! And you'll be the happiest in marriage throughout all the land. But I do sometimes wonder what you're children will look like...?"

Alice squinted at the sound of poor little Mouse screaming. She had expected it, as she had presumed her little sweet doll would struggle to free herself which was why Alice had tightened her arms around her rather than covering her ears. Mouse was never one to understand being teased, which was the very reason it was so enjoyable to do it. And yet Alice spoke truth, or part of it. She honestly believed the two would be the most charming couple. If only the two could see it as well.

Alice laughed some more, holding the squirming child tight and whispering more soothingly, "I kid! I did not mean to embarrass you by the statement. Well, perhaps I did, but you have to understand it was simply a joke."

Mouse stared out from under her black bangs, inquiring in a barely audible voice, "You won't tell, will you?"

"Why Mouse! You can not possibly expect such things to be kept secret. After all, people will see the children in do time and behold their appearance themselves!"

Mouse crawled back into herself, giggling and squealing in the same breath.

Alice giggled with her, assuring the poor thing she would not ever dream of disclosing the facts of her confidence. If she wished to keep her ardent affections for their mutual companion a secret, she had no right to intervene. She produced the warmest smile as to help prove her honesty. Mouse's only reply went something to the extent of, "Well, if for some reason your tongue does wag of its leash, as it has done in the past, I will have to set the Hatter on you!"

Alice looked amusingly shocked, exclaiming, "And where have you been hiding that burst of boldness!"

Mouse quickly stood up, ignoring the last comment as she continued going through the wardrobe. After a few silly hints dropped by Alice of March's equal affection, the two found their choice garments for the coming coronation. Both could hardly fathom that it was already Princess Heart's sixteenth birthday approaching!

And thus the advice, confession, and humiliation of a peasant girl were concluded. A stepping stone to many romances, dramas, and floating masks that were soon to come.