Alice smiled, breathing the scent of crisp autumn air and sweet apples and listening to the fiddles playing in the background. It was Cider Day, and she stood with Hieronymous, watching people work the cider press. As soon as she had stepped off the bus that morning, her husband was there, offering her his arm. She had managed not to look too surprised, taking it and then strolling off with him.

She would not have minded holding her husband's hand, but by now was use to the fact that Hieronymous preferred the formal version of such things when in public. Alice did not mind as it made her feel like a lady.

She attempted to stifle a giggle, remembering that she actually was a lady.

"Is something amusing you?" Hieronymous asked.

"It just struck me that we are the only couple arm in arm instead of hand in hand," she answered, looking around, judging none of the other students were close enough to hear their conversation.

"You have an objection?"

"No," she said. "By now I'm used to being unusual."

Hieronymous paused. "I'm sorry if you feel alienated from your classmates."

Alice shrugged. "Between you, Clark, and Donald I almost never get bothered about our relationship. I haven't lost any of the friends I made last year, and between my studies, student council stuff, and the relationships I have already I don't expect I will be having time for any more in the near future anyway."

"What have Mr. Danson and your brother done to aid your situation?" he asked.

"They have heavily suggested that you are more…calm…when in my presence, and that whatever else may or may not be going on, I enjoy your company as well. They reason that you being less likely to be in a bad mood, and therefore refraining from giving everyone that crosses your path demerits, is a goal shared by all," Alice explained.

"Which also means," her husband theorized, "that bothering you about our situation might make you upset and want to end it. In that case, I would undoubtedly be in a relentless fury for some time to come."

Alice grinned. "Something like that."

"Which also explains why the students seem to be giving us our space today," he said looking around. In truth, the other students did appear to be skirting wherever they happened to be by a comfortable margin. "So I assume Clark is getting the lion's share of questions regarding us, and acting as a shield for you?" he asked.

She nodded. "He says it's strange having so many people pay attention to him. I don't think that he truly dislikes it. I got attention for being the oldest, Nancy got attention for being the youngest, and the twins got attention for causing the most trouble at home. Clark felt like he was sandwiched in as my deputy to just keep the rest of our siblings from getting themselves hurt."

Hieronymous nodded. "And he likes you, so he's doing something constructive with the attention."

"And Donald is nice enough to help him. They seem to be getting along very well," she said.

"As Mr. Danson has yet to get into detention this year," he said, "I will regard your brother's friendship as a positive force."

"Just wait until the twins get here," Alice smirked. "I am sure they will attempt to leave you without any free weekends."

"I cannot contain my excitement," her husband deadpanned.

They walked on until they came to the fiddlers. The music was lively, and Alice found herself tapping a foot to the rhythm.

"Clark says he's running for Treasurer this year. He thinks that he may was well make use of the fact that all the freshmen seem to know his name," Alice said.

"And your brother is aware of what the position requires? I recall thinking that you may have not read the full contents of the manual I handed you."

She grinned sheepishly. "I actually hadn't read the whole thing, but I thought that there would be work involved. And yes, I told Clark about what would be expected of him. He's a morning person anyway."

"Then I shall expect him to come to my office with a campaign theme and lubricous nickname already in mind. Speaking of which, are you planning on running?"

"Yes," Alice answered. "I was wondering if I could run as 'Mrs. Grabiner' since it isn't a secret anymore."

"I…" Hieronymous paused. "Are you sure that it would be in your best interest? Being liked and being respected is not always the same thing."

Alice smiled. "It would be more of a problem for 'President' than for 'Treasurer' I think. And everyone that paid attention last year knows I did a good job. Not to mention the fact that claiming the name 'Mrs. Grabiner' would allow me to forego the traditional ludicrous nicknames."

Her husband chuckled. "You mean that you would rather admit to being my wife in public than going as 'Lady Lampshade Head' again? In that case, I find myself flattered."

"I am seriously considering hitting you with something Hieronymous," she teased back, "but I will refrain as it would undermine the discipline at Iris."

"You are magnanimous as always, wife," he said. "And I have no objections. I will ask, however, if you have been speaking with Petunia recently. She has become especially…smug…lately."

Alice frowned, thinking. "Not that I remem…oh."

Hieronymous just looked at her inquisitively.

"Grandfather wrote Clark asking what kind of arrangements he should be making for our visit over Christmas, assuming Mom and Dad let us go." He had wanted their measurements so he could provide them with 'appropriate wardrobes.' He also had wanted to know if one room or two would be required for the newlyweds. She had told him two rooms would suffice. "This opened the subject about our marriage, and Clark wanted to know if he needed to learn the ceremony to give me away. I guess he must have asked Potsdam about it."

"And you told your brother that this would be necessary?" As in the case of the dowry, it would only be necessary if the marriage contract was for ten years or longer. Otherwise, it left the door open for her to not renew her marriage contract when the time came, and claim her status in the house of her birth. Theoretically, their next contract in January could be for any amount of time longer than the year and a day.

"Well, I think my exact words were that I don't intend to renew my marriage contract every year like it was a dog's license.…" Alice stopped, looking up at her husband who had turned to face her directly. He had the strangest look on his face, like there was something repressed, trying to fight its way out. "Perhaps we should talk about it later in private? I know we haven't really discussed anything more than that we would extend it," she suggested, softly.

He lifted up his free hand, and gently stroked her cheek with the back of a finger down toward her lips. Her face felt warm, and Alice guessed she was blushing. "It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Grabiner," he said.

They stood there staring at each other for a moment, until a loud announcement came that supper was being served. The couple, startled now that the world had intruded on them, gathered themselves and went to eat.

Alice woke the next morning to a light, sweet scent and discovered purple lilacs on her desk; the declaration of the first emotions of love.

….