To Be Loved

Chapter 13 - The Unicorn and the Wasp

The Unicorn and the Wasp, part 1 -

A little over a month later Donna asked for a trip through Earth's history and the Doctor set the Tardis onto Earth with no specific time stamp. The two leaned out of the Tardis, the Oracle close behind them.

"Oh, smell that air. Grass and lemonade. And a little bit of mint. A hint of mint. Must be the nineteen twenties", the Doctor announced.

"You can tell what year it is just by smelling?"

"Oh, yeah", he nodded.

"No, you cannot, stop messing with her. Look around for what he saw, Donna", the Oracle laughed.

"Maybe that big vintage car coming up the drive gave it away", Donna pointed out.

There was an old convertible driving up to the manor on whose grounds they'd parked. The driver honked the horn and servants ran out to assist him. The Doctor and Donna rushed forward to eavesdrop. Meanwhile the Oracle guessed what was coming and went back inside to change into a red, era-appropriate dress. She put her hair into a quick side braid, put on short pumps and came back out just as Donna entered to change.

She walked outside to see the Doctor lean against the Tardis, "So, are we going to a tea party?"

He grinned and pulled her close by the waist, "You look lovely."

"Why, thank you, kind sir. I must say you don't look too shabby yourself", she put her hands to the sides of his neck and leaned up for a quick kiss.

Ever since they'd started trying to become parents again, they'd become a lot more touchy and lovey around each other, though they still kept PDA to a minimum. He kissed her forehead once again before turning away and knocking on the Tardis.

"We'll be late for cocktails", he yelled inside.

Donna came out in a darker, era-appropriate dress and wiggled her hips to show off the skirt, "What do you think? Flapper or slapper?"

"I think both of those are outdated terms for a prostitute", the Oracle thought out loud, but giving Donna an approving smile.

"Flapper", the Doctor said, "You look lovely."

He offered his arms and the women took one each as he led them up to the lawn party.

"Good afternoon", the Doctor spoke up to gain the group's attention.

A young man came up to them, "Drinks, sir? Ma'am?"

"Sidecar, please", Donna said.

"Lime and soda, thanks", the Oracle smiled.

"Same for me, thank you", the Doctor added.

The man left with a nod and the Oracle let go of the Doctor, feeling the warm day in the slight sweat that built in his tight grip. Then a butler announced the arrival of their host.

"May I announce Lady Clemency Eddison."

Lady Eddison entered the party, dressed up nicely, her blonde hair in a small bun at the back of head and she presented herself nicely. She was a small, thin, older woman.

"Lady Eddison", the Doctor greeted with a smile and offered the hand the Oracle had let go off.

"Forgive me, but who exactly might you be, and what are you doing here?", she asked with a small shake of her head.

"I'm the Doctor, this is the Oracle and Miss Donna Noble of the Chiswick Nobles."

The Oracle smiled with her hand on the Doctor's back as Donna dropped into a curtsy and put on a posh accent, "Good afternoon, my lady. Topping day, what? Spiffing. Top hole."