From The Journals of Katherine Plumber

January 15th, 1900

(Two in one day! So, a big part of this was based off the Princess Diana musical songs "Pretty, Pretty Girl" and "The Dress". We love badasses who are queens.👏🏼 Also, this chapter is dedicated to my weirdo, random, super fun best friend from dance class! A few weeks ago, she just looked at me and said, "I just imagined Jack eating scalloped potatoes." out of nowhere. Me being me, had to write it in. So, this one's for you Keighley!) 

It was a long night. After Jack and I got out of the bath, we went back to my room where everyone was waiting. Mrs. Banister and Theodore set it up so everyone could stay with us. Luckily, they all understood that I didn't want to talk about it and were all pretty quiet most of the night. Edith let Bill, Lilianna, Claira, Crutchie Darcy, and Brienna stay in her room and Sara, Davey, Vanessa, Jess, and Jo stayed with Jack and I.

After they all made sure I was okay - Which I insisted I was but Jack, Edith and Darcy saw right through my lie - they all went to bed, but Jack stayed up with me. I couldn't sleep, still thinking about everything and how used and broken I felt. It had to be nearly 3AM when I did fall asleep in Jack's arms.

I assume he didn't get much sleep either, since when I woke, he was fully awake, still holding me like he was over the night. He looked down at me and brushed the hair out of my face before kissing my head. I smiled softly at him, "Morning." I muttered.

"Mornin'." He said softly.

I looked around, seeing the room was empty, "Where is everyone?"

"Theyse went downstairs for breakfast." He said.

"What time is it?" I asked, sitting up.

"Like, 10." He said.

"Why did you let me sleep in this late?" I asked.

"Youse need ya rest." He said.

"I need normalcy." I said.

He sighed and nodded, kissing my head. As he kept me close, Edith walked in, "Knock, knock." She smiled softly, holding a tray of food, Sara followed, holding another tray.

"We brought these up for you two." Sara said.

"You didn't have to." I said.

"We wanted it." Edith smiled softly.

"We also want to know if you feel okay to have everyone come in?" Sara asked.

I sighed, "I am fine. Let them in, really." I said.

Sara nodded, "Okay, Davey!" She called into the hall and our friends came pouring in.

Davey pulled Sara into his arms as Jess sat in my chair, Vaness in his lap. Brienna and Darcy sat by my feet, and Crutchie sat by Jack's. Claira sat on the floor next to the bed with Edith, and Bill and Lillianna stood against the wall, him holding her close. Jo had hopped on my dresser and sat there, "How are you feeling?" Darcy asked as he held his wife close.

"Alright." I said, softly.

He nodded, "Did anyone think of how to get her out of this?" Bill asked.

"No." Vanessa sighed.

"Every plan has a flaw that'll make it fail miserably." Davey said.

"Ms. Pulitzer?" Theodore asked, walking in holding a silver tray.

"Yes, Theodore?" I asked.

"This arrived. Dated yesterday from your father." He said, bringing the tray level with me.

I picked up the telegram and read it aloud, "'Darling Katherine, your Mother has met a Mrs. Sanda Miller here at the Adirondacks. She is a dressmaker and will be visiting the city in a week's time. We have already scheduled a meeting with her to make your gown for your 17th birthday and she will be willing to do a wedding gown, as well. I trust you are taking good care of your sister while we are away. We send you both our love and shall see you Monday evening. Sincerely, Father.' Can you believe this!? He is on a vacation and yet continues to think about my engagement." I said.