Mrs. Dawkins (The Artful Dodger) [TBS]

Part 9

I smiled as I stood and waited outside a local house, as my father went inside to deliver the invitation to my ball, after his meeting we went around town and delivered the invitations, I was not allowed in the houses of course but still it was nice to see the town. I stood just away from the streets under my black lace parasol. 

"Ahh, Good Day Miss Everset." 

I glanced to my side confused as to who would know my name, but I smiled widely as I saw him, 

"Ohh Good Day Doctor Dawkins," I curtsied with a wide smile, I did stop myself and lessen my smile as I didn't wish to look 'too willing', 

"What a pleasure to see you," He smiled, as he stood much as I saw him last but now with an added textured jacket and hat, 

"It's a pleasure to see you too, What brings you out into town today?"

"Ohh Just doing the rounds," he smiled as he raised his arm to show his doctor's case filled with tools, "Yourself?"

"Just in town with father,"

"Aww, You're a very nice girl to accompany your father to town," He smiled, 

"Yes, Well we have had a busy day, I was going to pop by the hospital later actually,"

"You where?" he asked, "You hand giving you trouble?" 

"No, no, I uhh I have something for you,"

"Ohh? What a coincidence," He chuckled, "I happen to have something for you too."

"You do?" I smiled rather excited, 

"I do, shall I go first then?"

"Yes Please," I smiled as I tried desperately to hide my blush, 

He smiled for a moment, he set down his bag and moved closer so close I could smell the metallic scent of blood and his slightly woody aftershave as he put his hands over my eyes, "Closed." He warned so I smiled and closed my eyes as he asked, I felt him move his hands away and gently felt a weight around my neck "And Open." He said, so I opened my eyes and saw the pearls around my neck.

I gasped, "My pearls!"

"The very same," he smiled as he came around to see my face,

"but how?" I asked so overjoyed to have them returned to me, 

"I have my ways, little lady," He winked, 

"Thank you so much! I don't know how I could ever repay you, Doctor Dawkins."

"You're very welcome Miss Everset," he smiled, "Don't worry about repaying me, I'm just happy you have your necklace back,"

"Thank you, Doctor Dawkins." I blushed

"You're quite welcome," He smiled, "Now? what's this you have something for me?"

"Ohh yes!" I nodded, I opened my handbag and flicked through the invitation envelopes finding his and I handed it over, "For you Doctor Dawkins,"

"oh? what's this?" He smiled as he happily took it, he opened the envelope and read the small card "An Invitation? To your debutante ball?" 

"Yes," I nodded, 

"Are you sure?"

"I am, I asked my father if I could invite you myself,"

"You did?"

"I did." I blushed,

"Aww, that's very sweet of you Miss Everset." He smiled, "I'd be delighted to attend." 

"You would?"

"Absolutely, You will see me there I promise"

"I shall expect your reply in the post then,"

"But I'm here right now? Can't I just tell you?"

"I wish you could," I sighed, "But it is proper."

"Alright, Fair enough little lady." He nodded, "I will get the reply sent as soon as possible," 

"I look forward to receiving it, Doctor Dawkins"

"If it's alright with you Miss Everset, Jack. Jack Dawkins."

I blushed twiddling my parasol a little "Ohh, Alright Jack. Y/n, Y/n Everset."

"Pleasure," he smiled as he took my hand and kissed it, "I look forward to seeing you on the twenty-first, You think I could get a dance?" He winked, 

I couldn't help my giggle, "Perhaps, you'll have to ask me then."

"Perhaps I will," He smiled, "You have a good day Y/n."

"You too Jack," I smiled, 

He tipped his hat politely and took his bag with him as he carried on with his journey, I blushed so hard at such a thought, that we had spoken almost privately, that he was coming to my ball, and that he may ask me for a dance.

"You alright my sweet? your cheeks are flush" My father asked as he came out the house,

"Just fine father, I think the heat is getting to me," I lied,

"Alright well you can go sit in the carriage if you like I'll deliver the rest of your invitations,"

"Yes father," I nodded,

He lead me to the carriage and left me there to deliver the rest himself, the moment I saw him leave I couldn't help but slightly squeal with excitement.