Mrs. Dawkins (The Artful Dodger) [TBS]

Part 21

I smiled so happily as I got into my dress for the afternoon, I stood by my ottoman looking at my mirror's reflection as Miss Hardcastle helped me into my dress, my hair and make-up, all done already, even if nothing compared to my debutant ball but still impressive. I know she wanted to do more for what would be my first official date but I slowed her intentions down a little stumbling and reminding her that Jack and I had seen each other more than once already. Of course, tried to push her more towards my ideas as if that is what Jack would prefer. 

"Are you sure this needs to stay?" She asked as she finished with my little grey and blue dress and she looked at the red ribbon around my neck. 

"I'm sure." I nodded,

"Miss Everset I know you have-"

"Lisa. Please. It needs to stay."

"If this man... is, a man you see a future with," she said, "You should bare your soul to him, you shouldn't keep yourself concealed." 

"I thought this whole issue was to ensure I don't reveal so much," 

"You know what I mean." she rolled her eyes, "You should... let him see the scars of the girl he wants a life with."

"What in case they scare him away?" 

"No," she said coming to look over my shoulder to look at the reflection, "Because sometimes seeing the brush lines of a painting makes you appreciate it all the more,"

"I will... In time." I said, "But not yet." 

"Alright if you're sure Y/n," she said, "You ready?" 

"I am," I blushed Happily fixing my dress and I scampered down the stairs excitedly, I went to the lounge. My father waited with a sweet smile, Miss Hardcastle stood in the corner and I sat on the sofa by the window with some embroidery in hand as I patiently waited. 

I was doing my best to contain my excitement, as I waited impatiently. 

I heard the door and I did my best not to jump or look too excited, I saw the maid heading to the door, and I hid my blush as I looked to the floor waiting to see if it was who I was already assuming it was. 

"Dr Dawkins Has arrived Mr Everset." The maid spoke up,

I hid my blush and did my embroidery trying not to giggle, to think this was real. Jack and I were to see one another without worry of our secret being discovered, he was doing things properly and my father would see his intentions truly, 

"Ahh perfect send him in." my father nodded,

and I couldn't help but look up as I saw him, Jack walked into the lounge dressed much as he often was to work at the hospital but clearly a little more cleaned up, we met eyes and for a moment I wanted to cry I was so happy. 

"Dr Dawkins, Pleasure to see you again." My father smiled offering his hand,

"Ahh yes Sir, Pleasure to see you again too Mr Everset." Jack smiled taking his hand and giving it a firm gentlemanly shake 

"And I'd like to introduce you to Miss Hardcastle my daughter's governess." My father indicated over to her,

"Pleasure to meet you," He smiled taking her hand and kissing it politely, 

"And you doctor," she curtsied, 

"and of course, My daughter Miss Y/n Everset." My father smiled indicating to me, "Who I am sure you're familiar with," He chuckled,

I smiled and got to my feet and stood with my hand out excitedly, 

"Of course, I am delighted to see you again Miss Everset," He smiled kissing my hand,