Thomas POV

"Belle, dear you have to leave." I glanced down at the figure tha was clinging to my leg.

"But Uncle Thomas I hate it at home so very much. Please let me stay with you." She pleaded, and it took everything I had not to let the girl stay.

"Your mother and father love you so much, Annabelle. They would miss you." I muttered, unsure if this was true.

"Okay, I will go for you Uncle Thomas." She hugged my waist. There was a knock at the door.

"See that's probably her now." Her face fell and I was heartbroken, so I simply walked to the door. However, when I looked out the door, I was surprised to see a suitcase and a slip of paper.

Dear Thomas,

These are the rest of Annabelle's belongings. We will be back for her later than expected.

Katherine.

I had asick feeling in he pit of my stomach, Katherine wasn't coming back for Annabelle anytime soon. How did I know this? Well, she included her birth certificate with the note. (AWW MUAHAHA I HAVE PLANNED THIS HORRID THING FOREVERXD) Poor child. She'd be an orphan. I must talk to Daniel.

"Is is my mother?" Annabelle's tiny head appeared behind the corner.

I gulped, "No, just a letter from the postman." I smiled a fake grin.

"Oh, alright." She seemd to brighten up. "Can I go play now?" She jumped, bubbly as ever.

I smiled, genuine this time, "Of course." She was halfway up the stairs, when I yelled, "Don't go upstairs to disturb any of the family."

I heard her sigh and walk down the stairs and outside. "Thank you."

"Hello." I heard Daniel say behind me, and pulled me into an embrace, quickly.

"I have to speak to you, come to my room." We entered my room, and he sat in the chair next to my bed. I shut the door and began, "It's about Annabelle."

"What about her? Is she okay?" He jumped from the place where he sat. "She isn't hurt, correct? Oh, did she disturb the family, or worse, Mr. Carson?!"

Something about his concern for her really touched my heart. "No, nothing of that nature...I found this at the door this morning." I handed him the birth certificate and note.

"Blimey...poor thing." He shook his head and handed me the papers.

"Daniel, what do we do? That child has been abandoned." I sighed and folded the papers.

He took my hand in his. "Listen, she isn't abandoned. She has us."

"Daniel you aren't possibly suggesting..."

"Well someone has to look out for her, Thomas. You are her legal guardian now." He said.

"She can't stay here." I answered.

"Thomas, I guarantee this is the right thing to do. How dreadful would you feel if you left her at an orphanage?" He placed his hands on my shoulders.

"What will she do for an education?" I asked.

"There is a school, and Lady Mary and Lady Edith..."

"They won't associate with her."

"Things are different now."

"No."

"Thomas you have to try, for Annabelle."

"Alright, but when she says no, remember that I was right."

I heard giggling outside and went to go see little Annabelle, but I was surpised to see Mr. Branson and Sybbie with her. Both were smiling and laughing. Annabelle caught sight of me immediately.

"Uncle Thomas!" She ran over, causing Mr. Branson to turn. "I made a friend."

"Hello Thomas." Mr. Branson smiled.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Branson." I felt the tug on my leg again from Annabelle.

"Is this little angel yours?" He smirked and gestured to Annabelle.

"She's my niece, but her parents..." I debated telling him a lie."Left her, with me."

Annabelle's tiny voice interrupted, "Uncle Thomas, can I go play with Sybbie again?"

"I don't think it would be proper. " I got down on her level.

"Why not?" Mr. Branson asked, smiling at Annabelle.

"Well sir..." I began to say.

"I don't see the problem Thomas." He knelt down with Annabelle and Sybbie. "Why don't you two go play over there?" He pointed over towards a small patch of violets.

When they had left to pick the flowers, he smiled. "Thomas, I think you taking in your niece is absolutely wonderful."

"Thank you Mr. Branson, however, I don't have any idea of where she would stay." I sighed.

"Why, here of course." He replied, acting as if the answer was so clear.

"But I don't want her to grow up in servitude. Do not misinterpret what I am saying, it is honorable, I just think that she has so much more to offer." I explained, now having more respect for the Irishman, after seeing him mourn over Lady Sybil.

"Give me a few days, I will see what I can work out." He smiled at me as the girls returned.

"Uncle Thomas, Uncle Thomas! I got flowers for you and Danny!" She jumped, and I realized she had just said that out loud.

"I...." I looked over to Mr. Branson, red in the face, and he just picked up Sybbie.

"Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Barrow."