The meeting was turned into tea and lunch. The party was set for seven at night New Year's Eve. That was in two days. The seventh day of Christmas.

There were lots of preparations for the New Year's Eve celebration. And Loretta's mom wasn't letting her leave the house. They were having a party for New Year's Eve but there were other parties New Years day. And of course Loretta was being forced to go. She was so done with the holidays. Her mother still wouldn't speak to her other than to give her orders. So Loretta decided to hide.

To avoid everyone in the house Loretta went to a special room in the house. In the room was a thriving room filled with many different flower pots. She was hoping to see if the Christmas cacti were blooming yet. Walking into the room she was greeted by the sight of the beautiful blooms. The beautiful cacti stood proudly and full of blooms.

Loretta kept her eyes closed and sat on the mat place on the floor and crossed her legs. The smell of the flowers were intoxicating and she began to feel relaxed. If she couldn't leave the house this was the next best thing.

~~~

Adam looked around the house for Loretta. He wanted to escort her into town and pick up some things for the party. He had heard that she wasn't allowed to leave.

Finding her nowhere Adam went to her handmaid and asked where Loretta was.

"She is in the garden room." The maid had said. "It is on the main floor east end of the house farthest room."

"Thank you." Adam said and headed off. The room was simple to find and Adam paused at the partially closed door. He peered inside and saw Loretta sitting in the room. Her back was to the door so he carefully entered the room. He was holding five small slender boxes. He hoped this time she wouldn't be angry.

"Miss Kane." He said just inside the door.

She instantly bolted up. She turned suddenly and when she saw Adam she frowned. "Mr. Bowtrel" she said with a clipped tone. Her eyes landing on the items in his hand.  "Those better not be more gifts." She said raising an eyebrow. Adam shrugged in response.

"Miss Kane. Mr. Bowtrel." Loretta's handmaid said coming up behind Adam. "I am sorry to interrupt. But miss Loretta your mother has requested your presence."

"Of course she does." Loretta mumbled as she walked passed Adam.

"Miss Kane." Adam said quietly.

Loretta turned and looked at him. "What?"

"I really want to give you these." Adam said looking at the packages.

Loretta frowned at him. "Why?" She asked again.

"Because I want to give you them." Was all Adam said holding his hand out.

Loretta stepped closer and removed the first box. She unwrapped it and handed the paper to Loretta. Than be carefully opened the velvet box. Inside was a gold bracelet. It had butterflies engraved into it. She placed it on her left wrist and handed the empty box back to Adam. Than she opened the second and third and so on till all five were open. Each box contained a golden bracelet. Each one engraved with something different.

"Thank you. But Mr. Bowtrel I will not marry you." Loretta said as she turned and headed down the stairs. She didn't want to have her mother come looking for her.

~~~

On the fifth day of Christmas my betrothed gave to me five golden bracelets, four fur cloaks, three silk gowns, two glass slippers and a diamond engagement ring.

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