Charlotte was happy to see Loretta. The boys were even happier. "Lore!" "Lore!" the boys cried as they ran toward Loretta. Soon the whole orphanage was running at her. She smiled and opened her arms. And hugged each kid. The nuns smiled and hugged her also. "It is good to see you again miss Kane." The nuns said. The nuns disappeared as they went about their daily business.

Loretta stayed at the orphanage most of the day. She would have stayed longer if one of her mothers servants wouldn't have showed up. "Miss Kane your parents want you back at the house." He had said. Than he left heading back on his horse.

Loretta sighed and said her good byes than she too left the orphanage. Reaching the house, Loretta got out of the carriage and heading inside. "Mother! Father!" She called out. Soon her parents appeared.

"Loretta we are planning a New Years Eve party and I want your help. Soon my group of ladies will be here and we will be discussing the event. You are to bathe and dress in something nice. Now hurry along. You have two hours." Her mother said dismissing her.

Loretta bit her tongue and walked upstairs. She wasn't surprised to see the bathe already drawn. Stripping her cloths, Loretta climbed into the hot soapy water.

-----

Adam paced his room. He didn't know what to do. He was trying to figure out wether or not to continue with his gifts. He didn't like upsetting Loretta. But when he had given her the gowns he could have sworn he saw a faint smile.

He turned when a knock sounded at his door. "Enter"

The door opened revealing Loretta's hand maid. "Master Adam. You wanted to see me?" She asked quietly looking around the room.

"Yes I did. I have been at odds and you know Loretta better than anyone. Should I continue giving her presents?"

Leteesha stood at the threshold of Adam's room staring at him. Had she heard him correctly? She thought. "Master Adam it is not my place to say such things. But yes continue. My mistress is stubborn but has the heart of a saint."

Adam smiled at her words. He had seen the heart that she had with the children.

"Master Adam do you want me to clean this mess?" Leteesha asked looking at the wrapping paper all over the place.

"No I will do it. But (he sighed) could you help me wrap these gifts? It seems I can not get the hang of it." He finished as he turned and picked up what looked like balled up paper.

Leteesha suppressed a laugh and nodded her head. She entered the room leaving the door partly open and helped Adam wrap the presents.

----

Loretta hated sitting around with a bunch of snobby old women. They thought they were better than everyone. The party was to gather donations for some charity or another.

Loretta was bored and wanted to leave. She was about to excuse herself when Leteesha came into the room. Loretta watched as her hand maid walked up to her mother and whispered in her ear. "Of course that would be wonderful." Her mother said in response.

Leteesha bowed to the group and left the room. Only to return with Adam.

"Everyone this young man is Mr. Adam Bowtrel." Loretta's mother said introducing Adam to the group.

"Ladies." He said with a bow of his head. When he looked up he said "I am sorry to interrupt your gathering, but I must speak with miss Kane."

"Nonsense boy speak here." Loretta's mother said with a smile.

Sighing Adam agreed and than he turned to Loretta. "I know you have been cross with me but please allow me to give you these." He said gesturing towards Leteesha who was holding four beautifully wrapped boxes.

Loretta sighed but held out her hands. Leteesha stepped forward and Adam took one of the boxes. Than he handed it to Loretta. She examined the wrapping paper and carefully unwrapped the box. She was going to take her time and annoy her mother. The meeting was dumb anyways.

The paper revealed a box that had nothing on it. Curiosity was getting great and the room was hushed. Everyone wanted to know what was in the box. Carefully opening the box Loretta saw a yellow fur cloak. The second box revealed another cloak. This one blue. The third box was a light purple cloak. And the last box was peach coloured cloak. The woman cheered and urged her to try one on. So she stood up and allowed Adam to put the peach cloak on. "Beautiful." Her mother said clapping her hands together. The other women agreed and soon Loretta had to try them all on. She had to admit they were beautiful.

"Adam I thank you for the lovely gifts. But I still won't marry you. You can stop buying me gifts." Loretta said sweetly. With a room full of old ladies she didn't want to loose her temper. But still she heard gasps and hushed whispers.

Adam bowed and turned. "Thank you for your time ladies. But I must go." The women all wished him well and he left.

Loretta removed the cloak and handed it to Leteesha. "Please take these and put them away."

"Yes my lady." Leteesha said taking the cloaks. She was silent as she left.

The meeting resumed and Loretta remained seated. She couldn't leave. She tried to leave but the look her mother gave her was enough to keep her silent and seated.

~~~

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

(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)(9,784)(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)

Another chapter :) I hope you all enjoy

I am almost to the just write it goal of 10,000 words. Only 216 words more needed. :)