Loretta still was avoiding Adam but with her mother constantly demanding her presence she had no choice but to go down for breakfast. She had skipped dinner and stayed in her room. Leteesha had brought her up a sandwich and some baking.

"Your mother is furious with you." Leteesha said as she combed Loretta's hair.

"Let her be. In a short time I won't be here. I want to go back to the school. I want to become a nun."

"I know miss Kane." Leteesha said quietly. She couldn't understand why the girl was being stubborn. Adam was an attractive man and he seemed to have a kind heart. "There all done." Leteesha said stepping back from her mistress.

"It's beautiful Leteesha." Loretta said standing up and turning to her hand maid. "I have something for you." Loretta said turning to her hangers.

She gracefully took down a dress. Leteesha recognized it as the one Loretta let her wear to the party. "I want you to have this."

Leteesha stood there staring from Loretta to the dress. "Miss Kane I ... I .... I can not accept."

"Nonsense. I want you to have it. It looks better on you anyways. I have out grown it. And please when noone is around call me Loretta."

"Miss... Loretta." Leteesha sighed. She felt beautiful in the dress last night and many men looked at her with interest. It made her feel happy "thank you." She finally said as Loretta placed the gown in her hands.

Loretta smiled. "Leteesha could you please fetch the carriage and the presents for Oliver, James and Charlotte? I want to take them gifts."

"Of course miss, I mean Loretta." And than Leteesha dashed out of the room gown in hand and set off to do her mistresses biddings.

Loretta took a deep breath and headed down to meet her parents. 'This was going to be fun.' She thought sarcastically.

The dinning room was still covered in decorations and the room looked bright and festive yet. It would remain this way till January 7th.

Loretta looked around the room and noticed that Adam wasn't there. This brought a small smile to her lips as she sat down.

Nobody paid her any attention and that was fine with Loretta. She ate silently and listened to the parents talk. But mostly her mind was on Charlotte and her grandsons.

Loretta didn't hear anyone and when she was done eating she simply got up and left. Leteesha had gotten the carriage and the presents. "Driver can you take us to the orphanage? But first I would like to go to Shepards Toys."

"Yes ma'am" the driver said helping her into the carriage.

~~~~

Adam went into town to find another present that Loretta would like. He was looking at some slippers when he saw the Kane carriage go threw town. Curiosity got the best of him and he went outside but not before grabbing a pair if glass slippers. Paying quickly he was just in time to see the carriage round a corner.

Placing the slippers into his carriage he ran down the street. He saw the Kane carriage in front of the orphanage, the driver sitting on the bench. Looking around he saw Loretta and her hand maid at the door of the orphanage. He continued to watch as the children came rushing out. Than the driver hopped down and grabbed a sack that looked full. Curiosity had Adam walking closer to the orphanage. Loretta, her hand maid and her driver had disappeared inside. But as Adam reached the door he heard the children cheering. He carefully pushed the door open a crack and peered inside. What he saw warmed his heart.

<><>

Loretta stayed at the orphanage most if the day. She really didn't want to go home and face everyone. The children here and the couple of nuns that ran the place were so happy and they accepted the gifts. She help with teachings and even helped with cooking. It was a good afternoon.

"Miss Kane. We must return." Leteesha said sadly. Even she was having a great day. Even the coach driver, who Loretta heard was named Henry, was having a good time.

"Come back and visit again." The nun said as the trio headed out.

The house was lit by candles and the sounds of music could be heard. Loretta and Leteesha walked inside as the driver went to take the carriage and put it away.

Adam seen Loretta come back. He had been back an hour ago. And had spoken with parents. He told them he planned on giving Loretta gifts for all twelve days of Christmas.

They were pleased with his idea and said they would help in what ever way they could.

Adam called out to Loretta and was thrilled that she stopped mid step and looked at him. He rushed over to her and held out his hand. "Please can you come in to the family room with me?"

Loretta looked up and saw her parents and Adam's parents staring at her. She carefully stepped back and took Adam's hand. She was curious what he wanted.

Leading her to the family room and their parents Adam let her hand go and stepped over to the tree. He carefully reached down and picked up a small box. It was wrapped in green paper and sparkled. Adam stood and handed the box to Loretta. "This is for you." He said. Loretta took the box and carefully unwrapped it. Than she opened the box and saw a pair of glass slippers. She was surprised and almost dropped them. "They are ..... Beautiful." Than she shoved the box back. "I don't want anything from you." Than she stormed upstairs.

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On the second day of Christmas my betrothed gave to me two glass slippers and a diamond engagement ring.

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So everyone. What do you think? Please honour me and vote. Maybe leave a comment.

I need only 2,074 more words to complete the challenge.