Alice clasped Frederick's forearm as they maneuvered around the house. . . in silence. Feeling awkward and shy after he practically demanded that he be the one to help her to her room, and then proceeding to do so without so much as a glance at her, Alice kept her mouth shut and focused on keeping her step even.

What was going on in that mind of his? She noticed he'd stuttered while he explained having to catch her. It was the first time she'd ever seen him the slightest bit flustered. She liked it though. It made him appear more human and in truth knowing that even Frederick Mansfeld could get apprehensive made Alice feel much better about her own fluttering stomach.

She risked a glance in her escort's direction just in time to see an unruly curl fall to rest on his brow. His hair was so at odds with his formal stature. It didn't quite fit with his style but Alice thanked God for his hair. She imagined Frederick would be quite intimidating if it weren't for the small subtle things that prove him to be more human than a statue. Although at this moment he might be more statue.

As they walked, he kept his eyes straight ahead, spine erect, and his face stone. Well, Alice could only handle strict silence for so long. She looked right at him. She knew he could feel her stare, it shouldn't be long before he looked to confirm his suspicion. He didn't. Not even through the corner of his eye.

Then they reached the stairs descending to the servant quarters. He cleared his throat, he opened his mouth. Alice waited anxiously to understand what he had planned to say. Nothing came. Frederick's jaw shut and he began leading her down the short staircase.

He tried, she supposed. But it wasn't enough to satisfy and actually left things more awkward than they had been before he made any sound at all. Perhaps he didn't think they had anything to talk about. Maybe he didn't say anything because he could think of nothing casual to say.

Well, Alice had plenty of questions, and if he wasn't going to instigate a conversation, then she would. Besides he came to her rescue, surely he deserved her gratitude for that.

"Thank you." she said quietly, he looked at her then, though she couldn't tell if it was out of politeness or interest, "For catching me." she continued, "I could have hit the floor and this mess could have been much worse." she gestured to her forehead. His eyes followed her hand and when they fixed on her stitches, she caught a certain. . . sadness in them. Almost guilt. But then he turned his gaze to the floor and all sign of softness was gone.

"Oh, it doesn't look that bad does it?" She probed half joking.

"No," he responded.

Alice knew the beginnings of a smile was on her face. She couldn't help it. For some reason, it pleased her to know what Frederick thought.

"Miss Kinly," he said, so sincerely Alice's smile vanished and she addressed him with solemnity. "I... I have a confession to make." he hesitated.

"Yes?"

He stopped walking and slowly turned to face her. Alice's pulse skipped a beat. What was wrong with her? Why was her heart suddenly pounding at his nearness? Why was her stomach fluting as if it were home to a thousand butterflies?

"I. . ." for the first time he looked straight into her eyes, and for some unknown reason Alice's breath caught, and she had to work to inhale and exhale at a normal speed. He left her eyes to travel her face. He was so close. He leaned closer. All hope for breathing at a moderate pace fled as she stopped breathing altogether. Was he. . . could he. . . would he. . . kiss her?

Just as the thought crossed her mind Frederick straightened. He stepped back. He dropped her arm. His eyes shifted from the floor to the space above her head and then the wall to his left.

"I should have warned you about the canons. It was wrong of me to withhold such relevant information. I hope you can accept my apology. Goodnight Miss Kinly." he swept past her and strode down the hall.

Alice didn't turn to watch him go. She heard his rushed footsteps as he went up the stairs at the end of the hall. It took a moment for her eyes to go back into focus and she was a bit surprised to find that she was standing right in front of her door. Oh yes! Headache, Rest. That's what she was doing here. Alice opened the door and walked in. Her mind seemed to be a rudder wasteland and it had nothing to do with the gash on her head.

*// What do you think you guys? Too soon? I realize that now that the plan isn't for this to be a short story, things may be going too fast. Let me know what you think in the comments. Happy reading ;) \\*