The following day – Rose stayed in bed till almost noon, but since there were no other obligations, no mention of it was made – the family received an invitation to dine at Glamorgan, home to her dear friend Martha Jones. Their estate neighboured that of the Tylers by but half a mile and the friends were often found together. An invitation to include the rest of the families was frequently exchanged, therefore all looked forward to a pleasant evening. Rose being only a little disappointed that she would not see the Doctor that day.

Here however she was delightedly mistaken, for upon arrival at her friends house, she found the invitation had included Mr. Smith also and his friend the Doctor accompanied him. Apparently the gentleman had spend the day as a guest in Mr. Smith's house.

Rose found her way to Miss Joneses room, as the young lady was not yet prepared.

"Did you know the Doctor would be here?" She immediately questioned. Miss Jones smiled and replied with another question.

"So, you haven't discovered the gentleman's name, then?"

Rose blushed, which increased her friends curiosity dramatically.

"Rose? Do you have some information to enlighten me with? Am I to congratulate you? Please tell me quick."

Only awaiting the servant's departure, who was busy with the last hand on Miss Joneses dark brown hair, Rose set herself on the bed. Her friend joined her in haste, grabbing her hands.

"He has not made an offer as of yet. However I dare say I can expect one, if things proceed accordingly."

"Have you spoken with him after the ball?"

"I have seen him, yes. He came to dine with us yesterday."

"Did you find out where he resides, then?" Miss Jones exclaimed? "I have heard Mrs. ___ instructed a servant to inquire at all inn's, if he stayed at any of them, but she found out nothing."

"Did she? How quaint. Undoubtedly it is in her design to get him to marry one of her nieces. She is always on the lookout for a wealthy man. But no, to answer your question. I have not found out anything significant to relate to you, however-"

Here they were interrupted by the announcement of dinner being ready and they hurried down.

A short whisper to her mother, helped Miss Jones in her scheme to have herself and her friend most advantageously seated. Across one another, next to respectively Mr. Smith and the Doctor.

When seated, Rose found herself at a loss for words and she was thankful for the Doctor obliging her in beginning the conversation.

"Miss Tyler, what a pleasant surprise, we meet again." His boyish grin lightened the polite statement and she believed, were they alone, he would have kissed her hand.

Her cheeks turned quite pink again and she quickly set about the first course.

The Doctor allowed her to eat the first half in silence. Soon however, eager to have her attention focused on himself, he spoke again.

"Did you have a quiet morning, Miss Tyler?" He intended to ask about how she slept and fortunately Rose understood.

With a shy smile, she therefore replied: "Quite well, sir. I am well rested."

He nodded in satisfaction and said: "I enjoyed our conversation immensely and am looking forward to continue our discussion."

On Rose's shocked expression, he quickly added: "Would tomorrow suit you? I would be obliged if you could show me around the neighbourhood."

Rose noticed her mother listening in, and looking her way, she received a slight nod of approval. So she recollected her spirits and smiling at the Doctor, answered: "I would be delighted."

When the next course was served, Rose noticed her friends engaged in an animated conversation. Her joy was great in seeing how well they got along.

Needing to express her pleasure, she turned to the Doctor and softly declared: "How much would I like to see my dear friend happily matched. If you don't mind me being so unreserved, I am very glad they get along so splendid."

The Doctor, equally hushed, acknowledged: "Quite so. Our friend Mr. Smith confessed his being very much enchanted with Miss Jones. If they get along half so well as ourselves, I foresee they have a wonderful future in store."

"You do, don't you?" Rose replied with a smile. "And pray tell me, do you see that same kind of wonderful in our future?"

She meant to jest, yet the Doctor became very serious and replied in all earnest: "I do."

Hastily she broke away from the private sphere they had created while whispering and devoted her somewhat shaken attention to her plate.

She had not been thinking wistful earlier, in acknowledging to Miss Jones that an offer might soon be made. How ever her own sentiments were towards such a request, she could not quite tell. She liked the gentleman very much, of that she was certain. She could easily picture herself beside him in a more settled manner. Howbeit, his secretive demeanour about all which was very plain in her eyes: name, residence, occupation, all that defines a gentleman among his class, made her hesitant in making her affections known.

Throughout dinner and even afterwards, when listening to her dear friends excellent play on the grand piano forte, she made up her mind on soliciting the next day, all that she needed to know to form a more clear picture.

The next morning, at the earliest, convenient hour, the Doctor paid his promised visit to the Tyler residence. Rose was not even half dressed, so her father had his most desired occasion as to get acquainted with the gentleman, calling on his daughter.

He had noticed the exchange of intimate whispers last night portrayed at dinner and assumed there was a design in the gentleman's inclinations towards Rose. He therefore set out to to find grounds for his approval of the match.

"Dear Sir, if you are so kind as to accompany me to the library, you are most welcome to join me there, whilst awaiting the presence of my daughter."

He hoped Rose would take her usual time in preparing herself. The Doctor readily obliged.

"I hope you do not find me intrusive. I merely seek to ease the mind of myself and my lady, in seeking your acquaintance. I could not help but notice you have taken an interest in my daughter and as her father I tend to be somewhat overprotective. Will you indulge this cheerfully settled man, in hoping to believe my daughter will find equal happiness in her relations?"

"You may indeed, Sir. I am both willing and able to proclaim my intentions towards your daughter to be of the utmost civility and decorum. Any other intentions you must allow me to convey towards her firstly. Should the occasion arise, by her consent and willingness, I, of course, will follow all the rules of engagement mandatory to such an event."

"You are very kind. And I thank you for your forthcoming words. They certainly put my mind at ease."

Mr. Tyler then set out to discover where the Doctor was to take his daughter, should he indeed ask for her hand. He was about to formulate his first question, when Rose entered the library. Her face was a little flushed. Mr. Tyler observed, with not a little amount of gaiety, that she most definitely showed signs of preparation having been hurried along. Her sentiments were therefore clear to him. Watching the Doctor's eyes brighten up immediately on her entering the room, made it clear as well: his heart was also affected. That was enough to satisfy him for the moment and he wished the couple well.

"I have asked cook to prepare us a picnic, if you don't mind. It is such a lovely day and I hope you will want to spend plenty of it outside."

Rose looked up at the Doctor in anticipation. On seeing an approving smile enter his face, she felt relieved.

"As I am quite devoted to spend as much of the day in your company; I am yours to command."

Rose smiled shyly at this and excused herself to fetch the basket from the kitchen.

On her return she handed the rather large hamper over to the Doctor.

"If you please Sir, it is quite heavy."

"But off course, say nothing of it. It would be unquestionably rude to allow a little lady such as yourself to carry such a burden."

"Are you intentionally making me blush, Doctor?

"Quite right so. However I dare hope that my complimentary is favourably received. For I intend to keep at it, for as long as you will permit me."

Not able to withhold a giggle at that, Rose quickly led the way out of the house and towards the woods. A little more to the left this time. A fairly large meadow awaited their presence there.

They walked, amiably chatting about various objects and people, nothing very distinct, simply enjoying the company. The beautiful surroundings providing ample material for pointing out and being talked off. They paused whenever they felt the need and took refreshments when hungry. They found they had many likes and dislikes in common. Both enjoying the moving about, both disliking simple everyday routine and both relishing the taste of bananas. Rose found the Doctor had a real passion for those.

It was shortly after lunch, that they came across a small ditch. The Doctor, a tall man, could, with little effort, step over it. Rose's options were limited. There was the walking around the ditch-option, quite a detour, or she could jump. She had done it before, once, when alone in the field end in a giddy state, she had managed just fine. Feeling the need to seem somewhat dignified now however, she hesitated. There was also the option of allowing the Doctor to help her across, but that was a little too dignified.

Having spent already half a day with him, in perfect companionship, had made Rose a bit bolder than usual and feeling thus, she finally decided that a jump was easily made. He could catch her at the other end.

"Rose?"

"Wait for me on the other side. I will need your assistance after I crossed this wee gulley."

"You are not going to-"

His alarm came too late, for Rose had already set of. The jump would have been perfect. Something to boast upon; win his pride and secure an other compliment. This would all have come to pass very pleasantly, if there had not been a rabbit hole on the exact spot, where her right foot landed.

"Rose, are you al right?"

He was by her side in an instant.

"My ankle, it hurts."

"Allow me. Our acquaintance is well enough I venture, that I could take the liberty in feeling for any broken bones?"

Having no objection there, Rose nodded and then bit her lip, trying not to make a sound, while the Doctor carefully removed her shoe. It hurt a great deal, but as it was, it was not broken and the relief was great.

"I will bring you back to your home, if you please, or-"

To this, the Doctor suddenly became quiet.

At his sudden deliberation, Rose softly asked: "It does not hurt that much, that I feel the need to be instantly back in my mother's care. You have informed me earlier of you having some knowledge of medicine; can you not therefore, help me here? I do not wish to forgo the rest of our outing."

The Doctor locked his eyes on hers, as if he was trying to determine whether he could or not disclose a secret. Rose felt herself holding her breath again. Finally the Doctor appeared resolved. He leaned back a little, searched in an inner pocket and produced an odd tubular object. Smaller than the Thermos he brought forth last time. It however was also made of metal and bore a small resemblance to a tool. Like the ones Rose sometimes caught a glimpse of in the shed near the house.

"What is it?"

"This, my dear Rose, is a screwdriver."