It was a different kind of morning. When the bell got the girls up, they had been told to get dressed and stay in the dorm and await further instruction, rather than going to do laundry.

It was nice for Rose, to just sit and talk with Harriet, and forget where she was and what had just happened.

But, of course, that didn't last.

"Quieten down, girls! I have an announcement!" Matron called as she walked into the dorm. "Lady Asquith's butler will be paying us a visit today. He will be setting you a number of tasks, and the girl who shows the greatest aptitude will be awarded a testimonial."

"A what?" Rose asked, a little too loudly.

"Testimonial," Matron told her scornfully. "It helps you get a better position when you go into service. Lord knows you need it."

Rose wanted to roll her eyes as Matron went on. "I expect you all to try your best, and behave," she looked at Rose on that word, before sweeping out the room.

If she was being honest, Rose couldn't care less about a stupid testimonial.

"Great, boring butler, boring test," she rolled her eyes as she set about making her bed.

"We're all going into service, Rose," reminded Harriet. "Let's try and do well."

"Or," Rose grinned, grabbing Harriet's hands and dancing around the room with her. "I could get married and have three beautiful children and wear a hat just like Lady Asquith-!"

She stopped as she bashed into Sheila.

Things between Rose and Sheila had been... different, ever since Monica's death. Sheila hadn't bullied Rose since, and Rose hadn't had the heart to tease her either.

So Rose meekly went back to her bed, finishing making it in silence.

She didn't want to admit it, but she felt sorry for Sheila.

Well, she couldn't admit it.

But it was true.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

Later, when the two were alone in the dorm, Rose went up to the girl.

"Sheila, I... I'm sorry about me and Harriet earlier."

Sheila was up at the windowsill, staring out the window aimlessly as Rose joined her.

"Monica wasn't your friend," Sheila said, turning away. "And it doesn't matter."

She walked off without another word.

And Rose didn't have enough comforting skills to follow her.

Besides, something out the window caught her eye.

A carriage was arriving in the courtyard, and from that carriage stepped a woman. But she- she had trousers under her dress and she didn't have a bonnet and she carried herself so elegantly yet she was so confident at the same time.

She shook hands with Matron, Mr Cranbourne and Colonel Brigwell, grinning at them.

Rose suddenly realised.

The girls were getting a visitor... so- surely it made sense for the boys to get one too.

And that must be who this woman was.

Rose instantly idolised her. She was an explorer, and she looked so free yet so ladylike at the same time. That was what she wanted to be like.

Instantly, she wanted to be this woman. And see whatever presentation she was giving.

Screw the boring butler.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

"Lady Asquith's butler is one of the finest in all of London," said Ida to Rose and Sheila whilst they were cleaning plates. It was minutes until they were needed upstairs.

"I think Rose's more interested in the boys' visitor," Sheila smirked.

Rose nodded. "He's an explorer, and- he's a she!"

"Yes, so I heard," Ida nodded, sighing. "But this testimonial could mean the difference between a good job and a job in the workhouse."

But Rose could not care even if she wanted to.

As Sheila left, Rose finished drying a jar before taking the towel off her shoulder, handing it to Ida.

"Rose?"

Rose turned halfway out the door, looking back at Ida. "What?"

"Hurry up, then," Ida sighed. "And pay attention. You need this."

"Do I?" Rose asked her. "Listen, I know I'm just a foundling, but I want... I want to be more than that. I don't want to go into service!"

"Rose, there's no other choice," Ida implored the girl to listen. "Come on, you need to go."

Rose really tried to care.

She tried hard.

But she just couldn't.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

"Each side of the table, please," Winterson said as she led the girls into their usual classroom, which was set out a little differently.

The desks were now pushed together in one big line, no benches attached to them. Trays were on them, with coverings on the bottom but nothing else. The blackboards had been pushed aside.

Each girl stood behind a tray, Rose lingering slightly but doing it.

At the head of the table, Lady Asquith stood, a man with a smart suit jacket and bow tie next to her. The butler.

"Girls, it is good to see you all again," Asquith smiled at them. "I'd like to introduce you to my butler, Mr Collins."

"Good morning," Mr Collins had a commanding voice, which Rose thought could be both very demanding and very soft at the same time.

She rolled her eyes and wondered what the boys were doing now.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

"In front of you is a tray, and over here, everything you will need for the perfect afternoon tea," Mr Collins said. "Lay the tray correctly. And careful, not a thing out of place."

"We will be checking your work very closely, girls," Lady Asquith warned from the top of the table.

"Now, you've all been trained on how to do this," Winterson reminded them. "Off you go."

Right, Rose decided. Let's go set up a really bad tray, and try to make Harriet look as good as she possibly can.

She didn't want the testimonial.

But her friend did.

And that was enough for her.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

Collins walked up and down the rows, correcting girls and telling them their failings in laying their trays.

He got to Elizabeth and Sheila and said. "Very good, you two."

He got to Harriet and smiled. "Yes."

Rose tried to conceal a smile.

Then he got to her tray.

"What in the name...?"

"I couldn't find a fork!" Rose complained, rolling her eyes, both in real life and for the act. She had put two knives together instead.

"Girls, this is the perfect example of what not to do," Collins told everyone.

A few girls laughed but Rose didn't mind. They won't be laughing when Harriet wins.

"Nurse Winterson, the teapot, please," Collins said, as Winterson picked up a teapot full of steaming tea. "Place it on the winning tray."

She was going for Elizabeth's, which Rose was outraged at (at least it wasn't Sheila) but then she faltered.

"Well?" Collins asked.

"I just..." Winterson began, frowning.

"Oh, no cake fork, how did we miss that?" Lady Asquith chuckled.

"Good grief," muttered Collins. "Well, it will have to be this one, then."

He pointed at Sheila.

Rose tried to conceal her anger, but did not do a good job of it. Harriet's was best!

"Thank you, sir," Sheila grinned.

"I'll take the tea to the boy's visitor, sir," said Nurse Macclesfield.

Rose's head snapped up. "Lady Asquith, ma'am, er- perhaps I should take it to Dr Webster."

"I don't think-" began Winterson, who knew of Rose's antics.

"I know I did terribly, but I do so want to impress you," Rose feigned simpering to Lady Asquith.

"I think that's a wonderful idea, don't you, Collins?" Asquith smiled at her butler.

"Mm," Collins nodded.

Relieved she had got away with it, Rose went over to Winterson, who placed the tray in her hands, warning her with. "Straight back."

Rose nodded.

But she knew she wouldn't be.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

The boys were sitting at their desks, listening to Dr Webster's stories as Rose walked in, carrying the tray.

"I thought perhaps you might like some tea," she said loudly, unable to ignore the way Will's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, his eyes meeting hers. Oh, those eyes...

Dr Webster smiled. "Oh, well that's jolly lovely of you, there doesn't appear to be a cup."

"I dropped it."

"Never mind," sighed Webster, getting a metal flagon out of her bag. "Much prefer drinking out of these anyway. No fancy china for me."

Rose could've burst into tears there and then. That was how she felt.

"Yep, you were right, she's Rose's kinda person..." she heard Ned mutter to Will under his breath behind her.

"Let me pour it for you," Rose set the tea tray down and took the flagon, filling it up from the pot. "So, are you really an explorer...?"

Dr Webster was only too keen to share her stories and experiences, Rose soon found out, and soon she was being told all sorts of things.

Until Matron had to ruin it, saying. "That is enough, Rose Green, back to your lesson. Lady Asquith's butler would not tolerate this nonsense."

"Does she have to?" Dr Webster asked, making Rose turn around and grin at Will, who grinned back.

"A woman's place is in service," Cranbourne announced.

"Unless, she has money, of course," Matron said quickly.

Rose stepped forward. "Well, maybe I can stay and help clean-?"

"Now."

Rose clenched her jaw as Matron sent her from the room, not even getting to exchange a goodbye look with Will.

Wait.

Why was she obsessing over that, of all things?

What was wrong with her?

𑁍𑁍𑁍

It didn't take long for Rose to figure out a plan.

There was a chest in the back of the boys' classroom.

And she was going to sneak back in, and watch the presentation from there.

Dr Webster was showing slides from her trip to Egypt when she got in, sneaking into the back of the class and opening the chest, climbing inside it and getting comfortable.

Brilliant.

The boys seemed so invested in the presentation that she didn't assume anyone had noticed her.

She was wrong.

Vince had snuck up the back, a handkerchief in hand, which he then dumped into the chest.

"Say hello to Florence..."

Dr Webster had told her about Florence- a spider- but not a small one- a tarantula-

"AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHH! SPIDER! SPIDER! AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Rose screamed, jumping out the chest and making a complete scene as Matron screamed. "Rose Green!"

Vince, meanwhile, reached into the chest, picking up the handkerchief and showing her it. There was nothing in it.

"What spider?"

All Rose felt was anger. She was an entire entity of it.

"You PIG-!"

"OUCH! Oh, you little-!"

Rose had lunched at Vince before thinking, punching him as hard as she could in the stomach.

However, she hadn't thought this through as Vince gave her a hard shove, drawing his fist back and bringing it to her stomach, and he was stronger than her, so-

"GET THE HELL OFF HER-"

Will had yelled, and he did more, as well, running up and pulling Vince off Rose. Will shoved him back, shouting. "Don't ever lay your hands on her again!"

Vince yelled back. "Just because you LOVE her-!"

"This has nothing to do with that-!"

"But you do love her-"

"BOYS!"

Matron's angriest voice cut through the yelling and everyone froze, turning to her.

"Rose Green, get back to your classroom. Now," she snarled. She then pointed to Will and Vince. "I will deal with you two later."

As Rose passed Will, he murmured. "Are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he? Because I swear-"

"No," Rose smiled slightly as she said. "Thank you, though. That... meant a lot."

Will smiled slightly as Matron snapped. "Green, what did I tell you? Get out!"

Rose gave Will one last look before slipping out the door. She hadn't been lying.

It did mean a lot that he was willing to put himself in danger for her.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

Everyone was sitting at the table, polishing glasses with cloths and making them shine.

"What did you do?" Harriet asked her as she slipped into her seat.

"I saw spiders and snakes and pyramids," Rose grinned. "I saw the world-"

"Get polishing, Rose," Nurse Winterson told her disappointedly. "And don't distract Harriet. She's doing very well."

Good. That's what I want, she wanted to tell Winterson.

She sighed, picking up a glass and hearing a scratching sound.

Her heart broke at the sight of Harriet's face. By the look of it, there had been something in the cloth that she had used, scratching the glass. But either way, it was scratched, and it meant she wouldn't win.

So I have to help her.

Knocking a glass off the table and hearing it smash was as satisfying as it was necessary.

"Sorry!" She said, looking up at Mr Collins with big, wide eyes. "Oh no!"

"Rose Green!" Matron, who had switched rooms with her, hissed.

"I heard it scratching and it startled me and I dropped it!" Rose exclaimed.

As everyone went back to their polishing, Rose murmured to Harriet. "Give me your glass. You want this testimonial thing, I don't."

So the two girls, despite how hesitantly Harriet was, switched glasses.

Rose was not letting her best friend fail today.

Well, not if she had anything to say about it.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

Harriet's hand went up not two minutes later, when everyone had finished their polishing.

"Harriet, isn't it?" Asquith smiled.

"Can I speak to you, ma'am?" She asked Asquith. "In private?"

Lady Asquith frowned, then nodded. She led Harriet over to the side of the room.

Rose strained to hear what they were saying but couldn't catch it.

Harriet returned to where she was sat after a few moments, and Rose tried to communicate with her eyes to see what she said. But she couldn't manage it.

She just hoped Harriet hadn't taken the blame.

Which, of course, is exactly what had happened.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

It was time for someone to recieve the testimonial.

Rose knew it wasn't going to be her, but she just hoped it was Harriet.

"Girls," Lady Asquith said to the girls kindly. "You have all done extremely well. Sadly, only one of you can recieve the testimonial."

Then she said. "Sheila. Step forward."

No, Rose's eyes went wide. No, not Sheila, anybody but Sheila-

"Sheila, could you tell us some of the qualities that are considered important for girls going into service?"

Sheila thought about it for a moment. "Erm... working hard, diligence, and... being clean."

"And what about honesty?" Collins raised his eyebrows. "Honesty is possibly the most important quality. Now Sheila, would you say you behaved honestly today?"

"Erm..." Sheila murmured.

"I saw what you did to Elizabeth, and to Harriet," Collins told her. "You will not be receiving the testimonial. Please return to your place."

She took Elizabeth's cake fork, Rose realised suddenly. And put the stuff in Harriet's stuff to scratch the glass, oh I'm gonna-

"Skills can be learned. Quality of character is quite another thing. Therefore, the girl who impressed me the most today... was Harriet," Collins informed everyone. "She told the truth, she owned up."

Harriet looked to Rose and both of them let out a breath of relief, excitement and happiness.

"Come on, Harriet," Lady Asquith beckoned the girl forward.

"The testimonial is yours," Collins handed her a few papers in an envelope.

"And not just a simple testimonial," Asquith added with a smile. "When you leave here, there will be a place for you in my household."

"Oh, thank you, ma'am," Harriet gave a small curtsy, making her friend smile.

Rose felt so happy for Harriet. This was all she ever wanted.

"Hurray for H-" she began, but decided not to continue on further, because of the looks she got from the nurses and Lady Asquith and Collins.

She stepped back into place.

But not before sharing a small smile with her best friend.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

"Today was so important, and you both wasted it," Ida told Rose and Sheila disdainfully, as Rose peeled potatoes and Sheila washed dishes.

"I didn't waste it!" Rose told the woman excitedly. "I know exactly what I want to do!"

"What?" Ida didn't sound interested in the slightest.

"I want to tell stories!" Rose grinned. "You should have heard her-!"

"Yes, well, I heard you screaming from up here," Ida said dismissively. "And don't be silly. You'll be in service."

It came out before she could stop it. "I don't want to be a servant like you!"

"A servant like me?" Ida was temporarily lost for words. "Do you know how hard I've worked to get here? I worked and I worked and I worked, and you-"

"And that might be enough for you Ida!" As Rose stood up so did her temper. "But it isn't for me! I want to travel the world, and I- I want to tell stories!"

She didn't regret shouting.

Nor did she regret storming out the kitchen.

But she couldn't get Ida's face out her head.

𑁍𑁍𑁍

"Leave them be."

Rose and Harriet had climbed up into the tower that might, fully expecting to be discussing the day's events with the boys.

But they got up to find Will at the bottom of the ladder, telling Harriet to go up and telling Rose to stay put.

"Mathias is up there," he disclosed to her once Harriet had left. "And I didn't want to interrupt their lovers' chat."

Rose giggled slightly.

"I'm sorry, for today," Will said, once she had quietened down. "I should've stopped him from even touching you."

Rose smiled slightly. She knew exactly what he was talking about. "You stopped him from hurting me, and you got to threaten him, what more do you want?"

"I want you to be safe," said Will honestly. "When I heard you scream, I... I thought something had happened. Something serious."

Rose shrugged. "I'll be fine. But it... it means a lot that you're willing to do that for me."

"Vince is an idiot," Will dismissed. "But to be honest, you have more affect on him that me."

"Me?" Rose raised her eyebrows. "How do I affect him?"

"You just get to him," Will shrugged. "I don't know how you do it. But either way... you do."

Rose smiled. "Was the rest of Dr Webster's presentation good?"

"It was amazing," Will grinned. "As soon as she came into the classroom, I told Ned-"

"That she was my kind of person," Rose giggled. "I heard Ned saying that when you came in."

"Well, I was right," said Ned. "She was your kind of person."

"Yeah," Rose said. "And she's made me realise what I want to do."

"And... that is?"

"Tell stories," said Rose simply. "I want to... to travel, and see the world, and document it and change it for the better. And I want to come back and tell everyone about it."

Will smiled. "I think you'll be great at that, Rose."

And it was in that moment that Rose realised.

He cared about her. Like, really cared about her.

He believed in her dreams, and he made her feel great about them. He protected her against anyone who tried to hurt her. He always, always tried to cheer her up and make her smile. And he never, ever made her feel useless or upset.

"Well, I'll take you with me, if I can," she told him. "You're... really important to me, Will."

Will smiled, raking her hand and interlocking their fingers, squeezing gently.

"And you're really important to me, too, Rose."