“The Richards mansion is designed like a fortress,” Tulip said, applying the first bit of eye cream.

Tulip stood back to admire her creation before continuing on.

“A lady can appreciate a good fortress,” Tulip added.

Freya nodded.

“Of course that’s not the only thing to look for in a suitor,” Freya said.

“No, of course not. There’s also having a dungeon where one can quietly question one’s enemies.”

Freya paused to see if Tulip was being serious. The large family mirror, an heirloom of her Grandpaw’s, sat there silently judging her choices in life. She had asked Tulip to do her maquillage because this would be Abigail's big night, and Holly had demurred.

“Tulip?”

“What?”

“Was that last comment meant to be serious? Sometimes you have this dry wit which makes me think you weren’t…”

Tulip once again paused, this time switching to the eyeliner brush. She moved right back into it.

“Anyone else, and I would not tell them this, but… I would much rather prefer a country cottage to a fortress.”

Tulip smiled, and Freya could tell that she was indeed savoring the moment.

“…or a dungeon, right?”

Tulip placed her brush down.

“Obviously. The point being, keep your wits about you. At this point they have seen you or read about you if they’re interested.”

Tulip waved a paw to the mirror as if to illuminate the completion of her work of art.

“Thank you so much. It looks great.”

Tulip’s wry smile was interrupted by tiny paws offering her a sweetroll. Kayli had grown to respect Tulip in the short time she had been there. Furthermore, Kayli was escalating higher and higher with the baked goods to garner Tulip’s favor. After the first biscuit didn’t immediately win Tulip over, a cookie turned into an open faced apple and blueberry galette and then finally Kayli’s favorite cinnamon sweet roll was offered up.

Tulip’s brow crinkled at the offering and it became apparent to Kayli that she’d won the day. The tiny mouse began dancing, as Tulip shrugged.

“I think she likes you.” Freya said, checking her dress.

“She’s aiming for something, so I’ll play along for now. I’m actually curious what she wants that I can provide.”

Two adult mice watched as a tiny mouse grabbed Tulip’s hand, in an attempt to pull her, or lead her.

“Let’s see where this goes, then?” Tulip said, following the gravity of a fully operational toddler.

Tulip wore a yellow dress, straight up and down with a golden bow at the scandalously backless waist. Freya realized that Kayli had stolen the golden yellow bow and was streaking towards the chicken pens at a breakneck speed.

Arriving at the pens, Kayli mewed and Freya could see that she was struggling.

“Go ahead, Kayli. Tell us what is on your mind.” Freya said.

Tulip squatted down.

“Cheee...CAN…” a little squeak of a voice said.

“Chicken? Chicken!” Freya said, grabbing the small mouse.

“Cheee… can!” Kayli said.

Freya sniffed.

“That is her first word, huh?” Tulip said.

“Yes,” Freya said, wiping back tears. “I think she wants to pet the chickens. Do you still have that sweet roll? I’m going to need some energy.”

Tulip handed her the roll, smiling from ear to ear.

“The coach is almost ready, little one,” Tulip said, leaning towards Freya. “But let’s pet some chickens first.

Freya smiled at the mouse who was gaining in not only her estimation, but apparently Kayli’s as well.