"Well it isn't up to either of us," said Alissa taking his arm, "Let's head home and see if Ellen's made dinner yet,"

"Yes, that will be nice. And we will get you out of that horrible contraption immediately," Randy replied.

Once inside Alissa presented Randy with the ties of her corset, "Alright, let's get this thing off of me!"

Randy examined it carefully before untying the laces, loosening the garment so that Alissa could remove it.

Alissa let out a heavy sigh, angry red marks left behind where the corset had pressed into her, "I can't believe I have to wear those things for the rest of my life!"

"Do you really?" Randy could scarcely believe the idea; it sounded so incredibly awful to him.

"Well you know, it's just the done thing," Alissa shrugged, "I don't like it but Mama said that no one is going to want me otherwise," she sighed, "Sometimes I think maybe it's not worth it,"

Randy shook his head. "I will admit that it isn't my favorite figure."

"Really? What is?" asked Alissa as she removed the corset only to hear a loud shriek from her mother, who had just arrived to see the two of them.

"ALISSA! What are you doing? Don't undress in front of Mr. Baker! For heaven's sake you aren't a child anymore! Now apologize for putting him in such a position!" Lady Summerville bawled.

Randy pretended to look away for Lady Summerville's peace of mind.

Alissa was sent to her room and Lady Summerville apologized to Randy, "I swear that girl will never grow up, I'm terribly sorry!"

"It is alright; I suppose she has just gotten used to me," said Randy.

"That's no excuse! If she's going to become lady Stickbottom she needs to act the part!" said Lady Summerville, "Running about naked in front of the help is not what a lady does!"

"Certainly. ...Lady Stickbottom, you say?" Randy looked at her.

"Well, Winston is thinking of marrying her, he has a title and she has money, it's a good match," said Lady Summerville, "Alissa just needs to learn to be more subdued and demure,"

"I see." Randy gave a nod of understanding, though inside he was reeling. Lady Stickbottom! It was perhaps the most revolting thing he'd ever heard. Oh, poor Alissa...