Alberta was so happy to have her sister back home with her. They spent many hours catching up around the dining room table.

Ida was quickly enamored with her aunt. Alberta found that the toddler was following her around like a puppy, always intrigued by what the young woman was doing. She found it endearing and was pleased that she was able to spend plenty of time with her young niece.

Even Daniel, who Alberta had never been close to, found ways to bond with the teen. He set up his woodworking table in the garden, near her outdoor easel. They didn't have long, emotional conversations, but they found camaraderie in working side by side like this.

Each of the Fitzpatricks were adjusting to their new home as best they could. Daniel made quick work of setting up some farmable land on a plot in the back of the Evans' property. It was much bigger than his farm on their previous lot.

Though Ida was still a little young to fully understand what had happened, she was so happy to have a room of her own! One that could fit a much larger dollhouse (a hand-me-down from Virginia and Alberta's childhoods).

Having grown up there, Virginia was much more familiar with the home. She did miss their little farmhouse, but leaving was worth it if it meant she could be with her little sister. The house was big enough to have a large family, something she didn't grow up with but always wanted.

Now that they were both of marrying age, Peter paid a visit to the Fitzpatrick household to ask their permission to propose to Ida. He explained that he felt deeply for her, that they’d spoken of their love to each other before. 

Of course, her parents had questions for him: what was his profession? Where did they intend to live? All the questions one would expect a parent to have about their daughter's potential husband. Peter informed them that he had an uncle in Britechester that was willing to give him a bit of property in exchange for some work he needed help with. Aside from that, Peter was going to work at the University library.

Britechester worried the Fitzpatricks. It wasn’t exactly close by, and they wouldn’t get to see their eldest daughter very much....

Peter could see the apprehension on their faces and immediately began speaking again. “I must inform you, I fully intend to return home to Henford-On-Bagley as regularly as possible, especially for the holiday seasons. I have no intention of whisking Ida away to never be seen again.”

Daniel and Virginia looked at each other for a moment, as if discussing telepathically. Finally, they both turned back to Peter and nodded.

Ida was on her way back from having tea with a friend when Peter met up with her on the front porch. He greeted her as romantically as he could, but Ida could tell he was a bit nervous.

Before he could get too nervous and chicken out, Peter got down on one knee and Ida immediately knew what was happening.

“Ida Fitzpatrick, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Of course!” She agreed eagerly, taking the ring from Peter and sliding it onto her finger. Oh, it was a beautiful ring too!

They kissed on her front porch, both brimming with excitement for what the future held.

Happy birthday and welcome to adulthood, Ida!

It became a bit of a tradition for Peter to walk Ida home, even though it meant he was going well out of his way after school. One day they took a detour to walk through town and Peter stopped for a moment.

"Ida," he began nervously. It took him a moment to say anything else, but he soon took her hands into his. "Ida, I have been thinking..."

She felt her face flush as he took her hands, but nodded for him to keep going.

"Well, I have been thinking that I quite enjoy your company. I think you're very bright and talented and delightful-" he took a breath, realizing he was speaking quite fast. "I think I may love you, Ida Fitzpatrick." He finally admitted, face nearly as red as his hair.

Before Ida could say a word in response, he took off, embarrassed by his admission.

*~*~*~*~*~*

After the winter holidays had passed and school was back in session, Ida asked Peter to walk her home again. Peter was hesitant, but agreed. On their walk, Ida began on her own rambling.