       Anna adjusted herself a little, trying to get comfortable as the carriage rumbled on.  She had often wondered how it would be to ride on one.  Seeing them bump along, catching a glimpse or two of the lavish insides.  Just added to her sense of wonder and left her wanting.  However, now that she had been in one for roughly an hour she could say without a doubt that it wasn’t nearly as comfortable or nice as she had imagined!
       Still though, there were many other things to be thinking about other than her slight discomfort at being jostled around.  Such as what was to become of her in the coming years.  Until just hours ago, she had been living in a tiny village with her family.  Maybe not so very happily but contently enough.  Now, she was in a stranger’s carriage moving farther and farther away from everything she knew to a place filled with doubt and unknowns.
       The previous night her Papa and Mamma had sat her down and told her that her hand had been asked for by a wealthy young man in the nearby growing city.  She had been shocked to learn this and had started to cry right away.  After all, how could a girl just reaching her twelfth year become a wife?  She knew it happened some times to the wealthier girls in the town but she was certainly not one of those.
       They had been understanding of her fears, but were firm that she had to go.  It was here that they reviled that they were going to have to move out soon anyways.  That if she stayed, then she too would be homeless and jobless.  Despite knowing she was spared a hard turn in life it was still terrifying and hard to climb up into the carriage that morning.  And despite her parent’s insurance that all would be better, she still couldn’t help but have a twinge of doubt as her tiny world slowly disappeared behind her.
       Sighing, Anna pulls her bare feet up onto the seat and wraps her tail around herself for comfort.  The waiting was making her anxiety all the worst.  Like most little girls, something like this would have been a dream come true.  But the reality of it was much more terrifying.  
       “He saw you in the market and was smitten by you at first sight.  I told you you looked like a princess” her mother had told her.
       Anna had known for the longest time she was considered very pretty.  She had been told enough by literally EVERYONE.  Even strangers who passed though their little village.  She used to love the attention though now she was regretting it.  Because it seemed that it was the cause of her current predicament.
       Outside her window she watched large family’s trudge along the dirty road.  Seeing little girls, and boys run about playing made her hear ache for home.  She wondered when they would have to move.  Her Papa hadn’t said when they would have to move.  But it had to happen soon, and then they would be off to wherever they felt would be the best.
       Her morose thoughts however took a back seat when suddenly the landscape of, fields of wheat suddenly changed as the carriage bounced onto a stone bridge.  The buildings quite literally sprung up about her.  Tall, and made of dark red bricks.  The sight was nothing like she had seen before.  Casting her eyes about here she sat there gawking at the spectacle of it all.  
       Too her disappointment though the driver did not go much deeper into the forest of buildings and instead opted to keep to the outskirts.  Still, there was plenty to look at.  The sights, the smells (though those were not so nice), it all captivated her.  Soon they were traveling next to a large expanse of greenery, fascinated, she took in as much of it as she could, wondering what this was for in a forest of stone.  It was next to one of these that the driver turned down another lane and she got the first glimpse of her new home.
       Anna’s first impression of the house was… HUGE.  Many of the other buildings had maybe 4 stories but to see a home with two was just amazing to her.  To her count there had to be hundreds of windows dotting the front and ivy clamored all over the façade, covering up much of the original colors of the building.  Soon the carriage comes to a stop right in line with the front door ushering in a fresh wave of anxiety.
       The manservant who had accompanied them hopped off the carriage and opened the door with a flourish and offers his arm.  Thanking him she steps out of the carriage with his assistance.  Happy to be out of the cramped quarters she stretches a bit taking in the home for a moment more.  
       “Welcome to your new home Little Miss”, the old feline says and ushers her inside.
       Stepping into the front hall Anna felt relieved feeling the cool wooden floor on her bare foot paws, the manservant asks Anna to wait there and leaves her to check out her new home.  Wood adorned practically everything inside the entry way.  High above them was a large, many armed object with lights attached to each end.  To say this room was lavish was an understatement, and instantly made her feel rather shabby being inside it.
       It was not even a minute later when an even older feline entered the room following the manservant.  He was wearing a smart black jacket and slacks with a white shirt underneath.  Smiling he, he nods at her and greets her.
       “Good afternoon Miss.  My name is Jasper.  It is very good to see you.  You must be the little lady our master called for.” He says kindly.
       “Y-yes sir.” She replies quietly, still trying to mentally bring herself up to speed.
       “It must be very hard to leave your family behind miss-?” he stops.  It takes a second for her to realize he was inquiring after her name.
       “O-oh!  I’m sorry!  My name’s Anna!” she quickly responds.
       “Miss Anna, a very pretty name, for such pretty lady.  You must be tired and hungry from your trip.  But ah- I think you’d like to freshen up before you ate yes?”  Here he turns and as if on que another feline enters the room.  
       It was a woman, maybe the age of her mother or more.  She wore her hair in a tight bun and her dress was a plain thing.  Anna felt herself shrink a little as the woman strides up imperiously.  She was possibly the most severe looking woman she had ever met.  Jasper though, continues on as if not noticing that Anna had taken a step back.
       “This, Miss Anna is Mrs. Black.  She will be your tutor, instructor and is in otherwise in charge of your wellbeing within the house.”
       “Good evening Anna.” Ms. Black says in a stiff formal voice.
       “G-good evening” replies Anna wondering if it was too late to leave.
       Anna felt naked before the roving eyes of this woman.  She felt as if all her flaws were one by one being spotted by her.  She felt that this must be how a fish must feel being inspected by a buyer.  Finally, though she seemingly finishes her inspection and gives a curt nod as if satisfied.
       “You are a bit skinny and malnourished but after some good food in your belly you’ll be fine.  You have a very nice figure and wide hips, perfect for child berthing.  Do you have any ailments child?  Coughing, loss of fur?”  Before she can go on Jasper interrupts her.
       “Ms. Black.  We will schedule a physician to do a thorough examination of her later.  For, now what she needs is a good bath, food then some time to rest.  Don’t you agree?”  He asks mildly.  
       “I suppose your right.” She replies grudgingly.  Turning around she snaps her fingers and calls two games.   From the next room two maids walk into the room and stand awaiting orders.  “Missy, please kindly escort the Lady to her new room then assist June with getting a bath prepared for her.”
       “Yes ma’am.” They reply.
       Missy, a pretty Calico walks up to Anna and curtsies.  “If you’ll follow me miss, I’ll show you too your room.”
       Taking her by her arm she guides Anna into the next room and up a flight of stairs, following the black and white feline named June.  Anna soon gives up trying to follow where they are going.  To her there were too many twists and turns.  Soon though they open the door to a room and usher her in.
       The room was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.  A large canopy bed dominated one side of the room.  A large wardrobe stood on one side and a small desk with a chair and mirror were on the opposite wall next to another door leading who knows where.  Two large windows with their curtains drawn let light pour into the room making everything shine.  For nearly all the bedding, and furniture was bright white.  Even the curtains to her eyes looked to be made of lace.  
       Before looking down at the floor she noticed that it was not wooden like the rest of the house but of a thick fabric looking material.  Suddenly worried that her dirty feet would leave paw prints she looks back hastily as the door closes.  To her relief there were none to be seen.
       “Here is your room Miss.” Missy says kindly.  “If you’ll excuse us, me and June will be through that door next to your vanity preparing your bath.  Please get comfortable and don’t worry about your things.  The manservant and his son will bring them up.”
       Anna had not brought anything with her but the clothes on her back.  She felt too embarrassed to say that though so she just thanked her maid.  Missy smiles and takes her leave leaving Anna alone in the room.
       Looking around at all the bright white items in the room slowly made Anna more and more uncomfortable and feel unclean.  She wanted to sit down but was afraid that she’d get whatever she sat on dirty.  Looking around she notices that the seat in front of what Missy had called a “Vanity” was made of wood only.  Gingerly, still worried about paw prints, she walks over to the seat and sits down gratefully.  It was here, sitting stock still Missy found Anna nearly 10 minutes later.  
       “O-oh, is the bed not to your liking Miss?” she asks worriedly.
       “N-no its not that I-its…” she trails off looking at her feet which to her looked extremely dirty.  Missy follows her eyes and looks at her feet for a moment before her reasoning dawns on her.  Tactfully she hides a laugh with a cough and take Anna by her arm and helps her up.
       “It’s very pretty that way, but trust me, its all there for you to sleep on and mess up to your heart’s desire!” she says cheerfully leading her into the room with the tub.
       Once again Anna is greeted by a new looking room.  The walls and ground are covered in smooth tiles and too her surprise a large porcelain tub dominating the far side of the room below a window.  Having only used a wash basin to clean herself for as long as she could remember it was a shock that she was now going to be able to soak INSIDE one to wash herself.
       Closing the door behind them, Missy, to Anna’s shock, starts to try to undress her.  “Eeek!  W-what are you doing??”
       “You have to take your clothes off to get into the bath you know?” Missy asks giving her a strange look.
       “I-I know that.” She says.  “I-Id rather undress myself though… please?”
       A look of realization dawn on Missy and she gives her a nod.  “I’m sorry, yes of course you can Miss.”
       “A-and, can you look away please?” Anna says feeling extremely childish for asking this.  Missy though simply nods and turns away.
       Taking her clothes off she steps to the side of the tub and realizes that she’d need help getting inside it…  “M-missy I’m really sorry but…”
       “You need help getting in, don’t you?” Missy is heard to reply surprising a laugh.  
       “Yes.” Anna says gratefully turning to Missy as she comes up and helps her into the tub.
       The water was extremely hot, steam rose from the water and stung her skin as she sat down.  But soon though she felt her body relax and she leans back closing her eyes soaking it all in.  She hears Missy giggle a little at her but ignores her.  A moment later Missy clears her throat.
       “Would you like help washing Miss?” she asks politely.
       “You don’t…. have to call me “Miss” Missy.  Actually, I’d prefer if you didn’t.  My name is Anna.” She says earnestly.
       “As you wish, Anna.” Missy replies with a smile pulling up a stool next to the tub.  “But you didn’t answer my question.”
       “I um, should be fine.” Anna replies, feeling exposed again.
       “So, have you used shampoo before then?” Missy asks with a grin pointing behind her.
       “Sham…poo?” Anna asks perplexed looking behind her and noticing several bottles on a rack by the tub.  “I-I don’t know what those are…”
       “Hehe, I thought as much.  Here let me help you out.  I understand that you’re not used to such pampering, but you’re a wealthy mans wife now.  Just indulge it.  I know I would!” she says reaching over and taking the bottles down.  “These are to both wash your fur out and make it feel nice and soft when you’ve dried off.  Plus, they smell amazing.  Here smell it!” she says eagerly.
       Unsure Anna takes a little sniff of the contents of the bottle and was surprised at how fresh the smell was.  Missy opens another bottle and lets her smell that one as well.  In all there were 4 bottles, each having a unique smell.  
       “So, these are your options Miss Anna.” She says with a mischievous grin.  “Which would you like to use?”
       “Um, I really liked the second one.” She answers after a moment of thought.
       “Second one it is!  Now, here, let me put this block into the tub and we can get started!”
       The block Missy spoke of was more of a seat for the tub.  Sitting on this, Anna was raised out of the water high enough that her body could be washed.  She allowed Missy to wash her hair and washed everything else herself.  Missy it turned out was quite talkative.  But more than that was very easy to talk TO as well.
       She felt an instant bond to Missy learning that they were both the same age and that Missy had been pretty much forced to work as a maid when her father had lost his job at a mill.  That was early that year and it had actually been a wonderful experience so far.  The family Anna was now a part of was very nice to their servants and even allowed their maids room and board for free.  
       “I’m very sad Dad lost his job and all, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else now.  Plus, these shampoos are just to die for!” Missy babbled on helping Anna out of the now, dirty water.  
       “I hope things work out like that for my Papa… Where is your father now?” she asks quietly, suddenly reminded of the family she left behind.
       “He also works for this family actually.  I was able to help get him a job.” She sounds rather proudly combing out Anna’s fur as she sits on a stool covering herself up with a towel.
       “And your mother?  Brothers?  Sisters?”  she knew she was prying, but her mind was on her own family.  She wanted to hear news of family, anyone’s.
       “Well, my brother died in a factory, and I never new my mother.  Its just been me and father…” Missy says quietly after a moment.
       “O-Oh I’m so sorry!” Anna quickly says turning around to face missy.  Mortified at her own insensitive.  
       “No, your fine.  I’m sure your just home sick.  I’m ok, I still have my father.” Missy replies firmly.
       “Still, I’m so sorry…” Anna says letting Missy turn her around and begin brushing her again.
       The two girls sit in silence for a while until Missy says in her normal upbeat way.  “You have such beautiful fur Anna, I’m jealous.”
       “Oh, thank you.” Anna replies.
       “As a matter of fact, I hope I’m not being too bold to say.  But you are very beautiful.  I can see why the master chose you.” She says with a giggle.
       “Th-thanks.” Anna replies, feeling her face flush under her fur.
       “Where did you two meet if you don’t mind me asking?”
       “I-I don’t know…” Anna replies quietly and stiffens when the comb stops mid brush.
       “You don’t know?  Haven’t you even seen him?” Missy asks in a surprised voice.
       “N-no, not in person that is.  He uh, apparently saw me in the market one day and just found out where I lived…”
       “Oh… that’s… interesting.”  Missy says and starts to comb again.
       “Not the romantic meeting you were expecting huh?” Anna asks, her normal dry humor shining through earning a little giggle.
       “No, it isn’t.  I wasn’t going to say.  But since you seem to realize it yourself I can safely say it’s kind of creepy.”
       “Yeah, but since you haven’t been asking any odd questions I assume he’s at least normal… looking.”
       “Oh, he’s a looker to be sure.  You got lucky with this one Hun.  Ok, your all clean and brushed!” Missy exclaims.
       Anna had to admit she felt amazing after the bath.  Now that her fur was mostly dry she felt noticeably lighter.  Her fur even held a slight aroma of the shampoo.  This is something I can get used to…  She thought to herself. 
       “Ok, let’s get you dressed.”
       Anna suddenly felt like her belly fell.  Dressed?  Into what?  I don’t have any clothes…  “M-missy, I don’t have anything else…”
       Missy gave her a look and just laughed.  For a moment Anna stood there unsure of what to do.  Finally, Missy wipes her eyes and says, “Oh, I’m sorry Anna, but that was just too precious.  Of course, you can’t wear your old things.  Ms. Black ordered an outfit for you before you arrived.  It might not fit perfectly.  But it will do until we can get you to a tailor ok?”
       Feeling relieved Anna nods and wraps the towel around her body to preserve her modesty and follows Missy back into her room.  And there, true to her word, was the most expensive looking dress Anna had ever seen hanging on a hook near the bed.  
       “Is… is that really for me?” Anna asks in a subdued voice.
       “Mhm, I remember first seeing my maid dress and looking at it like that.” Missy giggles.  “Some assembly required though.  And you will need to lose the towel.” She continues with a grin.
       Anna flushes again and nods taking off the towel and instantly covers her chest up again and feels her tail wrap around her middle.  Missy just sighs at this and looks up at the room as if asking for strength.  Taking the dress off the hook she lays it out and picks up white silky underclothes Anna had not noticed before.
       “You know, you don’t need to hide yourself from me.  We are both girls you know.” Missy says handing her the clothes.  “You have a beautiful body.  No reason to try to hide it” she says with a wink.
       Anna feels her face burn all the more but doesn’t reply and allows herself to be exposed so she can put on the clothes.  Nice outfits took time to put on she found out.  It was more intricate than she’d have imaged.  Worse though she realized she’d need help dressing and undressing from now on.
       Standing there in her new outfit she discovered something else.  It was kind of hard to move.  Especially wearing shoes…  Growing up on the farm she hadn’t really worn shoes.  Usually she may wear some leather on her paw pads but never a full pair of shoes.  Asking if this was really necessary Missy insisted that if she didn’t want to step in horse droppings outside, then she would need to. 
       “This is pretty formal attire.  Ms. Black must have wanted to present you as a “lady” when you first meet the master. Plus, it’s not a perfect fit.  When you go to the tailors you’ll get some more comfortable clothes.” She says noticing the expression on Anna’s face.
       Giving her a grateful smile, she allows Missy to guide her back downstairs.  Once back in the Entrance Hall Jasper greets them and thanks Missy for her assistence and remarks on how lovely Anna looks in her new dress.
       “Looking beautiful in that dress Miss Anna!  We will need to take you out shopping tomorrow I think for more clothes though.  Does that sound good to you?” 
       “Yes please.  Uhm, can Missy come along with me?” she asks.
       “Missy?  Oh, I’m sure we can arrange that.  Ms. Black will want an assistant anyways.  Now, I regret to inform you Miss that the master’s business in town will take him longer than expected.  He won’t be able to join us until after dinner.  Still, there is a nice lunch set out for you in the dining room.  You will need to tell our chefs what foods you like so they can accommodate you in the future.  Now, if you’ll follow me?”
       Ms. Black made another appearance during her lunch to appraise her eating habits apparently.  By the time she was done instructing her and she was eating to her standards she felt exhausted.  She also learned that her tutoring was going to begin the day after tomorrow.  She had much to learn according to Ms. Black.  Most it seemed to be of proper etiquette, but she did say if Anna wanted to her could also teach her how to read and write.  That at least sounded like fun.
       For the rest of the day Anna spent her time being given a tour of the house by her new friend Missy.  The house still felt huge to her but it was much smaller than she had originally felt.  There were plenty of very comfortable rooms to sit in by a fire place and, most notable to Anna was a rather larger library.  Again, growing up on a farm she had never learned to read.
       Dinner was soon served in the same room, she again dined alone, this time without the supervision of Ms. Black though.  After eating her fill, she is excused and goes back up to her room to wait “The Masters” return.
       Ever since she had sat down her anxieties had slowly begun to come back.  Her “Husband” …?  The home and the prospect of a new home and life had distracted her all day.  But now as the time wound down, the real reason for her departure and arrival came flooding back.  In a short time, she would be meeting her betrothed.
       She had asked all the servants about him of course.  But she had never (knowingly) met him.  Even her parents had been vague about the details of how he had “met” her.  The servants at least had nothing but praise for him.  And luckily, he was not an old man as he very well could have been.  But still, she could not truly know until she finally met him herself.  
       As she sat in a chair, toying with her hair and sifting though her thoughts she hears a soft knock on her door.  The sudden noise startles her out of her thoughts, trying to make her fur lay flat again she asks whomever is at the door to enter.  Missy enters the room smiling ear to ear and says only one thing.
       “He’s home.”
       This is it…  Anna thinks to herself standing up in what no longer seems to be her body.  Trying to calm her frayed nerves she asks, “W-where is he?”
       “He’s eating his supper at the moment.  He asked for you to meet him.”
       “I-I see…” is all she can muster.
       “Well then.  Come on!” Missy says ushering Anna out of her room and leads her to the appointed place.  
       Anna is led into a smallish but warm and richly decorated room.  A fire merrily crackles away in the fireplace with a lavish couch placed in front of it.  Ignoring this Anna instead makes for a window and looks out.  The gardens she passed earlier are seen and she sooths herself by mentally removing herself from where she was.
       “Anna…?”  The voice seems far off to her but she realizes that its Missy’s voice and she turns around.  Her friend offers her a friendly smile.  “Anna… if you don’t want to meet right away.  I could always let him know for you…”
       Part of her really wanted to take up Missy on this.  But she knew that it would be rude of her.  Regardless of her current feelings, she needed to meet him.  Sooner rather than later.  
       “I-its ok Missy.  I’ll be fine.” Anna says with a brave smile.
       “I’m sure you will, he’s a very kind man.  You’ll see.  Good luck.” Missy says with a smile and leaves Anna alone, closing the doors behind her.
       Alone again Anna returns to the window.  Sitting there and watching the door would have been to much for her.  Instead she occupies herself by taking in the beautiful landscape of the gardens.  It isn’t much later that the sound of the doors opening behind her.  Her ears absent mindedly swivel to the sound before registering what it meant.  Mentally steeling herself she turns around to meet her fiancé fir the first time.
       Both man and woman take a moment to take each other in.  Anna had to admit that the tom was very handsome.  He looked to be in his mid 20’s and clearly took very good care of himself.  Hel was a Maine coon and had very fine, thick fur that partially stuck out from his shirt giving him a slightly comical look.  But what took her in the most however was his eyes.
       The rich brown eyes were soft and caring looking.  And to say they glowed once they met hers would have been an understatement.  He observed her with the utmost respect, taking her in without reproach.  All the while practically radiating joy.
       “Beautiful.”  Is the first thing he says.  He takes a step forward but catches himself and coughs politely.  “My apologies Anna.  For taking you from your family, and for not being here to receive you afterwards.  I should have gone myself, but unfortunately fates conspired against me.  I hope you have been treated well”?
       “Y-yes.  Everyone has been very kind to me sir.”  Anna replies, still hesitant. 
       “Th-that’s good to hear, and uhm, what-what do you think of the house?” he asks, seemingly searching for something to talk about.
       “I-its um, very big.” She replies.
       “H-hah.  Yes, it is… OH!  Where are my manners!  M-my name is Eric.  I-it is very nice to finally meet you face-to-face.” He says beaming again.  “W-would you like to sit down?” he asks hopefully, gesturing to the seat in front of the fireplace.   
       Nodding Anna sits down next to Eric. And the two laps into an awkward silence, the only noise made by the fire.  “Uhm, Can… I ask you something?” Anna says, breaking the silence.
       “Yes, anything!” Eric replies eagerly.
       “Where, uhm… where have we met before…?”  It was something that had been bothering her ever since she had left her former life behind.  How had they met?  
       “O-oh!  Y-yes I uh, suppose you wouldn’t really know would you…”  Eric replies, suddenly becoming rather flustered.  “Well… you see.  I saw you in the markets last month…  The servants usually go themselves but I like to go with them whenever I can.  I like picking up my own things.  I-it was there that I saw you… You… you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen…  I-it may sound silly, but it was love at first sight…”
       “So, you asked my parents for my hand and had me brought over here?”
       “…Yes... I-it sounded rather romantic in my head.  But saying it out loud makes me sound… a little creepy.” Eric says slowly rubbing the back of his head.
       “Yes, it does…” Anna replies simply.
       
       For a few moments the two sit there in the most awkward silence yet.  The tension is instant broken however when Anna, begins the giggle and then starts to laugh.  Eric smiles then begins the chuckle with her.  Both soon overcome by the absurdity of it all.  The two laughs together for some time until they finally calm down.
       “I-I’m so glad that turned out better than I was thinking it was going to.” Eric says wiping tears from his eyes.
       “Hehe, yes.  It was nearly a disaster huh?” Anna says, still tittering.  
       The two-fall silent and smile at each other.  
       “Well… now that the uh, awkward introductions are over.  I am very happy that you did decide to come to live with me…  And I hope that we can share more moments like this.”
       Anna smiles back and simply nods.  They still had a long way to go.  She still knew little about him, his habits, likes and dislikes.  But, if he was as nice, as the initial impression she felt that she could one day learn to love him. 
