A/N: Yes, it is I, Nekomon, who has returned to you! With a new fic! ::coughs::..aheh..yes… this one just popped into my head and I don't think anyone's done it before, so I just had to get it down! I hope you like it! To all my reviewers: I'll make a special section for yous at the end, or at the beginning of each chapter, so if you want your name up here, REVIEW!!!

This story takes place in a small town in England during 1850, a pretty good time in the Victorian Era.

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Co. isn't owned by me. DON'T RUB IT IN ALREADY!!

Chapter 1: A new beginning for Kagome

"Miss Kagome," A young servant girl whispered. "Miss Kagome please wake up. It is time." The servant girl shook Kagome's shoulder gently.

"Mnh…I am awake now Ayako." Kagome mumbled sitting up slowly. She wiped her eyes and stretched. "So much to do today!" she yawned.

Her servant bowed and quietly replied, "Breakfast is promptly at 8:00 Miss Kagome."

"Ok Ayako." Kagome said, climbing out of her plush bed and walking to her window. Opening the shades and the glass doors she stepped out to the balcony to look over their land. "Oh, Ayako," she said turning around, but her servant girl had disappeared. Shrugging, Kagome turned back and sighed happily, breathing in the flowery smell of the garden below. Resting her arms on the smooth rock of her balcony, Kagome could see far and wide. The sun's rays brushed against her skin giving it a soft glow.

"Miss Kagome," Ayako said softly. Kagome turned around. "Your bath is ready Miss Kagome."

"Oh, thank you Ayako." She replied, stepping from the balcony and walking to the glamorous bath next to her room.

Humidity suddenly hit her as she opened the doors. She smiled to herself. Ayako was the perfect servant girl. She learned quickly and did things without question. She always remembered that Kagome loved to take steaming hot baths, so she would always be relaxed and ready for her day. Slipping out of her night clothes and stepping into the hot bath, Kagome leaned back and sighed as the hot water massaged her skin. Her thoughts began to wander as she observed her bathroom. Something she did everyday, but as her mind drifted things started to feel different.

It's been forever since I've seen my real home. Kagome thought. Back to Japan…not here in Norband. Why did Mother think that this would ease her pain, by moving away? Did she want to forget Father forever? I don't even remember him! It's her fault for that…it would have been nice to have some memory of him. But we had to have moved here before Souta was born.

A knock at the door startled her from her thoughts and she jumped up. "Miss Kagome?"

It was Ayako.

"Y-Yes Ayako?" Kagome stammered.

"It is almost time for breakfast Miss Kagome; you know how your mother gets…when you are late." Ayako hesitated quietly.

"Oh, already? Well I must be getting ready then! I don't want to upset Mother!" Kagome cried, jumping from the bath and wrapping a towel around her.

"What colour would you like to wear today Miss Kagome?" Ayako asked, stepping toward the closet.

"You always know what looks best Ayako, I'll let you choose today." Kagome replied, drying herself off as she walked from the bathroom.

Of course you would never want to upset Mother. Kagome thought a tad bit scornfully. Ever since we've moved here she's taken on a new attitude toward everything…I can't even remember the last time as a child that I actually had fun. Well…the kind of fun I used to have before everything went downhill.

Mother went into mourning for two whole years after Father passed. For a whole year and one day, she wore nothing but black, and she didn't wear any jewelry. Not even the earrings Father had given her as an anniversary present. She even wore a black veil made of crepe everyday to show everyone that she was mourning. She never left the house without wearing it. Then, slowly, she began to wear colours again…and her jewelry. I remember she had the entire household wearing black for an entire two years! Except for Souta and me. It was against the law to have children be in mourning for more than one year.

She reached over and picked up her white drawers. The bottoms were embroidered with roses and they buttoned in the back. She stood as she pulled them up over her waist and slipped her arms through the very short sleeves. Next, she reached back to button them. Turning around she picked up her chemise. Also a white undergarment, it resembled a gown that went down a little past her knees.

Next came the garment that Kagome dread the most, the corset. Ayako stepped from Kagome's closet as Kagome slipped the corset on. Standing behind her, she quickly laced it up as Kagome held onto one of her bedposts.

"Ready Miss Kagome?" Ayako asked quietly.

Kagome closed her eyes and tightened her grip on the post. "Yes, I'm ready."

Pulling with all of her strength, Ayako tightened the corset, causing it to crush Kagome's sides together.

Kagome breathed in sharply, she hated this. It was so painful! And the worst part was…it wasn't even over yet.

"Are you alright Miss Kagome?" Ayako blinked.

"Yes yes." Kagome breathed. "Proceed."

Soon the corset was tight enough and Kagome stood for awhile and waited for her body to adjust. She took a couple of deep breaths.

Next came the under petticoat. She had heard stories from older women during tea with her mother how they had used to have to wear many, many under petticoats to get the hoop look. Luckily, the hoop petticoat was made and there was no longer a need for excessive wear of the under petticoat.

After that, the over petticoat came on, with its embroidered hem with yellow wild flowers. Kagome was beginning to get weary.

And finally, her dress could be put on! Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as Ayako buttoned up the maroon Fan Front Bodice dress. Dark colours were all the fashion this year, whereas a couple of years ago, brighter colours and patterns were fashionable. The dress was expensive. It was cartridge pleated with a three flounced skirt and tight-fitting sleeves with a high neck to complete it.

Kagome flopped down onto her bed and her skirt immediately flew up. Ayako was there instantly and helped her into her boots.

"We're almost done Ayako!" Kagome sighed.

"Yes Miss Kagome, we are almost done." Ayako replied.

Once Ayako had Kagome's boots laced up she helped her stand and move to her vanity. She went about curling Kagome's hair with the new curling iron in small ringlets. Pulling her long raven hair up into what looked like a large half bun, Ayako finished the look by pinning the half bun down. She pulled some of the ringlets forward in front of her ears, and brushed a little at the ringlets in the back that fell down to Kagome's shoulder blades. Next, she finished by putting a Chinese clip at the base of the half bun, stretching out the long strands of pearl beads that were attached.

"Now Miss Kagome," Ayako said. "We are finished."

"Beautiful job Ayako," Kagome replied standing up. "As always." She smiled.

Ayako bowed. "Thank you Miss Kagome."

Kagome left her room feeling a little tired, but hungry. When she reached downstairs to the dining room, her mother and brother were already seated at the table. Luckily, her mother was already in deep conversation with someone else. Kagome had just planted herself in her seat when a maid rang the silver bell for breakfast.

"Please excuse me for a moment, well everyone is here." Mrs. Higurashi proclaimed. She always looked, well more like glared about the table anytime they were supposed to gather to see if everyone was there. On time. Consequences were harsh if you were ever late to the table. It wasn't proper etiquette.

Everything is about etiquette with mother now. Kagome thought.

Soon the morning tea was served. Keemun tea from China, served with milk or lemon. Never should one mix the two. It was seen as barbaric to do so. Kagome liked to switch every other day.

"Milk or lemon for today Miss Kagome?" a maid, Hideyo asked, bending over with a tray of lemon slices and a small tin tea kettle of milk.

"Milk today Hideyo." Kagome replied. Hideyo picked up the kettle and began to pour milk in Kagome's tea.

"That's enough Hideyo," Mrs. Higurashi spoke over her cup just as two drops were put into Kagome's tea. "We don't want little Kagome getting fat."

"Yes Miss Higurashi." Hideyo replied, straightening and walking over to the guest and bending over once again. "Milk or lemon in your tea today sir?"

Kagome lifted her cup daintily and sipped silently. She couldn't even taste the milk in her tea! She sighed as she set down her cup. Mrs. Higurashi's eyes immediately darted from her cup to her daughter. She sat down her cup and folded her hands in her lap.

"No sighing at the table Kagome. It is not lady-like, and as a matter of fact, ladies do not sigh at all! I don't know what has gotten into you lately Kagome! First all of that milk put into your tea, and now sighing at the table! Did Miss Kaede not teach you your manners well?!"

Souta looked back and forth between his mother and sister. "Do not worry Kagome; you'll get it right next-

"And now you Souta! You know better! Children should be seen and not heard!"

Poor Souta quieted quickly and went back to his tea. Kagome stared at her hands in her lap.

"Acting so rude in front of our guest!" Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed. Kagome raised her head slowly. The guest was a man! A quite handsome one at that now that she had gotten a good look at him.

He cleared his throat and spoke clearly in a soothing tone. "Hello Miss Higurashi."

"Kagome this is Tomoshi Miroku," her mother said. "He is here to offer you something."

Kagome's heart skipped a beat. Marriage? Was he going to propose to her right at breakfast?! She wasn't ready for this! She was only 15! He had to be, at least 19 or 20! Of course…such marriages weren't too uncommon. But she could tell right off that they weren't right for each other. It was custom in that time to marry someone of your complete opposite. This man, from what she could tell so far, was just like her. Calm and collected, proper, and rich! This marriage wouldn't go well at all! She could tell from the look on her mother's face that she had already accepted his offer. She wouldn't have a real choice in the matter at all. Even if she didn't' accept his proposal, if her mother had, she was doomed for life.

She looked at him. He was handsome yes, with his jet black hair that was pulled back into a small ponytail! Very uncommon for this age. His suit was neatly cleaned and the dark navy suited him well. He had a twinkle in his eyes that made Kagome wary of him. Her heart started to break when the feeling of dread came over her.

"Miss Higurashi," he said turning to her. "I am here as a messenger from Sesshoumaru."

Kagome straightened at that. So he wasn't here for her hand in marriage? Her heart soared! It flew above the clouds and into whatever was up there! She couldn't be any happier! But wait, what did the richest man in Norband want with her? Oh no, what if he was here to ask for her hand in marriage for Sesshoumaru? It was funny really; he was quite the mysterious man. Only few have seen him, and though it was heard that he was very proper and respectful, he carried no last name. Some said he was dangerous because he had no last name. Kagome had only seen a glimpse of him as he was entering his carriage. She thought she had seen a glint of silver on his back.

"He would like you to come and see him around the next tea time." Miroku said in his sultry voice.

Mrs. Higurashi glanced at the clock. Well it will be a couple of hours until the next tea time Kagome so I want you to get ready as soon as breakfast is over."

"I will accompany you on the way there Miss Higurashi." Miroku added.

"May we walk?" Kagome asked hopefully. "It is such a nice day out and it would be such a shame to waste it riding in a stuffy carriage. And Sesshoumaru's mansion isn't very far from here anyway."

Mrs. Higurashi sniffed. "That will be fine, Hideyo, where is breakfast? We are famished!"

"Coming Miss Higurashi!" Hideyo called.

Morning always went by fast for Kagome. It was the time after morning when she had to change that went by the slowest. When Mrs. Higurashi warned her from downstairs that it was about time she needed to start getting ready, Ayako was already there with a satin emerald green evening dress, also cartridge pleated with a three flounced skirt. It hung off the shoulders and the sleeves were a little looser. The bottom reached to the floor easily. Soon Kagome was at her vanity again and Ayako was busy with her hair. She pretty much just redid the whole thing and put different clips in it, this time an emerald jewel with small beads hanging from it on either side of the half bun. An emerald necklace was placed about Kagome's neck, and she held her dark green coloured lace fan closed neatly in her lap. A bonnet was placed over her head gently and tied it under her chin.

She stood up and sighed. "Well, once again you have done a beautiful job Ayako."

"I try my best Miss Kagome." Ayako said quietly bowing. "You had better be off Miss Kagome; you know how Miss Higurashi doesn't like it when you're late."

"Yes, yes I must be going. Good-bye Ayako!" Kagome called, making her way downstairs.

Once she reached the bottom her mother gave her the once over and Miroku offered her his arm. Taking it, they walked from her mother's estate to the main street where there was a bustle of many people walking through the many shops. Kagome loved to get out of the house and watch the people hustle and bustle about. Carriages of old couples, new couples, friends, family and new acquaintances past by, the colourful horses trotting happily next to one another. Miroku was the perfect gentleman while escorting her to Sesshoumaru's mansion. He let her stop at any shop she wanted and look around while he stayed outside and conversed with people passing by.

Soon they came to a smaller part of town, where everything wasn't as hurried as the main part. Things felt different here, and Kagome felt slightly uneasy at how the mood changed so suddenly. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all to walk. Suddenly she felt Miroku's arm slip from hers and she stopped as he turned to her.

"I must leave you for a moment Miss Kagome, it will only be for a few minutes, and then I shall return. Wait here." He said, then turned and walked off. Kagome looked past him to see a group of young girls maybe about her age or older standing near a small candy shop, laughing and giggling at one another. Kagome hmphed.

How rude of him to leave me in a place like this to go… to go and chase after those girls! I was so very wrong about this Tomoshi Miroku!!

She folded and unfolded her fan impatiently and glared around at the smaller part of town. People still passed by occasionally, and the shops didn't seem any more happier or open than the shops in the main part of town, but it still gave Kagome a shaky feeling. Her eyes scanned the area after she glared at Miroku's back as he flirted and got cheeky with the women by the candy shop, looking at the various people walking by or stacking crates for a shop. Her eyes fell on a small group in particular, not very far from her at all. Three men, one in a blood red suit, and the other two in what looked like dark grays. The man in the blood red suit caught her eye the most. A very unusual colour to wear, very rare for someone to be so outspoken as such.

Hmph, it's probably just some commoner who saved up his money to try and look rich! Kagome thought scornfully, sniffing. But she couldn't take her eyes off of that suit. Suddenly, he looked over at her and their eyes met. Kagome started a bit, gasping. His eyes! W-What is wrong with his eyes?! Her mind screamed. Her deep blue eyes met with amber eyes that shined like gold in the sun. Their eyes poured into each other's, a blank stare shared between the two, until his eyes widened like something came over him and Kagome turned away, blushing.

"Uh…just a minute…I'll be right back; I think I just saw somebody I knew."

Kagome took a peek over her shoulder and her hear raced. He was walking over to her! She smacked her cheeks some to try to get rid of the blush and opened her fan to give herself some fresh air, hoping that would help. She straightened when she felt his presence on her back and jumped a little when his voice came out, soft, quiet, and hesitant.

"E-Excuse me…" he said, his voice wavering a little. Kagome turned around and looked up to see the handsomest man she had ever seen! He looked to be about a little older than she was. His face was perfect; his eyes were…they were stunning! Nothing like she had ever seen before. He took her breath away and she put a hand to her chest to see if her heart was still beating.

His eyes searched her face. It was her! It had been so long since he had seen her! He thought she had abandoned him and left with someone else. But she was here now. His darling Kikyou!

"Kikyou, you have returned to me!" He cried wrapping his arms around her. Definitely something one does not do in public. "I missed you Kikyou," He said, running his hands up her back. "I thought you had left me, where did you go?"

Kagome stood frozen for a second before she broke free from his embrace, causing her bonnet to untie and fall violently from her head. Some of her ringlets had freed themselves and fell across her flustered face as she reeled back and slapped this cheeky man a good one.

"I do not know who this Kikyou is sir, but I am not her! How dare you come up to me in such a way and wrap your arms around me! How dare you speak to me in such a way! I do not know who you are but you should be thrown in jail with the rest of your lowly kind for daring to come up to a high-class woman such as me and do devilish things!" Kagome fumed.

His hand went to his cheek as he stumbled back, his hat falling from his head onto the ground. His face went from astonishment to anger as he whirled on her, getting close. The harsh slap of reality sinking in as the burning sensation that flowed across his cheek from her daintily gloved hand. This was definitely not Kikyou!

"You definitely aren't Kikyou." He snorted, picking up his hat and tilting it slightly forward. "Kikyou was so much prettier than you are, and a lot smarter from what I can tell by the looks of you."

Kagome's face flushed with anger. "What?! I-I don't believe you! You speak to me as though we were equal! You are nothing but a commoner in disguise! I should have you thrown in jail!!" she cried, turning around and picking up her bonnet, huffily slamming it onto her head and stomping off toward Miroku.

"HA! You wouldn't know a commoner if he came and smacked you in your stupid face girl!" The man cried out after her, his friends laughing at her.

"We're leaving," Kagome said, grabbing onto Miroku's arm. "Now."

"Yes Miss Higurashi!" Miroku gulped, being dragged off by the angry girl. "Good evening to you ladies!" He cried, trying to tip his hat to them, while they giggled after him.

Kagome had fumed all the way to Sesshoumaru's mansion and was glad to get away from the cheeky boy, no longer giving him the dignity of calling him a man.

Oh…if Mother had seen the way I had acted back there, she would have cooked my goose for sure! Kagome thought, glad that her mother had decided not to help escort her there.

Soon they were inside, and Kagome had been seated at a large table, set for three. Maids and butlers went about everywhere, making a chatter as they went. She could hear the tinkering of dishes as tea and other things were being prepared and she wondered how long it would be that she would have to wait for Sesshoumaru. It would be very rude to make her wait and it was something that her mother had taught her not to stand for.

Suddenly a man stepped into the dining room. He was very tall and han-…no, he was almost…beautiful! Kagome tried not to stare as she got her first look at the mysterious Sesshoumaru as he seemed to glide his way to the table. His suit was neatly put on, and the dark blue-purple suited him well. His hair was…his hair was white! Kagome's eyes widened as she took in his hair. It was long…also something not practiced at all during this time. A long, low ponytail of silvery-white hair hung down his back like a blanket of magic. Remembering her manners, Kagome stood and curtsied daintily for him and he took her hand and kissed it lightly, making her blush a little.

"Miss Higurashi Kagome?" He said in a deep voice. Miroku's voice was a disgrace compared to Sesshoumaru's!

"Y-Yes." Kagome stammered, looking up into his face. Get a hold of yourself! This is not how a young lady should act! Her mother's voice rang through her mind.

He gestured toward her chair and she sat down. No sooner than when he sat did a maid come and serve the tea. Kagome remembered not to take a drink until business had been discussed at least a full sentence or two before.

Sesshoumaru looked at her. "I called you here to ask of you to do something for me." He said calmly.

He's not going to ask me to marry him? Darn… Kagome almost pouted, but stopped herself. She looked at him again and was startled to find that his eyes were the same colour as the boy's back in the street. Were they related? No..they couldn't be! Sesshoumaru is of high class! That…that boy couldn't be any lower than dirt!

"I have…a little girl that needs to be taught how to be a lady." He said simply.

Well that definitely isn't a marriage proposal… Kagome thought. "A little girl? Is she here?"

"Yes. Midori, send for Rin." Sesshoumaru said.

Soon, a little girl with ringlets all over her tiny head entered the room in a satin, dark blue dress. Cartridge pleated of course, with bows along the bottom of three flounces.

"This is Miss Kagome," Sesshoumaru said as the girl came to him. "Say hello, Rin."

"Rin say hi to you Miss Kagome!" The girl beamed. Kagome's heart melted. Such a sweet little girl. She looked as though she were the kind to obey easily. There was so much she learned from Miss Kaede, could she really handle teaching a little girl the same things?

Yes. "I would love to teach Rin how to be a lady." Kagome said smiling toward the little girl, and then glancing up at Sesshoumaru, who tilted his head in approval.

"It is settled then. You will come here every morning from breakfast to dinner and work with Rin until she has become a lady. You will be something like, her nanny." Sesshoumaru proclaimed.

Kagome dipped her head a little, since nodding was barbaric and done by only the low class. "I will speak with Mother promptly when I get home." She said.

"Rin cannot wait until Miss Kagome comes to teach Rin!" Rin exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Kagome reached forward and picked up her cup of tea. No sooner had she put it to her lips and sipped had a bang come from behind her and someone stepped into the dining room.

Sesshoumaru stood up and motioned for the person to come near. "Miss Higurashi Kagome, I do believe you haven't met my brother, Inuyasha."

Kagome looked up from her cup and almost spat out her tea. She set her up down as calmly as she could and forced it down. They met eyes. Her eyes widened and his narrowed slightly in recognition.

It was him!

A/N: Gah! That took FOREVER to type up! ::wipes her sweaty brow:: well, hope you liked it! I'm not sure if the other chapters will be as long…I just wanted to get this far on the first chapter with this one. And NO this is NOT a Kag/Sess! Sorry Kag/Sessers, you'll have to get your fix somewhere else! Flames will be used for a romantic setting in my living room for my fireplace near my bearskin rug, so don't waste your finger power! Simple as dat! Until next time readers!

Nekomon