October, 1868, London.

You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady, but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners, and I try to do it as far as I know how. I can't explain exactly, but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women. I'm far from it now, but I do my best, and hope in time to be what Mother is.

Amy remembered her words as she saw the ship coming nearer to the shore. She was 18, and more than ready to live up to her own expectations and promises. Britain would be their first stop on a trip that may last years. The thought of it made Amy somewhat sad. She was going to miss her family so much. But she was there for a purpose and there was no going back.

Unfortunately for Aunt Carrol and Florence, their stomachs couldn't handle the trip. Mr. Carrol wasn't even an option; he was too busy spending time with the rest of the men on board. So that left Amy on her own, not that it mattered. Jo had once told her she was never afraid of going anywhere alone, and she was right. She quickly met people pleasant enough to spend the next couple of weeks on that ship. There was Miss Hathaway from New Hampshire, accompanied by her husband on their honeymoon. She also met a few young travelers and a couple of aspiring artists. But by far the most memorable (and not exactly in a good way) was Mr. Lennox. Amy knew she was attractive, Laurie's friends had confirmed that. However, most of her followers were usually her age. Mr. Lennox must have been 35 years old and he could be too much sometimes. He would constantly appear during her walks and talk for hours about anything and everything.

Once they arrived at Queenstown, Amy said goodbye to her new acquaintances. In Liverpool, the couple of cousins began to enjoy the Old Continent. Everything amazed them, even the small things! But what surprised her more than anything was the bouquet of roses that were waiting for her in the hotel. Amy rolled her eyes as she read the note accompanying the flowers: For my favorite traveling companion. Your friend Lennox. Florence would tease her for a while, making jokes about their future bald kids and boring conversations.

They moved to London quickly. Regardless of the pollution and the noise, Amy appreciated the vibrancy of the capital. Everything moved so fast and was so crowded. It was truly an overwhelming city. But she could live with all of that, only for the opportunity to visit its art. As a child, she had read all the books about artists and admired the beautiful paintings of European masters. Seeing them in person was an absolute treat. One of her first stops was the British Museum. She was fascinated with all the riches the museum had come to collect; especially with the new acquisitions from Ancient Greece. Those were the models Amy admired so much since she was little. She couldn't resist. She spent hours sketching every piece. However, much to her dismay, she couldn't stay all day in museums. After all, this was also a trip to appear in society.

Flo was somewhat used to social events at home. Her mother had arranged a whole schedule for her and Amy was included as her companion. But regardless of the etiquettes, the two girls didn't mind their supposed roles. They were two friends enjoying their time in Europe. Flo loved Amy. For months, she thought her mother was going to ask Jo to accompany them and she wasn't shy about her disagreement. Everyone knew how rebellious Jo was and the idea of spending time with her never alluded her. Actually, the March family seemed like distant relatives, except for Amy. Flo knew her cousin wore her old dresses, but it was until Amy began spending more time with Aunt March that they became closer.

One day, Mrs. Carrol came from the Chester fair looking pleased. Flo was in the drawing room knitting some pattern for her trip to Europe. Flo, dear, her mother called. How would you like Amy to come with us to Europe? I know we mentioned Jo first, but Aunt March has said so many good things about her that I confirmed today. I believe Amy's company will be good for you. She'll be a loyal friend. Flo didn't even ask her mother for explanations about her sudden change of mind. She was just happy that Amy was coming with her. But despite Flo's excitement, she remained silent until her mother talked to Amy's parents. And one day, her mother came back with high spirits. You would not believe what Amy did today at the fair. She went on to tell the story to her husband and daughter. Mr. Carrol looked satisfied and urged his wife to redact the letter for the Marches telling them the good news: Amy was invited to travel with them.

Now, both girls were about to live the best experience in their lives. They would enjoy balls and social life, maybe attracting one or two suitors along the way. But both she and Flo were only 18 and they had to wait for such things. Or at least, that's what Amy thought. A couple of months before she turned 19 years old, an old acquaintance reappeared in her life.

On a cool afternoon, Flo and Amy were having tea. The cousins enjoyed the day without noticing the two gentlemen looking at them and chatting.

"Hey," One of the men called his brother's attention and moved his head signaling at Amy's table. "Didn't Laurie say Amy March was traveling in London?"

"Yes," The other one looked in the direction shown. "That's her! She's grown up!" He noticed. "Should we say 'hello'? They don't look busy..."

"Come on," He responded before the other finished his sentence. He quickly helped the other get up and approached the ladies.

"Good evening. Miss March" The ladies dropped their conversation and looked at the couple standing in front of them. Amy looked puzzled. Their faces looked familiar, but she couldn't figure out who they were. "You probably don't remember us. I'm Fred Vaughn, this is my brother Frank."

"Oh, my God, hi!" Amy said enthusiastically. "I'm sorry. It's been a long time, you've changed. Call me Amy, please."

"Changed for good, I hope." Frank replied.

"Of course." Amy said back. "Oh, this is my cousin Florence. Flo, these are Fred and Frank Vaughn."

"Pleasure to meet you." Flo responded. "Please sit with us." The two gentlemen accepted the offer.

"Laurie told us you'd be here for a while." Fred told Amy, he couldn't look anywhere else.

"Yes, we'll stay here for a few more months, right?" Amy turned to Flo.

"Until father stops trying to appear briton." Flo joked as she sipped her tea, and the group laughed.

"He also told us about Beth, I'm really sorry." Frank said. "I hope she's better now."

"It seems so. She remains somewhat weak, though."

"I'm pleased she made it through. She was very kind to me. Send her my best wishes."

"Well, you did her good, too. Thank you. I'll tell her, she'll be happy to hear from you."

"How is it that you know each other, again?" Flo asked, feeling lost in the conversation.

"Oh, we met...what?...seven years ago!" Amy explained.

"At Camp Laurence!" Fred added cheerfully.

"Camp Laurence?" Flo raised an eyebrow and spoke with a mocking tone.

"It was one day that Laurie invited us to have fun with a few friends. We went along the river and played some games... It was a good day." Amy told her with a sense of melancholy.

"How's the big hat, by the way?" Fred inquired.

"She's..." Amy said laughing lightly at the nickname, remembering exactly who he was talking about. "She's living in New York, now. She'll try her luck as a writer there."

"Good luck with that!" Fred raised his cup. He could imagine how hard and unusual that was for a woman.

"We should go," Flo said upon hearing a thunder. The group left the tea room and the boys offered to walk the ladies back to their hotel. As they walked on the sidewalk, they divided in couples. Fred used this opportunity to single out Amy and walk with her. The two kept going down to memory lane. The hotel was not far away and they reached it rather fast.

"It was lovely seeing you again." Fred said to Amy. "I hope we can do it more often."

"Of course. That'd be great." Amy answered friendly.

The boy didn't lose time and sent a note to Amy the following day. Actually, it was Kate the one who wrote, but Fred was behind it. It was an invitation for her and Florence for an evening at Hyde Park. Now, this was going to sound like the best news to Aunt March who was increasingly desperate to marry Amy to a good, wealthy suitor. She heard the news of Jo traveling to New York, much to her disappointment, not that she had any bit of hope for Jo anyway. Hearing that Amy knew the Vaughn family, especially their heir, would be music to her ears. And indeed it was, however, she proceeded with caution and restrained herself from pressuring Amy. Her grand-niece viewed the invitation too innocently to ruin it with more complicated thought, for now.

Regardless, Amy wanted to make a good impression. She put on her muslin dress and arranged her hair in the fashion of the moment, with some curls fallings on her back. A small hat adjusted to her head and she was set to go. Thankfully, the day seemed bright and perfect for an evening outside. The girls were greeted by the eldest Vaughn daughter. The group spend the day admiring the nature around them. Could it be possible how much everyone changed since Camp Laurence? Amy didn't spend much time with Kate all those years ago, but she remembers her looks. She looked older, but she was still the tall and proud woman she had met. Her semblance was more mature. "I'm a married woman, now!" She informed Amy, followed by an account of her wedding day. Now this was unusual for Kate to be so cheerful and chatty to someone she barely met, but something was telling her Amy was worth the attention. Indeed, Fred's petition to invite Amy and her cousin to spend time with them gave her hopes that her brother was finally ready to settle.

As they walked through the place, Amy couldn't hide her interest in the people riding.

Amy remembered that Meg mentioned Kate used to draw, so she used it as a way to bond. "I can't believe all the artworks I've seen here," Amy started. "I'm amazed at your museums."

"We do take pride in having talented artists."

"You certainly do. Are you still drawing?"

"Oh, not at all. When would I find the time?" She asked rhetorically. "Running a household is enough!"

"That's a pity. Meg said you were good at it." Amy replied.

"It was just entertainment, something to keep me busy while I get married. I would never dream of making something more with it." Amy thought for a moment before deciding not to talk about her ambitions. Which is funny, because she always talked about them with no censure in Concord. But now, it didn't seem so easy to do it. Her family never stopped her from dreaming too much, but she was well aware that her family was unique in many ways. A traditional English family would not share their beliefs. She looked around in search of another theme of conversation. And she appeared excited as two young men in riding attire passed them, talking about races.

"Rotten Row is on the southern side of Hyde Park." Explained Kate. "Do you ride?"

"Yes, I love it. But, I haven't done it since I came here." Amy answered nervously.

"We can come back some other day, then!" Frank said, after receiving a push from behind, courtesy of Fred. The date was set for next week, and Amy spent the following days mending Flo's old riding suit. Although Aunt March was able to provide for Amy's needs, she wasn't going to give her absolutely everything. And Amy wasn't expecting that either. At least she was grateful that riding attires were generally dark colored, so there was little room for bad taste!

Amy stood looking at the path in front of her. It was a lively scene. People were all around, some families and groups of friends and a few couples filled the area. Amy smiled. "What?" Flo asked, noticing Amy's small laugh. "Nothing, I just remember Grace mentioned this place once." The evening was lovely. Fred was a complete gentleman, focusing all his attention on Amy for the most part. And she even managed to impress him for her riding skills. She noticed the British women bouncing up and down in their horses. She couldn't help but judge their poor riding. She may not have had the finest training, but Mr. Wilson has managed to teach her well and she was proud of it.

"How about we go to a less crowded area and race!" Suggested Fred, and Amy took it with enthusiasm. They added some friends on the way. After all, Frank couldn't, Flo didn't feel up to it and Kate wasn't interested. So that left Amy competing with five gentlemen and another brave woman about her age.

"Alright lads, and ladies," One of them said. "Ready, set, go!" Flo and Frank cheered as the horses ran as fast as they could. And in a minute, the race was over. Amy might not have won the race, but she certainly earned praise for her performance. She limited herself to say, "that is an authentic American gallop, gentlemen." Everyone seemed pleased with their new American acquaintance, especially Fred.

"My! How well you do it!" The other woman approached her after as they turned back. "I'm Anne Bailey." The girls exchanged pleasantries and kept talking along the way.

"Thank you. You are not bad yourself."

"So, how do you like London?"

"Oh, it's truly fantastic! I come from a small town in Massachusetts, so this is like nothing I've ever seen. Especially the art...it takes my breath away."

"You like art? Seeing it, only?"

"Ehm, no. I actually came here to figure if I had any future in it. I want to be a painter."

"That's risky." Anne pointed out with a scent of excitement. "Have you taken any classes?"

"I did, back home. But I'm searching for more professional instruction. The problem is that we are not staying in one place only, so that makes it somewhat difficult. Right now I'm only going to museums and copying from the Masters."

"Hmm," Anne nodded, looking over Amy's shoulder at Fred and the rest who were invested in another conversation. For a moment Amy regretted her words. Was that too much? She could go on and on talking about art all day, if she could find anyone interested in such a discussion. "Well, it's not like we're in the 1600s anymore. I know a few women who attend classes here in London and other parts of Europe. If you want I can ask them about it." Amy thanked her thoroughly for the help. She came back to the hotel knowing she had made a valuable friendship.