Darius cocked his head to the side and looked at her blankly. The smile returned and he nodded. "Oh yes yes. Mother wanted you to follow in her footsteps." He dropped his voice to a conspiring whisper. "You know.. be a lady and marry some boring rich man to take care of you. But I think this is more exciting. You're not a princess in a tower waiting for a prince. You are your own knight making your own adventure." He gave her a knowing look then his eyes went to the doll.

"Oh Betsy! Of course she is special." He gently took the doll and touched her hair as if smoothing it back and grinned at her. "I knew she wanted to go home with you when I saw her. She was not the prettiest, fanciest doll. But she is full of love and can give it as well as she receives it. You were always such a good friend to her. No wonder she still looks so happy." He held her up to Pearl to take. "I am sure she will continue to bring happiness to any child you choose worthy of her."