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After lunch, she made her way into the parlor, intent on doing a bit of embroidery. She was a little surprised William wasn’t back yet.

But it couldn’t be much longer now, she thought to herself as she turned her attention back to her embroidery.

A short time later, a footman came to a door with a silver tray.

“I have a letter for you, your grace.”

“Is it from William?” she asked. “Maybe he’s running behind or wanted to tell me when he would be home.”

“I don’t believe so, ma’am. I didn’t recognize the footman who dropped it off.”

When she picked it up, she frowned.

“Thank you, you may return to your work.”

He bowed then slipped form the room.

Penelope Sutton, it read in elegant script on the front.

It was strange, she thought to herself. Penelop and her never exchanged letters, they would usually simply call on one another. With growing confusion, she opened the envelope and began to read.

Dear Rebecca,

I’m sorry I couldn’t come to you in person, but I hope you receive this letter promptly.

There is something I must tell you urgently, however it is not the kind of thing that should be said in a letter. It is very important that you keep this between us.

If you have ever valued me or our friendship please come to the park later today at two clock sharp. I will be waiting near the duck pond.

I hope I will see you there,

Penelope

When she had finished reading, Rebecca stared down at the letter with a frown.

It didn’t make any sense. Why would Penelope send a letter rather than coming to see her if it was so important, and why all the secrecy?

Maybe she shouldn’t go, or at least tell someone where she was going, but this was Penelope she was talking about.

They had been friends for so long that if Penelope wanted to meet in secret then she should trust her, shouldn’t she?

Rebecca steeled her resolve and glanced at the clock. It was already after one o'clock. She had to move fast. Getting to her feet, she set off in search of Mary.

After what seemed like no time at all, Rebecca found herself wandering through the park.

It was surprisingly empty, at least it felt that way to her. To her surprise she didn’t see Penelope waiting for her. Had she already missed her? Or perhaps she was early.

Only a few feet later and she’s beside the pond Penelop told her to come to.

But she wasn’t there. Time ticked by and she still never arrived.

Frowning in confusion, she turned to go.

But before she made it passed the bushes a few feet away, hands darted out and grabbed her.

She tried to cry out, but someone covered her mouth.

“None of that now,” Solomon hissed in her ear.