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It was a quarter past eleven.
Everyone had retired to their chambers, family and servants alike. Stilt Noelle waited an extra fifteen minutes before commencing her plan. There was too much at stake to fail before she'd begun.
The clock ticked on. Silence prevailed.
Creeping into the hall, she ensured it was empty, then tiptoed through the darkness and slipped into Chloe's room.
"Chloe," she hissed, shutting the door behind her. "Are you awake?"
Her sister stirred, then propped herself on one elbow. "I am now." Tossing waves of hair off her face, she leaned forward to turn up the gas lamp. "Why are you—?"
"Don't turn on the light." Noelle rushed over, stayed her with her hand. "I don't want anyone, especially Papa, to know we're up and about."
Chloe complied, her curiosity a tangible entity that filled the room. "What are you planning now?"
"I'm planning to go after Ashford. And I need your help."
Even in the darkness, Noelle could see Chloe's shock. "Going after Ashford? How? Where?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't know."
A sharp intake of breath, and Chloe sat upright, patted the bed beside her. "You'd better sit down and explain."
Noelle perched at the edge of the bed. "I don't have time. Suffice it to say that he needs my help. Once I've given it to him, we can be together. Not before."
"But Noelle—"
"Please, Chloe." Noelle seized her sister's hands. "Don't ask me any more questions. Not now. Just tell me you'll help me."
"You know I will." Chloe's agreement was immediate and unconditional. "What can I do?"
"Help me find some extra sheets. We'll knot them together to form a rope of sorts. Then, after I'm on my way, leave your window ajar. And sleep lightly, listen for my voice."
"You intend to climb in and out of here?"
"It's the best location for doing so. Your room faces the back of the house. Mama and Papa's faces the front. They can't know I've gone, Chloe. They'll worry themselves sick." She paused, taking into account her sister's tender, honest heart. "I'm not asking you to lie to them. If I'm discovered, tell them the truth. But if I'm nat—say nothing. I've stuffed my bed with enough pillows to make it look as if I'm sleeping in it. And Tempest is in her usual spot. So if Mama should look in on me, she'll feel reassured that all is well."
"Which it won't be," Chloe countered anxiously.
"Yes it will." Noelle leaned forward, her tone pleading. "Chloe, I know you're too young to understand. But I love him. I have to be with him. And tonight, I have to tell him that, show him that."
A small smile touched Chloe's lips. "I'm not that young. I see the way you two look at each other. And I see how mussed your hair is every time Lord Tremlett leaves. I think what's blossoming between you two is wonderful and incredibly romantic. I just want you to be happy. And safe."
"I'll be both. I promise. That's what tonight is all about." Chloe sprang to her feet. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's find those sheets."
* * *
Noelle was breathless by the time she reached the address she'd subtly acquired from her father during dinner this evening.
Ashford's Town house.
Frowning, she circled the grounds, trying to determine the best point of entry. The house looked discouragingly dark, and Noelle found herself praying that she wasn't too late, that he hadn't already gone.
