"It won't be too much longer," Amelia Brindley said. She glanced at her husband. "I'm certain dinner will be ready momentarily." She smiled warmly at Willow.

Willow Mabson nodded politely. Amelia was her best friend and she loved her, but she should have declined the invitation to dinner tonight. She needed to be home caring for her mother, instead of leaving poor Edmond to do so. Her brother had much more important things to do than watching over their irascible mother. However, she'd been in such a state this past week; someone had to sit with her at all times. Thankfully Edmond wouldn't have to handle things alone for too long as their father was returning from his short trip tonight.

Forcing herself to focus on the present, she noted the parlor was ornate, but tasteful, decorated in soft golds and yellows. She should have felt calm and relaxed, yet she couldn't shake her feeling of unease. Willow plucked a wayward string off her blue satin skirt. She didn't have many evening dresses and it seemed silly to don one for a simple dinner with her friends. But propriety was quite clear on that matter. Besides she had no idea who else was invited tonight, Amelia had been quite mum about the details.

Willow glanced around the room, and noted Amelia and Colin exchanging knowing looks. Colin glanced at his pocket watch and nodded to his wife. The air was charged, something was amiss. Amelia and her husband, Colin, were far too suspicious.

"Precisely what are you two about?" she asked.

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