Are you crazy?! No!

Esther clears her throat, and finally says, "Yes. You're right." She squeezes Annalise's hand. "Nothing can stop us!"

Annalise smiles. "Exactly." She glances back to the house. "Ah, the time...I'd love to stay and speak longer, Esther, but I have business for your whole family as well. My parents are throwing a ball the night after tomorrow to welcome me home, and your whole family is to be invited. Will you come?"

"Lise! Of course we'll be there," Esther says with a smile. "You know I'm not much for balls, but for you? Anything."

"Good." Annalise squeezes her hand. "Oh, I can't wait! It's so good to be back in Wiltshire again."

Arm in arm, the girls head back toward the house.

***

The next two days pass without incident, though for the five sisters most of the time is spent in a whirl of activity, getting ready for the Bellingtons' ball. Finally the night of the event has arrived!