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an errand. Please, Rodger. I
don’t want to talk about it.”
    Rodger pursed his lips and watched her walk
away, noticing that she took a shuddery breath. Glancing towards
the Circus, he saw Ellen waving at him. He waved back, then leaned
down to his sisters and said, “Girls, see Ellen over there? Go to
her, and she’ll take you around the Circus. I’ll be right back.”
Then he ran to catch up with Tilly.
    “Mind if I walk you home?” He appeared
beside her and sauntered along, hands in pockets.
    Tilly turned to him, somewhat aggravated.
“Not today, Rodger. Go be with your sisters.” She walked faster,
but Rodger sped up and dodged in front of her, walking
backwards.
    “Well, I feel like walking you home.
Is that all right?”
    Tilly sighed, truly not wanting his company
at the moment. “If you wish.”
    Rodger grinned triumphantly. They made quick
progress back to Winslow Manor since Tilly set such a fast pace.
Neither one said a word until they reached their destination.
    When they stood at the back entrance, Tilly
turned to Rodger. “Well, I’m here, safe and sound. Go back to your
sisters, Rodger.” She opened the door, but Rodger drew it shut
again. She sighed. “What now?”
    “I want to make sure you’re all right.” He
gazed upon her with all the concern in the world, which only made
Tilly angry.
    “Do you?” She crossed her arms and glared at
him. “Fine. I’m not all right. In fact, I’ve had a completely
horrible day, and I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve been
used, and I’ve been scared, and I just want to be left
alone. ”
    Rodger took a step closer, a strange
expression on his face. Then he reached out and gently took her
hand. Tilly pulled half-heartedly away, only making his grip
tighten. “In case you didn’t notice, Tilly, I care about
you, and I want to be sure you’re safe.”
    “Stop it, Rodger! You’re being ridiculous.”
She pulled away again.
    “Very well.” He let go of her and grinned,
albeit ruefully. “I’ll leave you alone. Just promise me you’ll take
care of yourself.”
    Tilly nodded. Then she rushed inside, closed
the door, and leaned her back against it, breathing hard. When she
cautiously peeked out the window, Rodger still stood there gazing
at the spot where she had been. Then he turned back towards the
meadow without the usual jaunty spring in his step.
    Without wasting another minute, Tilly sped
up two flights of stairs to Lord Hollingberry’s study, only just
stopped herself from barging in, and raised her fist to knock on
the door. She hesitated, however, when she heard voices from within
the room.
    “She’s back. It’s time.” That was Lord
Hollingberry’s voice.
    “Are you absolutely certain? We only have
one shot at this, or that poor boy will be—” A woman was speaking,
but the lord cut her off.
    “You don’t need to tell me the consequences
if we fail. This isn’t going to be easy, but we must take a
chance.” He emphasized the last phrase by pounding his hand on his
desk.
    Feeling a bit wicked for eavesdropping,
Tilly knocked on the door to alert them of her presence. There was
a long pause, and then she heard Lord Hollingberry’s voice say,
“Come in.”
    She opened the door and inhaled sharply when
she saw Caroline, the innkeeper, sitting in the chair in front of
Lord Hollingberry’s desk. “Caroline?” Her voice quavered when she
spoke.
    “’Ello, dear.” Caroline rose and faced
Tilly, placing her bonnet on her head. “I was just leaving.” She
walked towards the gaping young girl then turned to face Lord
Hollingberry, who had risen politely. “Proceed as you so desire.”
With these words she left, patting Tilly on the cheek as she
brushed past.
    “Come in, Tilly. Come in.” Lord Hollingberry
waved her inside, and she shut the door behind her. “My, you seem a
bit flustered!” He chuckled, but stopped quickly when Tilly didn’t
join in. “Did you do as I asked?”
    Tilly nodded. “I did. The Moon