She quickly climbed the old tree, jumping from limb to limb getting closer to the open window. There was lights on inside and she mentally groaned in exasperation. Keeping her back to the wall, she peeked around to the inside of the glowing bedroom. She smiled at the one who was waiting inside by the fireplace.

She quietly jumped inside and whispered, “Did you need something, Uncle?”

The young man quickly glanced over her attire with a grin, “Hello, Elphy.”

She spread out her arms so he could see the skin tight black suit she had made herself, “You were right. None of my dresses would have been able to endure.”

“Of course I was right. Now, where did you go out to? Your hair is a mess.”

“You won’t tell Father?”

“He’s still not speaking to me because of the bow and arrows I gave you last month. He doesn’t know I’m here.”

“Well, I was out jumping trains with Mattie.” She grinned.

He chuckled and went for the door, “That’s my girl. Now change. Your parents are entertaining a Duke or something tonight.”