"Ellie," came a whisper.

Elise's eyes cracked open to see her sister's silhouette in the darkness of her room.

"Don't call me that," she whispered back stuffily.

"I won't, then." Margaret paused. "I brought you some sweeties from the parlour. We can share if you'd like."

Elise sniffled, fighting off the urge to sneeze. "I don't want them."

"Oh, how horrid of me." Margaret stroked her hair, causing her to stiffen. "I hadn't thought of your poor tummy. I'm sorry."

"It's all right."

She closed her eyes and waited for Margaret to leave.

"Love you, Ellie."

She pretended to be asleep.