Margaret wondered if she appeared as stunned as she felt. Anne Latimer. It was a name she had contemplated many times since Fanny Thornton's visit.

She was unsure at that moment of her own reaction. Conflicting emotions drove the pulse that was thumping uncomfortably in Margaret's throat. Curiosity, jealousy and – though she hated to admit it – even anger simmered beneath the surface of her countenance.

Miss Latimer was exquisite. There were few other words that could do her justice. Silver blonde ringlets nestled around brilliant blue eyes complementing her fine features and porcelain skin. Her delicate figure, sculpted by a pale blue gown of the finest silks, only served to increase the ethereal quality of her beauty.

Until today, Margaret had always felt very contented with her own figure. Her shapely curves were even a source of secret pride. Yet next to Miss Latimer, Margaret felt decidedly cumbersome. Miss Latimer's waist must be 5 inches smaller at least!

'Miss Hale? Have I disturbed you?'

Margaret shook her head. 'Of course not Miss Latimer. Please come in.'

Gesturing for Anne to take a seat on a cushioned walnut stool, Margaret pulled up a hall chair from amongst the items waiting to be sold.

'Thank you Miss Hale.' There was silence for a moment as Margaret's visitor scrutinised her. 'If you will forgive me saying so, you are much younger and much more attractive than I expected. In my experience women who have accomplished noble and benevolent feats – particularly the unmarried ones - tend to be more homely and plain.'

Margaret stammered, a suitable response evading her. She was unsure of whether Anne's words were meant as a compliment or a slight.

'I only mean to say that unmarried women often seek out occupation with charity when they lack other prospects. I should not have thought that necessary for you Miss Hale. You must truly have a good heart.'

Margaret cleared her throat. 'You have sought me out today Miss Latimer. How can I be of assistance?'

Anne gazed around at the many blankets and pots stacked around the shelves and counters before returning her eyes to Margaret. 'Miss Hale, I should like to offer my assistance with your.. charitable endeavours.' The young woman waved a nonchalant arm around the store.

Margaret noted her indifference. 'That is very generous of you Miss Latimer. Have you been involved in 'charitable endeavours before?' Margaret did her best to sound sincere.

Anne thought for a moment. 'Not quite like this Miss Hale. I have attended charity functions in London. Oh.. and I once bought a gift for my Governess at a hospital bazaar.'

Margaret nodded. It was clear that Miss Latimer – perhaps the future Mrs Thornton – had no prior experience with charitable work. Perhaps owing to her not being plain and homely, thought Margaret with amusement. 'Miss Latimer please do not think me impertinent, but do you mind if I ask what has motivated your interest in our work?'

Anne gave a disingenuous chuckle before standing up to run her fingers over the ugly porcelain dog figurines that Margaret had abandoned earlier on the counter. 'I was told you were perceptive Miss Hale. And forthright. I see your character has been well estimated.'

'I beg your pardon Miss Latimer?'

Anne began to pace the store. 'I see you are already in doubt as to my earnestness, so I will not pretend to be what I am not.' She stopped and looked directly at Margaret from across the room. 'I have come today because I need your help Miss Hale.'

'My help? '

Anne smiled again and returned to the stool she had vacated. 'Do you know who I am?'

Margaret was uncertain exactly how to answer that question. 'If I am not mistaken Miss Latimer, your father is a highly regarded banker and business advisor.'

'Bravo! A very diplomatic response indeed.' Anne laughed heartily. 'Or perhaps that is all you really know about me? .. Anyway that is immaterial. What is important is that I have not lived in Milton for some time. I have spent many of the last ten years abroad.'

Margaret was guarded. 'You do not sound happy about your return?'

'Once again Miss Hale you have deduced correctly. Two out of two.'

Uncertain as to how to continue this strange conversation but feeling obligated to try, Margaret asked the first thing to come to mind. 'Did you not miss your family whilst you were away?'

Anne's eyes blazed with bitterness for an instant. 'Family. My father you mean? My mother left us when I was just a child. I never saw or heard from her again. My father never told me what happened. But the maid's whispers led me to understand that she followed her heart and pursued another life with a more pleasing alternative to my father. That was when I was sent off to school.'

'I see,' Margaret said softly.

'Do you? Hmm. Perhaps you do. You were brought up in London by a wealthy Aunt were you not? Not quite the same circumstance, but perhaps close enough for you to have some empathy for me I suppose?'

Margaret was becoming increasingly disconcerted by how much this caustic girl knew about her.

'You see, ironically it is duty to my family that has brought me back to Milton. I say ironically because they felt no duty to me when they sent me away.'

Margaret decided she needed to conclude this exchange. 'Miss Latimer, you said that you would like my help. What kind of help do you need?'

'I need your help Miss Hale to make friends in town.'

This statement took Margaret by surprise. 'But surely you already have many friends Miss Latimer. What about Fanny Thornton? I believe you have recently been of service to her in London.'

A hint of a smile lit Anne's face. 'Fanny is a dear girl. But she will not help me achieve my purpose.'

Margaret was tiring of the implied meanings behind everything this wretched girl said. She wished she would speak more plainly. 'What purpose would that be?'

Anne inhaled and returned to her expression of bored indifference. 'I am soon to be engaged. My husband-to-be is one of the most illustrious personages in Milton. My father effected the match. '

Margaret's heart sank. Had Miss Latimer just confirmed what Fanny had suspected? Was Miss Latimer really to marry John? Margaret could feel the beginning of tears pricking her eyes. She lowered her eyes so as to avoid discovery.

'My father said it was time I returned home to marry - or he would disinherit me.'

Margaret swallowed hard to steady her voice. 'Do you love him?'

'I like him well enough. He is young and handsome in his own way. It is clear he loves me. I will continue to live in comfort. And, if I am very clever, I may in time convince him to move away from Milton.'

Margaret looked up in surprise.

'Oh don't look so prudish. My situation could be worse you know. I could be marrying a fop like Mr Watson.' Anne giggled again. 'Please don't tell Fanny I said that.'

A sharp pain pierced Margaret's torso. She felt like her corset was too tight, restricting her breathing. She wanted to flee but had no idea how to get away from this nightmare situation.

'Actually it was Fanny's mother who suggested I seek your assistance with becoming better connected in the town.'

'Mrs Thornton sent you?'

'Yes. She said that you are associated with many influential women in Milton through your work with the school. She suggested you may be able to acclimate me.'

'Did she? I can't imagine what motive Mrs Thornton would have in pointing you in my direction. It is true that I do associate with many excellent women in Milton, however I would not think that I exert the kind of influence that could introduce you into Milton society.'

Anne shook her head. 'No you misunderstand me Miss Hale. Society is not what I seek. That will undoubtedly come with my new station as the wife of a powerful man. No, what I seek is acceptance. There are some in town who would deny me intimacy based on my mother's actions - and perhaps due in some small part to my own actions in the past. I need to redeem myself and improve their opinion of me.'

'So you think by being involved with the school, and with me, that you will convince those that matter in town that you are a good person, worthy of being the wife of a powerful man?' Margaret hoped her face did not betray the revolt she felt at being invited to be party to this charade.

'Well – yes.'

Feeling increasing angry, Margaret stood up to show her intention of ending this conversation. 'Miss Latimer, I appreciate your honesty and I am not ignorant to your plight. However I do not think that I am the right person to assist you.'

'Really? I am surprised. I would have thought that someone in your situation would be eager to also make beneficial associations. I can assure you that after my marriage I could be very useful to you. After all, I would be in your debt, wouldn't I?'

'What do you mean by my situation?'

'Do not be offended, Miss Hale. I only mean to suggest that you would benefit from mixing more in good society. You are young and beautiful. Surely you must wish to marry well. And I am sure that in your current circumstances your chances of crossing paths with an eligible suitor are limited. I believe my connections may be of benefit to you.'

Margaret felt like she would very soon be physically ill. Did this girl not comprehend how abominable her proposition was? 'Thank you for your consideration, but the school has many volunteers at present. You are of course welcome to attend the ladies committee meeting. We gather every Tuesday at 10 o'clock, at the church. I am sure that would be sufficient opportunity for you to meet many of the women you would wish to be better acquainted with. ' Margaret remained defiant.

'I see.' Anne was silent for a time before standing to make her departure. 'Very well.'

Making her way to the door, she turned again to face Margaret – her expression now dark. 'I will be very important in this town you know Miss Hale. Please do not underestimate the sphere of influence I will have. You do not want to make enemies with people who could make your life – or your father's life - uncomfortable. I would advise you to think very seriously about helping me.'

Margaret was dumbstruck. How could someone with all the outward appearances of an angel be so despicable?

Then with a more cheerful expression Anne continued. 'Do give it some thought. I think our friendship could be quite advantageous – to both of us.'

And with that she was gone.