Roland came to my room after supper. He had a servant set a tray on the table and then scurry out before he spoke. "I will allow you to go to the funeral tomorrow morning. You will have the rest of the day to grieve. The day after we will be married."

I did not answer and refused to look at him. He left, locking the door behind him. The smell of the food drew me from where I stood by the window. I had no breakfast or dinner that day and was extremely hungry. It did not take long for me to finish the pithy amount he had granted me, but it was good.

Later, there was a knock at the door and Johnna asked to come in. I fished out the key and unlocked it, letting her in before relocking the door. She wore her robe as if she was ready for bed. "Oh, Sofia," she said when she saw me. Her eyes were on my face, the side Roland had struck.

"I'm all right. It hurts, but," I shrugged. "I'm ready to leave."

"Tomorrow at the funeral." She took off her robe and I saw a bundle of clothing she had tied to herself. She undid the tie and handed the bundle to me. "It's servant garb. You are shorter than me, so it should fit. I tried it on and you could see my ankles quite clearly." We both laughed. "And here," she reached into a pocket, pulling out a tiny paper envelope. "Cedric said that if needed, I will take this. He said it will change me to look like you for a little while. I'm not really sure if it works, but he said to trust him."

I took a deep breath and raised my eyebrows. "Has he tested this on anyone else?"

"I doubt it. Unless he did it to himself." She had a knowing smile. "Make sure you wear your cloak. It was cloudy this evening, so it may rain tomorrow. And my cloak is very similar to yours."

I agreed. "I'm ready to go. I just wish I knew what will happen in the future."

"You and me both."

"You know the baby wasn't really-"

"Shh." She pressed her finger to her lips. "The less that is said here the better. Ian has been lurking about all day."

I frowned. "What if he comes to the funeral?"

"Then we will improvise. I'd help you disappear tonight, but with Ian and the insanity today, everyone is on alert. Tomorrow, you'll be outside and farther away from the castle. I think it will be easier."

I nodded. "I'm so sorry about today. At first I thought Michael was hurt or worse and then I discovered it wasn't him and I knew I had to play along and then I found Roland," I swallowed, "with…"

She put her hand on mine. "It's better you see him do it now than farther down the road. Besides, I can tell you developed some feelings for him, no matter how much of a brute he is." There was anger in eyes. "He is so cruel to you." Her fingers tucked some hair behind my ear on the bruised side of my face.

"Would you marry someone if they promised you security?"

"I'd like to say no, but, then again, my father gives me the security I need. It doesn't mean that I would not like to find someone I could share my life with. In the end, I may have to settle, but I'm going to wait as long as I can."

"Johnna, you can always stay with me." I laughed. "That's not much of an invitation as I don't know where I'm going to end up, and I doubt I'll be living someplace as nice as this the rest of my life."

"I don't care. As long as it's better than that hovel you stayed at in the city. By the time I came to visit with Elliot, you were gone. That place was horrible!"

"It was!" We both shivered thinking of that inn. "Johnna, you been such an incredible friend to me!" I gave her a hug.

She laughed. "When we first met, I could tell you were out of your element. I feel that way too when I am thrust into society, like being Jane's companion this year. I truly despise all the rules and modicum one must keep to be a proper woman. You seemed to be a kindred soul. And then when I saw you and Cedric, I knew for sure."

"Is it that obvious?" I groaned. "Ian said as much. I don't know how Roland and Amber could miss it."

"Amber and Roland only care about themselves. They do not see anything that does not involve them."

"True. That makes sense. She is definitely his daughter. I'm going to miss you, Johnna."

"Do you have a pen and paper?" Nodding, I opened a slim drawer in the side of the table. She leaned forward, taking what she needed and writing quickly on just a small piece of the paper. Then she tore off that section and handed it to me. "I don't usually tell anyone my secret, but I am a writer."

"No wonder your handwriting is so beautiful!"

"I go by the name John Moore, because this world does not seem to be ready to allow women to have a career."

"Does your father know?"

"He does, but no one else in my family knows. Father is one of only a few who have supported me. Anyway, here is my address and if you need to contact me, say you are John Moore. I will know it is you. It is far too risky to use your own name."

"I can't believe you are a writer! What do you write?"

"I've written a few novels, but I've also submitted pieces for periodicals, almanacs and such."

"You are famous!"

Johnna laughed, waving her hand. "Hardly. But I trust you will keep my secret?"

"Of course. And wherever I end up, I must look for your work."

"I'm in the process of writing a new novel, with a character similar to you. I hope that does not disturb you."

"I think it is flattering! But make her smarter. And prettier."

Johnna belly laughed. "I'll see what I can do. I don't want her to be too perfect."

I laughed and then yawned. "I should not be so tired. I've done nothing but sit in here all day."

"After being shocked and starved! It's all right. I should go now myself. Tomorrow will be a long day. Don't forget to hide my address in your beautiful new clothing."

We stood, smiling at each other, and then hugged. "Thank you, Johnna."

"I love you, Sofia, my friend. Don't forget me when you are adventuring out there in the world."

"I'll never forget you!"

We broke apart, our eyes a little glassy. "See you in the morning." Then she left with me locking the door behind her.

BREAK

There was indeed a chill in the air in the morning, and it seemed grey, though not a drop of rain fell, as Johnna and I walked to the cemetery. Ian was there shortly after, and Cedric not long after him.

Michael's nurse was gone. Johnna had whispered to me on the way that everyone was sure she had lost her mind as she kept saying, "He's gone! He's gone!" and also, "It's not him! It's not him." Other servants had related how they knew the nurse was leaving the nursery at night to meet her beau, and that if Michael had become ill and needed immediate attention, she would not have been there.

A few servants were already graveside, and another woman I did not recognize. Cedric stopped to speak with her and a man that stood near her, and I saw them both look in my direction, but then the woman's eyes were back on the casket. His mother. I looked at her again, though she was far enough that I could not make out much of the details of her face. Cedric patted her shoulder, shook the man's hand, then stood at a respectable distance from Ian, Johnna and me.

Ian had moved to my side, as Johnna was on my other. He saw the bruise on the side of my face, and frowned after a momentary surprise flooded his face. I hoped he would not speak to me and was relieved when he did not. The funeral was quick. I watched the baby's mother, and her strength made me cry. I felt so horrible for her. Johnna's hand found mine and squeezed.

After, Ian apologized for Amber and Roland not being there. I glared at him. "They won't go to my or your funeral either. Get used to it." Moving away, I put my hand over my mouth. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Johnna looked around. "Over here," she pulled me.

"I can carry her to the castle," Ian offered.

Cedric stepped forward to say something to Ian as Johnna said, "No time; we'll be right back." I kept one hand over my mouth as Johnna pulled me behind a large tree. "Pull your hood up." I did as she said and she took out the packet Cedric had given her. She opened it, took my hand in hers, then threw the powder in her mouth.

She lurched forward suddenly, but I held her tight, and when her eyes met mine it was like I was looking in the mirror. "Johnna?"

"Do I look like you?"

"Yes. Just like me!"

"It won't last long." She hugged me and whispered. "Stay here until we are all gone, then head that way!" she pointed to the north. "And good luck!"

She moved from behind the tree to join Ian and Cedric who were still conversing. I heard Ian ask after Johnna but she, the other me, said that Johnna had gone back to the castle for water, but that she, me, was feeling better now and could walk on her, my, own. Her back straight, she took off, Ian and Cedric following. I wanted Cedric to look back and see me, as I peeked out from behind the tree, but he did not. It is probably for the best, I sighed. Once they were all gone, I hurried in the direction that Johnna had pointed, hoping the plan would work.