Tiffany Hardstrom was racing through the dark.

Her brown locks whipped about her face. One hand pulled at the silk folds of her yellow muslin dress, uncovering an ivory stocking. The other gripped tightly at the black hinge of an oustretched lantern. The grass beneath her feet had a sickly yellow tinge, a result of the lantern’s rays. Tiffany was running-running in desperation.

“Lilly! She called. “Lilly my love, where are you? Lilly? On the last her voice softened, stretching the syllables as though drawing them out might summon the girl from thin air.

“Pardon the intrusion miss,” a voice declared from the darkness.

Tiffany whirled in alarm, the lantern in her hand swinging in protest.

When it had steadied, the light came to rest on a tall gentleman, in a tailored livery coat of deepest maroon. His hands hung at his sides, palms facing her. Raising them and smiling, he asked,

“Are you in need of aid?

“Thank goodness! Yes! My daughter is

missing!

“I am very sorry to hear that madam. I am a

caretaker with the Dravee family. This is a

large manor, though I know it well,”

“My little one is but eight summers old!

The gentleman’s face became serious.

“We will find her, rest assured miss?

It took Tiffany a moment to realise a question had been asked.

“Hardstrom, Miss Hardstrom. I must thank

you for your help, Sir. She trailed off.

“Mr. Dully, madam,” Holding out his left hand he asked, “May I madam? Tiffany duly proffered the lantern.

Turning to the right, and then offering his arm, Mr. Dully inquired,

“Perhaps we might begin the search at the

southern line of the property, madam?”

Smiling, looking somewhat relieved, Tiffany stepped forward, intertwined her arm with Mr. Dully’s, and the two set forth into the darkness.

“I must admit madam, I am confused to find

you here. Do you have lodgings nearby?

** (If I get 3 likes I’ll write the next part) **