I wake to find a warm presence pressing against me. I turn to see Lindsey, snuggled up to my arm, softly snoring at my side. She must have crept in in the night. Managing to somehow escape the bed without waking her, I make my way across the room.

On the handle of wardrobe is a coat hanger with a dress on it. It's a muted yellow, but under the light it exposes orange undertones. I marvel at how closely the colours resemble a sunset. I'm stunned by it's beauty, but can't help pondering whether or not it is intended for me. I certainly have no objection to wearing this marvellous dress, but whether I am supposed to wear it is something else.

Then again, why else would it be in here? I may as well just put the thing on. Slipping it over my head and sliding my arms into the sleeves, I dare to peak in the mirror. The beautiful garment has a mediocre effect on my painfully ordinary features. I could get used to this.

Behind me, I hear a small sigh. I spin on the spot and see Lindsey, sitting up in bed, back supported by a pillow. Her eyes are fixed on my dress and I wonder how long she's been awake for.

"Good morning." I say. Her eyes are wide and she gives a small nod. "You look very pretty, Lola." I snort crudely, and instantly regret it. "I was serious!" She insists. She sounds mildly hurt and I feel an instant wave of guilt and shame. "Oh I
know, Lindsey. Thank you! And I think something has been left for you too."

I nod in the direction of the small pink armchair in the corner of the room, which has a small, faded white gown dotted with blue tulips draped over it. "I wish I had an orange dress!" She protests, folding two chubby arms over her chest.

"Yours is beautiful too. Very prim." Lindsey doesn't look impressed, but reluctantly slides out of bed and pulls it on over her head anyway.

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We exit the bedroom hand in hand and make our way into the breakfast room, where everybody else is already seated. I slip into a chair and tuck into a piece of toast. "You like your dresses?" Mrs. Pointer asks. "Matilda got them close to free from the drapers she is apprentice at." I nod. "Myself and my cousin love our dresses."

"Planning to do anything today?" Mr.Pointer asks, glancing up from his newspaper in my direction.

Have I got anything to do today? Not really. Nor have Lindsey and I any remaining reasons to stay in this house. I would up and leave with her this very moment, but I feel I would be leaving something behind.

"We were planning to go for a picnic!" A small voice from my left. "It seems my cousin has graciously taken it upon herself to schedule our day for us." I glare at her and she averts her eyes, smiling.

"Sounds fun." Rose says. "I say, remember when we used to go for those glorious picnics?" She asks Matilda, who has remained strangely silent. "I remember, Rose." Her voice is very quiet. I wonder if she's quite alright.

"Lilith, we used to go to this lovely little park a few blocks away for our picnics." Rose explains, mouth stuffed with chewed apple. "You could have yours there! I'd be happy to prep a hamper for you." She suggests, swallowing.

"Thank you Rose. That would be lovely, wouldn't it Lindsey?" Lindsey gives a nod of approval. "I could show them where it is." Edmund says from beside me. "Provided I can join them for the picnic?" The cheek of him! This was my opportunity to make it up to Lindsey after yesterday, and he has to go and mingle in our plans!

"Fine." I say reluctantly, polishing off my toast. "Nice dress by the way." He says, admiring the sunset fabric. He's staring at my skirt. When I look down I realise why. A pile of toast crumbs has gathered on my lap. Edmund gives me a lop-sided grin. How embarrassing and infuriating! "Don't I have a nice dress too?" Lindsey chokes. She sounds as if she's about to cry. "Yours is nice too." He chuckles.

---------------------------

I enter the kitchen to see Rose fastening the clasp on a picnic hamper. "For you." She says sweetly, placing the handle in my palms. "Thank you Rose." I say, peeking inside the basket. "I'm sure Edmund will he very happy to escort you and your sister." She laughs. I'm a tad unnerved by this. I've no idea what she could possibly find funny about Edmund wanting to escort me to the park.

"Away with you." She teases, waving one hand towards the exit. I head to the front door where I find Lindsey and Edmund putting on shoes. I put on my boots. "Come on." He says, opening the door. I'll show you!"

The streets are satisfyingly peaceful, presumably due to the fact it's a Sunday morning. Edmund, much to my surprise, scoops Lindsey into his arms and carries her through the streets, as I trudge beside him. He talks kindly to her, discussing the weather and her dress.

After walking and walking, we reach a large, wrought iron fence. Edmund scales it and locates an arch, with the words "Cheadle Park" engraved on it. "I have to put you down now, Lindsey." He says, releasing his grip and letting her slide to the ground.

"What?!" She exclaims. Edmund looks confused. "How did you know my name? We told you it was Margaret!" He glances at me and I shoot him a knowing look. "I thought Lindsey was a more suiting name. What a coincidence that that happens to be your birth name!" He really sounds astounded by this happy "accident". Quite the actor.

He gives me a lopsided-grin and I smile back, looking to the ground. Lindsey takes my hand and tugs it. We enter through the arch.

Thank you so much to my friend, who offered to illustrate this book.