[CW: References to domestic abuse]

Mr. Meijer had been invited, not to the Carrington manor, but to a manor further out of Whitby, by Mrs. Carrington. Anne had gone to stay with friends on the very night that she had made the police report. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence had been horrified upon gathering what had happened, and had offered Anne a spacious room and the promise to assist her in whatever way they could. Of course they would help her see a lawyer. They would pay for his time, so her disgrace of a husband didn't need to find out. 

Anne sat waiting in the parlour, a pot of tea and cups ready. She wore her best black gown with Whitby jet accessories. Her hairdo was immaculate, not a hair out of place. But her face was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes. Her nose was a little red as if she had been crying. Most notable of all, her arm was in a sling, worn close to her chest.