Abilene stood outside the door of the inn and took a deep breath. She was dressed in a light blue frock with white checkers and an overcoat (it was always cold in the mornings this time of year in Whitby). The debacle at the bakery last week still had her shaken, but she was glad Rose hadn't spread gossip around the town demeaning her and causing her little hope for a job. Though, if she had, Abilene hadn't a clue, so she was still more cautious around her fellow townsfolk than she usually would be. A frigid wind swept by and she quickly entered the inn, shivering. She was looking for a Mr. Appleton, and when she asked the girl at the front desk, she was pointed to a table in the corner where a man and a woman, both well-dressed, sat in a corner.

Approaching the pair, Abilene clasped her hands before her in a way that she hoped would signify her knowledge of station. "Good morning," she said, voice sweet as ever, careful to look both in the eye as she stopped before the table. "Are you Mr. and Mrs. Appleton?"