Simon nodded at Elijah. He needed to discuss something, but not in front of Anne. He took Anne's arms again. "Listen, Anne. I need you to go to Maggie's now. Listen carefully. I want you to tell her what happened. And tell her I told you to go there and that she must cover for you. If father asks where you've been, you tell him you went to Maggie's. Can you do that?" The girl nodded. "You must go now. I promise I will see you before I go." He didn't know if he could fulfill that promise, but he would make up for it once he was settled in York. "Remember. Not a word." Anne nodded. She almost hugged him again, but stopped herself in time, and instead she put her hands on both sides of his head and put her forehead against his. Simon closed his eyes and swallowed, gently squeezing her arms. Then Anne let go and turned to Elijah.
"Thank you, Elijah. We'd be lost without you."

It was probably true.

Anne turned and left for her sister's home, as Simon had instructed her.