Anne smiled briefly, a smile that did lit up her eyes, when she heard Mrs. Blacke's warm greeting. She was welcome, cherished even. She knew she'd be welcome here, but she had been afraid to go over for fear that her father would find out. Now, well, she was betting on him having other things on his mind once the police released him. Might even be grateful to Mrs. Blacke. Or so she hoped...

She followed her older sister in and visibly relaxed as soon as she had crossed the threshold. Entering the Blacke's home felt like coming home, and she knew she'd be alright while under Mrs. Blacke's wing. She even forgot Alice for a moment.

"Thank you, Mrs. Blacke," she heard Rose say. "Please, I won't keep ye long, but I had a request. Our father's... well," she looked rather embarrassed, "well, 'e got into a fight and they arrested him, and we're not sure whether they'll release him today or..."

Or whether he'd be kept in custody and be led before a Magistrate. Anne's joy evaporated.

"We've got Will staying at Maggie's and Bram and Ali- Bram at our place. I was... Anne said you wouldn't mind taking her in for a night or so..."