*Eden*
I am acutely aware of Esma stiffening beside me when Mr. Swindler announces that it will be me who walks through the pleasure Gardens the following night. It's only fair. After all, I am the older of us two, even if only by moments. If he hadn’t selected me, I’d have had to give Esma a sleeping draught. I’m not going to allow my younger sister to be placed in harm’s way. Especially since Esma has a gentleman very much interested in her. It's quite possible that Mr. Swindler might see to it that Esma does not have to pay for what happened to the former Rockberry.
After details are explained, while people are taking their leave, I slip out the door and into the garden. I’m not nearly as comfortable or trusting around these people as Esma. I simply want the entire matter to be done w
