After the soiree finally finished it was almost 2.30am, slowly Elinor made her way up to what would become the VIP room of the guest house but for now was her bedroom. It had been an exciting night, she had made plenty of useful contacts but more importantly she had fulfilled her part of the bargain made only a year ago.

Now she would be rich and he success was guaranteed thanks to those within the house. As she got ready for bed she remembered her life before and shuddered.

Getting into bed her head barely touched the pillow before she fell asleep. Yet as the clock on the bedroom mantle chimed 4.00am she woke, sitting up in bed she realised someone else was in her room. Turning on the bedside light she felt both aprehension and excitement.

The glow showed the tall pale figure of Alessia Wincham, her protectress and benefactor. If not for the spirit she would be dead, like so many others who had dwelt within the house. As Alessia came closer to the bed Elinor moved to get out from under the warm coverlets.