It was good that her daughter was eager to help her friend. She hoped the ruse would allow the two of them to spend more time with Anne; a girl in dire need to friends and a caring family. Ben Ward was an idiot, but he wasn't as dumb as a salmon.

"Don't you look innocent," Lottie announced at the reappearance of her daughter in her finest dress. With her soft features and wide eyes, she was the picture of angelic innocence. "I'd forgive ye"