"They knew where t' money was hidden. The guy last time didn't... but he may have come back and searched thoroughly when we were out... Father thought som't had disappeared some weeks ago, but he assumed he had miscounted before. But now it's happened again... But they didn't take everything. We think someone has been breaking in and stealing repeatedly, hopin' not to get noticed..."

Elijah shook his head. "They must be planning to return if this keeps happening and they never take all of it. " This burglar was smart and cruel to go after the Wards. He headed into a backroom and came back with a small tin padlocked box. "For now, I will let your father borrow my lockbox. I'll bring him the key myself and help him find a new hiding spot. If he has the key on him then they will be less likely to steal it since they can't be so sneaky next time."

"Thank you, Elijah. That's kind." Anne said. Please come as soon as you can. Father is quite distressed about it, and in his state... Are you comin' back with me, Alice?"
"I just need to sit down for a moment..." Alice said in a shaky voice. She looked pale, shaken and miserable.

Elijah frowned and knelt by Alice's side. "You look really pale. Bram, go get the doctor. Anne, go home and tell your dad I'll be there as soon as I can. I need to get Alice seen." He didn't know anything about illnesses but she looked very sick.

"No!" Alice protested. "No, I told you, I don't want to see a doctor!"
"You have been sickly, Alice..." Anne commented.
Bram ran to the door. "Bram! Stop!" But the boy had already run out. Alice got up. "I'm fine, I'm telling you!" But she burst into tears, sank back down on the sofa and covered her face. Anne rushed to her side, sat next to her and rubbed her back.
Will looked on confused. "I'll... tell father..." he said, and he left.

Elijah thanked Will as he disappeared out the door. He moved to sit at Alice's other side. His face was full of worry as he looked at her. "It's ok, Alice. You'll be ok, the doctor will help you. I promise it'll be alright."

"I don't need to see a doctor. I don't want to. Please, just let me be..." Alice cried.
"What on earth is wrong, Alice?" Anne asked. "You've been so... different lately." The girl bit her lip.
Alice grasped. "I just need some air."

Elijah ran to walk with Alice. "You're clearly weak. Please don't run off, we can help you get some air. But you need to wait for him."

Alice nodded, but when she stepped outside, she began to run. She wasn't fast, weak as she was, and with her corset laced tightly.

Elijah pinched his nose and then hurried after her, he barely had to jog before he had her wrist. "Alice! Why are you running. You are too sick to be doing this?"