<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;"><strong>Ashley </strong>(2nd floor following Imogene)</span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;">Ashley, not wanting Imogene to be alone made to quickly follow her friend, unfortunately, a ladies maid stopped her just inside the door.  </span><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;">"Miss will you be wantin some water brung up to ya room?" the girl inquired with a bob of her head.  Intent after Imogene, Ashley stumbled out, "Wha... oh, umm... Yes please, enough for two."  On second thought, Please have the roll top tub brought in and enough hot water for two baths instead."  Ashley smiled at the girl, but was already off again in search of Imogene and their appointed room.</span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;">Ashley finally caught up with Genie as the flushed maiden exited the young girl's room.</span><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;">"There you are dearest!"  Ashley exclaimed, obvious in her relief.  "I wanted to escort you up; however, I was delayed."  A curious smile played across Ashley's lips.  She drew a down feather from her bonnet; with a swish of her wrist, Ashley stroked it lightly across Imogene's pinked cheek and murmered,in a low, sing-song voice, "I have a surprise for you.  One I am sure you will love."  Ashley, was not able to contain her excitement at finally having some time alone with Imogene. She wanted to grab Genie and twirl her down the hall all agiggle--not caring who stared.  Just she and Imogene alone; it was something she had had a deep longing for for such a dreadfully long time. Ever since the night of Papa's masked ball, four month's past when Genie, ill with a fever, had slept in Ashley's arms all the night through. Ashley had never felt such rightness and peace.  And while Ashley may have not slept long, for once she slept without nightmares or tremors or anything but the pure sweet dawn to break her deep slumber, and the feel of Imogene's firm body tight against hers to ease her discord.  </span><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.35em;">"Come dearest, shall we be off to our room?"</span><br/>