They too are afraid of the poison garden. Something has happened inside those tall gates, where so many deadly herbs have been gathered in one spot. Some new, dangerous power has gathered itself and been loosed upon the world. It is strange to say, but I can only think it is something unnatural.

Earlier, even before dawn, I sat by the bed and told Jessamine what I intended to do. I asked her permission, for I know she did not wish me to go into that horrible place again. I asked her forgiveness for breaking my promise, but I do not think she heard me.

It is time. I dread the poison garden. I dread what might happen to me inside those tall gates. The plants in there are dangerous. They are far cleverer than I am; I know that. They will try to trick me, perhaps destroy me. But deep in my soul, I believe they will know what is wrong with her.

I would give my life to save Jessamine. I may have to.

Look. Look how beautiful I am.

I am in Mama’s wedding dress. Now it is made of cream-colored rose petals that caress me as I walk. Every step I take is perfumed.

When I am tired of taking steps, I float. I can float anywhere, go anywhere, be anywhere. I am borne on the wind like a tuft of dandelion, a feather, a speck.

A ghost.

I wonder if I am dead?

Before, when I was well and fully alive, I used to long to know what might be happening inside the castle at Alnwick, or in a big, faraway city like London, or in the vast Canadian wilderness across the sea, or even in that awful war in France. My whole life, Hulne Park has been my world and prison. I thought it would be so wonderful to see something else, though I had no real hope of doing so.

Now I can travel to all those places, and more. I am untethered! Time, distance, even Father’s forbidding gaze—none of these pose any obstacle to me anymore.

So where shall I go? If I were to gain entry to the castle I know I would not spend all my time in the library, as Father does. There would be so much else to see! The grand staterooms and the dining hall, the scullery and the parapets, the armory full of weapons that were used to push back the Scots—

Curious. It feels as if there is still someone else here, hovering, close by. I do not know who he is, but it is nice not to be alone.

If he wishes to become friends, perhaps we will fly together.

Mr. Luxton brings me to the gate of the poison garden and unlocks it. Already I hear the cruel voices calling to me, luring me to quicksand.