Chapter 3: Shadows in the Night

The darkness outside seemed to press in on Eliza's bedroom, making her feel trapped and uneasy. She tossed and turned, her mind racing with thoughts of the mysterious young woman and her message for Alexander. Who was she, and what did she want? Eliza's imagination ran wild with possibilities, each one more sinister than the last. Just as she was starting to drift off to sleep, Eliza heard a faint creaking sound coming from downstairs. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding in her chest. It sounded like someone was moving around in the kitchen. She threw off the covers and got out of bed, padding softly over to the window to peer out into the night. The storm had passed, leaving behind a eerie stillness. The moon was full, casting an silver glow over the garden and the house. Eliza's eyes scanned the grounds, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary. She was about to return to bed when she noticed a figure slipping out of the kitchen door. Eliza's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the young woman who had come to the door earlier. What was she doing now, sneaking around the house in the middle of the night? Eliza's curiosity got the better of her, and she quickly threw on a dressing gown and made her way downstairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. As she entered the kitchen, she saw that the young woman was rummaging through a drawer, her movements quick and furtive. Eliza's eyes narrowed as she approached her. "What are you doing?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice low. The young woman spun around, a look of guilt written across her face. "I...I was just looking for something," she stammered. Eliza's eyes scanned the kitchen, taking in the scattered papers and open drawer. "What were you looking for?" she asked, her voice firm. The young woman hesitated, then seemed to come to a decision. "My name is Emily," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm here to warn you, Mrs. Hamilton. Your husband is in danger." Eliza's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice urgent. But Emily just shook her head. "I don't have time to explain. I have to go. But please, Mrs. Hamilton, you have to be careful. They're watching you." And with that, Emily turned and fled out of the kitchen, leaving Eliza standing alone in the darkness, her mind reeling with questions and fears.