When Lucinda woke, she saw Lily, standing by the window and peering outside into the slowly darkening evening. She had wrapped herself in Lucinda’s robe, which was rather too big for her, and seemed to be watching a nest of birds in a tree outside the window. “Damn things wake me up every morning at dawn,” Lucinda remarked. Lily jumped a little, then turned and smiled. “I didn't want to wake you up.” “You didn't. But now...

Lucinda adjusted her hat carefully and smiled at the young woman across from her. Lily was new to the city, and Lucinda had been asked by Lily's parents to show her around and keep her out of trouble. At first Lucinda was prepared to do the bare minimum, expecting the usual simpering, boy-crazy, fashionista whom most acquaintances from her old town had raised. Instead, she got Lily. Beautiful—long, dark hair pulled up and...