Timelines and Tangled Hearts

Chapter 4: A Plan, Sort Of

*****

"So... what exactly is your plan?" Ava asked as they huddled in an abandoned courtyard behind a bakery.

"Plan?" Isabella grinned, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Sweetheart, you're looking at it: survive and hope for the best."

William let out a low groan. "Oh, good. We're doomed."

Henry gave him a glare. "If you've got a better idea, genius, feel free to share."

Ava tapped the hourglass in her hands thoughtfully. "We need to figure out how this thing works. If it sent us here, it must have a way to take us back."

"Right," William muttered. "Because ancient magical artifacts always come with an instruction manual."

"Then we figure it out ourselves," Ava said. "We just need to find someone who knows about... old stuff."

Isabella perked up. "I know a guy. There's a collector in the West End—he's got all sorts of strange objects. If anyone can help, it's him."

Henry rolled his eyes. "Yeah, if he doesn't rob you first."

Ava looked at William with a smirk. "Sounds like a perfect match for us."

William groaned again. "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this?"

The next night, the group arrived at the collector's manor—except there was a problem.

"The only way in is through his fancy party," Isabella whispered. "And, surprise! We're not on the guest list."

"Brilliant," William grumbled. "We don't even have proper clothes. What's the backup plan? Crash the party and hope no one notices we're dressed like—" He gestured vaguely to his mud-streaked coat, "...refugees from a Dickens novel?"

Isabella grinned mischievously. "Actually... that's exactly the plan."

Before William could argue, the siblings dragged Ava and him toward the back entrance of the manor. In a flash, Isabella had sweet-talked a passing servant, swiped two sets of uniforms, and handed them to the group.

"Ta-da," Isabella said with a flourish. "Problem solved."

Ava laughed. "I like her. She's efficient."

William looked at the drab footman's uniform and sighed. "I miss the attic."

Sorry for the late update guys!!