“Ella, get my back, would you? The scrub brush is on the shelf. I’d like you to get the rose water, as well,â€? Elizabeth spoke without opening her eyes. Something within her told her to speak.

“Ella, sometimes I really wish you were my sister. I wish that Olivia and Mother would just. . . I don’t know. I wish that they could treat you fairly. You’re a sweet, lovely girl. You really don’t deserve this life.â€?

Silent with surprise, Cinderella scrubbed in thoughtful circles down Elizabeth’s spine. “I am grateful for your thoughts, but you only risk both our futures by thinking so.”

Cinderella gazed out the window dreamily. Droplets of water dripped from the soaked curls and filled the silence. Lastly, Cinderella poured a small bottle of rose water over Elizabeth’s scalp and watched it cascade down her head before massaging it gently. “A towel, Miss Elizabeth?â€?

Wrapped up as though in a cocoon, she sat down on her featherbed while Cinderella dried her long hair.

“Finished,â€? whispered Cinderella.