Lily spoke soothingly, noticing Anastasia's anxious expression. Excessive nervousness would affect hormone secretions, detrimental to Anastasia's treatment. Moreover, Lily didn't want Anastasia to view herself as a patient; a less clinical approach would promote relaxation.

"O-Oh, okay," Anastasia nodded. "But my father..."

"We'll keep this from him for now," Lily said, a plan already forming. "Let this be a surprise."

"A surprise?"

"Yes!" Lily reassured her. "Imagine—you improve, become more energetic and slim down. Wouldn't that surprise him? Even if there's no dramatic change, he wouldn't be disappointed, would he?"

Lily hoped Anastasia could mentally prepare before beginning. Anastasia mustn't worry excessively about results; hopeful, yet not overly so as to avoid disappointment.

After considering this, Anastasia nodded firmly. "Okay!" Lily's words eased her anxieties. Since I asked Lily for help, and she's willing, I must trust her completely!

Lily breathed a sigh of relief at Anastasia's cooperation; without it, her efforts would be futile.

After arranging Austin's visit to the Rollins house, Maria was surprised to find her niece absent.

"Anastasia isn't home," the housekeeper replied.

"She's not home?" Maria was incredulous. "She's here over 300 days a year! Is she throwing a tantrum and instructing you to make excuses so she can avoid visitors?" She suspected Anastasia was simply being willful.

"Inform her I've brought Kingland's—no, our nation's—most renowned miracle doctor. She needn't fear; he can cure her illness. Come now, can't an aunt see her niece?" Maria gestured to Austin over her shoulder. "Please come in, Mr. Fike."

"I hope you don't mind. Anastasia is childish and often refuses to meet strangers. I've described her condition; you'll recognize it. Don't be surprised by her obesity and weakness; she sometimes faints."

Maria turned to the still-standing housekeeper. "Why are you still here? Go!"

"No, Anastasia truly isn't home. Someone called for her, and she left."

Maria always assumed Anastasia stayed home, ignoring others. With Cameron often away, Maria visited uninvited, only Anastasia's tantrums deterring her. However, with Anastasia absent, the housekeeper dared not contradict her.

"Someone called her?" Maria scoffed. "Where could she go? What a preposterous lie. Tasia has no friends; where else could she be?"

"S-She went to Mrs. Russell's house."