The Clock Tower — Jeanne Montague

The lifelong friendship of three women, Nancy, Nell, and Rebecca, who pledge undying love and aid to one another as inmates in a turn-of-the-century orphanage is sorely tested by danger and death.

Three young women…

They had made a vow which bound their futures with their pasts -- and would forever change their destines…

Rebecca -- proud and beautiful, and too independent for love.

Nell -- so sharp, so clever, and so hungry for affection.

Nancy -- spirited, adventurous and unflinchingly loyal, whatever the personal cost.

At the orphanage their childhood friendship had been the only joy in a cruel, uncaring world. In the shadow of the old clock tower they vowed they would never forget… Vowed they would come to each other's aid if ever called -- no matter how far the journey or how great the dangers. But they could not imagine to what distant shores or terrifying extremes that childish vow would one day lead them.