In the Shadows

them seem even less friendly. “I do like being owed a favor by a

pretty girl.”

Minnie opened her mouth to protest, but Cora stood straight

and regarded Alden with a cool, level gaze. “Sir, I trust my moth-

er’s anger far more than favors from men I do not know. I have no

desire to be beholden to you for anything other than a comfortable

stay in a pleasant home for the summer, the same as we offer all

our guests.”

Minnie expected him to be outraged, but if anything, he

looked delighted. “I see. Good day, Cora.” He didn’t move, stand-

ing a breath too close, as Cora fished the key out of her pocket and

opened their bedroom door. When Minnie slammed it shut

behind them, he was still in the hall, watching.

“He is so creepy,” Minnie hissed.

“Hush. It’s fine.” Cora paced, hands immediately going to

worry the stone she always kept in her pocket. The blood drained

from her face as her pocket turned out to be empty. “No,” she

moaned, searching again. “I didn’t take it out before we went in

the water!”

Minnie frowned. “It’s just a stone.”

Tears pooled in Cora’s eyes, and she kept feeling her dress as

though the stone would magically turn up. “No, it’s not. Father

gave it to me the day before he . . .” She burst into sobs, sitting

heavily on the bed.

“Oh, Cora.” Minnie fought back tears of her own. It was her

fault, for dragging Cora into the water. It was always her fault.

“We can go back, look for it, and —”

Cora laughed, but it sounded harsh beneath her tears. “Yes,

let’s look for a beach rock on the beach. Never mind. It’s silly. I

shall simply worry less.”