At Prudence's words, Leah felt a pang in her chest that she couldn't make out. Their tender moment left as fast as it came, and though Leah felt obligated to feel happy about that, she couldn't help the - the yearning that seemed to linger when Prudence pulled her hand away. Today was supposed to be fun, right? There was no need for silly emotions! She could have been mistaken; when tension was high and uncertainty was in the air, it was easy to mistake a need for comfort, for stability, for an unnatural yearning for Prudence's touch. That was it.

Prudence then offered to help her out of her own swimsuit, which, in all honestly, did little to help convince her of what she was trying tell herself. "Yes, please do," she said automatically, turning around so Prudence could help her with the straps - but also so she could hide her pink cheeks. "I - I think it's sad that we can't go swimming in the Black Lake. I know it's dangerous and all, but surely they could clear a section of it?"

Because there was definitely something in the water surrounding the Sanditon - and it needed to go away!

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