He was walking closer to her than he had at the ball in February; there was a thrill in Hanna’s heart. Mr. Lochrin’s amulet was working! It occurred to her that she had never really been alone with a man before, at least not like this — but that was also thrilling, because she was sure to marry Mr. Hudson with the amulet on her side. Her movements mirrored his; a subtle, small change in the gap between them, like they were confidantes.

”I’ve heard there’s bathing machines for swimming,” she said, ”But they must put those away at night. Lounge chairs, perhaps?”