Page 39

“You still need to name two more, Elowen.”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “House Tureen.”

“Correct!” Ivy bounced slightly. “One more, Elowen.”

Come on! I know this. My leg started bouncing beneath the papers. “House… Corona?”

“No!” Nora shouted, and Ivy burst into laughter, folding over so hard she nearly fell off the bed.

“No such House exists!” Ivy managed between laughs. “Where did that name come from?”

A beer brand?

“I don’t know! I can’t think straight!”

Nora reached for the notes in my lap. “You really must rest.”

I snatched them away. “There’s no time, Nora. I only have three days.”

“You’ve been studying since breakfast. Your mind needs a little rest.”

“I’m okay.”

“You’ve just invented House Corona.”

“That was one mistake,” I mumbled. “No need to make such a fuss about it.”

Ivy wiped beneath her eyes. “You also called House Solmere House Solitaire.”

They sound similar!

“Where are you finding these names?”

“I don’t know.” I let my head fall back. “I made them up.”

Ivy stared at me. “Both of them?”

“My brain is very creative when it’s exhausted.”

Nora snorted into the pillow, but I ignored her and reached for the next sheet. “Ask me another one.”

Ivy looked at me. “You’re quite serious?”

“Yes. Quickly.” I gestured for her to carry on. “Before my brain invents another House.”

The bedroom doors opened before she could ask, and Eleanor walked in carrying another stack of books.

“Surely those aren’t all for her,” Nora said, looking horrified.

“Who else would they be for, my darling?”

“Mother,” Ivy groaned.

“These will prove very useful, and I’ve already arranged for copies to be packed.” Eleanor smiled at me. “You’ll be able to continue your studies in your new home, if you wish.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

I’d said it without thinking. Eleanor’s expression warmed, and I felt guilty for how easily it had come. Sorry, Mum. Wherever she was, in heaven or reborn into another world, I hoped she’d forgive me.