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Sarah’s eyes gleamed. “Your turn next, Charlotte,” she said.
“No, thank you.”
“I will try it,” said Harriet’s mother, surprising her.
They shifted seats again and waited while Samia examined the older woman’s palm. “You have had many trials,” she said after a bit.
That might be true of any older person, Harriet thought. And yet she was being drawn into this process. Samia sounded so certain.
“But things grow better now,” the little girl continued. “See the lines smoothing out down here? A happier time is coming for you and going right on to the end.”
Mama looked pleased. Harriet imagined she was thinking of her marriage to the earl and their new home at Ferrington Hall. Which could hardly be inscribed in the stars or whatever the proper phrase was in palm reading.
Samia released her mother’s hand. “Charlotte, you must give it a try,” said Sarah.
Charlotte shook her head.
“But we all did.”
“Some people are scared to look into the future,” commented Samia. Harriet glanced at the girl in surprise. Had her tone held a brush of mockery? And how could she have known Charlotte hated to be accused of cowardice?
“I am not frightened,” declared Charlotte. “I simply think it’s a pack of nonsense.”
“Then what harm can it do?” asked Sarah.
“Oh, very well.” Charlotte came over to sit on the bench. “I don’t believe a word of any of this,” she said to Samia.
The little girl nodded, undaunted. She took up Charlotte’s right hand. Then she frowned and traded it for the left. “Ah, you use this one,” she said.
Charlotte looked startled.
“Our teachers at school tried to make her change, but she wouldn’t,” said Sarah.
“Don’t give her hints!” said Charlotte. “That is how they fool people. They tease out information and watch for reactions.”
Much as Mistress Elena had said, Harriet acknowledged. Perhaps Samia had seen Charlotte using her left hand? But she didn’t think so. There’d been no opportunity.
Samia bent over Charlotte’s hand. As she gazed, her expression slowly shifted to a frown. She looked some more, then straightened. “It is enough for today, I think.”
“But you haven’t told Charlotte anything,” said Sarah.
“I am tired.”
Charlotte’s dark eyes narrowed. “You’re trying to coax me. Make me beg you.”
“No.”
“Then you’ve run out of guff to peddle. Can’t think of anything new.”
Harriet raised a hand. Samia was just a little girl.
Samia’s dark eyes flashed. “I don’t lie.”
“Right.” Charlotte pulled her hand away. “This is ridiculous. Enough of children’s silly games.”
“It is not a game.”
Charlotte gave her a patronizing look. “You like to perform and be the center of attention, don’t you? I understand. But we are finished now.”
