Hannah Jenkins was busy overseeing the bonfire. “Just toss it on there. Don’t get too close!” she called out. “Miss Smedley, stop adding damp leaves, if you please. You are creating too much smoke.”
Concordia drew closer, breathing in the acrid scent and rubbing her hands towards its welcome heat. “Can you be spared for a bit?” She gestured over her shoulder, toward Miss Pomeroy. “We’ll explain along the way.”
Miss Jenkins passed the stout branch she had been using as a poker to a senior girl and brushed off her hands. “I’ll be back. Don’t let the freshies get too close. We cannot have anyone’s skirts catching.”
When they reached Willow Cottage, Concordia sent Ruby to fetch Miss Lovelace.
Concordia felt a twinge of guilt when Ruby returned with the tousle-headed girl.
Concordia patted
