Eustace pointed to the journal. “It’s kind of like the rune I was showing you, isn’t it? And what better depiction of lifeanddeath? What if they’re adding bone to all their spells and potions? What if that’s their secret ingredient? It would explain the stockpile down there.”
“The oven,” Cordelia whispered, going pale. “In the basement room. They must burn them. It’s the only way to get a fire hot enough.” She took a step back from the desk. “Eustace… Our name. Are we Bone witches? Or are webonewitches?”
Eustace stared past her, eyes unfocused as her mind wheeled.
“I thought you said our name was French?” Cordelia reminded her.
“I thought it was,” she said. “But it must be occupational, given as a result of what someone did in the community, or who they were. Like the surnameSmithmeaning someone was a blacksmith. They could have given our family the nameBonin Normandy because we were nice or…”
“Or?”
Eustace looked at her, snapping out of her distant stare. “Or we picked it up somewhere else along the way.Bonebecause of…” She grabbed the book and stared at it.
“So, which are we?” Cordelia asked her again. “The Bone witches orbonewitches?”
“Both.”
CORDELIA’S FINGERS STARTEDitching—someone was soon to call. She buried them in her fists, surprised when the doorbell rang instead of her phone. “If that’s Gordon, I don’t want to see him.”
Eustace frowned at her. “I’m not playing your games.” She headed for the hall, and Cordelia quickly followed.
As she passed from the library toward the vestibule, Cordelia saw a shadow shift above her and knew that Morna was restless. The bracelet around her wrist suddenly felt heavier, and she closed a hand over it, disturbed.
Reaching the front door, Eustace opened it to the lanky form of Bennett Togers, his back to her as he looked out over the front lawn. “Mr. Togers,” she said with a forced smile. “How nice of you to drop by. Did you bring the paperwork?”
Cordelia crumpled with relief—she wasn’t ready for another showdown with Gordon. But she also felt a terrible pang, thinking he was well and truly gone. Her sister hadn’t seemed nearly so upset as she by his secret notebook, a fact which left Cordelia feeling temperamental and impetuous, like a sullen child who’s overreacted. But she couldn’t shake the resentment she felt at being studied without her knowledge, or the sharp slice of betrayal at having it come from someone she trusted just when she was learning to truly open her heart.
Bennett turned to her and smiled wanly, stepping inside, a parcel of papers clutched to his chest. “I had other plans this afternoon, until one of your invitations fell into my lap. I believe you have them spread across town.”
Eustace closed the door behind him and gestured to the parlor, but he turned promptly toward the library, settling himself against the back of the worn leather sofa. Both sisters followed him as far as the doorway.
“Is there a problem?” Cordelia asked.
“I left messages,” Eustace told him. “We had every intention of inviting you. You’re kind of the guest of honor, in fact.”
He gave them a singularly patient look, as though they were children he had to explain things to. “As you are well aware, the estate is in legal limbo at the moment, as neither of you have officially taken up residence here and signed the paperwork to begin receiving your inheritance.”
Cordelia coughed, the brandy still burning her throat. “But that’s the whole point,” she told him. “To sign. It’s a celebration!”
Bennett scowled. “I saw something of the sort on the invitation. Then you are decided?”
“Of course we are,” Eustace declared. “That’s why I’ve been calling. We just wanted to make it official with all our new friends.” She eyed Cordelia over her shoulder.
“Right,” Cordelia chimed in. “We thought it would help our reputation in town to share the good news with everyone. Wewere going to really make a spectacle of it, bring you up in front of the whole town and sign it all together.”
Bennett’s scowl only deepened, causing his forehead to crease like paper. “Under the circumstances and as the estate’s attorney, I must advise against this. I feel it is my duty to let you know that you would be taking on an immense amount of personal liability should something go wrong.”
Cordelia crossed her arms, reminding herself the man was only doing his job; he would be a rather poor attorney if he didn’t counsel them against it. But she was determined to have this party and learn more about the person who’d been sending them threats. Of course, she couldn’t explain all that to Mr. Togers. “We could sign now if it made you feel better, do the bit at the party for show.”
He cleared his throat multiple times, overcome with a sudden attack of phlegm, and cocked an eyebrow at them. “It appears I cannot talk you out of this. In which case, I will attend so that I may personally oversee the safety of the estate and its possessions.”
Eustace smiled and patted his arm. “Your warning has been duly noted, and your work here is done. Any and all responsibility is on our heads, not yours. We’ll see you in three days’ time.” Taking him by the elbow, she led him back to the front door. “You can rest assured that we will take great care before and during the event.”
He stiffened at being suddenly and discourteously escorted out.
At the vestibule, Eustace plied the paperwork from him, then opened the door and stood aside. “My sister and I greatly appreciate your concern. You have proven yourself to be an excellent steward of our family’s assets.”
Bennett smiled coolly. “I pride myself on my service to this family.”
