in the r

om her face. She looked from me to my mother, then b

ughter?" sh

She walked over and pulled me into a fierce hug.

rphed into pure,

accusing finger at all of us. "You all set t

. I looked past her,

ike my old

nd. "No! That's my room! I'v

I said, my voice flat. "

anor with tears streaming down her face. "Do

ce etched with a disappointment

a guest room. A pe

nt?" Ashley shrieked.

usekeeper who had appeared in the doorway. "Maria, please have Miss Ashley's thi

fury. She was utterly defeated. She opened her

said, his voice leaving n

before turning and stomping down th

nd cool. I could hear Ashley's faint, muffled cryin