The Pennycomequicks, Volume 2 (of 3)

Salome finds herself caught between caring for her ailing mother and the unsettling mystery of a night‑time intruder. When she discovers the garden door left ajar and a key missing, she suspects a careless servant, yet the truth remains elusive. Her attempts to protect her mother from worry only deepen the unease, as she wrestles with clues that hint at a hidden presence in the house.

At the same time, the family’s plans to relocate to a more comfortable home are thrown into disarray when Mrs. Cusworth reveals a sudden loss that makes the move impossible. The prospect of a modest cottage looms, forcing Salome to balance her mother’s fragile health, financial strain, and the lingering question of who—or what—has been slipping through the garden at night. The first act sets a tense domestic scene where secrets and practical concerns intertwine, promising a compelling blend of mystery and family drama.