Little Prudy's Cousin Grace

Grace and Cassy are inseparable, the sort of friends whose names are spoken together like “cup and saucer.” One is bright‑eyed and impulsive, the other gentle and steady, and they have sealed their devotion with a jeweled ring that promises lifelong fidelity. Living in a modest Hoosier cottage, they imagine a simple future of shared chores, chickens, and quiet evenings, while the world outside swirls with change.

Their story opens on a crisp March day as they stroll down Vine Street, trading jokes and secret wishes. Grace confides her longing to be a boy and laments the limits placed on women, while Cassy brushes off politics with a laugh. Their conversations hint at larger adventures—prizes, weddings, and unexpected challenges—that will test their bond and push each girl toward the future she envisions.