“When the locals here came across the grounded vessel on shore, they immediately plundered her riches. As they were stripping the Liberty T. Mitchell clean, there was no sign of anyone. And then one of the men heard a baby crying. When they went to investigate, they found a baby girl in the chest, wrapped in a blanket and wailing as if her life depended on it.”

Ruth watched Carlotta carefully, searching for signs that this story had struck a chord in her. Was she remembering the night she’d left Ruth?

“You found me in a pink blanket, right, Mama?” Ruth whispered.

Her mother laid her hand on Ruth’s shoulder. Emotion tightened her voice. “All I remember is your sweet face,” she whispered.

Ruth leaned closer. She wanted to ask Mama about Carlotta, but the words got trapped in her throat.

“What about Francesca and the sailors?” Bonnie asked.

Henry paused, letting his crowd stew just a little. “The sailors’ bodies all washed up on shore, but there was never any sign of Francesca. And many locals reported seeing an Irish wolfhound running along the dunes, but no one ever caught the beast. Some said he’d arrived on the wrecked vessel. The only survivor was the baby.”

“What happened to her?” Ruth asked.

“Taken in by one of the villagers, I hear. Beyond that, I don’t know.” He swiped his pointed finger across the crowd. “Are you wondering where the ghosts are in my story?”

Nervous chuckles swept the crowd.

“The ghosts of those sailors and poor Francesca are here now, walking these shores. And they will until the sea takes this vessel back into the dark waters. If you hear a wolfhound howling or a woman wailing for her lost baby, you’ll know they’re from the Liberty T. Mitchell.”

“What does Francesca’s ghost look like?” Talley asked.

“I’ve never seen her with my own two eyes, but it’s said she is as pale as the moon, and her long blonde hair is tangled with seaweed and seashells. Her eyes, I’m told, glow in the dark.”

Mrs. Manchester downed the last of her drink and laughed. “A tall tale that’ll ensure none of our kids sleep tonight.”

Henry eyed the woman, but there was no hint of apology in his expression.

“Perhaps another song from Miss Carlotta?” Edna asked.

Carlotta had grown solemn during the story, but years of entertaining kicked into gear, and her lips widened. “I’d say that’s just what the doctor ordered.”

As Carlotta sang, the mood of the crowd lightened, and by the time she had finished, the smiles were less nervous.

Talley leaned close to Ruth. “I’m going to sleep with one eye open all night.”

“Don’t be silly. We were out here this morning, and we saw no ghosts. We’ll be fine.”

“But what if we see a ghost?” Talley asked.