Mrs. Manchester’s face wrinkled as frustration flared in her eyes. “You won’t find them in my room. In fact, I suggest you search your maid’s room or the rooms of that singer. Showboat people aren’t the most reliable, and cleaning staff often have sticky fingers. I could swear that Talley was wearing an old blouse of mine.”

Mama’s lips settled into a stark line. “I don’t have a thief in my employ. I’m very careful about who I hire.”

Blame traced across Mrs. Manchester’s face. “We never know people as well as we think.”

“Talley and I will go to your room now,” Mama insisted.

“My husband is sleeping,” she added quickly. “Once he’s up, then you can clean and search to your heart’s content.”

“Very well.” Mama stood still as stone as she watched Mrs. Manchester walk away. The fingers of her left hand flexed, but she said nothing.

Ruth hurried to her mother. “Talley and Carlotta didn’t steal anything. They’re good people, Mama.”

Mama tucked a stray strand behind her ear. “I know that.”

“Why’s Mrs. Manchester saying things like this?”

“She’s not been happy for a long time.”

“Why?”

Mama shoved out a sigh. “Between you and me, Mr. Manchester is making life difficult for her. He’s drinking heavily, like his father did when their family vacationed here before the war.”

“He vacationed at the Seaside Resort?”

“His family were regulars for many summers. That’s how he met his wife. She was working here as a waitress.”

“Mrs. Manchester worked here?”

“It’s good, honest work.” Mama went silent for a moment.

“She acts like she was born rich.”

“She married it.”

“I don’t like Mr. Manchester.”

“Neither do I.”

Hearing her mother’s unvarnished honesty was a first for Ruth. “Maybe they shouldn’t come back next year,” Ruth said.

Mama pulled off her apron. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” Ruth asked.

“To talk to Carlotta.”

“Why?”

“Better we have a conversation now, in case Mrs. Manchester decides to make more trouble and call the sheriff.”

“Can I come?”

“No, you stay here. I’ll be back shortly.”

Mama handed her apron to Ruth and then headed across the hot sand, oblivious to the heat and sun.

Ruth should have let Mama take care of the matter. Her mother managed every detail of the hotel, from guest registration to bookkeeping to figuring ways to make more money. She helped Ruth with her math homework, kept Daddy on an even keel, and always had a job for Henry if he needed extra money. And she would see that Mrs. Manchester didn’t cause trouble.