Chapter Twenty-seven

On Sunday morning, Owen cooks a big breakfast as he and Trey compare nocturnal phenomena: the clock chimed at three, music played, crying was heard, and Owen briefly saw the wedding rings vanish from the ancestral portraits—a vision Sonya had reported. They speculate this could signal who can find the lost rings or locate the mirror. Owen outlines his cousins’ roles and why the manor matters to him.

Sonya pitches an elaborate, Victorian-style doghouse for Yoda and trades Owen a vintage rolltop desk for the build. While clearing rooms, the bell chills under Trey and Cleo’s hands. Despite Sonya’s reluctance, they descend to the basement; the door slams, lights fail, and the dogs bark upstairs. In the dark, Sonya grabs a hand she assumes is Cleo’s—then realizes it isn’t. The lights flicker back, the door unlocks, and they retreat.

Upstairs, Sonya shakes but reasons the hand felt human and not freezing, unlike Hester’s presence; Cleo suggests a benevolent spirit such as Clover or Molly comforted her. The men recheck the basement and find nothing. They decide to move desired furniture later and end the search for the day.

Monday is calm. Cleo visits Poole’s Bay, returns with groceries and news: Gigi, a local shop owner who’s seen Anna’s site, plans to contact Sonya—an encouraging lead. That evening, Molly has laid out dresses, and Sonya and Cleo embrace the choice and dress for a night out.

Trey shuttles dogs and collects Owen; they head to Ogunquit to see Rock Hard. At the club, Sonya revels in the dancing and meets Manny—Bree’s sweet, nerdy drummer boyfriend. The night restores Sonya’s spirits and deepens camaraderie with Trey and friends.

After midnight, they return to find every kitchen and dining cabinet eerily open—petty protest after Yoda’s long absence. Yoda’s joyful greeting seems to settle it. Cleo affirms she likes Trey (unlike Brandon), and Sonya, exhausted, asks the house for quiet. The manor complies, granting her an undisturbed night.