“She doesn’t expect anything. She merely hopes I can help.”

“And can you?”

“I have no idea. The Old Man doesn’t have any ideas, either, and he won’t help at all.”

“Why not, dear?” his mother asked in amazement. Mr. Miles wasn’t the best father in the world, but he had always helped Elizabeth when she needed it.

“Because there is honor among thieves, or at least among con men. They don’t interfere with one another.”

“Not even when they’re cheating someone?” Gideon asked without thinking.

“They’re always cheating someone, darling,” she gently reminded him.

Of course, they were. He was an idiot. “Well, we certainly can’t let Mrs. Vanderslice’s obsession bankrupt her and Anna.”

“No, we can’t,” Elizabeth said. “I have been wondering if there is something you can do to protect their money, darling. You do help manage David’s estate, don’t you?”

“David named me his executor, but everything is settled now, so there isn’t much I can do.”

“But Clarissa won’t know that, will she?” his mother said archly.

Gideon couldn’t help smiling. “Are you suggesting that I lie to her, Mother?” Gideon’s aversion to lying was legendary, and both women smiled at the very suggestion.

“No,” Elizabeth said, “but Anna could. She can blame you for holding up their funds or something. I’m sure you won’t mind bearing the brunt of Mrs. Vanderslice’s wrath until we figure out what to do, will you?”

“Not at all. But how are you going to figure something out if your father won’t help you?”

“I’m not sure, but the first step will be attending a séance with Mrs. Vanderslice.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Gideon asked.

“Absolutely not, but I don’t know any other way to get to know this woman.”

Then to his dismay, his mother said wistfully, “I’ve always wanted to attend a real séance myself.”

—

I can’t believe Gideon didn’t forbid us to attend this séance,” Mother Bates said as she and Elizabeth left the house the next morning.

“Can Gideon forbid you to do things?” Elizabeth asked with great interest.

Mother Bates, who was usually the most independent woman Elizabeth had ever known, had to give this a moment’s thought. “Well, I suppose he can’t, not really. He is the head of our household, though.”

“And your child,” Elizabeth reminded her. “Isn’t he supposed to obey you?”

“It’s been a long time since I had to tell him what to do and not to do, so I haven’t really put it to the test lately.”

“And if Gideon did forbid you to do something, would that stop you?”

Mother Bates sighed. “I suppose not, if it was something I really wanted to do.”

“Did you ask his permission before you went to Washington City to demonstrate for Woman Suffrage?”