“I don’t know if I’d call it a vision. It was just the barest glimpse of something. The stranger part was that afterward, I couldn’t think of anything except coming here. I didn’t want to do it, you understand, and I tried to distract myself and think of something else, but nothing worked. I felt like I would just start screaming if I didn’t come here, so I did.” She smiled helplessly. “I thought perhaps you could explain it to me.”

“And you didn’t know Mrs. Darlington before this?” Madame asked suspiciously.

“I don’t think so. I don’t remember ever meeting her, and she must not have remembered me, either. She introduced herself to me out in the waiting room.”

“She may have felt drawn to you,” Madame said a little uncertainly.

“So, I did the right thing by coming here?”

“Oh yes, you were right to come to me. The gift can be overwhelming, I know.”

“Yes, that is exactly how I felt, overwhelmed. Thank you for being so understanding. I’m very fortunate to have you to advise me.”

“And you have no memory of what you said to Mrs. Darlington?”

Elizabeth frowned. “No, and obviously, it was a confusing message. I’m so sorry she was upset.”

Madame waved away her concerns. “We cannot control the messages, as you know.”

“How could we if we don’t even know what they are?” Elizabeth agreed, although Madame always knew exactly what they were.

“Yes, well, we should arrange for another séance soon. Your powers are obviously gaining strength, and I don’t want them to get out of control. That would be very bad for you.”

“Thank you for your concern. I suppose you’re right. I’ve been reluctant to reschedule, but now I see that’s foolish. If I don’t do it, the spirits will drive me here anyway.”

“So it seems,” Madame agreed. “Please tell Persephone to arrange a special séance for you to attend.”

“Thank you, Madame. I don’t know what I would do without your help.”

Madame smiled at that, although it was a little rueful. “I am happy to be of assistance.”

Elizabeth decided she was recovered enough to make her exit. She found everyone from the séance still in the waiting area and gathered around a handsome young man.

Jake had always been popular with ladies of all ages.

Mrs. Darlington had just asked him, “What do you think I should do?” when he caught sight of Elizabeth.

“Is that the lady who gave you the message?” he asked Mrs. Darlington.

Elizabeth froze, as if uncomfortable with the attention as everyone turned to her.

“Yes,” Mrs. Darlington said. “She got a special message just for me.”

But Jake was no longer listening. He smiled at her. “You were here the other night, when the accident happened, weren’t you?”

“Yes,” she admitted with apparent reluctance.