Madame Ophelia had dressed conservatively today, but she would still attract notice with her brightly patterned walking suit and a stylish turban adorned with a peacock feather. This one, Elizabeth noticed, didn’t cover her ears since she wouldn’t need to conceal a telephone headset today.

“Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Bates,” Madame Ophelia said as Elizabeth rose and moved to welcome her.

“How could I not? I’m dying of curiosity to know why you’re here,” Elizabeth said. “Please, sit down. I’ve ordered tea, unless you’d prefer something else.”

“No, tea is fine,” Madame said, taking a seat on the sofa.

Elizabeth chose a chair opposite her so she could watch her more easily. Madame took a moment to glance around the room. Elizabeth knew what she would conclude: an old family without a large fortune. The house had been in the Bates family for three generations and the furniture had been reupholstered instead of being replaced. The room was comfortable but not fashionable. Elizabeth could have used her substantial dowry to refurbish it, but she didn’t want Mother Bates to think she was trying to usurp her. Besides, Elizabeth liked the tradition of the place, and it gave her a sense of permanence. Her own family had no home or traditions worth upholding.

“I hope you didn’t go to any trouble to find where I live,” Elizabeth said, sounding gracious instead of annoyed, which is what she should have been.

“No, I did not,” Madame admitted without shame. “Mrs. Vanderslice urged me to come, and she was happy to give me your address.”

Elizabeth was sure she was. “I’m concerned that Mrs. Vanderslice is becoming too . . . too emotional about the séances.”

“How can one be too emotional over one’s only son?”

Madame must have thought she’d have no answer for that. “Perhaps dwelling on David’s death so much isn’t good for her.”

“Who is to say? But that is not why I have come.”

“If you’re going to try to convince me to come to another séance, I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time.” Elizabeth managed an apologetic smile.

“Why are you so determined not to return?”

“How can you even ask?” Elizabeth could cry on demand, but she had never mastered blushing on demand. She still covered her cheeks, though. “I made an absolute fool of myself at the last one.”

“Was that your first visit to a medium?”

“Couldn’t you tell? Of course, it was.”

“And yet you were able to speak to the spirits.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I’m not too sure about that.”

“Mr. Lindhurst is sure.”

Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling at that. “Mrs. Vanderslice told me the horse I mentioned won, but I’m sure that’s just a coincidence.”

“Mr. Lindhurst said everything you predicted came true.”