Elizabeth decided to take Mother Bates with her to her first training séance. If she were at all nervous about it, she would naturally want someone with her, and Mother Bates would provide whatever support was necessary. She could be unsure about the whole situation, and she wouldn’t even have to pretend.

“Mrs. Bates and . . . Mrs. Bates,” Persephone said by way of greeting when they arrived at the storefront.

“You can call me Mrs. Gideon to make it easier,” Elizabeth said.

Persephone smiled her agreement. She was dressed conservatively but fashionably in a brown silk chiffon dress with stylishly large pockets and oversized buttons. No one would stare at her in the streets the way they did at Madame Ophelia. Her fair hair was tucked into a chignon in what might have been an attempt to make her appear older. It was a wasted effort.

“Is anyone else coming this morning?” Elizabeth asked uneasily.

“Just two ladies who are longtime clients,” Persephone said. “Is Mrs. Bates”—she nodded at Mother Bates—“going to sit in as well?”

Elizabeth slipped her hand into Mother Bates’s. “I hope that’s all right. I just . . . I wanted someone I knew I could trust to be with me since I have no idea what is going to happen.”

Persephone gave her what was probably intended to be an encouraging smile, but she just looked worried and very uncertain. “I’ll ask Madame to see what she thinks. Please have a seat while you’re waiting. The other ladies should be here soon.”

Elizabeth and Mother Bates claimed two of the chairs lining the walls of the waiting room.

“How are you feeling, dear?” Mother Bates asked. They’d discussed what could and could not be said in a place where they might be overheard.

“I’m a little nervous. I’m so glad you’re with me.”

“I’m glad I am, too, and don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you if . . . well, if you fall into a fit like you did before.”

Elizabeth laid a hand over her heart and drew a calming breath. She really was a bit excited. Starting a new con was thrilling, after all.

They waited in silence for a few more minutes, knowing that was the only way to ensure that they didn’t give anything away. Then the shop door opened and two ladies came in. They were middle-aged and well-dressed in traveling suits with skirts and matching jackets in deference to the fickle spring weather. One wore heather green and the other’s suit was tan and cut in the military style that had become so popular during the war.