They hesitated just inside the door, staring at Elizabeth and Mother Bates and whispering behind their hands. Elizabeth would have known this was the height of rudeness even if she hadn’t read about it in an etiquette book, and she frowned her disapproval. Poor Mother Bates must have been fuming. Then they stopped whispering, smiled and came forward. The one wearing tan said, “You must be Mrs. Bates. Madame Ophelia told us you have the sight.”

“And she told us you are longtime clients,” Elizabeth retorted, making her smile a bit disdainful.

The women were not offended at all. “Oh yes, we’ve been seeing Madame Ophelia for . . . well, for months, I suppose. Forgive me. We should have introduced ourselves. I’m Mrs. Kirkwood and this is my friend, Mrs. Regis.”

Elizabeth rose and shook their hands. “And this is my mother-in-law, Mrs. Bates.”

“Two Mrs. Bateses,” Mrs. Kirkwood said. “That might be confusing.”

“You can call me Mrs. Gideon,” Elizabeth said. “How did you discover Madame Ophelia?”

The two women exchanged a glance as if trying to decide something. Elizabeth was pretty sure she knew what it was, but she kept her expression only mildly curious.

“We heard about her through some friends,” Mrs. Regis said. She looked to be about fifty, with mousy brown hair liberally streaked with gray. She looked a bit careworn, too.

“And did you know each other before coming here?” Mrs. Bates asked. This was exactly what one society matron would ask another in this situation, and it also happened to be what Elizabeth wanted to know. Or at least she wanted to hear their answer.

“Oh yes,” Mrs. Kirkwood said. “We’ve been friends for ages.” Mrs. Kirkwood seemed to be around the same age as her friend, although her dark blond hair did not have as much gray. Her face showed her years, though, and Elizabeth noticed she never quite met her gaze.

“I suppose you’ve had success in communicating with . . . well, with whoever it is you wanted to communicate,” Elizabeth guessed.

“Great success,” Mrs. Regis confirmed. “Madame Ophelia is truly gifted.”

“She told us you heard from your fiancé, who died from the flu,” Mrs. Kirkwood said.

Elizabeth chose to be surprised and a little offended that they knew this. “I can’t believe Madame Ophelia would share such personal information about her clients.”

Obviously, the ladies hadn’t expected her reaction. “I’m sorry, but . . . you see, she was simply preparing us,” Mrs. Kirkwood said. “We are here because Madame thought we could help you get in touch with your spirit guide.”

“Because we’re so experienced ourselves,” Mrs. Regis added.

“I’m sure Madame Ophelia didn’t mean any harm,” Mother Bates said.

“Perhaps not,” Elizabeth allowed. “I suppose I’m just a bit sensitive under the circumstances.”

“Anyone would be,” Mrs. Regis said, and her friend agreed.

“I’m sure discussing your fiancé is difficult as well,” Mrs. Kirkwood added.