Elizabeth chose not to comment on that or any other subject the ladies raised. They didn’t even wonder why she was talking to her dead fiancé when she was married to someone else now.

After an excruciating wait, during which the two clients grew increasingly frustrated trying to make conversation with Elizabeth, Persephone reappeared and escorted them into the séance room. It looked exactly as it had before, including the papers and pencils on the tray in the middle of the table.

Madame was already seated, wearing her enormous turban. Persephone had removed a few chairs, so only four remained. At Persephone’s direction, Elizabeth sat beside Madame and Mother Bates sat beside her. Mrs. Kirkwood and Mrs. Regis took the remaining chairs, with Mrs. Regis beside Madame.

“Are we going to write questions?” Elizabeth asked.

The two ladies both glanced at Madame Ophelia for guidance.

“I think we will, to get us started,” Madame said.

“Perhaps Mrs. Gideon will be able to answer them,” Mrs. Regis said with more enthusiasm than was really warranted.

Elizabeth just gave her a weak smile and deliberately removed her gloves so she could write her question. Mrs. Bates removed her gloves as well, and after a moment of hesitation, the other two ladies did, too. They proceeded with the same ritual, folding the papers, dropping them into the bag, and Persephone burned them on the tray. Then she left them alone, closing the door quietly behind her.

“Do I need to do anything special?” Elizabeth asked uncertainly.

“Not at all,” Madame Ophelia assured her. “We will put our hands on the table as we always do.” The other ladies did so. Elizabeth stared at the hands for a long moment before laying hers down as well. Then she glanced at Madame as if seeking assurance. “Now try to relax. Take some deep breaths and make your mind blank. Do not think of anything in particular. If the spirits choose to visit you, that is fine. If not, that is fine, too. Do not trouble yourself.”

Elizabeth nodded her understanding, and Mother Bates patted the hand nearest her. Elizabeth obediently drew some calming breaths and closed her eyes, ready for whatever would come.

Madame began to hum, as she had done before. After a while she cried out, “Peter, are you there? Can you hear me? Speak to me, Peter. We seek your help.”

A little more humming and a little more waiting. Then Madame spoke again, this time in Peter’s voice.

“Adele, are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here,” Mrs. Regis confirmed, sitting up a little straighter. Her eyes were closed, too, as Elizabeth noticed when she peeked. “Who wants to speak to me?”

“Your husband is here. He says you have done very well.”

“I did just what you said, Arthur.”

“You found the man I described to you?” Peter asked.