“Really? You weren’t just being nice to me because you wanted my business?” he asked with creditable amazement.

“Really.” She gave him a hopeful smile.

“Then I’ll see you again for sure, but not until I’ve given the spirits a chance to convince me.”

“That’s fair enough. I will look forward to seeing you again, John.”

Which was good because she certainly would.

—

President Wilson has called a special session of congress to vote on the Woman Suffrage Amendment,” Mother Bates announced as Gideon entered the parlor. He had just returned home from work, and while Elizabeth had come out to greet him, as usual, she had left it to his mother to make the announcement.

“That’s wonderful news,” Gideon said. “I assume he’s encouraging congress to pass it this time.”

“That’s what he claims,” his mother said. “I’m afraid I don’t really trust his change of heart, after he had the protesters jailed so many times, but he says the suffragists convinced him of their patriotism with their volunteer work during the war.”

“And don’t forget the little girl who supposedly gave him a bouquet of flowers when he returned from the peace talks,” Elizabeth said. “He swears that changed his heart.”

“Yellow flowers, I assume,” Gideon said with a smile. Yellow was the color of woman suffrage.

“Daffodils, I think,” Elizabeth said, leading him to the love seat and pulling him down beside her.

“How soon will congress convene?” he asked.

“In a few weeks. Mid-May, I think,” his mother said. “We should have the votes this time, at least in the House.”

“It’s passed the House before,” Gideon reminded her. “It’s the Senate you have to worry about.”

“Times are changing, Gideon,” his mother said. “I just know it’s going to pass both houses this time. It must.”

“I hope you’re right,” Gideon said. It had been a long fight and many women had sacrificed so much. They deserved to win.

“How was your day?” Elizabeth asked him.

“Uneventful. Not a single suspected con was reported.” That made her smile, as he had intended. “Are you worried about Jake? He was going to the séance this afternoon, wasn’t he?”

“One should never worry about Jake,” she said. “He’ll be fine, I’m sure.”

Gideon frowned. “Are you really sure?”

She sighed. “I probably would be if I knew what he was up to, but if he’s posing as a stockbroker, they’ll probably want to use him somehow, if they can. He also has the advantage of already knowing they’ll try to con him.”

“And he’s not likely to give them any money,” his mother added with a sly grin.

Gideon still wasn’t sure. “You’re absolutely right, but how does he expect to get money from them? How do you con a con artist?”