“Murder is always an option, you know, if things get really bad,” she reminded him. She’d been murdered once herself, as he well knew.

“Surely things can’t get really bad with this one.”

“Not for me. I’m the one with the powers, remember. And don’t worry, darling. If I do get killed, I’ll be sure and come back to visit you from time to time.”

“Don’t joke about that,” he said, growing very still as his arms tightened around her.

“I’m sorry. I guess . . . I’m not used to having someone care so very much about me,” she said, stroking his face lovingly.

“You should get used to it, then, because you’re going to have to put up with it for many more years. And in the meantime, I want you to tell me exactly what Jake has planned.”

Elizabeth sighed. Anna had taken it very well, so perhaps Gideon would, too. “All right, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

CHAPTER NINE

Elizabeth wasn’t at all surprised when her maid told her Persephone Highland wished to see her on Friday morning. The maid escorted her into the parlor, where Elizabeth and Mother Bates had been busily writing letters to various legislators, encouraging them to vote in favor of the Woman Suffrage Amendment that would be presented at the special session of congress convening soon in Washington City.

“Persephone, how nice to see you,” Elizabeth said.

Persephone was looking around a little uncertainly. “Thank you for seeing me. Oh, hello, Mrs. Bates.”

Mother Bates returned her greeting and said, “Would you like to see Elizabeth alone?”

“Oh no, I just . . . It’s not private or anything,” Persephone stammered.

“Please sit down. Can I offer you some tea or something cool to drink?”

“Thank you, no, I just need to speak with you briefly.” Persephone joined Elizabeth on the love seat and Mother Bates took a chair opposite, smiling expectantly.

“I know you aren’t . . . well, convinced of your powers, but others are. Miss Miles, for example.”

Elizabeth smiled politely. “She would be, I suppose.”

“Yes, well, she is most eager to contact her uncle again, and while Madame Ophelia assured her that her spirit guide could most certainly be of assistance, Miss Miles will only trust you.”

“Oh.”

“So, Madame Ophelia would consider it a personal favor if you would agree to attend a séance this evening. It would be the same group as before, assuming they can all attend. Miss Miles will certainly be there.”

“May I come, too?” Mother Bates asked guilelessly.

Elizabeth needed all her fortitude to resist giving her a quelling glare, but fortunately, Persephone said, “I’m afraid Madame Ophelia limits the séances to six guests. She has determined that any more just confuses the spirits and the messages get garbled.”

“But if someone else is unable to come, could I sit in?” Mother Bates asked hopefully.