Father nods slowly. “You are my daughter. You have studied hard and long for this honor. I know that you are equal to the task, my dear. And you know that you do not face what lies ahead on your own. You have the support of the coven, Lord Grimes and Druscilla in particular. And of course you have my counsel, my guidance, always.”

“Yes, Papa.” I have to be strong, not only to live up to his expectations. There is so much at stake. I force myself to take a steadying breath and stand tall. “I will not disappoint you. I promise.”

“Have all the arrangements been made for the inauguration?”

“They have, as you instructed, and as coven law dictates. Precisely one full month from the stopping of your heart, at the pinnacle of the night, we will convene here. Word has been sent out.”

“Good, good. It will be a proud day for me, daughter.” He smiles at me and then gestures toward a low bench. “Now, sit with me, and amuse me with details of the day. I want to know how quickly the earl of Winchester told you he would happily take over this onerous responsibility from you, how many times the countess of Framley called you a lamb, and how much of my second best claret was sacrificed to the occasion.”

Feeling the weight lift from my shoulders and the joy of my father’s companionship lift my mood, I sit beside him and we chat amiably about the day’s events. I consider telling him about the unknown spirit who spoke to me unbidden earlier, but hours have passed and there has been no recurrence. Perhaps I was merely overwrought. Grief, heat, and concern for my family allowing my mind to play tricks. Father and I have enjoyed fewer than ten brief minutes together before the silver bell in the corner of the chamber rings, blunted echoes of its clear notes reverberating off the low ceiling and dense walls of the cavernous space.

I spring to my feet.

“Withers! Something is wrong.”

“You must go.”

“So soon, Papa? I had wanted so much to stay with you longer tonight.”

“We will have time again. You are needed. Go now,” he says, gently but firmly, and as he speaks he moves silently backward into the shadows until the gloom swallows him entirely.

Hastening back to the house, Violet and Iago at my side, I meet our trusty butler in the hallway.

“Forgive me for disturbing you, Lady Lilith, but this has just been delivered.” He holds out a note.

Taking it from him, I immediately recognize the curious hand of Mr. Chow Li.

FM he ailing. Better you come get.

My heart drops. Today of all days. But then, why not today? I am not the only one who has just inherited duty and responsibility. I am not the only one mourning Father’s passing.

“We shall need a cab, Withers.”