City of Shadows by Victoria Thompson

Author:Victoria Thompson [Thompson, Victoria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2021-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

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.

“I . . . I suppose so, although we won’t know until this evening.”

“If you can make room for her, you can telephone us,” Elizabeth said, ending the discussion. She doubted anyone involved would miss this. “What do you suppose Miss Miles wants to know from her uncle?”

“I really don’t know. More advice, I believe, is what she asked for.”

“On how to use her uncle’s money, I assume,” Elizabeth said. “I wonder if she has consulted my husband yet.”

“Don’t you know?” Persephone asked in surprise.

“My husband never discusses his clients with us. Attorneys must maintain confidentiality. Sort of like mediums, I imagine,” Elizabeth added.

“I suppose,” Persephone said faintly. “So I can tell Madame Ophelia that you’ll attend the séance this evening?”

“Yes. I don’t want to disappoint Miss Miles, although you understand I can make no promises. I do not control what happens, and I had nothing at all to contribute at the last séance, you will recall. It’s entirely possible that my so-called powers have vanished as suddenly as they first appeared.”

Persephone gave her what was probably intended to be a reassuring smile. “Madame Opheila considers that highly unlikely. She has every confidence in you, Mrs.

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