“Which room is Audra’s?” I asked outright. She blanched and fumbled with the duster. “It’s the one at the far end, beside the alcove with the statue of the tiny cherub.” She looked at me cautiously. “Why, miss?” “I wonder if you might let me inside,” I asked. She flinched, apparently appalled at my brazen request. I quickly added, “It’s helpful in a séance to have a personal item of the dearly departed.” Flora shook her head vehemently. “No one is allowed in Lady Audra’s room. Mrs. Donovan forbids it.” “Why?” “Out of respect for the dead.”
