A Sorceress Comes to Call

While preparing for dinner, Cordelia checks on Alice, who assures her that the “muddle” they’re in will pass. Evangeline and Richard skip dinner—Evangeline stays in her room, and Richard has left for urgent business. Hester quietly informs Cordelia that Richard is meeting with Mr. Parker, as planned, to gather information. Cordelia suggested that he ask about the cabriolet in case Parker doesn’t remember Evangeline.

The Squire startles Cordelia by patting her hand and encouraging her to visit Evangeline, making Cordelia fear that her mother will sense her confessions to Hester. She goes to Evangeline’s room, feeling nostalgic for their old home, where her worries were limited to herself. After dismissing her maid, Evangeline instructs Cordelia to lock the door, a strange experience for her. Evangeline’s demeanor shifts from feeble to sharp, and she becomes annoyed when Cordelia compares her to Falada, disrupting her attempt to look like a “waif.” When Evangeline demands an update, Cordelia explains that the Squire keeps mentioning her.

Evangeline admits that it took “a great deal of work” to make Penelope obedient (169), and Cordelia realizes that her mother is using her as an

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