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“I spoke to her briefly. I’m glad.” Electra tried for enthusiasm in her tone, but she feared she hadn’t mustered much.

Cordelia shot her a sympathetic look.

“You know, I am acquainted with the Delacourts in passing,” Cordelia said as she refilled her teacup. “And if I recall, Violet is the twin of Iris, the young lady you’re searching for.”

“Yes, and the odd thing is that I was thinking of attempting to speak to her privately, so her note affords me that opportunity.” Electra gratefully took a warm cup of tea into her hands. “A very odd coincidence.”

Cordelia nodded. “Serendipitous. If a chat will keep you from eating, I’ll take up my embroidery. You must fortify yourself.”

Electra arched a brow. “Do I look as if I require fortification?”

“Yes.” Cordelia tipped her head, studying her with almost unnerving intensity. “I have never seen you quite so possessed as you seem to be regarding this case. You were out all day and look fatigued.”

“A young woman is missing, and we must find her before…” Electra did not want to discuss all they’d discovered today. Cordelia had an empathetic temperament, and the more details she knew, the more the matter would weigh on her mind, making her fretful.

“I understand.” She sipped her tea and settled the cup into the saucer gently. “You fear that something dreadful may happen to her if you cannot find her quickly.” She blinked thoughtfully. “Do you really think it impossible that she merely went off on her own? For her own reasons.”

“It seems very unlikely, given what we’ve learned about her. She was very close to her family.”

“Then she wouldn’t run off without a word.”

“I do not believe so, no.”

Cordelia pressed her lips together, and Electra could tell she wished to ask more. “Have you touched her belongings?”

“Yes. A couple of them.”

“And they did not tell you where she’s gone?”

Electra wished it were that simple. That her abilities simply gave her definitive answers. “No. We have no idea where she might be.”

“Well, I feel certain you will find her,” Cordelia said with an encouraging smile. “Something must have caused her to hide herself away. Or travel beyond London. Don’t you think? Young ladies do not simply vanish into thin air.”

Electra nodded, but she could not fully agree. Ladies did leave the city for myriad reasons. But one had disappeared and was then found floating in the Thames days later, with wounds indicating violence had been done. A lady who was bosom friends with Iris Delacourt. It seemed far more likely that the same menace was responsible.

Just when Electra had finished her tea and was about to return her cup to the tray on the table between them, Cordelia asked gently, “Are you sure you’re all right, Electra?”

Cordelia took Electra’s cup and refilled it, preparing just the way she preferred, as she waited for her answer.

“Yes, of course.”

“I can see the strain in your face.” She looked at her with such concern that Electra wanted nothing but to reassure her.

“I’m a bit fatigued, but I had a restful nap.” She tried for a smile. “Since this case commenced, I feel the need pressing on me to find answers. Iris Delacourt is young and talented and should be at home with her family or at the British Museum, making art.”

“Is it because Gideon asked you? You feel the need to…impress him.”

“No.” Electra felt her hackles rise at that interpretation. “I merely want to be useful. If my abilities can in any way lead to Miss Delacourt, then I will have been.”

Cordelia still watched her searchingly, as if waiting for her to say more.

Electra sighed. “It was nice being asked to participate, not forcing my way in or assisting despite Gideon’s warnings. It is refreshing to not be told it is his investigation and that I must keep my nose out of it. We’re working together.”

Cordelia nodded. “But you have worked together before. Could it be that your feelings for Inspector Pierce are growing?”

“Cordelia…I’ve told you that you must not expect some grand romance between me and Gideon.”

Cordelia’s expression indicated she was not dissuaded in the least. “I see the way that you look at him, my friend. And the way he looks at you.”