The wedding day arrives without the catastrophes Hester half-hoped for. In the church pews, Hester and Imogene trade dark humor while Cordelia sits with Richard, who plays the role of fiancé. Hester reflects that she still has no clear plan to extricate Samuel from Evangeline once they are married, and Imogene has only half-jokingly suggested simply killing Doom. Richard, an honorable man, is appalled by the talk of premeditated murder, but Cordelia points out that any direct confrontation would end with Evangeline compelling obedience.

The ceremony proceeds smoothly: Samuel and Evangeline drink wine, eat salt, and drink water, and are pronounced man and wife. During the rite, Penelope's ghost suddenly speaks to Cordelia, exclaiming she can see everyone clearly on holy ground, before cutting off mid-sentence near the Squire and Evangeline.

After the wedding breakfast, Evangeline corners Cordelia in her rooms, dismissing Alice. She accuses Cordelia of trying to pull the cup from her hands during the ceremony. Cordelia feigns vague impressions of something cold and distant, deflecting suspicion. Without warning, Evangeline flings a magical strike across the room to test whether Cordelia would dodge; Cordelia does not, and is left ringing-eared and stunned. Evangeline coolly says she had to be sure, and announces they leave tomorrow for Evermore House.

Alice efficiently repacks Cordelia's trunks while Cordelia, dazed, picks at dinner. When Alice leaves, Penelope's voice returns, demanding to know what Cordelia just did. Penelope explains that during the ceremony she could see real objects for the first time, tried to touch the cup, and Evangeline's hand passed through her, alerting Evangeline to her presence. Penelope fled. She describes the water, wine, and salt "ringing" like a harmonized bell, suggesting they constitute anti-magic that breaks spells.

Penelope discovers that even ordinary water, when Cordelia drinks it, rings faintly and lets her see it. Cordelia warns Penelope she is leaving for Evermore the next day. Penelope fears she may be bound to haunt the estate where she died and unable to follow, but rallies with grim humor, reminding Cordelia she was Penelope Green, never forgotten.