Cordelia decides not to tell Hester about the voice in her head. She reasons that ghosts are widely disbelieved, and adding such a claim on top of the sorcery revelation would strain her credibility. She briefly considers that the voice could be another sorcerer impersonating Penelope Green, but dismisses this as nonsensical, and is certain it isn't her mother, who lacks the subtlety. She fears she may simply be cracking under guilt, and goes to bed early to avoid Evangeline.

Imogene Strauss corners Hester in the solar, locks the door, and demands an explanation for everyone's bizarre behavior—Richard's sudden courtship of Cordelia, Hester's tolerance of Evangeline. Hester confesses everything about the sorcery. Imogene takes it in stride and pivots to strategy, arguing that Evangeline's true threat is her ruthlessness, not just her magic—she would have eliminated Penelope one way or another. Imogene also points out that sorcerers likely hide their power to avoid being murdered by stronger ones, meaning they may be more common than assumed. She tells Hester that Richard is too decent to outmaneuver Evangeline and goes to plot with him.

That evening in the parlor, Imogene draws Evangeline into discussing her honeymoon plans on the north coast. Richard, on cue, suggests the whole party travel to his estate first, since it is closer to the harbor—allowing Cordelia to see her supposed future home. Evangeline's eyes flash with avarice, and Hester realizes this is Imogene's scheme. Hester plays along as a hen-witted chaperone, joking about empty houses feeling haunted, which makes Cordelia pale. Cordelia gamely accepts Richard's invitation, the Squire enthusiastically agrees, and the trip is settled.

Hester feels more alive than she has in years, sensing that they finally have a plan and Richard at her side—though she pushes that last thought away. She privately hopes the three-week honeymoon window will be enough time to find a way to stop Evangeline.