"Smith," Avalon said, still in shock and acting like she wasn't sure she believed this was who she said she was.

"What a pity. Still, we can't have everything. Why, I married Landsdale Brooke-Trevor just for his name and he turned out to be an impotent pansy. You see what I mean?"

"I–I think so."

"Who are we waiting for?" Crispy said to Jane.

"Oh, the plane's here, isn't it!" Jane said with surprise and hastily scrambled to find her placard. "This flight is Lila Switzer."

"Dear Delilah…" Crispy cooed maliciously. "No, don't hold that thing up. I'll know her, but she won't know me."

Crispy watched as disembarking passengers passed them. As she got ready to pounce, a severely well-dressed woman with a glossy twist of fair hair turned and said, "Well, Crispy. Imagine seeing you here. And Avalon. How nice." This couldn't have been frostier if she'd had a mouthful of dry ice.

Crispy was crestfallen. "You recognized me?"

"Well, of course. You haven't changed a bit."

Crispy stared at her for a moment, then took a deep breath and said, "I see."

Challenge delivered.

And returned.

Jane leaped in and explained her own role in their meeting. "We're all staying at Shelley's house?" Lila asked coolly.

"No, at a bed and breakfast nearby," Jane said, feeling vaguely as though she'd been chided. "They aren't open yet, officially, and Shelley arranged—"

"Quite." Lila cut her off.

"Do you have bags?"

"Only my garment bag," Lila said, indicating the object she was holding over her left arm. In her right hand she had a briefcase and a large, expensive but dowdy handbag. Jane had been studying her and suddenly realized what was so odd about her appearance. Everything she wore or carried looked like it once belonged to a great aunt. Jane's mother had a friend like that, an old "pillar of Boston," who said everything should be looked upon as an investment for your grandchildren.