Evelyn's expression clearly showed what she thought of Rufina Mulciber. Rufina was, in many ways, all that Evelyn pretended to be—in essence, a more liberal incarnation of the late Olivia Pendergast. But where Evey herself struggled to meet the mark, Rufina seemed to embody it to a tee. It was a frustrating acquaintance to maintain, to be sure.

"He's not her eldest," the witch remarked dryly, decidedly averting her eyes as Travers began the uncomfortably drawn-out transformation back to her own form. While Evelyn could handle seeing herself before her eyes, this was altogether more grotesque, and probably the only part of their arrangement she genuinely disliked.

"But I shall make a note to ask after him nonetheless. I believe She will be at the Hospital Luncheon on Thursday; at least this will give us something to discuss other than the texture of the doilies."