That ritual gave me the heebie-jeebies too, Laurie. Coming out of it, Caroline seemed...well, not herself exactly, but less scary-crazy than she has been in recent chapters. To borrow a line from Jane, one does not know what to think!

As to the small, round object, I wondered whether it was some mystical thing made of hair, since that topic has just come up again.

I also agree that the conversation between Parrish and Randolph seemed staged, just like the one in which Randolph recommends Caroline be transported across the Atlantic to rest. (Puh-lease!) ;-p But if they are in cahoots and Parrish is getting to play good guy to Elizabeth's audience, does Randolph's ego seem strong enough to stand the ill-opinion of someone as frank as Elizabeth?