“But perhaps I haven’t explained it properly. If you like, you can speak to Mr. Bates yourself. I’m sure he would be more than happy to clarify the situation. Of course, when I do receive my inheritance—”

“If you ever do, dear,” Zelda added.

“Yes, if I receive my inheritance, I will be more than happy to supply whatever funds you might need. I realize you will have to find a different house by then, but there are many houses in the city and I’m sure you’ll be able to find one just as suitable as—”

“I’ve kept you ladies long enough,” Waterson said, rising abruptly. “I’m afraid I must be going.”

“Of course,” Cybil said as she stood to show him out. “I’m terribly sorry we couldn’t help you with your wonderful project, but I have every confidence that we will eventually be able to. I’m sure things will all work out for both of us.”

“Yes, well, I’m sure they will, too,” Waterson said, hurrying to the door.

“How can I get in touch with you when I do finally receive my inheritance, Mr. Waterson? It occurs to me that I don’t know how to reach you.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Miles. I’ll find you.”

Cybil smiled as he hurried out the door and down the front steps. She was pretty certain she had seen the last of Mr. Waterson.

—

Elizabeth didn’t have to pretend she was angry when she barged into Madame Ophelia’s storefront that morning. This probably wasn’t going to work, but it was worth a try. It was always worth a try.

Elizabeth had brought Anna with her because Gideon had insisted she not go alone, although what help Anna might be, Elizabeth had no idea. At least he had accepted her wisdom that he should not go with her. His presence would be too threatening since he represented the law and had presumably already reported Jake’s murder to the police, putting both Waterson and Persephone in jeopardy.

Elizabeth and Anna stopped just inside the front door, unsure how to proceed. No one was waiting for the morning séance, which was odd, but Persephone had obviously heard the door and rushed out of that mysterious other room to see who had arrived. She was wearing an apron and had tied a kerchief around her hair as if she were doing housework of some kind.

Or packing.

“Oh,” Persephone said in dismay, stopping short when she saw them.

“I demand to speak to Madame Ophelia,” Elizabeth said.

“She . . . she isn’t here,” Persephone said, although Elizabeth noted that her gaze darted briefly to the séance room door.

“But don’t you have a séance this morning?” Anna said.

“Uh, yes, usually, but . . . Madame isn’t feeling well, and—”