“You need not be embarrassed about helping me, though,” Cybil said, her enthusiasm undimmed.

“Do you have any ideas for how you will use your uncle’s money?” Elizabeth asked.

“Not yet, but I’m sure I will find the perfect project. The city has so many needy people.”

“Perhaps the spirits will help you decide,” Persephone said.

Elizabeth didn’t dare meet Gideon’s eye, because they both knew the spirits definitely would.

“I believe Madame is ready for you,” Persephone said. “Will you step into the séance room?”

CHAPTER EIGHT

The séance itself was somewhat of a disappointment since Elizabeth did not receive any messages from her spirit guide. Madame gave her every opportunity, indulging in long silences punctuated by her annoying humming, but Elizabeth remained silent. The other participants received the usual messages, and Cybil’s uncle was happy that she had found his will. He did, as expected, promise to send someone to advise her on how to use his money.

The couple Elizabeth had come to think of as Cindy’s parents was obviously dissatisfied with the session since they received no special revelation and also didn’t witness anything remarkable from Elizabeth. Tilly was taking no pains to hide her growing skepticism of the whole process and her mother seemed dismayed by her attitude, especially since Tilly’s brother, Andy, had managed to convey a few words encouraging his sister to follow the advice of the man he was sending to help them. Elizabeth was naturally subdued, so Cybil was the only participant pleased by the experience. She began chattering the moment Madame Ophelia ended the session.

“Having Uncle’s money is such a huge responsibility,” she said, her gaze taking in all of those still seated around the table.

“But your uncle said he would send someone to help you,” Tilly’s mother reminded her.

“Perhaps he already did,” Cybil said. “Mrs. Bates, your husband seemed to know a lot about wills.”

“Yes,” Elizabeth admitted reluctantly. “He told you. He’s a lawyer.” As he had been the last time, Gideon was waiting for them in the front room.

“Could he advise me?”

“I . . . You’d have to ask him,” she hedged.

“But he could if he chose to, couldn’t he?” Cybil pressed.

“I suppose so. He does help people manage their estates.” She tried to sound almost apologetic.

“How fortuitous! He must be the one my uncle sent to help me.” She jumped up from her chair. “I’ll ask him at once.”

Madame’s expression had remained calm throughout this exchange, but she cried, “Persephone!” quite loudly before Cybil could reach the door.

Persephone must have been waiting just outside because the door opened at once. Persephone expressed surprise at coming face-to-face with Cybil in her rush to leave, but she bravely blocked the door, instinctively knowing she shouldn’t allow Cybil to run out.