“Miss Miles wishes to speak to Mr. Bates,” Madame said. The words seemed to convey a silent warning.

Persephone still looked uncertain, but she stepped out of the way, allowing Cybil to exit. The others rose and slowly filed out to the waiting area.

“Mrs. Bates?” Madame Ophelia said, stopping her when she would have followed them.

Elizabeth turned back and managed a wan smile. “Yes?”

“Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine,” Elizabeth said. “Or at least as fine as someone can be when they have discovered spirits speak through them.”

“I understand completely. I felt the same way when I first discovered my powers.”

Elizabeth was sure she had. “If you’re wondering why I didn’t, uh, have anything to say this evening, I’m afraid I have no idea.”

“Then you didn’t receive a message that you decided not to convey?”

Was that an accusation? Elizabeth chose not to think so.

“I admit I was extremely reluctant to have another experience, but I also felt nothing unusual this evening.”

“Perhaps the spirits had nothing to say,” Madame said with a small smile.

“I can only hope they remain silent, at least to me.”

“I hope you will continue to see me. I know you are not pleased to discover your talents but resisting them is futile. Please continue to attend my séances at no charge. I believe you are a kindred spirit and will consider it a professional courtesy.”

“That is very generous, but I don’t wish to make a spectacle of myself,” she protested.

“I assure you, that will never happen. I would be honored if you will let me assist you in learning about your abilities and how to control them.”

Was that a kind offer or a self-serving one? Elizabeth chose to be gracious. “You are indeed very generous. I’ll have to discuss it with my husband, of course.”

Madame merely smiled, as if confident of what Elizabeth’s ultimate decision would be.

Elizabeth wandered out to the waiting area, where everyone stood around watching Cybil’s conversation with Gideon. He looked genuinely nonplussed and was just passing her his card with apparent reluctance.

“I’m sure the attorney who is already advising you could be just as helpful as I could,” he was saying, probably to avoid any hint that he was trying to steal a client from a colleague.

“Perhaps, but his wife isn’t the one who made it necessary for me to seek guidance in the first place,” Cybil replied. “My uncle’s spirit said he would send someone to advise me, and I can’t help thinking he must have meant you.”

Poor Gideon didn’t even have to pretend that the compliment made him uncomfortable. He managed a smile, but it was painfully stiff.

“I’m sure my husband will do his very best, if you choose to employ him,” Elizabeth said to rescue him. “Darling, I’m ready to go now.”