Free Katie Rose by A Hint of Mischief

agreement.
    “We feel exactly the same way. Thank God she came to us! A woman as sweet as Mrs. Forester could easily find herself the prey of the vultures in our city! I am so glad we could help her.”
    “My nieces are the very picture of decorum,” Aunt Eve defended them pointedly. “I’ve tutored them myself from
Hill’s Manual
and
Godey’s
. They are very proper, nice young ladies and would never dream of causing trouble to someone like Mary Forester.”
    Aunt Eve left the room to fetch the sandwiches, her head held high.
    “Mrs. Forester was actually thinking of ending her own life when she came here.” Penelope sighed. “But now, she is happy, and contemplating her wedding! Can you imagine?”
    Gabriel hadn’t told him that his mother was suicidal. Charles also didn’t know that Mary was considering remarriage, a situation he knew Gabriel would find difficult. Doubt filled his mind as he realized he’d only gotten half the story from his friend. The attorney found it harder and harder to stay angry, especially when Penelope leaned over him, handing him another cake and affording him an enviable glance at her generous bosom. Jennifer saw that his teacup stayed filled, while Winifred sent him odd glances from the corner. Forcing himself to sound gruff, he turned toward Winifred, who still fascinated him more than Penelope’s obvious charms.
    “I know that you helped Mary, and that she is grateful. But you did accept too much money from her. That is both wrong and illegal.”
    Winifred raised her gaze to his, and Charles felt the blood throb in his veins. She indicated the brief on her lap and when she spoke, he could feel a vibration that went straight through to his stomach.
    “Mr. Howe,” Winifred began, her eyes shining with anticipation. “Mrs. Forester and Jennifer had a contract. By that, I mean a legally enforceable promise. Jennifer agreed to perform a séance for her, and Mrs. Forester would pay what she felt was fair. Mrs. Forester agreed to these conditions of her own free will, and of sound mind. Even thoughit was verbal, that contract was just as binding as if I came to you for a legal service. If I was so delighted with your performance that I chose to pay you more, and you accepted, no one would have done anything illegal.” She waved a brief at him, indicating a column of terse, legal script. “Fortunately, Bernard Goodman, of Vanderslice, Goodman, and Barry, has generously provided me access to his law library. I have read his briefs extensively. Surely you are familiar with
Howe versus Clafflin?
I believe the case was proven and discussed to the court’s satisfaction.”
    Charles’s mouth dropped once more. This time he ignored both Penelope as she refilled his cup, and Jennifer as she replaced his half-eaten cake.
    “You didn’t read the entire trial brief? There were several interesting discussions as a result of that case.”
    “Yes, I know. Such as whether Tennessee Clafflin truly meant to cure Rebecca Howe, or just provide spiritual comfort. Also, Rebecca Howe was responsible for her own health, and if she decided not to go to doctors, but to put her faith in spiritual healing, that was her decision. Nevertheless, she paid the agreed-upon price for services rendered. I believe the court found for Clafflin.”
    “You can’t agree with that verdict! Rebecca wrote a letter to the
Ottawa Republican
, stating that Miss Clafflin made her far worse than before she began treatment. Surely you wouldn’t disregard such a letter? People have been sued for far less.”
    “And people have been wrongly sued,” Winifred said coolly.
    Aghast, Charles settled on another tack. “Did you read
Seton versus Shoemaker
?”
    “In its entirety.” Winifred smiled. Placing the papers aside, she leaned forward, intensity gleaming in her gaze. “What is your view on that verdict?”
    As the two argued legalities, Jennifer and Penelope exchanged satisfied glances. Aunt Eve smiled smugly asshe