Whispers Beyond the Veil by Jessica Estevao Page B

seems to be the trouble, Mrs. Jellison?”
    â€œThis heathen is soiling the atmosphere with her presence,” the angry woman said, raising her voice even more as a fresh round of clanging and banging rang out from the pier. “She is a filthy tramp and I demand that you arrest her immediately.”
    There had been a wide variety of people who had visited theshows Father and I worked. There were the poor, the ignorant, the listless, the truly ill. In every segment of society there were people who were kind and interested in others who were different from them, and then there were those who looked for ways to feel superior to their fellow man. It never seemed to be a matter of money or of background. It was more a disease of the soul. It never failed to incense me.
    â€œHow can she be a tramp if she is gainfully employed?” I asked. I found myself speaking before I gave the consequences of my words any thought whatsoever. I gave the palm reader a pointed look and hoped she could read minds as well as palms. Not that I believed either was truly possible.
    â€œNell works for you?” Officer Yancey asked.
    â€œShe most certainly does. We were discussing her schedule at the hotel when this woman took a notion to harangue us.”
    â€œShe has no right to be accosting decent people in public spaces.” The woman brandished her parasol once more.
    â€œAnd you have no right to assault citizens in public spaces,” I said, stepping between the angry woman and the palm reader. “Officer Yancey, you are a witness to this woman’s assault upon my person.”
    â€œRidiculous,” the woman sputtered. “You placed yourself in front of me and put yourself in harm’s way.”
    â€œSo you admit your actions would cause harm,” I said. “Officer Yancey, perhaps you should consider escorting this person to the police station and allow us to be on our way.”
    â€œHow dare you suggest such a thing? Do you know who I am?” The woman drew herself up even more erectly.
    â€œI know more about you than I wish to already. Your actions have convinced me I have no interest in furthering our acquaintance,” Isaid. It pleased me to note the woman’s face turned the color of a ripe plum.
    â€œWho do you think you are to disrespect a woman like myself in such a way?”
    â€œI think of myself as someone who treats everyone with the same respect they accord others,” I said. My heart was hammering in my chest but it was unthinkable to back down in the face of such bigotry.
    â€œWhat is your name? It is my intention to alert your family to your inexcusable behavior.”
    â€œMy name is Ruby Proulx. My aunt is Honoria Belden. I am certain she would receive you with more civility than you have this lady.”
    â€œHonoria Belden? That would make you Delphinia’s daughter.” The woman stepped closer and pursed her thin lips as she looked me up and down. “Your pedigree explains your behavior.”
    â€œAnd a shocking lack of character explains yours.”
    â€œNell, do you wish to press charges against this woman?” Officer Yancey asked.
    â€œNo, I do not,” the palm reader, apparently named Nell, said. “What I wish is to continue my walk. Shall we?” She directed the question at me.
    â€œNothing would please me more.” I tucked my arm under the crook of Nell’s and turned my back on the angry woman. We walked together in silence until we were well out of earshot, and then Nell stopped.
    â€œWhat is this job you have for me?”
    â€œMy aunt owns the Hotel Belden. Have you heard of it?”
    â€œOf course. Honoria Belden is a well-known figure in this town, as is her hotel.”
    â€œHave you also heard she has transformed the hotel into a center of learning for spiritual seekers?”
    â€œI know she has employed spiritual practitioners from many disciplines for the season,” Nell