Jacob took a long time to answer and I began to doubt he would when he finally said, "I will do my best." He held up the picture frame. "I can wield Earthly weapons as easily as I can hold this, but I'm afraid weapons from this realm have little effect on demons. They can only be killed with blades forged in the Otherworld. Unfortunately the Administrators don't have access to one which is why I prefer to banish it."
I squeezed Celia's arm again. "He said yes," I lied. "Don't worry, Sis, he looks very capable."
She stared straight ahead at the picture frame held by Jacob and gave a small nod. "Very well," she said in a tired voice. "You may accompany my sister to find this demon and return it. But if anything should happen to her," she coughed to cover her cracking voice but I heard it nevertheless, "I'll find someone who can make sure your soul never crosses over."
I stared at her open-mouthed. My sister, making threats
to a ghost? Remarkable. I loved her for it.
She released her grip on the sofa and picked up her teacup. "It would seem nothing can be done before Thursday, anyway, when the peddler returns. The day after tomorrow. Until then, Mr. Beaufort." She nodded and sipped her tea. Dismissed.
He looked like he would argue but thought better of it and returned the daguerreotype to the mantelpiece. "Don't worry, I can see myself out." He bowed to us then vanished like a bubble that's been popped. There one moment, gone the next.
I flopped back in the sofa in a most unladylike fashion. "Oh Celia, I think we've bitten off more than we can chew."
She handed me my teacup. "We'll conquer this demon, don't fret, my dear."
I hadn't been referring to the demon.