Page 106 of A Whisper and a Curse

His eyes glinted in the afternoon sunlight filtering through the clouds. “I think either of them could fit in the pedestals of the séance tables Clifton made.”

“I thought the same thing. They could make the tables move as well as rap in answer to the questions the mediums pose. We must inform Teague of the link between the grocer and this building to the spiritualism society. However, I think we should investigate what you just saw first. How’s your head now?”

“Throbbing a bit, if I’m to be honest. I suppose I should stock lavender in the coach.” He smiled.

Tilda hated that he suffered when he used his ability to help them solve a case. “I will have Clara make some sachets for both of us to carry.”

“Brilliant, thank you. Where are we off to next?” he asked

“I think we ought to speak with Miss Dryden first, so Cadogan Place. Then we should call on Mrs. Griswold at her new residence. Aside from asking her about her feelings toward Mallory, I’d like to know why her earring was in Ellen Henry’s drawer.”

CHAPTER 20

They arrived in Cadogan Place at the society headquarters a short while later. The constable outside inclined his head at them as they approached the door.

A butler Hadrian didn’t recognize answered the door. He was young, as it seemed most society employees were, with dark blond hair and sky-blue eyes.

“Good afternoon,” Tilda said pleasantly. “What happened to Tuttle? Has he moved to another household?”

The new butler nodded, his expression eager. “He has. He’s over in Clerkenwell. He’s one of the premier mediums now!”

Hadrian slid a look at Tilda and caught the fleeting smile that passed over her lips. “How exciting for him,” she said. “Are you new to the spiritualism society?”

“I am,” the young man said. “I’m Davis. Come in, please.” His cheeks colored faintly as he ushered them into the entrance hall and closed the door.

“Welcome, Davis. I’m Miss Wren, and this is Lord Ravenhurst.” Tilda gestured to Hadrian. “We’ve come to see Miss Dryden.”

“She is in the library,” Davis said.

Except she was not. Miss Dryden swept into the entrance hall and strode toward them, her expression aloof. “Good afternoon, my lord, Miss Wren. Why have you come today?”

“They are looking for you, Miss Dryden,” Davis replied.

“Thank you, Davis,” she said pertly. “You may go.”

Davis hesitated but then inclined his head toward Tilda and Hadrian before taking himself off.

“Forgive me for not inviting you inside, but after what happened with Lysander the other day, your presence here is upsetting.” She’d looked at Hadrian whilst speaking, so he assumed she was referring to his presence and not Tilda’s. Perhaps he ought to offer to return to the coach. Except he didn’t want to miss this interview.

“We won’t take up much of your time, Miss Dryden,” Tilda said. “In any case, you should be delighted to hear that Mr. Mallory is to be released from Scotland Yard, if he hasn’t been already. Is he not here?”

The medium’s eyes had lit with enthusiasm when Tilda mentioned Mallory being released. “He is not here, but I look forward to his imminent return.”

Hadrian was certain she would. Rather than ask her about her relationship with Mallory, he waited for Tilda to pose the questions.

Tilda gave her a pleasant smile. “I imagine you are eager to have him back. You are lovers, aren’t you?”

Leave it to Tilda to move straight to the heart of the matter. Hadrian bit back a smile.

Miss Dryden’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why would you think that?”

“Because we know you are,” Tilda said. “But I should like to know when that started. In fact, when did you come to work for the society?”

“Why does that matter?” The medium sounded suspicious. Or afraid. Or perhaps both.

“We are trying to find the murderer of your colleagues,” Tilda explained. “Any information you share could be helpful, particularly if you are eager to prove that Mr. Mallory is innocent.”

Miss Dryden’s brow furrowed. “But if he’s been released, haven’t the police decided he isn’t guilty?”