Page 108 of A Whisper and a Curse

“That would be possible.” Tilda gave her head a shake. “We are moving ahead of the evidence. We must speak with Mrs. Griswold and see what we learn.”

When they arrived at the house in Rathbone Place, Gibbs, the young constable who’d they’d previously seen at Hawkins’s house, stood on the pavement and greeted them cheerfully. “Pleasure to see you again, your lordship, Miss Wren.”

“I hope there hasn’t been any trouble for you,” Tilda said.

“None whatsoever.” He touched his hat. “But I’m here at the ready if need be.”

Tilda smiled at him as Hadrian moved toward the door. “That is a great comfort.”

Hastening to join Hadrian, Tilda arrived at the door just as Ellen answered. Tilda was glad, as she was eager to speak with her about the pearl earring.

“Good afternoon, my lord, Miss Wren.” Ellen’s brow furrowed. “Is Mrs. Griswold expecting you?”

“She is not,” Tilda replied. “We have come to speak with you as well as her.”

Ellen opened the door wider for them to step into the entrance hall. “You want to speak with me?” She closed the door and faced them somewhat nervously.

Tilda couldn’t help thinking that Ellen had seemed agitated every time they’d encountered her. With good reason. She’d found her employer hanging from a staircase and was expected to simply carry on.

“If you don’t mind, we’d appreciate if you could answer a few questions,” Tilda said. “Like when we spoke last week. After Mrs. Frost.” Tilda decided not to mention death.

“I told you everything I knew,” Ellen said, again sounding tense.

“I wanted to ask about you.” Tilda gave her an encouraging smile. “I know it must be a difficult time after what you’ve been through. I hope you’re doing well.”

Relief flickered in Ellen’s eyes. “Well enough, thank you, Miss Wren.”

“I wondered how long you and your brother have worked for the society,” Tilda said.

“Since last summer. August, I think it was,” Ellen added with a nod.

“And you’re both training to be mediums?”

Ellen blushed. “I’m not anymore. It was more Jacob’s dream. He’s still training, but I’m content to continue in my current position.”

Tilda noted that the female mediums who’d been promoted seemed to have been those who were carrying on affairs with Lysander Mallory. Had Ellen been pressured to do the same and refused? Was that why she didn’t seek promotion?

“My understanding is that the society hires people like you and Jacob and trains you as mediums. Is there a certain time when someone becomes a medium? Perhaps they conduct a certain number of séances? Or, and forgive me for asking such a delicate question, are female mediums expected to engage in a particular relationship with Mr. Mallory?”

Ellen’s eyes rounded and her face flushed bright pink. “I don’t know if that’s expected, but several mediums have developed a tendre for him. He is very handsome. And charming.” She blushed even more, then darted a glance toward the staircase hall. “I am not supposed to talk about how the society works.”

“I do understand,” Tilda said sympathetically. “However, we are investigating the murders of the mediums, and any information you can share will be most helpful. We won’t reveal what you tell us to anyone,” she added in a whisper. “Have you had any kind of … intimate relationship with Mr. Mallory?”

Eyes widening once more, Ellen shook her head. “No. I am not interested in such things.”

Tilda didn’t like making the maid uncomfortable, but she just needed one more answer. “Did that prevent you from training as a medium?”

“I … I suppose it did. It seemed as though I might need to show a certain level of … affection for Mr. Mallory. However, no one asked me to do that, and I truly am content in my current position.”

“I’m so glad to hear that,” Tilda said with a smile. “I am curious as to how someone enters the society to train as a medium. Would you mind sharing that? I promise we won’t reveal who told us.”

“I suppose it won’t harm anything to explain how someone becomes a medium,” Ellen said with another look at the staircase hall. “We’re hired as domestic servants, and we learnhow the society works. Then we start to train as mediums. If we are found to have talent as a medium, we’re promoted to being lesser mediums who conduct séances at the headquarters. After that, lesser mediums are promoted to premier mediums.”

Tilda glanced toward Hadrian. “We understand Tuttle, who was the butler at the headquarters, is the newest premier medium.”

“He is indeed. I’m so thrilled for him. I think Jacob was hoping he might be chosen, but Tuttle has been with the society a little longer than we have. Honestly, I thought it would be Crocker. He is the very best of the mediums in training.”

“I’m confused about mediums in training and lesser mediums. Those of you in training also do domestic work, but it seems the lesser mediums do not. Is Miss Dryden a lesser medium?”