Page 12 of A Whisper and a Curse

He couldn’t help feeling flattered. And pleased. “I appreciate you saying that, but you must admit they are deuced helpful.”

“They are indeed, which is why I hope one of these mediums may be able to help you understand them better. Without realizing they are helping you,” she added hastily.

Hadrian did not share her optimism. He couldn’t imagine how he might learn how to tame his power without disclosing that he had it. Not unless a medium revealed the same ability and offered up their knowledge and experience. Perhaps Hadrian needed to adopt Tilda’s abject curiosity in the hope of learning whatever he could. Which meant believing that these mediums possessed supernatural power in the first place.

Hadrian exhaled. “It isn’t that I don’t believe in the supernatural. I can’t help but do so, I’m afraid. However, that doesn’t mean I believe these mediums and this society aren’t taking advantage of people.”

“They may have a gift, just as you do,” Tilda said. “Perhaps they are trying to help people.”

“I fail to see how levitating or moving objects would help anyone.”

Tilda grimaced faintly. “I hope we will learn more this evening.”

“I plan to touch Mrs. Frost and see what I may learn.” He could only hope his “gift” would work, for he had absolutely no control over it.

“Just be careful that you don’t overdo it,” Tilda cautioned.

“I will.” Hadrian would never tire of her concern. “I will pick my mother up before we fetch you just before seven.”

“I’ll be ready.” Her green eyes glinted in the afternoon light, and he could see that she was quite eager. “Try to keep your mind open,” she added.

“As open as my eyes will be. I’ll be looking for every bit of evidence we can find.” He would be receptive to all they could learn, as a good investigator should be. And as Tilda had consistently demonstrated when they worked together.

But what would he do if the medium contacted his brother in the spirit realm?

CHAPTER 4

Excited for the séance, or more accurately the investigation into the séance, Tilda followed Lady Ravenhurst and Hadrian into Mrs. Frost’s terrace in Rathbone Place that evening. The countess held her son’s arm as the butler admitted them into the entrance hall. He took the countess’s wrap and directed them upstairs to the drawing room where the séance was to take place.

When Hadrian had arrived at Tilda’s grandmother’s house, he’d come inside to escort her to the coach. He’d also explained that he’d informed his mother of the death of one of the society’s other mediums. She’d wondered if the séance would go on as planned, but since she hadn’t received notice that it was canceled, she had decided it must be.

As Tilda ascended the stairs behind Hadrian and his mother, another party arrived. Tilda turned her head to see a couple who appeared to be in their fifties or sixties. As she moved her attention back upward, she noted Hadrian tucking his gloves into his pocket.

Upon reaching the drawing room, Lady Ravenhurst took her hand from Hadrian’s arm. Hadrian held back slightly andaddressed Tilda. “I wanted to be sure and tell you that you look lovely. Dark green is a stunning color on you.”

Tilda worked to ignore the flush of pleasure that heated her. He often complimented her appearance, and she was glad that he was still moved to do so, given the awkwardness between them following the kiss. She hoped this was a sign that things between them had returned to as they once were. “Thank you. I made sure the dye was not made with arsenic.”

Hadrian laughed. “Of course you did.”

She was glad to see him laugh and in good spirits. They entered the drawing room together. His mother was speaking with a woman who looked to be around thirty. Her oval face was pale, and long, dark lashes framed her gray eyes. She wore a dark blue flower in her sable hair, which was pulled back from her face and swept into a simple style.

Smiling warmly, she fixed on Tilda and Hadrian. “Welcome, Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren. I’m pleased you could attend this evening.”

Hadrian stepped forward and clasped the medium’s hand as he executed a bow. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Frost.”

Mrs. Frost’s expression turned solemn. “As I am honored to make yours, my lord.”

Tilda eyed Hadrian until he released the medium’s hand. There was no indication that he’d seen anything, but then he would strive not to react.

Returning her attention to Mrs. Frost, Tilda said, “I confess I’m a trifle apprehensive. I hope you won’t mind if I ask endless questions.” She laughed nervously to give credence to her words.

On the way there, Tilda had explained to Lady Ravenhurst her plan to behave as though she were anxious so that her questions would not seem suspicious. The countess had thought that was a brilliant scheme.

“I don’t mind at all,” Mrs. Frost said, her red lips—they appeared to be rouged—curving into another smile. “I wholeheartedly encourage curiosity.”

A round table sat in the center of the room. There were twelve chairs, and small cards printed with a number between one and twelve sat on the table at each place. Tilda inclined her head toward it. “Is that where you will conduct the séance?”

Mrs. Frost pivoted so that she could see the table, which had been behind her. “Yes. Please feel free to peruse it. However, do not sit until I instruct you to do so. Everyone must be seated where I direct them.”