Page 13 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Of course,” Tilda murmured. “Why is it important that we sit in certain places?”

“Aside from the order being male, female, male, female around the table, I must place people where I think they are best suited for their energy. It is why I talk with everyone before we take our seats. And I may ask people to exchange seats after we begin, depending on what the spirits tell me.”

“Will you be levitating?” Hadrian asked, surprising Tilda. She hadn’t thought to caution him against saying anything argumentative or that might impact his involvement. If the medium thought he didn’t believe any of this was real, she might not want him to participate.

Mrs. Frost’s lips parted, and her brow furrowed. “Is that what you were hoping to see? I’m afraid that is not something I have ever tried to do. I don’t even like looking over a staircase rail. Levitating sounds terrible. However, I know other mediums who are able to perform that task.”

“Who are they?” Tilda asked.

“Unfortunately, the one I would most recommend just passed away today,” Mrs. Frost said with a pained expression.

“My condolences,” Tilda replied softly. “We visited the society earlier today and happened to be there when Mr. Mallory learned about Mr. Ward’s … demise.”

“May I also offer my deepest sympathies?” Hadrian said. “I’m surprised you are still conducting the séance.”

“I did consider postponing, however I know how keen Lady Ravenhurst is to converse with her son.” The medium smiled at Hadrian’s mother. “Since I’d already assembled what I think will be an excellent sitting, I decided we should forge ahead. Cyril would have wanted that. He had a true gift for communing with the dead, and now that he is among their number, I imagine he is anxious for us to try and speak with him.” Mrs. Frost blinked and lifted her chin, as if she were trying to keep a tight rein on her emotions.

“Will you be trying to contact him this evening?” the countess asked.

“No, no, tonight is primarily for you, my lady,” Mrs. Frost said earnestly. “Reaching Captain Becket is our priority. However, if other spirits wish to speak to someone at the table, I never turn them away.”

Lady Ravenhurst opened her reticule and removed a folded piece of parchment. “I brought the item you requested, Mrs. Frost.” She handed what looked to be a letter to the medium.

“Thank you. This will be most helpful.” Mrs. Frost turned toward the door. “Please excuse me. I must welcome more guests.”

Hadrian’s mother turned her gaze toward him, her brows pitching into a V. “Why would you ask if she planned to levitate?”

Hadrian shrugged. “I was merely curious what to expect. What did you give Mrs. Frost?”

“She asked me to bring something that had been in Gabriel’s possession. I brought her the last letter I received from him.”

“Why would you relinquish that?” Hadrian looked and sounded quite cross.

“I am notgivingit to her. She asked to have it for the séance. She said it helps to have something that belonged to the spirit she is trying to contact.”

Tilda’s senses pricked. What if this medium had the same ability as Hadrian? Perhaps she planned to use the letter to see Gabriel’s memories. She slid her gaze toward Hadrian and saw that he was also looking in her direction. His eyes were dark, and his features tense.

Lady Ravenhurst pursed her lips at her son. “I do hope you will be helpful tonight. I will be most disappointed if your …energycauses problems.”

“I’m sure all will be well,” Tilda said soothingly. She sent Hadrian a quelling glance. “Won’t it?”

“Mama, I want nothing more than for you to be happy,” Hadrian said, sounding slightly beleaguered. “I shall do my utmost to ensure the séance is a success.”

The countess seemed to relax. “Thank you.”

The sound of a bell drew everyone to turn their attention toward the table where Mrs. Frost stood. “Good evening,” she said, using a tone that was both loud and somehow soft and gentle at the same time.

“I am glad you are all here for the séance.” Mrs. Frost looked to Lady Ravenhurst. “Our primary goal this evening is to make contact with Captain Gabriel Becket. However, we are at the mercy of our spirit guides, and they may have other messages to send us. I’m going to make my way around the room and instruct you where to be seated.”

As Mrs. Frost spoke, the butler, who seemed young for such a position, moved about the room and extinguished every source of light until only the large branch of candles in the center of the table remained lit. The room was now quite dim.

“Please do not be concerned if you are not sitting with someone you know. I’ve spoken to each of you this evening and have decided upon the best arrangement for the séance to be successful. I do appreciate your trust in me.” She smiled placidly, then moved toward the nearest person.

The gentleman with whom she spoke moved to the place marked with the number eleven. Next, she approached the countess.

“Lady Ravenhurst, you will sit at number ten,” Mrs. Frost said.

The medium pivoted to Hadrian and Tilda. “Miss Wren, you will be at number two, and Lord Ravenhurst, you will be next to me at number one.” That meant the medium was at number twelve. Tilda realized the table was like a clock and wondered if there was any significance to that.