Page 14 of A Whisper and a Curse

They moved toward their places and waited behind their chairs.

Tilda leaned toward Hadrian and whispered, “Did you see anything when you touched the medium?”

“A flash of a séance,” he replied softly. “She felt … focused, almost tense. It wasn’t long enough for me to see much, unfortunately. I do wonder if she shares my ability since she asked for something of Gabriel’s.”

“I thought the same thing,” Tilda murmured.

“But is she trying to see one of Gabriel’s memories? My ability to see the memories of the dead is extremely limited.”

Tilda looked toward him with encouragement. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could learn more about that?”

When everyone had been directed to their locations, Mrs. Frost bade them all to sit. When she was seated, she said, “If you are still wearing gloves, please remove them.”

Tilda took her gloves off and tucked them into her reticule, which she’d set in her lap.

“Please place your hands on the table, palms down against the wood,” Mrs. Frost instructed. “If the number card is in the way, you may move it toward the center.”

Everyone complied. Tilda looked over at Hadrian’s bare hands. His fingers were long, his nails neatly trimmed.

Mrs. Frost continued, “Our circle relies on the energy between us. I need everyone to adjust their hand placement so their smallest fingers can touch those of the persons next to you. This will allow the energy to flow between us all. I may ask you to join hands. That depends on the level of magnetism I feel.”

Hadrian arched a brow at Tilda as he slid his hand toward her until their little fingers touched. Tilda wondered if he would ever see one of her memories. They’d touched on a few occasions, and so far, he had not.

She looked over at the man on her other side. He was the gentleman who’d entered after them, and the woman he’d arrived with sat on his other side. He offered Tilda an excited smile.

“This is our first séance,” he said.

“It is mine as well,” Tilda replied in a whisper.

The medium surveyed the table, appearing to make sure everyone’s hands were placed appropriately. She closed her eyes, which seemed to indicate her satisfaction.

After a moment, she spoke again, her voice loud and sure but with that soothing quality that Tilda had noticed earlier. “Before we begin, I must pay tribute to a man who has just recently entered the spirit realm. Our number in the London Spiritualism Society is diminished with the loss of my dear friend, Cyril Ward. He was our most gifted medium, aside from our leader, Lysander Mallory, and a light to all who knew him—in this world and the next.”

After a moment’s silence, Mrs. Frost addressed them once more. “We are gathered here tonight to speak to Captain Gabriel Becket.”

Tilda felt Hadrian’s finger twitch. She looked over at him and saw he was watching Mrs. Frost intently.

“Captain Becket, your mother is here to speak with you,” Mrs. Frost said, her eyes still closed. “As is your brother and your friend, Miss Wren.”

Tilda winced inwardly. She hadn’t ever met Gabriel, and they certainly hadn’t been friends. She hoped that falsehood wouldn’t ruin the séance.

“Are any spirits here?” Mrs. Frost asked.

The branch of candles in the center of the table flickered, as if there were a breeze. However, Tilda did not feel one. Her pulse quickened. She again glanced at Hadrian. His eyes were narrowed at the candles.

“John Tabor, are you with us?” Mrs. Frost asked.

Who was John Tabor?

Mrs. Frost’s eyes opened briefly but only to slits. “Mr. Tabor is my frequent guide.” Her lids dropped once more. “John Tabor?”

Silence reigned, and Mrs. Frost frowned slightly. “Please feel free to converse among yourselves. Sometimes that encourages the spirits to visit.”

Tilda looked across the table at Hadrian’s mother. She’d also closed her eyes. Her lips were moving. Tilda leaned toward Hadrian. “What do you think your mother is saying?”

Hadrian gave his head a slight shake. “I’ve no idea.”

The table moved suddenly, the top tipping away from Tilda. A guest on the opposite side, but not Lady Ravenhurst, gasped. The air around them cooled, as if someone had opened the window.