Page 41 of A Whisper and a Curse
“Mama, why is it so imperative that you speak to Gabriel?” he asked softly.
Surprise flashed in his mother’s eyes. “I … I want to know all is well. To lose a child is terrible, but to lose him when he was so far away, when I hadn’t seen him in more than a year, is truly awful. Things feel … unfinished.”
Hadrian heard the ache in her voice and wanted his mother to find what she sought. But even if it was fake? “I hope you can find peace with Gabriel’s death, Mama. We will do all we can to facilitate that.” He looked toward Tilda, who gave him a subtle nod.
Tilda addressed his mother. “We can certainly find a new medium for you in the society. We met Mr. Hawkins today, and he seems most competent.”
“I think I would prefer a woman, if possible. I have heard they are more sensitive.”
“There are other women mediums,” Tilda said. “We will inquire about upcoming séances and ask if you can attend one.”
“Please tell them that I was to sit with Mrs. Frost again and it is imperative I find a replacement quickly, whilst Gabriel is ready and eager to speak with me.” Her tone was urgent, her expression almost dire.
“We will, Mama,” Hadrian assured her. Above all, he didn’t want to see her upset, and she clearly was.
“I should like to call on Mrs. Langdon tomorrow,” Tilda said. “Do I need an introduction first?”
“I will send a note of introduction,” Hadrian’s mother replied. “I would offer to accompany you, but I am otherwise engaged.”
“Thank you,” Tilda said. “We’ll let you know what we learn about a new medium, and we will make that a priority since you are concerned about losing touch with your son.”
His mother brightened. “I appreciate that very much.”
Hadrian stood. “Pardon us for disturbing your day, Mama.”
“You are never a disturbance, dear. I am sorry the reason for your visit was so tragic.” She frowned sadly, then clucked her tongue. “Mrs. Frost was a kind soul. May she rest in peace.”
They said goodbye, and Hadrian escorted Tilda back to the coach. “I hope you won’t mind if I accompany you to Mrs. Langdon’s tomorrow.”
“Of course not,” Tilda said. “I expected you would.”
“I’ll have to meet you there. I’ve a busy day at Westminster.”
Leach opened the door to the coach, and Tilda climbed inside. Hadrian sat opposite her. They were shortly on their way to her grandmother’s house in Marylebone.
Tilda met his gaze. “You seemed as though you may have been moved by your mother’s desperation to speak with Gabriel.”
He exhaled. “I was. And I thought about what you said. Perhaps it doesn’t matter if anyone is really speaking to him. If my mother is happy to think she can communicate with him, isn’t that enough?”
“It’s good of you to try to understand that perspective.” She hesitated briefly, her expression earnest as she continued. “But I want you to know that I recognize your struggle with it, and that it’s bound up with your own feelings about loss and grief. And about your brother.”
Hadrian was again moved, this time by her declaration. “Thank you.” They rode in silence a few minutes before Hadrian said, “Should we also plan to visit Clifton if we can find him?”
Tilda nodded. “I am not sure when, however. I want to attend the inquest, and it will likely be tomorrow.”
“Damn.” Hadrian grimaced. He hadn’t meant to curse in front of her, not that he hadn’t done so before. It spoke of their familiarity, he supposed. “I don’t think I can shirk my duties the entire day.” He’d already ignored several meetings in Westminster this week. His secretary had obtained the necessary information, and Hadrian spent his evenings reading or at his club meeting with colleagues.
“I shall give you a full report,” Tilda said with a smile. “Perhaps Friday we can find Clifton. And hopefully attend Hawkins’s séance. We should also visit the spiritualism society since I just promised your mother that we would find a new medium for her.”
There was a pause before he said, “Thank you for doing that. I know it gave her comfort. It should have come from me.”
“Do not abuse yourself,” Tilda scolded gently. “The important thing is that you are supporting her wishes to find some peace with her son’s death.”
Hadrian was sorry he hadn’t realized his mother needed that. He’d thought their grief about Gabriel was long resolved. But the ache in his chest—though it had diminished in time—when he thought of his brother told him otherwise.
Perhaps there was peace to be had for everyone.
Tilda had received a note from Hadrian that morning saying they were expected at Mrs. Langdon’s that afternoon, and he was able to pick her up in his coach instead of meeting her there. That had worked out well since the inquest had started at eleven o’clock, and Tilda had wanted to attend. She’d barely returned home when Hadrian’s coach arrived to fetch her.