Page 42 of A Whisper and a Curse

Seated in the coach on the way to Mrs. Langdon’s house in Mayfair, Tilda began telling Hadrian about the inquest.

“Graythorpe again?” he asked after Tilda said the coroner had presided once more. “Someone is keeping him busy,” he added grimly.

“It doesn’t seem that Teague is any closer to finding out whom,” Tilda reported. “I did tell him about our meeting with Hawkins and about Roger Grenville.”

“Does he plan to track Grenville down?” Hadrian asked.

Tilda lifted a shoulder. “He was interested but wasn’t sure when he’d be able to do that. He had constables interview Mrs. Hemmings and Mrs. York, whilst he interviewed Lady Gillivray. He said the only helpful information they obtained came from Mrs. Hemmings, who attended a séance at the society headquarters somewhat recently. She reported that someone charged angrily into the middle of the sitting and threatened the medium.”

“How so?”

“Teague did not elaborate on that point,” Tilda said. “He did tell me the medium conducting the séance was Cyril Ward.”

“That is an excellent lead.” Hadrian’s eyes gleamed. “Did Teague tell you who interrupted the séance?”

“No. He apologized for not doing so, particularly after I’d shared the information about Grenville, but he didn’t want to chance this person—the one who was upset with Ward—fleeing before he’d had a chance to interview him.” Tilda gave him a determined look. “I’m confident I can discover the person’s identity.”

Hadrian chuckled as he settled back in the seat. “Of course you will.”

Tilda smiled. “I haven’t told you the best part. Hawkins was at the inquest, and he’s invited us both to attend the séance tomorrow night. I accepted. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I do hope there is fake levitating.”

“You could always demonstrate your skills in that area,” Tilda suggested sardonically.

“I am considering it.” Hadrian gave her an arch look as he crossed his arms. “There was some discussion at Westminster today about these murders. They are capturing great public attention. Indeed, someone referred to the murderer as the ‘Levitation Killer.’”

“I heard someone use that term today as well,” Tilda said. “I can’t say I’m surprised that public interest is so high. These murders were particularly spectacular and occurred in quick succession. Teague is concerned there will be another and advised the mediums in the society to be cautious. In fact, he’s stationed a pair of constables at the society headquarters.” Tilda recalled the conversation they’d shared prior to the inquest. “Teague indicated that Lysander Mallory hadn’t seemed overly enthused about having constables there but begrudgingly agreed it was necessary.”

“That is interesting,” Hadrian said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Why wouldn’t the man be thrilled to have police protection in this circumstance?”

“I wondered the same thing. I’d hoped to ask him if they would still be holding séances at the society headquarters, but I didn’t have time after the inquest.”

The coach stopped, and a moment later, Leach opened the door. Hadrian climbed down and helped Tilda to the pavement before escorting her to Mrs. Langdon’s door. A butler shortly answered Hadrian’s knock.

Hadrian handed the man his card. Tilda was content to let his title lead the way since it usually ensured they were well received.

The retainer welcomed them inside. “Mrs. Langdon is expecting you. She is in the drawing room, if you’ll just followme.” He led them upstairs to the formal room at the front of the house.

Mrs. Langdon was a petite, angular woman with gray hair and half-moon spectacles, which she removed as they entered. Her dark-brown eyes focused on them as she smiled. “Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren, I presume.”

“Yes,” Hadrian said. “Thank you for receiving us today.”

“It is my pleasure to speak with you about my experience with Mrs. Frost.” Her features pitched into a deep frown. “I was so saddened to hear of her death. Absolutely dreadful business.”

“Indeed,” Tilda agreed as she sat on a settee across from their hostess.

Hadrian sat beside Tilda. “She seemed a very kind woman.”

“That’s right. Your mother’s note said you’d attended the séance with her the other night.” Mrs. Langdon’s dark eyes gleamed with interest. “How did you find the experience?”

Tilda answered to save Hadrian from having to fib. “It was most enlightening. We were looking forward to attending again, but alas, that won’t be possible. How many séances were you able to attend?”

“Four with Mrs. Frost. I am a patron of the society, so I am able to attend one séance each month.” Mrs. Langdon pouted briefly. “I must find a new medium, I suppose.”

“I was not aware of that benefit,” Tilda said. “What else does your patronage include?”

“Weekly tea with Mrs. Frost, though I have only been able to attend one since becoming a patron.” Mrs. Langdon gestured with her slender hand. “Patrons also have access to the society headquarters, including the library, as well as teas and other events that they host there.”