Page 44 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Oh, I forgot the most stunning detail!” Mrs. Langdon laughed somewhat sheepishly. “Once we established contact, Mrs. Frost closed her eyes and he spoke through her.”

“I see.” Hadrian sat back with a faint nod. He didn’t appear at all convinced—at least to Tilda, who knew him well.

Mrs. Langdon eyed Hadrian as she clasped her hands in her lap. Her gaze turned expectant. “You don’t believe Mrs. Frost channeled my father, do you?”

“It is a great deal to accept,” Hadrian said hesitantly.

“Your mother’s note indicated that you are not entirely supportive of her desire to speak with your brother.” Mrs. Langdon gave him a rather tolerant moue. “I understand your reticence, but let me tell you how extraordinary it is when the connection is made. I haven’t the slightest doubt that my fatherwas speaking to me through Mrs. Frost. She spoke details no one else could know—that my father wore a bright green cravat to the first regatta, which he’d bought especially for the event.”

“You seem quite convinced,” Hadrian said amiably.

Tilda noted he did not sayhewas convinced. “I am thrilled you were able to have that experience, Mrs. Langdon. Perhaps our next séance will be more fruitful.”

“Will Lady Ravenhurst find a new medium?” Mrs. Langdon asked hopefully. “If she does, please tell her I would like to know whom she sees. I do think I want to attend another séance. It would be wonderful to speak with my favorite aunt. She died last year.” She fixed her gaze on Hadrian. “If you would like further proof that Mrs. Frost spoke with the spirit realm, might I suggest you speak with Mr. Douglas Joslin? He saw Mrs. Frost a few months ago and raved about the experience. I’m sure he won’t mind if you call on him.” She provided the man’s address in Montpelier Square.

Hadrian smiled at her. “We’ll do that, thank you.”

“We appreciate your time, Mrs. Langdon.” Tilda stood, and Hadrian joined her.

They took their leave a few minutes later. Outside, Hadrian said, “I know Joslin. He’s a member at one of my clubs—Brooks’s.”

“You belong to more than one?”

“Yes, but Brooks’s is my primary. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Joslin there in a while. But then again, I don’t frequent the club as often as I used to.”

“Why is that?” Tilda asked as they arrived at the coach.

He smiled broadly. “I’ve been too busy investigating with you.”

Tilda couldn’t help the shiver of delight that danced up her spine. “I hope I’m not keeping you from that.”

“Not at all. I much prefer our work together.”

She felt the same. Her life had somehow brightened since they’d met. Was it because of their investigations or was it him?

A clear answer was not forthcoming, and Tilda did not contemplate it further.

They climbed into the coach and started on their way back to Marylebone.

Tilda studied Hadrian a moment as she tried to determine the best way to broach what she wanted to say. Finally, she said, “Did you notice that everything Mrs. Langdon shared about Mrs. Frost’s conversations with Mrs. Langdon’s father appeared to be a memory?”

“I did. You think Mrs. Frost had the same ability as I do. Unfortunately, we can’t find out for certain.”

“Unless someone else knew,” Tilda said. “As I’ve mentioned, I wonder if all the mediums have it. It would be extraordinary to discover that many people possess the ability to see others’ memories. I must wonder how Mallory did that, assuming it was him, since he seems to have recruited the mediums. Though, after speaking with Mrs. Langdon, I am wondering if Montrose also possesses the ability to see memories. He was seated between Mrs. Frost and the person for whom the séance was being conducted.”

Hadrian’s eyes narrowed shrewdly. “We need to find Montrose. The society seems a good place to start. Should we go there now?”

Tilda shook her head. “No, I need to go home. My grandmother has invited a pair of friends to dine with us this evening, and I must ensure all is prepared.”

“Perhaps tomorrow then. And we still need to find Clifton, the carpenter who built the séance tables.”

“Don’t forget Roger Grenville. Alas, he is a train ride away in Swindon.”

“I’d be happy to escort you there.” Hadrian met her gaze. “You’re going to say you don’t have the funds to do so, but it is part of your investigation, and you will include it in the invoice you provide to my mother.”

“I suppose that is reasonable. I hope your mother doesn’t dispute the cost.”

“She won’t,” Hadrian assured her. “Especially since you have become her champion by promising to find a new medium for her.”