Page 45 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Yes, we must do that when we visit the society. Let’s go tomorrow.” Tilda frowned. “That will be the second day since Mrs. Frost was killed. If the pattern holds, there could very well be another murder.”

“Not at the society,” Hadrian said. “There are constables present. They will keep those who live there safe.”

But none of the murders had happened at the headquarters. She worried about the third premier medium. “Perhaps Teague ought to put a constable at Hawkins’s house.”

Hadrian nodded. “That is a good idea. I’ll stop at Scotland Yard after I drop you off and ask him to do so.”

“Thank you, Hadrian. I am not sure how I would conduct investigations without you. I would certainly need to hire a great many hacks,” she added wryly.

Hadrian smiled. “It is my privilege to assist you.”

Tilda was glad to have settled back into their easy rhythm of working together. She supposed she should be grateful that the investigation had broadened beyond Mrs. Frost. It meant they could spend more time with one another.

And she had absolutely no quarrel with that.

CHAPTER 10

The following afternoon, Hadrian and Tilda arrived at the London Spiritualism Society. The butler greeted them by name, clearly remembering them from their last visit.

Hadrian smiled at the butler, who looked to be around Hadrian’s age or slightly older. He was young for such a position, but it seemed as though all the mediums’ retainers were youthful. The man in front of him was tall and muscular with sharp green eyes and a brilliant smile. “Good afternoon. Tuttle, is it?” Hadrian asked.

“That’s correct, my lord.” The man seemed flattered.

“We’ve come to speak with Mr. Mallory, if possible,” Tilda said as they stepped into the entrance hall.

“Certainly. I believe he is meeting with someone in his office, but if you’d care to wait in the library, there is a group congregated there. I believe tea will be served in a short while.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.” Tilda followed Tuttle as he guided them to the library, and Hadrian trailed them.

At the door to the library, Tuttle stepped aside and gestured for them to go in. “I’ll let Mr. Mallory know you are here.” He pivoted on his heel and departed.

The library contained about a half dozen people. A few were seated and engaged in conversation, whilst others stood near the hearth.

Hadrian leaned toward Tilda and whispered, “I’d no idea we were coming on a day when others would be here.”

“It’s most fortuitous since we are looking for a new medium,” she replied softly. “And to hopefully question members about the society.”

A woman from the group at the hearth came toward them, her rouged lips spreading in a wide smile. Hadrian recognized her immediately from Ward’s inquest. She was one of the women who’d been seated behind Mallory that day.

“Welcome, I am Mrs. Mercy Griswold, medium. I think I’ve seen you before.” Her brow knitted. “Lord Ravenhurst?”

“And Miss Wren,” Hadrian said, indicating Tilda.

Mrs. Griswold’s blond brows arched over her aquamarine eyes. “Ah, yes, Lysander pointed you out to me at Cyril’s inquest.”

“I imagine it’s been most disturbing to lose not just one, but two of your members,” Tilda said with a sad frown.

The woman’s gaze dipped to the floor. “We are devastated.”

“I confess I am surprised the society is still welcoming visitors, though glad,” Hadrian said.

Tilda nodded in agreement. “I am also surprised that the mediums have continued to hold séances.”

“We did discuss pausing séances, and Lysander considered draping everything in black, but I convinced him that was silly.”

“Silly?” Hadrian asked, surprised at her choice of words. Most people did not think of death and grieving as “silly.” He noted that none of the people in the library were dressed in mourning clothes. Instead, they all sported black armbands.

Mrs. Griswold waved her pale hand. “I only meant that it’s absurd to think that a society founded on communing withthe spirit world would be put off by death. We commune with the dead every day.” She smiled prettily, her gaze settling on Hadrian. Sobering, she added, “We have many important patrons who rely on us, and we cannot let them down.”