Page 48 of A Whisper and a Curse

Mallory released Tilda’s hand. “I understand you’ve come to inquire about a new medium for your mother’s séance? Mrs. Griswold told me—and she has offered her services. She is excellent.” He fixed on Hadrian. “Dare I hope you’ve decided to become a patron?”

“How much would it cost me?”

Mallory waved his hand. “We needn’t discuss that now, particularly with all that is going on this week. Generally, members make a donation they feel is appropriate for their level of involvement.”

That sounded rather vague to Hadrian. “I can’t imagine some of the members are able to give much. Particularly the retainers who work at the séances and are also members.”

The medium’s dark eyes glittered. “The donations do vary a great deal. We never turn anyone away.” He looked to Tilda and back to Hadrian. “I understand you’ll be attending Victor’s séance tonight.”

“We will,” Tilda said with a nod.

“Are you acquainted with Her Grace, the Duchess of Chester?” Mallory asked Hadrian. “She will be present.”

“Somewhat,” Hadrian replied.

“I was hoping you might know her,” Mallory said. “I thought it may be comforting for her to have an acquaintance there since the purpose of the séance is to speak with Cyril. Her Grace is most distraught over his death.”

“Do you expect Mr. Ward will provide the name of his killer?” Tilda asked.

Hadrian closely watched Mallory to see his reaction. Did the man believe his own nonsense, that he and his mediums in the society could speak with spirits?

“I am not sure Her Grace will ask that, and we must allow her to guide the conversation.”

“Are you not afraid that there will be another murder?” Tilda asked.

Mallory’s jaw tightened. “I would be a fool to not be concerned about that, but with constables here and at Victor’s house, I am relieved. We cannot allow ourselves to hide in fear. Furthermore, Her Grace is eager to speak with Cyril. She loved him like her own son, and we must continue for her sake.”

Tilda’s brow furrowed as she regarded the medium. “Have you any idea who the killer may be? It seems as though someone is unhappy with the spiritualism society—perhaps a disgruntled former member?”

The medium’s cheeks flashed pink. “Honestly, I can’t think of a single person I’ve ever met who could commit crimes such as these.”

“And yet someone recently interrupted a séance here and made threats,” Tilda noted. “What about your former partner—Grenville? Are you certain no one of your acquaintance could be seeking some kind of vengeance?”

Mallory’s nostrils flared the barest amount. “You’ve learned a great deal, Miss Wren. I will leave it up to your investigative skills to find that person. And I will be most grateful.”

Tilda inclined her head. “Do you know if Mr. Montrose will be in attendance tonight? We wondered if he might be a suitable replacement for Mrs. Frost since he’d already sat in a séance with Lady Ravenhurst.”

“He is not a medium,” Mallory said crisply.

Tilda’s brows arched briefly. “He’s not? I thought he might be, given how close he and Mrs. Frost seemed.”

Hadrian admired how Tilda had brought Montrose into the conversation by suggesting him as a replacement for Mrs. Frost. She was most adept at seeking information in subtle ways.

“I maintain that Mrs. Griswold will suit wonderfully,” Mallory said. “But if you prefer a male medium, I recommend Nigel Edwards. Have you met him yet? He is one of our newer mediums.”

“We have not,” Tilda said.

“He is just over there.” Mallory gestured to the man who was standing near the hearth with the other woman Hadrian had seen at Ward’s inquest. Crocker was no longer with them. “Would you like an introduction?”

Tilda gave the medium an appreciative smile. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

Hadrian didn’t think she would pass up the opportunity to meet and speak with more mediums. He followed Tilda and Mallory as they moved toward the hearth.

Edwards and the other woman turned to greet them.

“Nigel, Isidora, this is Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren. Lord Ravenhurst’s mother attended Deborah’s last séance earlier this week and is seeking a new medium. And Miss Wren is a private investigator who is inquiring into the murders of our dear friends.” He looked down for a moment, his expression grim. Then he addressed Hadrian and Tilda. “Allow me to present two of our rising mediums, Nigel Edwards and Miss Isidora Dryden.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Tilda said.