Page 63 of A Whisper and a Curse
Teague answered. “Yes. And Lysander Mallory signed the lease for Mrs. Frost’s house.”
“Interesting that he leased that property but not the headquarters,” Hadrian observed. “What about Hawkins’s house?”
“We don’t know that yet, but we’ll find out on Monday, I hope,” Teague said. “I’m not sure any of that is helpful. I have my constables interviewing people who have attended séances given by the society’s mediums, but it is taking a great deal of time. So far, there has been nothing notable, such as blackmail, but I will keep you apprised.”
Tilda closed her notebook and handed the list back to Teague. “I appreciate that.”
“A few people have declined to speak to the constables,” Teague said with a frown. “Notably, Her Grace, the Duchess of Chester.”
“Would you like me to call on her?” Hadrian offered. “We saw her at the séance last night, and I believe she would receive us.”
“That would be helpful, thank you.” Teague wiped his hand over his face. “Once again, I am treating you as members of the police, and I cannot do that. You must do as you think best, my lord.”
“As a member of the House of Lords, I am invested in the safety of our citizens. I will call on the duchess and ask her about the séances she’s attended.”
“I do wish we could find more evidence of blackmail,” Tilda said. “I can’t imagine Eldred is the only victim.”
“But why would they even need to blackmail?” Teague asked. “The society takes in money from its patrons and members, and they charge a fee for conducting séances.”
“They lease at least one property—in Rathbone Place,” Tilda replied. “And perhaps two if they also own Hawkins’s house in Clerkenwell. The society also employs many domestic servants as well as the mediums. Perhaps the society needs more money than it takes in and has resorted to blackmail. Or Cyril Ward took it upon himself to extort people, or perhaps only Eldred, but that seems difficult to explain, especially when we know he was receiving an allowance from Her Grace.”
“You really are a fine investigator, Miss Wren. I am confident we will determine the identity of the Levitation Killer soon.” Teague’s lip curled. “How I loathe what the press has done to sensationalize this matter.”
“It is a sensational case.” Tilda stood. “We will bring it to a satisfactory end.”
Teague rose. “Without further loss of life.”
“Indeed.” Hadrian wouldn’t let anything happen to Tilda. They said goodbye to Teague and made plans to see him Monday, though he gave them his home address in case they learned something vital in Swindon.
When they were outside, Tilda asked if Hadrian wanted to call on the duchess now.
“Do you have the time for another errand?”
“I do, but what of her mourning?” Tilda asked. “Do you really think she’ll receive us?”
Hadrian lifted a shoulder as they arrived at the coach. “Since she came to the séance last night and we were there, I think it’s worth trying.” He looked to Leach and gave him their next destination.
“Were there any surprising names on the list of society founders?” Hadrian asked as they started on their way.
“Roger Grenville was on the list, but I don’t suppose that’s surprising. I am very glad we planned this trip to Swindon.”
“I am glad you will be gone from London after receiving the letter,” Hadrian said.
“Only for a day, but if it will relieve your tension, I’ll be glad ofthat.” She gave him a small smile.
Though Hadrian had calmed since first reading the threatening letter she’d received, he was still agitated. Knowing that a constable would be looking over her house gave him comfort, but he wouldn’t fully rest until the author of the letter had been caught.
Eyeing her across the coach, he hoped she wasn’t troubled by his reaction to the letter. “Is it all right that I am concerned for you? We are friends—close friends, I think.”
“We are,” she agreed. “I hope we shall always remain friends.”
“It sounds as though we are both committed to that.” And Hadrian was most grateful. Aside from bringing him into a world of investigation that he found exciting and fulfilling, she’d been a wonderful support at a time in his life when he’d needed an understanding confidante. If not for her, he was nearly certain he would be struggling with his odd ability entirely by himself. That alone put Tilda in a unique position as the person he apparently trusted most in the world.
Tilda pulled him from his reverie. “There were two names missing from the list of founders—Miss Sullivan and Mr. Montrose.”
Hadrian shook away his deep thoughts about their relationship and leaned back against the squab. “They must have joined later.”
“Yes.” Tilda shrugged.