Page 65 of A Whisper and a Curse
Hadrian wasn’t sure that would be possible. A law ending public execution was currently under discussion, and Hadrian was greatly in favor. Indeed, he supported eliminating capital punishment entirely.
“I see how distraught you are about Mr. Ward’s passing,” Tilda said with deep concern. “I would like to help you find the justice you seek. We encountered Mr. Mallory outside. He visits you every day?”
The duchess’s features softened. “Since Cyril died. I have asked him to, and he’s been kind enough to oblige me. I asked him to bring Victor today as I would like Victor to become my personal medium as Cyril was.”
“Did he agree?” Tilda asked.
“He did. I’ve invited him to move into the house on Willow Street immediately.”
“That is kind of you,” Hadrian noted.
“There’s no reason for the house to sit empty, and it’s much nicer than his house in Clerkenwell.” An expression of distaste passed quickly over the duchess’s features. “I didn’t particularly want to return to that neighborhood. However, I am not certain I will be able to attend séances in Willow Street after what happened to Cyril there. I may lease a different house for him. In the meantime, Victor has kindly offered to hold séances at the headquarters for me.”
“Very thoughtful of him,” Tilda murmured.
The duchess sniffed. “I agree. I don’t know that we’ll form as close a bond as I had with Cyril, but if he can continue to be a conduit for me to reach Cyril, we may well.”
Tilda gave her a gentle smile. “That must be a great comfort. What is it about Mr. Ward that drew you to him?”
A flush moved up the duchess’s neck and face, and she blinked back tears. She pulled a handkerchief from the cuff of her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. “He reminded me of my son, who I miss very much.” She looked to Hadrian. “You remember him, don’t you?”
Hadrian gave her a respectful nod, though he hadn’t known her son at all. “Of course. He was very well liked in the Lords.” That much was true.
“And now the title belongs to some cousin I hardly know.” She sniffed again. “I cannot help that I did not have more sons or that my son only had daughters.”
“What about Mr. Ward reminded you of your son?” Tilda asked.
The duchess tipped her head. “Many things, but I suppose it is that when my son would inhabit Cyril’s body to speak to me, I truly felt as if Bernard were here with me. We had so many wonderful conversations about times gone by.” She wiped at her eyes again and took a shaky breath.
Tilda paused a moment before continuing, likely waiting for the duchess to compose herself. “It must have been lovely to relive memories with Mr. Ward.”
“Not with Cyril. With Bernard. Cyril was merely the vessel through which my son spoke.”
“Now Mr. Hawkins can be that vessel,” Tilda said. “Do you know Mr. Montrose and Miss Sullivan well? I confess I was quite taken with Miss Sullivan at the séance last night. She was very charming.”
The duchess actually smiled. “I do enjoy Cordelia. And Balthasar, though I know Cordelia better. She was almost always present at Cyril’s séances. I presume that is why she was therelast night. I expected to see Balthasar as he typically attends Mr. Hawkins’s séances, from what I have heard.”
Tilda glanced at Hadrian before responding. “It sounds as though the mediums specifically invite Miss Sullivan and Mr. Montrose to their séances. I wonder why.”
“Cyril explained that Cordelia provided a special energy that he finds most useful in his séances,” the duchess replied. “I presume it’s the same with Balthasar and with Duncan Parr, though I’ve only met him once. He had to take Cordelia’s place at one of Cyril’s séances when she was ill.”
“That is fascinating,” Tilda said. “We haven’t met Mr. Parr. Is he Scottish, by chance?”
The duchess nodded. “He is, with the most vivid red hair I’ve ever seen.”
Hadrian thought she must be referring to the man Eldred had mentioned seeing at the séances he’d attended.
Tilda went on. “I was curious why you and Miss Sullivan were seated together last night. I thought the order of guests around the table had to be male-female.”
“Typically, it is, but in the end, the energy dictates everything. At least, that is what Cyril always said.” A faint smile teased the duchess’s mouth. “He was always so open about his work. Like you, I found it fascinating.” The duchess looked to Tilda and then Hadrian. “Have you become a patron of the society?”
“Not yet, but I am considering it.” Hadrian told the lie relatively easily. “What is it that prompted you to do so?”
“I read about the society when it opened. I didn’t know anything about spiritualism, but when I learned the mediums could speak with the spirit realm, I called at the society headquarters. That is where I met Cyril.” The duchess’s gaze softened wistfully. “We struck an immediate accord.”
Hadrian took the chance to inquire about the duchess’s patronage. “I am concerned about the cost of becoming a patron. I want to ensure I am paying a fair price.”
The duchess’s eyes were wide as she responded. “I don’t think there is too great a price. They provide comfort to so many people, many of whom are not in a position to support their work.”