Page 82 of A Whisper and a Curse

Hadrian put himself in front of Tilda, and for the barest moment, she worried he was going to launch himself at the medium. “Youwatch yourself, Mallory.”

“Don’t threaten me, Ravenhurst,” Mallory growled. “If I am exposed, so are you.”

There could be no mistaking what he meant. And Hadrian knew it. He grabbed Mallory by the lapel of his coat. Mallory swung his arm and hit Hadrian in the cheek.

Tilda rushed forward and clasped Hadrian’s arm—the one that was holding Mallory. “Hadrian, step away!”

Teague and the constable were there in an instant and separated the two men. “Put him in irons,” Teague directed, his head moving toward Mallory to indicate he meant him and not Hadrian.

Mallory fought as the constable turned on him, and it took him and Teague to wrestle him into the manacles that clasped around his wrists. Mallory’s face was bright red, and he was breathing loudly and erratically, his chest heaving.

Tilda kept a hold on Hadrian, not because she thought she could stop him if he wanted to go after Mallory again, but because she hoped to soothe him. “He isn’t going to say anything,” Tilda whispered. “Not unless we do first, and there’s no reason to. He’s done plenty wrong without exposing his ability and how he uses it to defraud people.”

Hadrian turned to face her. “I don’t know how I feel about keeping quiet on that matter in order to protect myself.” His expression darkened and then flattened, as if a veil had passed over him to mask his emotions.

Two more constables had entered the library and now joined the third, who was holding onto Mallory.

“Put him in the wagon,” Teague said. “I’ll be out shortly, and we’ll take him to Scotland Yard.”

“I need my gloves,” Mallory demanded. Did he still rely on them to keep the visions at bay?

Miss Dryden stepped forward. “I’ll fetch them.”

Mallory’s expression calmed slightly as he regarded her. “Thank you, Isidora.”

She hastened from the library.

“Go on then,” Teague said. “Miss Dryden can meet you in the entrance hall. If she takes too long, do not wait.”

The constables took Mallory away.

Mrs. Griswold advanced on Teague, her eyes flashing. “You can’t arrest Lysander. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I would argue he’s done plenty wrong,” Teague said. He looked around at the rest of the members, all of whom were now standing. “If any of you would come forward to share what you know about Mr. Mallory, particularly with regard to his blackmailing schemes and his relationships with the other mediums, especially those who were killed, the Metropolitan Police would greatly appreciate it. Even if we’ve questioned you before, we will be doing so again. A pair of constables will return shortly.” He gave them all a meaningful stare before turning to Tilda and Hadrian.

The detective inspector addressed them in a low tone. “I would ask that you not stay here.” He looked at Hadrian in particular. “I suggest you go home and have a brandy.”

“Inspector, we can’t lose Lysander too,” Mrs. Griswold cried. “The society needs him!”

Miss Dryden returned to the library. “Lysander is innocent!”

The members began shouting and talking loudly over one another. Teague stalked from the library.

“Come, Hadrian.” Tilda took his arm and pulled him toward the door. Thankfully, he moved along with her.

They left the house and watched the police wagon depart. Two of the constables returned to the house, passing Tilda and Hadrian.

Tilda turned to look at Hadrian’s face. She lifted her hand to his reddened cheek. “Does it hurt?”

“A little,” he said.

Tilda brushed her fingertips over his flesh. “A brandy would probably not come amiss.”

He held her gaze. “I apologize for losing my composure. It was not well done of me.”

“I understand why you did, and I do not think any less of you.” On the contrary, she was moved in a way she could not describe that he would fight so fiercely to protect her. He’d done so before, even putting himself into harm’s way and suffering the consequences. How could she ever have doubted that they would no longer be friends after that silly kiss? Surely this demonstrated how strong their bond was. It would not be diminished by a lapse in judgement.

It was a long, electric moment before Tilda blinked. She pulled her hand back. “Let’s get you home.”