Page 92 of A Whisper and a Curse

His mother waved her hand. “I apologize. I know you dislike when I bring up marriage. I would just very much like to see you settled as your sisters are.”

Married and with multiple children. “I know.” He stood. “I must be off. I’ll fetch you later for the séance. Same time as last week?”

“Yes, please. Thank you for coming.”

Hadrian paused in walking to the door and turned to look back at his mother. “What will you do if the medium fails to make contact with Gabriel again?” Though Hadrian suspected Mrs. Griswold would pretend to make contact as the mediums typically did during the second séance.

The dowager countess blinked. “I’m not thinking of that. I’m convinced she will speak with Gabriel.”

Hadrian didn’t reply before taking his leave. He would hope that his mother would hear from “Gabriel” and then move on from this farce without him having to explain what was really happening. But perhaps he ought to consider telling her the truth—and weathering her reaction, whatever it may be.

Leach held the door of the coach as Hadrian approached. “Was that a disappointing meeting, my lord?”

Hadrian realized he was frowning and smoothed his features. “Somewhat. We’ll be attending another séance tonight in Rathbone Place.”

“I take it that does not please you,” Leach said.

“Not particularly.” Although it meant he would see Tilda again, and that was never a bad thing. Despite that thought, he had a persistent sense of irritation.

As he climbed into the coach, he identified the source: his mother’s denigration of Tilda. More specifically, that she’d pointed out their class difference and declared that they couldn’t wed. That didn’t sit well with him at all.

Perhaps because he worried that she was right.

Tilda had been excited to receive Hadrian’s note inviting her to Mrs. Griswold’s séance with his mother that evening. She was eager to participate in another séance and had spent the remainder of the afternoon making notes about their investigation. In doing so, she’d come up with a theory about the séances that she hoped to prove.

She followed behind Hadrian and the dowager countess as they approached the door to the house in Rathbone Place. A familiar face answered—Michael Crocker, who they’d met at thesociety headquarters and who had served as butler at the last séance they’d attended with Mr. Hawkins.

Tilda suddenly worried for the safety of Mrs. Griswold. Both mediums who’d conducted séances she and Hadrian had attended last week were dead.

“Good evening, Crocker,” Tilda said pleasantly as he closed the door behind her.

“Good evening, Miss Wren. I didn’t know you and his lordship would be here.”

Tilda shot a look at Hadrian. Had he not notified their hostess?

“My apologies,” Lady Ravenhurst said. “I thought it would be all right if I brought them, since they attended last time.”

“I’m confident Mrs. Griswold can accommodate you. I’ll just inform her that you’re here.” He led them up the stairs to the drawing room, where he made his way to Mrs. Griswold.

“Should we wait here?” Tilda asked as they moved through the doorway.

“Perhaps so,” Hadrian replied with a nod.

Their hostess wore a stunning dark blue gown with gold accents. As Crocker spoke to her, she cast a look in their direction. Mrs. Griswold smiled, and Crocker went to adjust the seats at the table, adding chairs that had been moved to the wall.

The medium approached them, her gaze falling first on the dowager countess. “Welcome, Lady Ravenhurst. I’m pleased you’ve brought your son and Miss Wren. I should have thought to invite them since they attended last week. I’m afraid there has been much to distract us in the society.” Her mouth made a pretty frown before she transferred her attention to Hadrian and Tilda. “My lord, Miss Wren.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Griswold,” Hadrian said. “I appreciate your graciousness in allowing us to intrude.”

“You are most welcome. Lysander says you have a special energy that is most helpful.” Her focus drifted toward the door, where someone had just entered. “Please excuse me whilst I greet our final guest. I’ll announce your seating arrangement shortly. Now that you are here, I’ll need to make some adjustments, but not to worry, it’s no trouble.”

Tilda wondered at her comment about Hadrian’s energy. Had Mallory told her about Hadrian’s ability? Hadrian wouldn’t like that. Tilda didn’t care for it either.

Mrs. Langdon walked toward them with a wide smile. “What a delight to see you here, Ravenhurst, Lady Ravenhurst, Miss Wren. I was so pleased to be invited tonight and am doubly so now.”

They exchanged pleasantries for a moment, and then Hadrian’s mother and Mrs. Langdon began discussing a card game they’d recently attended.

Tilda took the opportunity to step slightly away from them and motioned with her head for Hadrian to join her. “I’ve a theory about these séances,” she whispered.