Page 95 of A Whisper and a Curse

Mrs. Griswold looked to Lady Ravenhurst. “I’m afraid Gabriel is gone. However, that does not mean we can’t try contacting him again. If we can’t reach him tonight, I’m confident he will come again.”

“Is there anyone else there?” Mrs. Griswold asked.

The table shifted, and there were several raps, more than three. What did that mean?

Mrs. Griswold looked about the room. “Who’s there?”

“Deborah Frost.”

Everyone’s attention snapped to a woman seated on the other side of the man next to Tilda. She was a few years older than Tilda with dark auburn hair. Her eyes were closed, but they suddenly opened. She stared straight ahead, her gaze unfocused.

“Deborah?” Mrs. Griswold asked.

“Yes.”

There were a few gasps, including from Inwood.

Mrs. Griswold smiled briefly, but then she focused on the woman who was supposedly channeling Mrs. Frost. “I’m so glad to hear from you. We miss you.”

“I miss you too. I want to be at peace, Mercy. You must bring my killer to justice. It wasnotLysander.”

“Who was it, Deborah?” Mrs. Griswold asked breathlessly.

The woman who was speaking for Deborah slumped back in her chair, her eyes closing. Her arms went limp, and the man between her and Tilda released her.

“Are you all right?” the man asked, leaning toward her. “Mrs. Kelson, are you well?”

Mrs. Kelson’s eyes fluttered open. She looked at the man. “What’s wrong?”

“You may release each other,” Mrs. Griswold said. “The séance is concluded.” She looked to Mrs. Kelson. “Mrs. Frost visited us through you. Do you remember anything?”

Shaking her head, Mrs. Kelson lifted her hand to her chest. “What happened?”

“Mrs. Frost spoke through you,” the man between her and Tilda replied.

“I don’t remember that happening. The last thing I recall is Mrs. Griswold instructing Lord Ravenhurst to rejoin hands.” Mrs. Kelson appeared alarmed. She gaped at Mrs. Griswold. “Has that ever happened before?”

“I have only witnessed it once,” Mrs. Griswold said. “Typically, spirits communicate through mediums, but on occasion, they choose another messenger. You should suffer no ill effects.” She looked to Crocker, who was in the corner. “Crocker, bring wine for Mrs. Kelson, please.”

People began to talk amongst themselves. Hadrian leaned close to Tilda. “That was an interesting performance.”

Tilda turned her head toward him. “Mrs. Kelson channeling Mrs. Frost?”

“Yes.” He darted a glance toward Mrs. Griswold. “This medium is rather dramatic. The entire thing could have been presented on the stage. Indeed, they probably learned their tricks from the theater.”

“Speaking of tricks, when the air stirred, I was fairly certain the breeze was coming from that corner.” Tilda looked over her shoulder. “I thought I might investigate the area. I realize we don’t need more proof that they are frauds, but I am curious. Here come Mrs. Griswold and your mother.”

The medium gave Hadrian a slightly scolding look. “My lord, you mustn’t break the connection during a séance. If you return again, I must ask that you keep hold of your neighbors’ hands.”

“My apologies, Mrs. Griswold. I was too swept up in the moment.” His smile did not reach his eyes.

“I thought it was wonderful,” Lady Ravenhurst exclaimed. “I do think I’ll come back next week.”

“I’m delighted to hear it,” Mrs. Griswold said.

Tilda had a question for the medium. “Mrs. Griswold, I was interested to read in the newspaper about one of the mediums leaving the society. I don’t think I met her—Harmony Smith?”

“Oh, yes. She was young and had only been with the society a few months. We shall miss her.”