Page 96 of A Whisper and a Curse

“Why did she leave?” Tilda asked.

Mrs. Griswold’s brow furrowed. “Some people are not able to cope with everything happening, which is completely understandable. As I said, Harmony was young and perhaps a bit … naïve.” She looked toward Hadrian’s mother. “Never fear, the society will rise from these tragedies stronger than ever, especially when Lysander returns to us. You heard what Deborah said—he is not the killer.”

“I don’t think Detective Inspector Teague will take her testimony from the spirit realm as evidence,” Tilda pointed out.

“Perhaps not, but I will inform him just the same,” Mrs. Griswold said pertly.

Mrs. Langdon joined them. “That was a wonderful séance, Mrs. Griswold. I confess I am disappointed I can only attend one each month, for I would attend another this week if I could.”

“I’m certain we can arrange for that,” Mrs. Griswold assured her. “Both Nigel and Isidora will be conducting séances. There is great demand. Excuse me, I must speak with Mrs. Kelson.”

“Who would have guessed that multiple murders would have increased the society’s popularity?” Hadrian mused.

Lady Ravenhurst glowered at her son. “I know you don’t understand why people would want to speak with their departed loved ones, but it is not uncommon. And you saw what happened tonight. I’m not at all surprised that so many people want to experience this wonder.”

Tilda watched the pulse in Hadrian’s neck tick madly.

He swallowed before responding, seeming to take a pause to settle himself. “You are right that I don’t understand, just as I am not convinced they are actually speaking with anyone in the supposed spirit realm. You heard what she said about Gabriel and Father being happy together. And then you looked at me, and I could see you doubted what the medium was saying.”

“The medium wasn’t saying it. That was Gabriel.” Lady Ravenhurst fixed an expectant stare on her son. “Why wouldn’t he and your father have resolved things?”

“Because Father didn’t know how to do that.” Hadrian’s voice was hollow. “Perhaps you don’t remember.”

The dowager countess averted her gaze from his. “I do remember, and I can hope he has improved upon himself in the spirit realm.”

Hadrian’s forehead creased. However, he said nothing more on the issue. Tilda wanted to know what he was thinking.

His mother did not relent. “How can you doubt that Gabriel was here? How else would Mrs. Griswold have known about the snow fort you made together all those years ago?”

“Perhaps she has a way of seeing our memories,” Hadrian commented unironically.

Tilda’s breath snagged. What was he doing?

“Don’t be silly,” Lady Ravenhurst scoffed.

“Thatis silly, but speaking with the dead is not?” Hadrian smiled briefly, then rolled his shoulders back. “Do you wish to stay for dinner?”

“Yes, and if you would rather not, I’m sure Mrs. Langdon will convey me home.” The dowager countess glanced toward her friend.

“If you don’t mind, I would prefer to leave,” Hadrian replied.

“As you wish.” His mother swept away toward Mrs. Langdon.

“Is she upset with you?” Tilda asked in a low tone.

“Yes, but no more than I am with her.” Hadrian rubbed the back of his neck. “She had a terrible habit of tolerating my father’s behavior when he was alive.”

“What behavior was that?”

“Focusing all his attention on me and ignoring his other children.” He lowered his hand to his side. “And ignoring my mother in favor of his mistresses.”

Tilda considered changing the subject but couldn’t seem to stop herself from asking, “What was the argument between him and Gabriel about?”

Hadrian took a deep breath. “Gabriel had endured enough of our father’s comments about how he needed to take care in case he was needed as the spare. Father was torn between wanting Gabriel to do his duty as an officer and preferring he not endanger himself. He just liked to control everything and everyone, and he knew he couldn’t do that with Gabriel when he went to India. Gabriel rebuked him soundly. I wasn’t there, but I wish I had been.”

“You don’t think it’s possible that Gabriel might have forgiven him?” Tilda added, “Before he died, I mean.”

“I hope Gabriel found peace with our father, but I don’t know for certain.” Hadrian realized he would like to know that. But he could not. “Nor do I expect to ever find out. Regardless of what my mother believes.”