Page 6 of A Whisper and a Curse (Raven & Wren #3)

E xcited for the séance, or more accurately the investigation into the séance, Tilda followed Lady Ravenhurst and Hadrian into Mrs. Frost’s terrace in Rathbone Place that evening.

The countess held her son’s arm as the butler admitted them into the entrance hall.

He took the countess’s wrap and directed them upstairs to the drawing room where the séance was to take place.

When Hadrian had arrived at Tilda’s grandmother’s house, he’d come inside to escort her to the coach.

He’d also explained that he’d informed his mother of the death of one of the society’s other mediums. She’d wondered if the séance would go on as planned, but since she hadn’t received notice that it was canceled, she had decided it must be.

As Tilda ascended the stairs behind Hadrian and his mother, another party arrived. Tilda turned her head to see a couple who appeared to be in their fifties or sixties. As she moved her attention back upward, she noted Hadrian tucking his gloves into his pocket.

Upon reaching the drawing room, Lady Ravenhurst took her hand from Hadrian’s arm. Hadrian held back slightly and addressed Tilda. “I wanted to be sure and tell you that you look lovely. Dark green is a stunning color on you.”

Tilda worked to ignore the flush of pleasure that heated her.

He often complimented her appearance, and she was glad that he was still moved to do so, given the awkwardness between them following the kiss.

She hoped this was a sign that things between them had returned to as they once were.

“Thank you. I made sure the dye was not made with arsenic.”

Hadrian laughed. “Of course you did.”

She was glad to see him laugh and in good spirits.

They entered the drawing room together. His mother was speaking with a woman who looked to be around thirty.

Her oval face was pale, and long, dark lashes framed her gray eyes.

She wore a dark blue flower in her sable hair, which was pulled back from her face and swept into a simple style.

Smiling warmly, she fixed on Tilda and Hadrian. “Welcome, Lord Ravenhurst and Miss Wren. I’m pleased you could attend this evening.”

Hadrian stepped forward and clasped the medium’s hand as he executed a bow. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Frost.”

Mrs. Frost’s expression turned solemn. “As I am honored to make yours, my lord.”

Tilda eyed Hadrian until he released the medium’s hand. There was no indication that he’d seen anything, but then he would strive not to react.

Returning her attention to Mrs. Frost, Tilda said, “I confess I’m a trifle apprehensive. I hope you won’t mind if I ask endless questions.” She laughed nervously to give credence to her words.

On the way there, Tilda had explained to Lady Ravenhurst her plan to behave as though she were anxious so that her questions would not seem suspicious. The countess had thought that was a brilliant scheme.

“I don’t mind at all,” Mrs. Frost said, her red lips—they appeared to be rouged—curving into another smile. “I wholeheartedly encourage curiosity.”

A round table sat in the center of the room. There were twelve chairs, and small cards printed with a number between one and twelve sat on the table at each place. Tilda inclined her head toward it. “Is that where you will conduct the séance?”

Mrs. Frost pivoted so that she could see the table, which had been behind her. “Yes. Please feel free to peruse it. However, do not sit until I instruct you to do so. Everyone must be seated where I direct them.”

“Of course,” Tilda murmured. “Why is it important that we sit in certain places?”

“Aside from the order being male, female, male, female around the table, I must place people where I think they are best suited for their energy. It is why I talk with everyone before we take our seats. And I may ask people to exchange seats after we begin, depending on what the spirits tell me.”

“Will you be levitating?” Hadrian asked, surprising Tilda. She hadn’t thought to caution him against saying anything argumentative or that might impact his involvement. If the medium thought he didn’t believe any of this was real, she might not want him to participate.

Mrs. Frost’s lips parted, and her brow furrowed. “Is that what you were hoping to see? I’m afraid that is not something I have ever tried to do. I don’t even like looking over a staircase rail. Levitating sounds terrible. However, I know other mediums who are able to perform that task.”

“Who are they?” Tilda asked.

“Unfortunately, the one I would most recommend just passed away today,” Mrs. Frost said with a pained expression.

“My condolences,” Tilda replied softly. “We visited the society earlier today and happened to be there when Mr. Mallory learned about Mr. Ward’s … demise.”

“May I also offer my deepest sympathies?” Hadrian said. “I’m surprised you are still conducting the séance.”

“I did consider postponing, however I know how keen Lady Ravenhurst is to converse with her son.” The medium smiled at Hadrian’s mother.

“Since I’d already assembled what I think will be an excellent sitting, I decided we should forge ahead.

Cyril would have wanted that. He had a true gift for communing with the dead, and now that he is among their number, I imagine he is anxious for us to try and speak with him.

” Mrs. Frost blinked and lifted her chin, as if she were trying to keep a tight rein on her emotions.

“Will you be trying to contact him this evening?” the countess asked.

“No, no, tonight is primarily for you, my lady,” Mrs. Frost said earnestly. “Reaching Captain Becket is our priority. However, if other spirits wish to speak to someone at the table, I never turn them away.”

Lady Ravenhurst opened her reticule and removed a folded piece of parchment. “I brought the item you requested, Mrs. Frost.” She handed what looked to be a letter to the medium.

“Thank you. This will be most helpful.” Mrs. Frost turned toward the door. “Please excuse me. I must welcome more guests.”

Hadrian’s mother turned her gaze toward him, her brows pitching into a V. “Why would you ask if she planned to levitate?”

Hadrian shrugged. “I was merely curious what to expect. What did you give Mrs. Frost?”

“She asked me to bring something that had been in Gabriel’s possession. I brought her the last letter I received from him.”

“Why would you relinquish that?” Hadrian looked and sounded quite cross.

“I am not giving it to her. She asked to have it for the séance. She said it helps to have something that belonged to the spirit she is trying to contact.”

Tilda’s senses pricked. What if this medium had the same ability as Hadrian? Perhaps she planned to use the letter to see Gabriel’s memories. She slid her gaze toward Hadrian and saw that he was also looking in her direction. His eyes were dark, and his features tense.

Lady Ravenhurst pursed her lips at her son. “I do hope you will be helpful tonight. I will be most disappointed if your … energy causes problems.”

“I’m sure all will be well,” Tilda said soothingly. She sent Hadrian a quelling glance. “Won’t it?”

“Mama, I want nothing more than for you to be happy,” Hadrian said, sounding slightly beleaguered. “I shall do my utmost to ensure the séance is a success.”

The countess seemed to relax. “Thank you.”

The sound of a bell drew everyone to turn their attention toward the table where Mrs. Frost stood. “Good evening,” she said, using a tone that was both loud and somehow soft and gentle at the same time.

“I am glad you are all here for the séance.” Mrs. Frost looked to Lady Ravenhurst. “Our primary goal this evening is to make contact with Captain Gabriel Becket. However, we are at the mercy of our spirit guides, and they may have other messages to send us. I’m going to make my way around the room and instruct you where to be seated. ”

As Mrs. Frost spoke, the butler, who seemed young for such a position, moved about the room and extinguished every source of light until only the large branch of candles in the center of the table remained lit. The room was now quite dim.

“Please do not be concerned if you are not sitting with someone you know. I’ve spoken to each of you this evening and have decided upon the best arrangement for the séance to be successful. I do appreciate your trust in me.” She smiled placidly, then moved toward the nearest person.

The gentleman with whom she spoke moved to the place marked with the number eleven. Next, she approached the countess.

“Lady Ravenhurst, you will sit at number ten,” Mrs. Frost said.

The medium pivoted to Hadrian and Tilda. “Miss Wren, you will be at number two, and Lord Ravenhurst, you will be next to me at number one.” That meant the medium was at number twelve. Tilda realized the table was like a clock and wondered if there was any significance to that.

They moved toward their places and waited behind their chairs.

Tilda leaned toward Hadrian and whispered, “Did you see anything when you touched the medium?”

“A flash of a séance,” he replied softly. “She felt … focused, almost tense. It wasn’t long enough for me to see much, unfortunately. I do wonder if she shares my ability since she asked for something of Gabriel’s.”

“I thought the same thing,” Tilda murmured.

“But is she trying to see one of Gabriel’s memories? My ability to see the memories of the dead is extremely limited.”

Tilda looked toward him with encouragement. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could learn more about that?”

When everyone had been directed to their locations, Mrs. Frost bade them all to sit. When she was seated, she said, “If you are still wearing gloves, please remove them.”

Tilda took her gloves off and tucked them into her reticule, which she’d set in her lap.

“Please place your hands on the table, palms down against the wood,” Mrs. Frost instructed. “If the number card is in the way, you may move it toward the center.”