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Bertha demanded that I entertain her guests and I could not very well object.

It started at dinner. Spiritualism is all the rage and everyone seems to have had a paranormal experience.

Lady P recounted a tale about being almost dragged out of bed in some Scottish castle she stayed in when she was a child.

Sir B claimed to have seen the ghost of his father – the old man had appeared in his room one night, only for Sir B to be told the next morning that his father had passed away, just around the time his spirit had appeared to him.

Lester claimed to have heard footsteps in his bedroom in this very house, but I’m sure he only said that for Esme’s benefit.

She was quite gripped and wanted to hear more stories, so Bertha took it upon herself to announce that I own a spirit board.

Indeed, I do. It was given to me by my dear mama, who has taught me well.

Bertha made it sound as though I communicate with spirits on a daily basis.

Lester made a quip about witches and stakes, and I retaliated by saying that I’d flown down to Broadmere on a broomstick, at which everyone laughed heartily.

But I could not avoid holding a seance. Bertha demanded it and Esme begged me.

I agreed and the entire party packed into the library, including Orlando who appeared intrigued.

I did not want him to think less of me and was relieved that he was as game as everyone else.

I lit a candle in the centre of the round table and the two young ladies, Bertha, Lady P, Lady K and I took the chairs.

Everyone else stood around, eager to see what was going to happen.

I placed the board on the table and explained how it worked.

I made it very clear that spirit boards are not games.

One does not do it for fun. An air of solemnity and reverence is crucial in order not to attract a nasty entity.

Nasty entities, once allowed in, can linger.

I said a prayer of protection and the room went quiet.

You could have heard a mouse scratching beneath the floorboards.

I told the ladies to gently rest a finger each upon the planchette.

Then I asked if there was anyone present who wished to communicate with us.

We waited.

It was not long before the planchette moved, causing the girls to gasp in amazement.

Everyone remained still as the name was spelled out.

B U N G I E

‘Does anyone know a person of that name?’ I asked.

A surprised voice piped up from the back. It was Sir B. ‘Good Lord,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘Bungie was my dog!’

Thursday, 20th July, 1911

Alas, Orlando has left for America and I feel thwarted.

I can do little else but think of him. Esme, however, has remained in London with her aunt.

Bertha is delighted, because it is on account of Lester that the girl has stayed.

I do believe an engagement will be announced very soon.

Perhaps then I can accompany Lester to America.

Or Mrs Pankhurst, who is planning a trip to attend the Annual Convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association in the autumn.

Like a sailor on a sailboat, I will set my rudder and aim for the States.

Nothing happens in life unless one puts one’s mind to it and makes it happen.

And I am truly tired of London. Courage , Constance!

Sunday, 23rd July, 1911

Attended a lovely service with Mrs Willesden and Esme, who are missing their church in New York.

The latter is doe-eyed in Lester’s company.

Truly, she is very taken with him, and he with her, I do believe.

Although, one can never tell with Lester!

He is such a selfish man. However, I do think even the most selfish of men would find his heart grow soft in the company of dear Miss Aldershoff.

She has grace and charm, and a lively spirit too.

The more I get to know her the deeper my affection for her grows.

I do hope she will inspire in L a sense of responsibility and duty. On ne peut qu’espérer.

I have rather taken my eye off my purpose as a champion of women’s rights.

All I seem to be able to think about is Orlando.

I am in unfamiliar territory and find it most unsettling.

Romeo is trying to find a way back in and I am doing my best to keep him out, without offending him.

Truly, they are all inferior to Orlando, every one of them.

I am even considering moving to New York for a while.

How amusing it will be to spend a season in another city, and one as gay as New York.

I know I will be welcome at the Aldershoffs’.

Friday, 1st September, 1911

Lester and Esme are engaged – pending her parents’ permission, of course, which they will surely give when Lester travels to New York to meet them!

What excitement! What joy! Bertha is beside herself.

Those greedy eyes are gleaming at the thought of the Aldershoff wealth coming her way.

I cannot help but feel reassured. Broadmere will be saved and the Ravenglass name salvaged from the impending scandal that has, by good fortune, Lester’s title and handsome face, been averted.

Lester will now have to curb his gambling, and do his duty and dismiss the odious Glover. This ugly chapter must end now.

Esme will return to America before Christmas and Lester will follow at the end of the shooting season, in February, to meet her family.

I’m not certain why he doesn’t follow her sooner.

Surely, love is more important than shooting pheasants?

But perhaps therein lies the answer: Lester is not in love.

Why did I think him capable of it? He is only interested in himself!

Plus ca change! Apparently they have very long engagements in America.

It might even last a whole year! How tiresome!

Then they will marry here at Broadmere, in the family chapel, and I will do my best to guide dear Esme as she learns to be mistress of a grand estate.

I know Bertha will be no help at all, and neither will Lester.

They will be too busy thinking of themselves. It is a shame dear Mama is too old.

Oh, the disappointment! Mrs Willesden told me that Orlando is not in America, but travelling on business.

She says he has interests in South America.

She also told me that since losing his wife he has been aimless.

Poor, darling man. I know I can make him happy, if only I am given the chance.

But I cannot very well chase him around the world!

I must be patient, as an angler is in pursuit of a big fish! Et quel poisson majestueux !