Laurie Brown (12 page)

“Simple. The pleasure of your company.Walk with me after the séance.The rose garden is especially lovely by moonlight.”

Josie was tempted. The heady scent of roses, sparkling stars in a midnight velvet sky, and Dev, a dangerous combination even
in her imagination. Not to mention she would need to talk to Deverell right after the séance to plan the revelation of Madame
X as a fraud. She couldn’t talk to him if he was around. She shook her head. If she thought too hard about differentiating
between the ghost and the man, she would get a splitting headache.

Would Dev agree without her promise? “Tomorrow afternoon,” she said, offering a safe alternative. If all went as planned,
she would be long gone by then.

“I have an appointment in the afternoon I can’t cancel again. Some unpleasant business I must settle once and for all.”

She shrugged.

“Tomorrow morning,” he counter-offered. “Breakfast together right here and a walk in the garden.”

She raised an eyebrow to signal she understood he’d raised the stakes.Agreeing to meet him in the morning would be a gamble,
but if the ghost cooperated, they could still be out of there in time. She nodded and forced a smile.

He did not return her expression.

She dismissed an uneasy feeling that he knew she had no intention of keeping the bargain.

“Excuse me, miss,” Dora said with a curtsy.“Nellie says Mrs. Binns is awake and asking for you.”

“Thank you, Dora.” Josie stood. “I must see to Mrs. Binns. I thank you, Lord Waite, for doing me this small favor. If you’ll
excuse me?”

He’d also stood.“I wish you a pleasant rest of the morning.”

After Josie left, Dev wandered to the edge of the terrace. He lit a cheroot and gazed over the grounds. A surge of pride surprised
him. From the time he’d severed the leading strings, he’d spent little time in the country, preferring the stimulation of
the city. And yet on this visit he hadn’t felt the crushing press of boredom after three days, the itch to move, the hankering
for excitement.

Miss Drummond presented an interesting puzzle. At times he could read her as easily as if she sat across the gaming table
from him. He knew when she thought she held a winning hand and when she was considering folding. At other times she was a
complete and utter mystery. Fortunately he knew the cure for such fascination.

He turned to the footman, who was clearing the breakfast area. “Joseph, please tell the groom I will not be riding this morning.”

“Yes, milord.”

“And let Lady Honoria’s maid know I will call on my mother in her boudoir shortly.”

Dev left the terrace with a light step, eager to change his clothes and set the wheels in motion.

He had a few surprises planned for Miss Josie Drummond.

“If you’ve come to say good-bye, I refuse to wish you a smooth journey.”

“Good morning to you, too, Mother.”

Dev took a lounging position on the chaise that flanked his mother’s dressing table. He crossed his legs at the ankles and
tucked his hands behind his head.

“Stop fussing,” she said to her maid. “Go, go.” Honoria waited for the nosy maid to slowly place the hairbrush on the vanity
and unhurriedly make her way out of the room before she turned to her son. “Whatever excuse you have to offer, I will not
accept it.The ball is tomorrow night, and I expect you to...”

“What makes you think I’m here to say goodbye?”

“Let me see. You have been here four days.You are not out riding wildly across the countryside.” She counted the reasons on
her fingers. “You are visiting me in my rooms rather than waiting until a civil hour when I will be available downstairs.”
She threw her hands in the air.“I am not a fool.”

“Am I that transparent?”

She patted his arm. “Only to me, dear. Remember, I have been your mother all your life.”

“Remind me never to play cards against you.”

“Who do you think taught you to play?”

“The head groomsman.”

“Bah!” She shook her head, but at least she was smiling. “So,” she said, placing her hands on her knees and giving him an
intense stare.“If you are not here to say good-bye, what is it you want?”

“Can’t I simply visit my dear mother to...” He paused when she gave him the don’t-pull-the-wool-over-my-eyes look. “Very well.
I have come to speak to you about a séance.”

“We’ve had this discussion before, and I will not let you talk me out of this matter. I am determined...”

“Can you hold one tonight?”

“...to contact your father and uncle...What did you say?”

“If you can arrange a séance tonight, I would like to attend.”

“Are you feeling all right?” She placed her hand on his forehead. “Should I prepare a tisane with feverweed?”

“Stop,” he said, swiping away her pretended concern with a chuckle.“I simply feel it a wise move to get to know my enemy,
so to speak.”

“Madame X is not your enemy. She is a gifted spiritualist and quite sensitive to negativity.”

“I promise not to call her a charlatan to her face.”

“Dev.”

He swung his legs around and sat up. “Then it’s all settled. In the library at midnight. I presume that is the appropriate
time for such mysterious doings.”

“Madame X has canceled the séance for tonight. There are so many guests arriving for the ball tomorrow she was concerned I
would have too many other duties.”

“And do you?”

“Actually no.The planning was detailed and the staff is very capable. Other than acting as hostess, I don’t anticipate...”

“Then you can hold the séance as originally scheduled.”

“Only if Madame X feels...”

“Are you paying her to hold these séances?”

“Of course I am. Even a gifted spiritualist has to make a living.”

“Then she can either hold the séance when you want or you can find someone who will. From what I hear, there is one on every
London street corner now that talking to the dead is considered fashionable.”

“Mediums of her caliber...”

“Are tuppence a dozen. I could have six here before midnight, all more than willing to earn what they consider a living wage.”

“Madame X...”

“Fine. I understand.” Just as when he bargained over the price of a horse and the seller had to be convinced that he was willing
to walk away, he stood before tossing out his final offer. “I was willing to attend tonight, but if she refuses...” He paused
for effect and shrugged.“I wonder if Shermont...”

“I’ll convince her.”

“Oh? Do you think you can?”

“Don’t give me that wide-eyed innocent look you outgrew at age six. Of course I can.”

He kissed her on the forehead and headed for the door. He paused with his hand on the doorknob and turned. “Oh, yes. Miss
Drummond would also like to attend,” he said as if it was an afterthought.

“Really?”

“She said something about contacting her deceased father.”

“Really?”

“No need to use that tone. She asked me as a favor.”

“Really?”

“If you say that again, I’ll not speak to you for the rest of the day.”

“This sounds interesting.” Honoria rubbed her chin. “If I include Miss Drummond in the séance, and I’m not saying I can, but
if I do...then I want your word you will stay for the ball.”

“So you can parade the entire eligible female population of the district under my nose?”

“And the neighboring districts if necessary.”

“I promise to stay. But you can get that matchmaker’s gleam out of your eye. I have no intention of marrying before I’m too
old to totter around the salons of London, if then.” He opened the door.

“Your father said the same thing,” she mumbled as he stepped over the threshold.

He pretended not to hear.

Now to the rest of his arrangements.

Ten

“O
H, LOOK, LOOK,”MRS.BINNS SAID, ALTHOUGH
she neither surrendered her spyglass nor moved from her place at the window. “That’s Lord Dumbries.Widower. Handsome as the
day is long if I do say so myself.And arriving the day before the ball. Must be out of mourning and in the market for a new
wife.”

Josie made appropriate agreeing noises although she was listening with only half an ear.

“Unless you are inordinately fond of children, I would advise giving him a wide berth. Nine children in eleven years. Probably
what killed his wife. You would think she would have figured it out and banished him from her...”

Josie looked up from her book.

“Never mind,” Mrs. Binns said.

“I do know what happens between a man and a woman.”

“For heaven’s sake, don’t let anyone else hear you say that.”

The noise of another carriage coming down the crushed-shell drive distracted the older woman, and Josie returned her attention
to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.The story had additional depth now that she’d witnessed some of the mannerisms portrayed
by the characters.The book had been her salvation through the long, boring day spent incarcerated with Mrs. Binns and her
embroidery threads.

The chaperone was convinced Josie would appear too eager if she met the new guests before the evening assembly. In truth Mrs.
Binns impatiently anticipated dinner while Josie dreaded another long evening before getting to the séance.

If there was even going to be a séance. Josie hadn’t heard from Dev, and the ghost had not put in an appearance all day.Though
she hated to admit it, she missed them both.

“There’s trouble times two.” Mrs. Binns turned and gave Josie an arch look.“The Cracklebury sisters are known to put themselves
forward.”

Something about the comment rang a bell, and Josie struggled to put her finger on it. Her formerly dependable memory kept
playing games with her. “Does one of them play the harpsichord?”

“At the drop of a hat.”

Relief flooded Josie. At least she hadn’t lost all her marbles. Not yet.

“Oh, my. Shermont is with them. Honoria won’t like that.”

“Why did she invite him then?”

“One should always invite those of similar rank when they are in the vicinity even if they are not of the most desirable character.
One just doesn’t expect the devil incarnate to show up.”

Out of idle curiosity rather than real interest, Josie put down her book and rose to peer over Mrs. Binns’s shoulder. “What
does the devil look like?” From her angle all she could see was the top of his hat.

“Handsome as sin and twice as...Never you mind, my dear.You’ll not be meeting the likes of him. Not if I can help it. Honoria
will have her hands full keeping him separated from Lord Wingate.”

Mrs. Binns was on a roll.“You weren’t here for last year’s scandal of the season. Gossip went wild. Not that anyone could
prove anything, but it was said Lady Wingate and Shermont were caught...”

“Were caught doing what?”

“Never you mind. Suffice it to say there’s bad blood between Wingate and Shermont.Waite will probably embroil Shermont in
a card game to keep him occupied.”

Josie remembered Dev’s comment from the previous evening that Shermont never played cards before midnight. “What will happen
if Lord Waite can’t play cards with Shermont?”

“And why would he not?”

Realizing her mistake, Josie tried to think of a reason. The clock ticked away while Mrs. Binns waited, her suspicions obvious.

“You haven’t agreed to do anything stupid like meet him in the garden at midnight, have you?”

“No.” Without any believable lies coming to mind, Josie was forced to tell the truth.

“A séance? Why would anyone in their right mind
want
spirits to appear? Oh, dear. Oh, dear. I simply must have a talk with Honoria.”

“I doubt you can talk her out of it. Dev...Lord Waite has agreed to attend.”

“Then I shall come with you.”

Josie’s deal with Dev had not included Mrs. Binns.“That’s not necessary.”

“It most certainly is.”

What would Dev say to the chaperone tagging along? What would she have to promise him in return? A shiver raced up her spine,
but she refused to call it anticipation.

“Not to worry,” Mrs. Binns said. “I will prepare adequate protection. It’s a good thing I restocked my case just before leaving
London. ‘Be prepared’ is my motto. One never knows when spiritual defenses will be needed.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine without...”

“Honoria and that rascal son of hers have no idea what powers they are conjuring. I’m the expert, and I’ll brook no further
argument. If you insist on going, then I will be there to protect you,” Mrs. Binns said. The fierce lioness guarding her young.

Another carriage coming down the drive distracted Mrs. Binns, and she resumed her position in the window seat with her spyglass.

Whether the older woman thought the presence of spirits at the séance or the participation of Lord Waite was the more dangerous
she hadn’t said. Josie knew which one posed the greater threat.

Dinner seemed interminable to Josie.With the presence of more than double the number of guests at the table, all of whom seemed
to know each other from other such parties, she was practically ignored—which was fine with her. If fact she would have been
happier if everyone had treated her as if she were invisible.

She had come to expect her sensitivity to Dev’s presence, but the intensity of his lingering glances unnerved her.At times
he seemed to read her mind.

Every time Estelle glanced her way, which was way too often, she clenched her hands as if she wanted to meet Josie in the
boxing ring. Madame X stared at her with narrowed eyes. Mrs. Binns silently encouraged Josie to smile, smile, smile.And Hargrave,
apparently still resentful of her chaperone’s setdown the previous evening, shot daggered looks Josie’s way.

Everyone else seated at the table seemed oblivious to the charged undercurrents except for Hono-ria, who watched it all with
intense interest.

If the absence of the Wingates and Lord Sher-mont was noted, no one commented on it. At least not that Josie heard.

When everyone mingled around the table and the servants deftly dodged the guests to clear and reset for the next course, Josie
noticed Dev pull Hargrave aside for a moment’s private chat. After that the disgruntled suitor pointedly ignored her.

Between the second and third courses, Dev paused behind her and leaned over long enough to whisper for her ears alone,“Midnight
in the library.”

She was so distracted by the warmth of his breath on the back of her neck, he’d already moved away by the time she realized
he’d told her the séance was on.

Wanting to be alert later that evening, Josie refrained from drinking any more wine, and she noticed Mrs. Binns did the same.
No one else seemed inclined to moderation. When Honoria stood to signal the women it was time to retire to the parlor and
leave the men to their port and cigars, Josie was the first to follow her lead.

The ladies’ talk centered on the latest fashions, fresh gossip from town, and the ball to be held the following evening. Several
women practiced a new step while another played the pianoforte. After sitting next to Josie on the sofa, Mrs. Binns handed
her a small piece of embroidery. Josie had enough time to twist the thread into a knot, untangle it, and snarl it up again
three times before the men entered the parlor.

As on the previous evening, Josie garnered more male attention after the men had had a chance to speak alone. This time she
knew the reason and deferred to her chaperone when they asked personal questions about her family and future plans. The effect
was the opposite of what she’d intended. The men were impressed with her demure attitude and vied for the most outrageous
expression of their admiration. Dev appeared amused, but she wasn’t sure if it was at their posturing or hers.

Thankfully, Honoria deftly squashed any of the guests’ proposed plans to extend the evening, and by eleven-thirty Josie and
her chaperone were back in their suite of rooms.

Mrs. Binns immediately fetched her red case and brought it back to the sitting room. She pulled out the decorated sash she
wore at night and wrapped it around her neck. She produced another sash for Josie. Charms and medals and more of the little
calico bundles had been sewn to a length of red fabric.

“If you’re still intent on this foolishness...”

“I am,” Josie said.

“Then you must wear something to protect you.”

Josie eyed the red sash with trepidation, but she allowed the older woman to wrap it over her shoulders. “What is that smell?”
she asked, wrinkling her nose.

“Fresh garlic,” Mrs. Binns answered.

“I don’t think we’ll be encountering any vampires,” Josie said with a grin.

“Don’t mock these safeguards, child.”Mrs. Binns scowled.“Spiritualism is a serious matter.You never know what you will release
when someone rips open the veil that separates the beyond.”

“But surely...”

“Tut-tut. Remember my motto.”

“Be prepared.” Josie stifled the urge to salute.

“Exactly.” Mrs. Binns lit a dried bundle of sage. After it burned for a few seconds she blew out the flames, producing a smoking
rush.“Now hold out your arms.”

Josie complied and the other woman circled her, waving the sage rush so the smoke covered her from head to toe.

“I have thought of everything. Demon, imp, sprite...” She touched each protective bit as she named off the creature it would
ward against. “Incubus, succubus, banshee, ghoul, poltergeist, goblin, gremlin, fairy, and...”

“I’d like to meet a fairy,” Josie said, blinking away smoke-induced tears.

“No, you wouldn’t. Spiteful, nasty little creatures. They like to pinch you when you aren’t looking.”

“Tinkerbell wouldn’t do that.”

“Who?” Mrs. Binns asked as she threw the rush into the water pitcher on the washstand.

“Never mind.” Josie wasn’t going to argue, but she also wasn’t going to change her mind about them. “Besides, fairies aren’t
spiritual; they’re magical.”

Mrs. Binns raised one finger.“Be prepared.”

“Next you’ll be telling me you have something against leprechauns.”

“Tricksters. Twist you around until you don’t know which way is up. Not to worry.This emblem protects us.” She patted an elaborate
circular brooch encrusted with a variety of stones.“The witch who made it for me is half elf herself and very powerful.

We won’t be seeing any magical creatures tonight.”

At least Josie agreed with that.

Josie and Mrs. Binns arrived at the library five minutes early. Dev waited at the door.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” he asked.

Of course, she did. The séance was her ticket home. For some reason her throat tightened, blocking her voice. She swallowed
and nodded.

“I’m surprised to find you are a party to this perilous undertaking,” Mrs. Binns said to him. “I would have thought a man
of your position would have more sense.”

Dev raised an eyebrow. “I expect the event will be mildly amusing.”

“Humph!” Mrs. Binns sailed past him.“Let’s get this over with.”

“What is that smell?” Dev asked, wrinkling his nose.

“Don’t ask,” Josie said. She pointed to the red sash around her neck. “Believe me, you don’t want to know. By the way, thanks
for arranging the séance,” Josie said.

“My pleasure,” he said, offering his arm.“Or rather my pleasure will come tomorrow,” he whispered under his breath as he escorted
her into the room.

She couldn’t respond due to the presence of the other participants, but she also couldn’t stop her rosy blush.

Madame X dominated the room. She was dressed in a lavish turban of deep blue silk patterned with stars and moons and mystical
runes. The headpiece extended past her shoulders and wrapped under her chin. The padding supported an elaborate crown, and
a golden mask hid her features. “Please take a seat,” she said with a wave of her hand. She wore purple gloves with large
ornate rings on every finger.

Five armless chairs had been arranged around one side of a round table. On the other side Madame X seated herself on a large
carved wooden throne. She sat stone-still while the others took their places, Dev in the middle, flanked by Honoria and Estelle
on his right and Mrs. Binns and Josie on his left. From across the table Estelle glowered at her.

Even though Dev had held the chair next to his for her, Josie had urged Mrs. Binns to take it. Josie wanted to be as close
to the gypsy as possible.

“You may light the Candle of Omniscience,” Madame X said in a solemn tone. Rather than muffle her voice, the golden mask seemed
to make it reverberate.

Honoria jumped up and took another candle from a waiting footman and eagerly performed the honor. The footman extinguished
the lamps and exited, closing the doors with a firm click. Hono-ria locked the door behind him and laid the key on the table
in front of Madame X.

“Your instructions have been fulfilled to the letter,” Honoria said as she resumed her seat.

Several minutes of silence followed.

“I would have expected a Candle of Omniscience to shed a bit more light,” Dev said.

Josie stifled a giggle.

“Shush,”Honoria said.“Madame is concentrating.”

“Everyone put your hands on the table,”Madame X said, doing so herself.They all did the same.

“Shouldn’t we be holding hands?” Mrs. Binns asked.

“No,” Madame nearly shouted.

“Madame cannot be touched while in a trance. For her safety and everyone else’s,” Estelle explained.

From under her voluminous robes the gypsy brought out a brass bowl, set it on the table near the middle, and laid several
pieces of folded paper in it.

“Those are the names of the people we want to contact,” Estelle said, leaning forward to look at Dev.

“Silence,” Madame X said, her voice booming. She held one of the papers to the candle and then used it to light the others
in the dish. As the paper flared up, the aroma of spicy incense filled the air.